Logic Design and Verification Using SystemVerilog (Revised)
SystemVerilog is a Hardware Description Language that enables designers to work at the higher levels of logic design abstractions that match the increased complexity of current day integrated circuit and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) designs. The majority of the book assumes a basic background in logic design and software programming concepts. It is directed at: • students currently in an introductory logic design course that also teaches SystemVerilog, • designers who want to update their skills from Verilog or VHDL, and • students in VLSI design and advanced logic design courses that include verification as well as design topics. The book starts with a tutorial introduction on hardware description languages and simulation. It proceeds to the register-transfer design topics of combinational and finite state machine (FSM) design — these mirror the topics of introductory logic design courses. The book covers the design of FSM-datapath designs and their interfaces, including SystemVerilog interfaces. Then it covers the more advanced topics of writing testbenches including using assertions and functional coverage. A comprehensive index provides easy access to the book’s topics. The goal of the book is to introduce the broad spectrum of features in the language in a way that complements introductory and advanced logic design and verification courses, and then provides a basis for further learning. Solutions to problems at the end of chapters, and text copies of the SystemVerilog examples are available from the author as described in the Preface.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a single, classroom-proven resource that moves from synthesizable SystemVerilog RTL to practical verification techniques (testbenches, assertions, and constrained random tests). It ties language features to design and simulation workflows so you can apply SystemVerilog effectively in FPGA/ASIC projects.
Who Will Benefit
Students and practicing digital designers who know basic logic design or Verilog and want to adopt SystemVerilog for RTL design and modern verification flows.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic digital logic (combinational/sequential circuits), familiarity with Verilog or a programming language, and understanding of simulation concepts.
Key Takeaways
- Model synchronous digital systems using SystemVerilog RTL constructs and synthesizable idioms.
- Write modular, parameterized designs using modules, interfaces, and generate constructs.
- Develop verification environments with SystemVerilog testbenches, classes, and constrained-random stimulus.
- Apply SystemVerilog assertions (SVA) and coverage to capture intent and automate functional checking.
- Use simulation and synthesis workflows and debug RTL issues with waveform-driven techniques.
- Translate common Verilog/VHDL patterns into modern, more maintainable SystemVerilog equivalents.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to HDLs and simulation
- SystemVerilog language fundamentals (data types, operators)
- Modules, ports, and hierarchy
- Procedural statements, always blocks, and RTL coding styles
- Combinational and sequential design; FSMs
- Parameterized design, generate, and elaboration
- Interfaces and modular connectivity
- Testbench fundamentals and simulation methodology
- SystemVerilog classes, OOP, and testbench architecture
- Constrained random stimulus and functional coverage
- SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA) and property checking
- Synthesis considerations, coding guidelines, and portability
- Design examples, exercises, and case studies
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Covers both design and verification in a single volume — more balanced than focused references like "SystemVerilog for Verification" (Chris Spear) and more verification-oriented than "SystemVerilog for Design" which emphasizes RTL modeling.
