Chapter start Previous page Next page
The definitive reference guide to VHDL is the IEEE VHDL LRM [IEEE, 1076-1993]. The LRM is initially difficult to read because it is concise and precise (the LRM is intended for tool builders and experienced tool users, not as a tutorial). The LRM does form a useful reference--as does a dictionary for serious users of any language. You might think of the LRM as a legal contract between you and the company that sells you software that is compliant with the standard. VHDL software uses the terminology of the LRM for error messages, so it is necessary to understand the terms and definitions of the LRM. The WAVES standard [IEEE 1029.1-1991] deals with the problems of interfacing VHDL testbenches to testers.
VHDL International maintains
VIUF (VHDL International Users' Forum) Internet Services ( http:/www.vhdl.org ) and links to other
groups working on VHDL including the IEEE synthesis packages, IEEE WAVES
packages, and IEEE VITAL packages (see also Appendix A).
The frequently asked questions
(FAQ) list for the VHDL newsgroup comp.lang.vhdl is a useful
starting point (the list is archived at gopher://kona.ee.pitt.edu/h0/NewsGroupArchives
). Information on character sets and the problems of exchanging information
across national boundaries can be found at ftp://watsun.cc.columbia.edu/kermit/charsets
.