About Using the ModelSim Software with the Quartus II Software

You can perform a functional and/or a timing simulation of a Quartus II–generated design with the Mentor Graphics ModelSim-Altera software that was provided with the Quartus II software, or the ModelSim PE or SE software from Mentor Graphics . The ModelSim software is a dual-language simulator; you can simulate designs containing either Verilog HDL, VHDL, or both. You can use designs in which a Verilog HDL module instantiates VHDL entities or a VHDL module instantiates Verilog HDL entities.

ModelSim-Altera Design Flow

The following topics describe the typical functional and timing simulation flow with the ModelSim-Altera (OEM) software:

1. Set up the ModelSim-Altera working environment

2. Set up a project with the ModelSim-Altera software

3. Perform a functional simulation with the ModelSim-Altera software

4. Perform a timing simulation with the ModelSim-Altera software

You can also run the ModelSim-Altera software automatically from within the Quartus II software using the NativeLink feature.

ModelSim PE/SE Design Flow

The following topics describe the typical functional and timing simulation flow with the ModelSim PE or SE (non-OEM) software:

1. Set up the ModelSim working environment

2. Set up a project with the ModelSim software

3. Compile libraries and design files with the ModelSim software

4. Perform a functional simulation with the ModelSim software

5. Perform a timing simulation with the ModelSim software

You can also run the ModelSim PE/SE software automatically from within the Quartus II software using the NativeLink feature.