A
SUMMER INTERNSHIP REPORT
On
"VERILOG HDL FOR VLSI DESIGN"
Submitted to
RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES, KADAPA
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
Submitted by
BALJI MANI KISHORE R201066
Under the Guidance of
Mr. S BHASKAR RAO
Assistant Professor
Department Of Electronics and Communication Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES
RK VALLEY,Vempalli(M),Kadapa(D),Andhra Pradesh(S),516330
2024-2025
RGUKT,RK VALLEY,[Link],Kadapa,516330 1
RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES,RK VALLEY
KADAPA 516330
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
RGUKT R.K VALLEY
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the internship report entitled “VERILOG HDL FOR VLSI DESIGN” a
bonafide record of the internship done and submitted by
BALJI MANI KISHORE R201066
for the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of [Link] Degree in ELECTRONICS AND
COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING , RGUKT RK VALLEY.
GUIDE Head of the Department
Mr. S BHASKAR RAO ARUN KUMAR REDDY
Assistant Professor Assistant Professor
RGUKT,RK Valley RGUKT,RK Valley
Kadapa-516330 Kadapa-516330
Internship viva-voce held on : ____________________
SIGNATURE OF GUIDE SIGNATURE OF HOD
RGUKT,RK VALLEY,[Link],Kadapa,516330 2
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the Internship report entitled “VERILOG HDL FOR VLSI DESIGN”
submitted to the Department of ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING in
partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of the degree of BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY. This
project is the result of our own effort and that it has not been submitted to any other University or
Institution for the award of any degree or diploma other than specified above.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are thankful to our guide Mr. S BHASKAR RAO for his valuable guidance and encouragement.
His helping attitude and suggestions have helped us in the successful completion of the project.
We would like to express our gratefulness and sincere thanks to [Link] Kumar Reddy, Head of
the department ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING, for his kind help
and encouragement during the course of study and in successful completion of the internship.
B . MANI KISHORE R201066
RGUKT,RK VALLEY,[Link],Kadapa,516330 3
VERILOG HDL FOR VLSI DESIGN: A
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
INTRODUCTION TO VLSI AND THE ROLE OF
VERILOG
Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) is the process of integrating hundreds of
thousands or even millions of transistors on a single microchip. This
technology has revolutionized electronics, enabling the creation of powerful
and compact devices, from smartphones to sophisticated computing systems.
VLSI design is fundamental to modern electronics, driving advancements in
performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
As VLSI circuits grew in complexity, traditional schematic-based design
methods became impractical. Manually drawing and managing intricate
circuit diagrams was time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale. This
necessitated the introduction of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like
Verilog. HDLs provide a textual means to describe digital systems, enabling
designers to work at a higher level of abstraction.
Verilog is one of the most widely used HDLs in the VLSI industry. It plays a
crucial role in the digital VLSI design flow, starting from the initial
conceptualization and specification of a circuit to its final fabrication. Verilog's
primary function is to describe the behavior and structure of digital systems,
facilitating simulation, verification, and synthesis. The language offers several
advantages:
• Abstraction: Allows designers to represent systems at different levels of
detail, from high-level behavioral models to detailed gate-level
implementations.
• Simulation: Enables thorough testing and verification of designs before
fabrication, significantly reducing errors and design iterations.
• Synthesis: Automates the translation of Verilog code into physical circuit
layouts, streamlining the hardware implementation process.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND EVOLUTION OF
VERILOG
Verilog HDL originated in 1984 at Gateway Design Automation. Initially, it was
conceived as a modeling and simulation language to streamline the design
process of complex digital circuits. Verilog allowed engineers to describe and
simulate digital hardware using a textual representation, which was a
significant departure from traditional schematic-based methods.
The language's growing popularity led to its standardization by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE 1364 standard, first
published in 1995, formalized Verilog, making it an open standard accessible
to the wider industry. This standardization was crucial for ensuring
interoperability and consistency across different design tools and platforms.
During the 1990s, Verilog and VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language)
competed for dominance in the HDL market. While VHDL, backed by the U.S.
Department of Defense, initially had strong momentum, Verilog gained
widespread adoption, particularly in Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
(ASIC) design, due to its relative simplicity and efficient simulation capabilities.
Recognizing the increasing complexity of digital systems, SystemVerilog was
developed as an extension to Verilog. SystemVerilog incorporates significant
enhancements for design verification, including advanced data types,
assertion-based verification, and object-oriented programming features. This
evolution has solidified Verilog's position as a cornerstone of modern VLSI
design and verification.
