Hardware Description Language (HDL) is a computer language used to describe electronic circuit structures. It is similar to conventional programming languages like C.
Key Takeaways
- Verilog is a hardware description language used to model digital circuits, while VHDL is a programming language used to design digital systems.
- Verilog is used more in the industry for hardware design, while VHDL is more commonly used in academia and research.
- Verilog is known for its concise syntax and easy-to-read code, while VHDL is known for its powerful abstractions and flexibility.
Verilog vs. VHDL
Verilog is a comparatively newer language used to model electronic systems, and it is based on C language; on the other hand, VHDL is an older language than Verilog and is based on Ada and Pascal languages.
Verilog is a hardware description language. It is used to define electronic circuits and systems like microprocessors and flip-flops. It is based on the C language; hence, it is easier for people who know C.
VHDL is a short form for Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language. It describes the hardware and many more, like integrated circuits. It is an older language based on Ada and Pascal languages.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Verilog | VHDL |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Verilog is a hardware description language used for modeling electronic systems. | VHDL is a hardware description language used to describe digital and mixed-signal systems. |
| Introduced | Verilog is a newer language as it was introduced in 1984. | VHDL is an older language as it was introduced in 1980. |
| Language | It is based on the C language. | It is based on Ada and Pascal languages. |
| Difficulty | Verilog is easier to learn. | VHDL is comparatively harder to learn. |
| Alphabets | Verilog is Case sensitive. | VHDL is case insensitive. |
What is Verilog?
Verilog is a hardware description language introduced in 1984. It is similar to the C language. It is used to model electronic circuits and systems. It uses many data types that are predefined.
It is used for verification by the simulation method for different tasks like fault grading, testability analysis, timing analysis, and logic synthesis. All these electronic systems work is done by writing this language in textual format.
It is a weakly typed language. It is a case-sensitive language that will treat “bat” and “BAT” as two different words.
It has developed with time since 1995; now, it is merged with the system Verilog. With constant up-gradation, it gets many features but still lacks library management.
What is VHDL?
VHDL is also a hardware description language known as Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language. It is used to model the working of digital systems.
It is based on Ada and Pascal languages and has some extra features that these languages lack. It functions in two modes; the first is Statement execution, in which it evaluates the triggered statements.
It is a case-insensitive language that treats upper and lower case alphabets as the same data. Its projects are portable and multipurpose in many ways.
As it is based on Ada and Pascal languages, it is more challenging to learn because these languages are not popular among programmers.
Main Differences Between Verilog and VHDL
- Verilog is based on a popular C language, so it is easier to learn, but VHDL is difficult to understand because it is based on non-conventional languages.
- Verilog is used to model electronic systems and circuits like microprocessors and flip-flops, whereas VHDL is used to describe digital and mixed signals like integrated circuits.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/545676/
- https://trilobyte.com/pdf/golson_clark_snug16.pdf
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The contrast between the two languages is so striking. I was unaware that their foundations were so different.
Same here, it really adds another layer of complexity to understanding these languages.
The merging of Verilog with the system has definitely added new layers of complexity to understanding it.
Absolutely, the field just gets more nuanced over time.
It’s particularly amusing that many still find Verilog easier to learn despite it being a newer language.
Yes, I suppose old habits die hard!
It’s fascinating how the differences between Verilog and VHDL reflect their foundations in popular and less popular languages.
It’s an intriguing study in language history.
Indeed, it’s a reflection of programming culture.
I can’t tell if the language cases in Verilog or the fact that VHDL is based on less popular languages is more comical.
It’s an interesting dynamic.
I know, languages are fascinating in the strangest ways.
It seems like Verilog is the go-to for the industry, I wonder why that is.
Yes, that’s puzzling. I’d love to see more discussion on this.
This was an enlightening piece. I feel much more informed about HDL now.
HDL is definitely an interesting subject. I didn’t realize the difference between Verilog and VHDL was so significant. Great article!
I agree, the comparison table was particularly enlightening.
The information about the differences in difficulty between learning Verilog and VHDL was very helpful.
I found that especially informative as well.
The ease of learning Verilog over VHDL is definitely an interesting point to ponder.
It adds a unique dynamic to the debate.