scope:

Use of VHDL to model military digital electronic systems is described in this handbook. In particular, this handbook addresses the development of models compliant with the VHDL DID (Ref. 2) and MIL-HDBK-454 (Ref. 1). Digital electronics are only part of most military systems. Most modern weapons platforms use sensors and actuators that are tightly coupled with the digital electronic systems; however, the modeling of these sensors and actuators is outside the scope of this handbook. Many military electronic systems have both digital and analog components. The modeling of only the digital components is discussed in this handbook. Researchers are currently exploring the use of VHDL for analog components and considering changes to the language to allow VHDL to better support modeling of analog and hybrid components and subsystems. Although VHDL models are frequently used to provide test beds for testing software before the hardware is fabricated, this handbook does not discuss the issues of developing tests for software.

The handbook is not intended to provide a working knowledge of VHDL. On the other hand, the handbook introduces VHDL terms and concepts so it can serve as a stand-alone reference document for readers familiar with VHDL.

PURPOSE. This handbook describes the use of the very high-speed integrated circuit (VHSIC) hardware description language (VHDL) to document the design of military digital electronic systems. This handbook is designed to help Government personnel involved in the acquisition of military digital electronic systems understand the following issues related to the use of VHDL models to document military digital electronic systems.

intended Use: