This text treats three aspects of digital systems: design, prototyping and customization, in an integrated manner using two technologies. The two technologies are VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) and Field-Programmable Logic Devices (FPLDs). VHDL is used for modelling and specification; FPLDs are used for implementation. VHDL and FPLDs in Digital Systems Design, Prototyping and Customization is divided into three parts. Part I provides an introduction to the basic features of VHDL with emphasis on modelling and design. All types of VHDL models including behavioural, structural and dataflow models are presented. Part 2 is a bridge to designing and prototyping using FPLDs as the prototyping and implementation technology. Part 3 contains a number of examples and case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of using VHDL and FPLDs in the design of real systems. This text includes examples and software tied to real-world FPLDs. The reader can see how the material presented applies to real-world devices and can experiment with the software. Also included are large-scale designs like the FLIX microcomputer that demonstrates the power of VHDL.
