Digital System Design with VHDL (2nd Edition)
Since the publication of the first edition, a new version of the VHDL standard has been agreed and analogue extensions to the language have also been adopted. The second edition of Digital System Design with VHDL includes additions in two important areas; sections on writing testbenches have been added to relevant chapters, and the addition of a new chapter on VHDL-AMS and mixed-signal modeling. The unique approach will be appreciated by undergraduates in Electronic Engineering and Computer Engineering in all years of their courses and by students undertaking postgraduate study. There is also a proven need from industry for graduates with knowledge of VHDL and the associated design tools and this book will be an asset to engineers who wish to continue their studies.
Why Read This Book
You should read this book if you want a practical, classroom-proven introduction to VHDL that ties language constructs to real digital design practice; it also adds useful chapters on writing testbenches and mixed-signal modeling (VHDL-AMS). The book emphasizes readable coding styles, synthesis considerations and worked examples so you can move from learning syntax to building and simulating real designs.
Who Will Benefit
Undergraduate or early-career digital designers and engineers who know basic digital logic and want a structured, example-driven course in VHDL and mixed-signal modeling.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic digital logic (Boolean algebra, combinational/sequential circuits) and some prior programming experience (any procedural language helpful).
Key Takeaways
- Write synthesizable VHDL in both behavioral and structural styles suitable for synthesis tools
- Design and implement finite-state machines and datapath/control architectures in VHDL
- Create effective testbenches and simulation-driven verification for functional validation
- Apply synthesis-aware coding rules and understand mapping issues that affect timing and area
- Model mixed-signal systems using VHDL-AMS and combine analog and digital behavioral descriptions
- Translate algorithmic descriptions into VHDL modules and integrate them into larger systems
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Digital System Design and VHDL
- VHDL Fundamentals: Lexical Rules, Design Units and Simulation Cycle
- Data Types, Operators and Expressions
- Concurrent and Sequential Statements
- Modelling Styles: Behavioral, Dataflow and Structural
- Design Hierarchy, Packages and Libraries
- Finite-State Machines and Control/Data Path Design
- Synthesis Issues and Coding Guidelines
- Testbenches, Simulation and Verification Techniques
- VHDL-AMS and Mixed-Signal Modelling
- Examples and Design Case Studies
- Appendices: Language Summary, Useful Libraries and Tool Notes
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Less encyclopedic than Peter Ashenden's The Designer's Guide to VHDL (which is a deeper language reference); more applied and classroom-oriented than Ashenden, and more VHDL-focused than general digital design texts such as Vranesic's works.
