Aldec Active-HDL
An integrated FPGA Design Creation and Simulation solution for team-based environments.
Overview
Active-HDL from Aldec is a comprehensive, Windows-based Integrated Design Environment (IDE) for FPGA development. It combines a powerful mixed-language simulator (VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, SystemC) with graphical and text-based design entry tools. It's designed for team-based projects and supports FPGAs from all major vendors.
✨ Key Features
- Common kernel mixed-language simulator
- Graphical design entry (schematic, state machine)
- Code2Graphics and Graphics2Code converters
- Advanced debugging and code coverage analysis tools
- Assertion-Based Verification (SVA, PSL)
- MATLAB/Simulink co-simulation interface
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Fully integrated design creation and simulation environment in one tool
- Strong graphical design entry and visualization tools
- User-friendly interface, often considered easier to learn than competitors
Unique Value: Provides a complete and user-friendly environment for both creating and simulating FPGA designs, improving productivity for individuals and teams.
🎯 Use Cases (5)
✅ Best For
- Verification of complex, mixed-language SoCs
- Development of safety-critical systems requiring thorough verification
- University courses on digital logic design
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Users who only need a command-line simulator
- Development on non-Windows operating systems (though Riviera-PRO is an alternative)
🏆 Alternatives
Offers a more integrated design creation experience compared to simulation-only tools like ModelSim, making it a better all-in-one solution for designers who prefer a graphical approach.
💻 Platforms
✅ Offline Mode Available
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Phone Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (Full License tier)
💰 Pricing
✓ 14-day free trial
Free tier: A free Student Edition is available with some limitations.
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