VERILOG FUNDAMENTALS: DATA TYPES AND
OPERATORS
Verilog, as a hardware description language, relies on specific data types to
model hardware behavior. These data types can be broadly classified into nets
and registers. Nets, such as wire and tri , represent physical connections
between hardware elements. They do not store values but rather reflect the
values driven onto them. Registers, declared using reg , integer , or
time , store values and represent memory elements in a circuit.
Verilog employs a four-state logic system: 0, 1, X (unknown), and Z (high
impedance). This is crucial for accurate hardware simulation. '0' and '1'
represent logical low and high, respectively. 'X' indicates an unknown or
undefined state, often used during initialization or when a signal's value is
uncertain. 'Z' represents a high-impedance state, typically associated with tri-
state buffers or undriven nets.
Verilog provides a rich set of operators for describing digital circuits. These
include:
• Arithmetic Operators: +, -, *, /, % (addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, modulus). Example: assign sum = a + b;
• Logical Operators: &&, ||, ! (logical AND, OR, NOT). Example: if (a &&
b) ...
• Bitwise Operators: &, |, ^, ~ (bitwise AND, OR, XOR, NOT). Example:
assign result = a & b;
• Relational Operators: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <= (equal, not equal, greater than,
less than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to). Example: if
(count > max_count) ...
• Reduction Operators: &, |, ^ (reduction AND, OR, XOR). Example:
assign all_ones = &data (checks if all bits of data are 1)
• Shift Operators: <<, >> (left shift, right shift). Example: assign
shifted_value = data << 2;
• Concatenation Operator: { , } (concatenates bit vectors). Example:
assign full_address = {msb, lsb};
• Replication Operator: {n{item}} (replicates an item n times). Example:
assign extended_sign = {{8{sign_bit}}, data}; (sign
extension)
VERILOG MODELING STYLES FOR VLSI DESIGN
Verilog offers multiple modeling styles, each suited for different abstraction
levels and design complexities in VLSI. These styles include Gate-Level,
Dataflow, Behavioral, and Structural modeling. Choosing the right style
depends on the specific design task, desired level of detail, and the stage of
the design process.
GATE-LEVEL MODELING
Gate-level modeling is the lowest level of abstraction, where a circuit is
described in terms of primitive gates such as and , or , not , nand ,
nor , and xor . This style is primarily used for post-synthesis verification to
ensure the synthesized gate-level netlist matches the intended behavior. It is
also useful for designing standard cell libraries or for very specific,
performance-critical sections of a design.
module gate_level_example (input a, b, output out);
and g1 (out, a, b);
endmodule
DATAFLOW MODELING
Dataflow modeling describes a circuit by specifying the flow of data through
it. This is achieved using continuous assignments with the assign keyword.
Dataflow modeling is well-suited for describing combinational logic. It
provides a higher level of abstraction than gate-level modeling, focusing on
the relationship between inputs and outputs rather than the specific gate
implementations.
module dataflow_example (input a, b, output out);
assign out = a & b;
endmodule
BEHAVIORAL MODELING
Behavioral modeling is the highest level of abstraction in Verilog. It describes
the behavior of a circuit using procedural blocks such as always and
initial . These blocks contain sequential statements that are executed in a
specific order. Behavioral modeling uses procedural assignments ( = for
blocking and <= for non-blocking) and control flow statements ( if-else ,
case , loops) to model complex combinational and sequential logic. It is
ideal for architectural exploration and high-level system design.
module behavioral_example (input clk, rst, input
data_in, output reg data_out);
always @(posedge clk or posedge rst) begin
if (rst)
data_out <= 0;
else
data_out <= data_in;
end
endmodule
STRUCTURAL MODELING
Structural modeling involves describing a circuit by interconnecting instances
of other modules. This allows for hierarchical design, where large and
complex systems are built from smaller, reusable components. Module
instantiation is the key element of structural modeling, enabling designers to
create modular and manageable designs. This approach is particularly useful
for large VLSI designs where a divide-and-conquer strategy is essential.
module structural_example (input a, b, output out);
wire internal_wire;
and g1 (internal_wire, a, b);
not g2 (out, internal_wire);
endmodule
TESTBENCHES AND SIMULATION IN VERILOG
Testbenches are crucial for verifying VLSI designs. They simulate the design's
behavior, ensuring it meets specifications before synthesis. A well-constructed
testbench significantly reduces errors and design iterations, saving time and
resources.
A Verilog testbench typically includes:
• Device Under Test (DUT) Instantiation: The module to be tested is
instantiated within the testbench.
• Input Stimuli Generation: Applying appropriate input signals to the DUT,
covering various operational scenarios.
• Output Monitoring and Checking: Observing the DUT's outputs and
comparing them against expected values to verify correctness.
