Intro to RTL design Flashcards
Define RTL
Register-transfer level
a design abstraction which models a synchronous digital circuit
True or false: RTL consists of sequential and combinational logic
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Define the spec stage of making a digital system
Defining the systems inputs/outputs and functionality
Define functional design of a digital system
Mapping the inputs/outputs and the operators used
Define synthesis of a digital system
Circuit simulation of the system using a variety of flip-flops, registers and logic gates
Define tech mapping of a digital system
Testing against the spec, speed of components, cost and power consumption must be considered
Define verification stage of digital system
Simulation of built chip and testing against specifiction for the chip
Define fabrication of digital system
Digital data drives manufacturing equipment to form various part geometries.
Define an ASIC
Application specific integrated circuit
What is important about an ASIC
The hardware cannot be changed so ASICs should be produced after the design is fully validated
Give key differences of ASICS vs FPGAs
ASIC:
-more complex design process
-has more versatile functions but only programmed once
-better perfomance, low energy
FPGA:
-More flexible, can be reprogrammed
-Simpler, faster process to production
-Cost per unit is higher
Give an example of an ASIC application
Used for permanent applications such as smartphones and computers
Give an application of the FPGA
Used for ASIC prototyping
-useful for ongoing flexbility such as secruity systems
