ghdl
An open-source analyzer, compiler, simulator, and experimental synthesizer for VHDL, supporting multiple language standards and backends.
What is ghdl?
GHDL is an open-source toolchain for VHDL that functions as an analyzer, compiler, simulator, and experimental synthesizer. It translates VHDL designs into native machine code for fast simulation and supports multiple revisions of the IEEE VHDL standard. The project solves the need for a high-performance, cross-platform, and freely available VHDL simulation environment.
Digital design engineers, FPGA developers, and hardware verification teams working with VHDL who require a robust simulation and synthesis tool. It is also suitable for educators and students in electrical engineering or computer architecture courses.
Developers choose GHDL for its native compilation speed, comprehensive standard support, and seamless integration with open-source EDA tools like Yosys and cocotb. Its permissive licensing and active community make it a versatile alternative to proprietary VHDL simulators.
Overview
VHDL 2008/93/87 simulator
Use Cases
Best For
- Simulating complex VHDL designs like processors (e.g., LEON3) with high performance
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