The initial block is commonly used to define stimulus sequences in a
testbench. This block executes only once at the beginning of the simulation,
allowing designers to set up initial conditions and apply input patterns over
time.
initial begin
// Initialize signals
clk = 0;
rst = 1;
#10 rst = 0; // Release reset after 10 time units
// Apply stimulus
#20 data_in = 1;
#20 data_in = 0;
#20 $finish; // End simulation
end
Verilog system tasks like $monitor , $display , and $dumpvars are
essential for observing and debugging simulation results. $monitor
continuously displays signal values whenever they change. $display prints
values at specific points in time. $dumpvars is used with waveform viewers
to visualize signal changes over time.
The simulation flow involves compilation (translating Verilog code into an
executable format), elaboration (linking modules and resolving hierarchy),
and simulation (executing the design with the applied stimuli). Simulators
validate Verilog designs, confirming their functionality before synthesis,
which is a critical step in the VLSI design process.
VERILOG FOR LOGIC SYNTHESIS IN VLSI
Logic synthesis is a crucial step in VLSI design, transforming Verilog HDL code
into a gate-level netlist. This netlist represents the physical implementation of
the design, composed of standard cells from a technology library. The
synthesis process involves optimizing the design for various objectives like
speed, area, and power consumption.
A key concept is the distinction between synthesizable and non-synthesizable
Verilog. Only a subset of Verilog constructs can be translated into hardware.
Synthesizable constructs describe actual hardware components, while non-
synthesizable constructs are primarily used for simulation and verification.
Common Verilog constructs infer specific hardware elements. For example,
assign statements typically infer combinational logic. Consider assign
out = a & b; , which creates an AND gate. Similarly, always @(posedge
clk) blocks are used for sequential logic. The code always @(posedge
clk) begin if (rst) q <= 0; else q <= d; end infers a D flip-flop.
Synthesis constraints play a vital role in guiding the synthesis tool. These
constraints specify timing requirements (e.g., clock frequency, setup/hold
times), area limitations, and power budgets. The synthesis tool uses these
constraints to optimize the gate-level netlist, ensuring the final hardware
implementation meets the design specifications. Without proper constraints,
the synthesized design may not function correctly or meet performance
goals.
DESIGNING COMMON DIGITAL BLOCKS WITH
VERILOG
Verilog is instrumental in implementing fundamental digital logic blocks
essential for VLSI circuits. These blocks serve as the foundational elements for
more complex digital systems. Here, we explore Verilog implementations of
combinational logic, sequential logic, and finite state machines (FSMs).
COMBINATIONAL LOGIC
Combinational logic circuits produce outputs based solely on current inputs.
Examples include multiplexers, decoders, encoders, and adders. A simple 2-
to-1 multiplexer can be implemented as:
module mux2_1 (input a, b, sel, output out);
assign out = sel ? b : a;
endmodule
Adders, such as a full adder, are crucial for arithmetic operations:
module full_adder (input a, b, cin, output sum, cout);
assign sum = a ^ b ^ cin;
assign cout = (a & b) | (a & cin) | (b & cin);
endmodule
SEQUENTIAL LOGIC
Sequential logic circuits incorporate memory elements and their outputs
depend on both current and past inputs. D-type flip-flops are fundamental
building blocks:
module d_ff (input clk, rst, d, output reg q);
always @(posedge clk or posedge rst) begin
if (rst)
q <= 0;
else
q <= d;
end
endmodule
Registers, which store multiple bits, are created by instantiating multiple flip-
flops.
FINITE STATE MACHINES (FSMS)
FSMs are used to control the sequence of operations in a digital system. They
consist of states, transitions, and outputs. Verilog implementation involves
defining state encodings, transition logic, and output logic.
module simple_fsm (input clk, rst, input_signal, output
reg output_signal);
parameter IDLE = 2'b00, STATE_A = 2'b01, STATE_B =
2'b10;
reg [1:0] current_state, next_state;
always @(posedge clk or posedge rst) begin
if (rst)
current_state <= IDLE;
else
current_state <= next_state;
end
always @(current_state or input_signal) begin
case (current_state)
IDLE: next_state = input_signal ? STATE_A : IDLE;
STATE_A: next_state = input_signal ? STATE_B :
IDLE;
STATE_B: next_state = IDLE;
default: next_state = IDLE;
endcase
end
always @(current_state) begin
output_signal <= (current_state == STATE_A);
end
endmodule
VERILOG IN THE VLSI DESIGN FLOW
Verilog plays a pivotal role in the VLSI design flow, which spans from initial
specification to the final physical layout (GDSII). Its primary integration point
is in the 'front-end' or Register-Transfer Level (RTL) design phase. Here,
Verilog is used to create a high-level description of the digital system's
functionality.
