An efficiency rating tool for process-level VHDL behavioral models

Abstract

Due to the great complexity of VHDL models that are created today, the amount of processing time required to simulate these models and the amount of labor required to develop these models have become critical issues. The amount of processing time required to simulate a model can be directly influenced by the efficient use of VHDL concepts in creating the model. This dissertation presents an approach to aiding the modeler in the development of more efficient VHDL models. This is done by measuring the simulation efficiency of process-level VHDL behavioral models. Research in the determination of what VHDL constructs and modeling styles are most efficient is presented. The development and use of a tool that parses VHDL behavioral models and reveals the efficiency of the code in the form of a numerical efficiency rating is also presented.