Verilog is a Hardware Descriptive Language (HDL) used by hardware designers to describe the structure and behavior of electronic systems. Using Verilog, the desired functionality can be represented in software. The software model of the hardware can be simulated to check whether it performs as desired. Any problems that occur can be corrected and then the simulation can be run again. This process can be repeated iteratively until the design is verified.
This use of Verilog to check functionality without having to actually implement it in hardware saves time and expense. Electronic systems can be designed, verified through simulation and then implemented in hardware leading to faster time to market.
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The Best Books on Verilog
We have done the research to collate the best books on Verilog. Here is a list of our recommendations with the detailed reviews below:
- Best for getting started: Programming FPGAs: Getting Started with Verilog
- Best for game design: Designing Video Game Hardware in Verilog
- Complete reference for all levels: Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis
- Best for beginners: A Verilog HDL Primer
- Best for practical design: Digital Design and Verilog HDL Fundamentals
- Best for advanced users: Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL
Detailed Reviews
Programming FPGAs: Getting Started with Verilog
Programming FPGAs: Getting Started with Verilog takes you through an introduction to logic design. It then introduces Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Verilog. The book is full of examples and step-by-step instructions. The source code and example project files are available for download. The book is written in a clear style that is easy to follow. In addition to covering Verilog, this one has an introduction to FPGAs, and complete chapters on audio and video with examples for few FPGA boards.
Readers have recommended this book as the very first one that you should read as you start your journey into the world of digital design. Some readers have stated their preference for advanced level material. However, this is a starter book aimed at beginners. Some readers have also recommended this book for designers who want solutions more powerful than can be implemented through Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Designing Video Game Hardware in Verilog
Designing Video Game Hardware in Verilog covers the basics of digital logic design and then walks you through Verilog design. The book is also accompanied by an associate website where the Verilog code can be run and simulated. The Verilog code can be run in real time on the site and the output is displayed on a simulated CRT.
Most readers found the book fun to read. Some readers have complained that the book does not go into detail on how to get a real FPGA to output video. Having said that, most readers were very pleased with the book and its ability to enable readers to build their own gaming hardware.
Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis
Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis is a complete Verilog reference and covers basic and advanced concepts in digital design. A CD-ROM accompanies the book and contains both a Verilog simulator and source code for the examples in the book.
Readers really appreciated the way that the author teaches modular design. The concepts are illustrated through examples. Readers found the text clear and organized. Some users would have preferred more information on synthesizable Verilog programs.
A Verilog HDL Primer, Third Edition
A Verilog HDL Primer, Third Edition is written for readers learning about Verilog. Verilog is explained through simple examples. Testbench writing is also explained through the use of examples. Numerous hardware modeling examples are provided which make the book a great reference.
Readers were very satisfied with the coverage of Verilog’s 2001 version in the book. Readers also appreciated the coverage of the syntax features of synthesizable and non-synthesizable blocks in the book. The organization and the examples were also considered a strength of the book by the readers.
A Verilog HDL Primer has the most comprehensive coverage of digital design from among the books, starting right from number systems and Boolean algebra. It’s a real reference book.
Digital Design and Verilog HDL Fundamentals
Digital Design and Verilog HDL Fundamentals covers digital design and the Verilog language in great detail. Each chapter includes extensive examples and design problems for the reader. It is a very comprehensive resource and can also serve as a primer for beginners. Digital synthesis is also covered in the book.
Readers were pleased with readability of the book and were generally surprised with the amount of examples that are provided in the book. Some readers consider it the best reference book for Verilog and FPGA understanding.
Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL
Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL is an advanced level text and focuses on the development, verification and synthesis of digital systems. The book covers design of various circuits used for diverse applications including image processing, signal processing and digital filters. The book comes with a simulator and a FPGA synthesis tool.
Readers have appreciated the coverage of digital synthesis in the book. According to some readers a strength of Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL is that it contains Verilog examples that synthesize well. Some readers have complained that the book covers digital design in too much detail and as a result Verilog takes a back seat in the introductory chapters. Most readers however agree that the book is a very good reference covering the theory and practice of Verilog synthesis.
Conclusion
HDLs gained prominence in the late 1980s and were considered revolutionary technologies as they enabled engineers to work at a higher level of abstraction with simulators. Prior to the development of HDLs the simulation was done at the gate or schematic level.
Presently it is impossible to design a complex digital system without the use of an HDL. Verilog is one of the three major HDLs in use today, the others being VHDL and SystemVerilog.
In this modern digital era, we are blessed with multiple resources which we can use to supercharge our learning. In combination with the books presented here, you can learn from many YouTube channels which cover digital design with Verilog. You can also take a course from many of the online course providers such as Coursera and Udemy.
In summary here are our picks for the best books on Verilog:
- Best for getting started: Programming FPGAs: Getting Started with Verilog
- Best for game design: Designing Video Game Hardware in Verilog
- Complete reference for all levels: Verilog HDL: A Guide to Digital Design and Synthesis
- Best for beginners: A Verilog HDL Primer
- Best for practical design: Digital Design and Verilog HDL Fundamentals
- Best for advanced users: Advanced Digital Design with the Verilog HDL