The RTL Verilog model serves as the foundation for subsequent design
stages. Once the Verilog code is written and verified through simulation, it is
passed to synthesis tools. These tools translate the RTL description into a
gate-level netlist, which represents the circuit's implementation using
standard cells from a specific technology library.
Following synthesis, the design undergoes place and route. This stage
involves physically arranging the gates and interconnecting them on the chip.
After place and route, a Verilog netlist, annotated with parasitics extracted
from the layout, is used for post-layout simulation. This step is crucial for
verifying that the physical implementation meets timing and performance
requirements.
Verilog is also instrumental in developing and integrating Intellectual
Property (IP) cores. These reusable blocks of functionality are often described
and delivered in Verilog. Furthermore, Verilog is applied in both Application-
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
design methodologies. In ASICs, Verilog is used to create custom hardware
implementations, while in FPGAs, it configures the programmable logic blocks
and interconnects to implement the desired functionality.
ADVANCED CONCEPTS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR
VLSI WITH VERILOG
Advanced Verilog features and coding practices are essential for efficient and
robust VLSI design. Parameterization, configurable hardware structures, and
code reusability are key elements. Also, focus on synthesizable code, proper
reset strategies, and clock domain crossing considerations.
PARAMETERIZATION WITH `PARAMETER` AND `LOCALPARAM`
The `parameter` keyword allows defining constants that can be modified
during module instantiation, enhancing design flexibility. localparam
defines constants within a module that cannot be overridden externally. Use
them to define widths, depths, or other configurable aspects of a module.
module adder #(parameter WIDTH = 32) (input [WIDTH-1:0]
a, b, output [WIDTH-1:0] sum);
assign sum = a + b;
endmodule
GENERATE BLOCKS
`generate` blocks (`generate for`, `generate if`, `generate case`) create
configurable and repetitive hardware structures. They are powerful for
creating arrays of instances or conditional hardware based on parameters.
genvar i;
generate
for (i = 0; i < N; i = i + 1) begin : bit_slice
// Instantiate modules here
end
endgenerate
TASKS AND FUNCTIONS
`tasks` and `functions` promote code reusability and modularity. `functions`
are used for combinational logic and must execute in zero simulation time,
whereas `tasks` can include timing delays and are suitable for sequential
logic.
function integer clog2 (input integer depth);
// Calculate log base 2
endfunction
task write_memory (input integer address, data);
// Write data to memory
endtask
BEST PRACTICES FOR SYNTHESIZABLE CODE
Avoid unintended latches by ensuring all branches of an if or case
statement are fully specified. Implement proper reset strategies to initialize
all sequential elements. Carefully manage clock domain crossings to prevent
metastability issues. Linting and formal verification tools help identify
potential issues early in the design cycle.
CHALLENGES, FUTURE TRENDS, AND CONCLUSION
Modern VLSI design faces significant challenges, including increasing
complexity and the exponential growth in verification effort. As designs scale,
verifying their correctness becomes increasingly difficult and time-
consuming, often dominating the design cycle. Traditional Verilog, while
powerful, has limitations in handling these challenges.
SystemVerilog is the evolution of Verilog, addressing these limitations with
enhanced features specifically for verification. These include advanced data
types, assertion-based verification, and object-oriented programming (OOP)
capabilities. The Universal Verification Methodology (UVM), built on
SystemVerilog, provides a standardized framework for creating robust and
reusable verification environments.
High-Level Synthesis (HLS) is emerging as a transformative approach,
potentially impacting traditional HDL-based design flows. HLS allows
designers to describe hardware at higher abstraction levels using languages
like C/C++/SystemC. This enables faster design cycles and easier exploration
of different architectures, but it also requires careful management to ensure
the generated hardware meets performance requirements.
In conclusion, Verilog remains a foundational hardware description language
in the VLSI industry. Its enduring importance stems from its versatility and
widespread adoption. While newer methodologies like SystemVerilog and HLS
offer advanced capabilities, a solid understanding of Verilog is still essential
for anyone involved in digital IC design, verification, and implementation.
ANDHRA PRADESH STATE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION
(A Statutory Body of Government of A.P.)
Certificate of Completion
This is to certify that Mani Kishore - ECE - R201066 of
Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies RK Valley has successfully
completed Short -Term Internship on
VLSI
Organized by ExcelR Edtech Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with
Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education
From 5/11/2025 to 7/3/2025
Ram Tavva
Certificate No: EXCELR-W- 199901 CEO,
Presented on 03rd July 2025 ExcelR EdTech Pvt. Ltd.
