Free Online Tools for Verilog, SystemVerilog, and VHDL Simulation

Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) like Verilog, SystemVerilog, and VHDL are essential for designing and simulating digital systems. However, traditional simulation tools often come with expensive licenses and complex setups. Thankfully, there are several free online platforms that allow developers, students, and hobbyists to work with these HDLs directly in their browser. These tools provide accessible and cost-effective environments for learning, designing, and simulating digital circuits without needing dedicated hardware or software installations.


1. EDA Playground

  • Website: eda-playground.org
  • Features:
    • Supports Verilog, SystemVerilog, and VHDL.
    • Allows you to write, compile, and simulate your code directly in the browser.
    • Provides multiple simulators like Synopsys VCS, Cadence Incisive, and ModelSim.
    • Includes libraries and examples for learning.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Advanced simulators may require registration, but the core features are free.

2. Makerchip

  • Website: makerchip.com
  • Features:
    • Focuses on digital design and supports Verilog.
    • Provides an interactive, browser-based IDE for creating and simulating hardware designs.
    • Includes tutorials for beginners.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Primarily Verilog-focused, with less emphasis on SystemVerilog and VHDL.

3. HDLBits

  • Website: hdlbits.01xz.net
  • Features:
    • Interactive platform for learning Verilog.
    • Offers problem-solving exercises and automated grading.
    • Ideal for students and beginners.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Limited to educational exercises and does not support full simulation projects.

4. RISC-V Hardware Design Platform

  • Website: riscv.org and riscv-verilog
  • Features:
    • Allows simulation and development of RISC-V-based hardware.
    • Supports Verilog.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Primarily focused on RISC-V architecture.

5. MyHDL

  • Website: myhdl.org
  • Features:
    • A Python-based platform that converts Python code into VHDL or Verilog.
    • Allows you to simulate designs directly in Python.
    • Can integrate with web-based Python IDEs like Google Colab.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Requires familiarity with Python.

6. Vivado WebPACK (Xilinx)

  • Website: xilinx.com
  • Features:
    • Free version of the Vivado toolchain that supports VHDL and Verilog simulation.
    • Although primarily a desktop tool, it can work with cloud-based integrations.
  • Cost: Free (WebPACK edition).
  • Limitations: Requires download and installation; not fully web-based.

7. CircuitVerse

  • Website: circuitverse.org
  • Features:
    • Web-based platform for designing and simulating digital logic circuits.
    • Supports limited Verilog for simulation.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Limitations: Limited to basic Verilog features.

Conclusion

The availability of free web-based tools like EDA Playground, Makerchip, and HDLBits has made hardware design and simulation more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced designer working on complex projects, these platforms provide powerful capabilities for HDL development at no cost. By leveraging these tools, you can enhance your skills, prototype designs, and explore the fascinating world of digital systems from anywhere with an internet connection.

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