Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) have not only become extremely popular, they now are
the accepted norm in new logic designs. The 'traditional' PLD design tools included
CUPL, ABEL, MPASM and other rather low level input tools. Nowadays, PROTEL, P-CAD,
HyperSignal, Viewlogic, ALDEC and many other vendors provide higher level design,
simulation and verification tools. The current "Hot" PLD design methodology uses VHDL,
a C-like programming language that provides a great deal simplification to the design
process. VHDL is also supported in various versions by a growing number of vendors
with a myriad of new and very useful tools. This page provides links to VHDL, State
Machine and other design / analytical PLD Tools.
For more information on PLDs, check out our Programmable Logic Device page,
with information on manufacturers, articles, reference books, and more.
CYPRESS has Warp low cost VHDL software, but is no longer providing direct
support. Press Products, then Programmable Logic, then either of the subordinate links to see what they have now
and how to get Warp and Warp support nowadays.
Focus Report: PLD Tools, by Peggy Aycinena for ISD Magazine, September 2000. Programmable logic devices are hot these days -
and there's a lot of tool offerings out there helping to make them happen.
Verilog Simulation
Bridges the Gap Between PLDs and ASICs, by Allen Vexler for ISD Magazine, August 1999.
Designers used a Verilog simulator and an ASIC design flow to create a PLD that would emulate an
ASIC, enabling faster and more accurate verification and testing.
Emerging Trends in PLD Tools,
by Martin S. Won and Balaji Thirumalai for ISD Magazine, August 1999. Process advances
and new design methodologies push programmable logic tool vendors to extend tools to accommodate
multiple processors, widely dispersed workgroups, and Web support.
