Simulation With the NativeLink Feature in Quartus II Software
You can use the NativeLink feature in Quartus® II software to facilitate the seamless transfer of information between Quartus II software and third-party simulators. This design example shows how to use the NativeLink feature in Quartus II software to perform functional or gate-level timing simulation of your design with third-party simulators. The Quartus II NativeLink feature allows you to launch your third-party party simulator from within the Quartus II software and run the simulation with just a few clicks of your mouse. All the library preparation and run commands are generated automatically by Quartus II software without requiring your input. All these actions are also stored in a script. The Quartus II NativeLink feature is supported by all the popular third-party simulators. This example demonstrates the use of the Quartus II NativeLink feature for ModelSim®-Altera® simulator. In this example, you will:
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Load an existing project in Quartus II software
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Set up the Quartus II project for the NativeLink feature and ModelSim-Altera tools
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Perform the functional (RTL) and gate-level timing simulations using the NativeLink feature
Note: This example was developed in Verilog HDL using Quartus II software version 7.1 and
ModelSim-Altera 6.1g running on a host with Windows XP SP2.
Using the Design Example
- Download the attached Quartus Project Archive (*.qar) file to your desired location.
- Load the nativelink_ex.qpf project into the Quartus II software.
- On the Assignments menu, click EDA Tool Settings to open the Settings dialog box and then click Simulation. Verify that ModelSim-Altera is selected in the Tool name field and click OK.
- To use the Quartus II NativeLink feature, you must also provide the absolute path for the ModelSim-Altera software:
- On the Tools menu, click Options, then General, then EDA Tool Options.
- In the EDA Tool Options pane specify the path to the ModelSim-Altera executable (for example, C:\altera\71\modelsim_ae\win32aloem).
- Set up NativeLink for your testbench:
- On the Assignments menu, click EDA Tool Settings and then select Simulation.
- In the Simulation settings dialog box, under NativeLink settings, select Compile test bench, then click Test Benches. The Test Bench dialog box appears.
- Select the testbench test and click Edit. (The settings shown are similar to the ones shown in Figure 1.) Click OK.
- Perform analysis and elaboration of your design:
- From the Processing menu, select Start and then click Start Analysis and Elaboration.
- Start RTL simulation:
- From the Tools menu, select EDA Simulation Tool and then click Run EDA RTL Simulation.
- To perform post-fit gate-level timing simulation of your design, compile your project by clicking the compile button in the Quartus II toolbar.
- After the compilation, perform the post-fit gate-level timing simulation:
- From the Tools menu, select EDA Simulation Tool and click Run EDA Gate Level Simulation.
The use of this design is governed by, and subject to, the terms and conditions of the Altera Hardware Reference Design License Agreement.
Figure 1. Test Bench Dialog Box
Note: All the commands used to run the simulation are stored in scripts. In this example a ModelSim Macro File (*.do) is generated in the <project_directory>\simulation\modelsim directory while running NativeLink. You can perform a simulation with this *.do file if you are invoking ModelSim-Altera separately, that is, without using NativeLink.
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Design Examples Disclaimer
These design examples may only be used within Altera Corporation devices and remain the property of Altera. They are being provided on an “as-is” basis and as an accommodation; therefore, all warranties, representations, or guarantees of any kind (whether express, implied, or statutory) including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, non-infringement, or fitness for a particular purpose, are specifically disclaimed. Altera expressly does not recommend, suggest, or require that these examples be used in combination with any other product not provided by Altera.
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