VHDL as well as Verilog are hardware description languages, utilized to explain as well as define logic circuits. They’re generally utilized to style ASICs as well as to program FPGAs, essentially utilizing software application to define hardware. However, [Tim] has done something entirely rather creative, producing tools to take VHDL as well as Verilog as well as spit out PCB styles for discrete logic.
Yes, you checked out that correctly. The fundamental concept is to take VHDL source code, as well as then make a PCB design that implements the preferred logic utilizing resistor-transistor logic. From there, the PCB style data can be shipped off to a producer for pick-and-place assembly at a fraction of the expense of creating a bespoke ASIC.
The drawbacks are obvious; tons of private discrete parts are required, the size charge is hilariously bad, as well as power usage is practically definitely orders of magnitude higher than doing the exact same logic on an ASIC or even FPGA. Oh, as well as everything’s much slower, too.
However, as an academic exercise or just for fun, it’s an incredible bit of work. The concept that a person can define a challenging logic circuit as well as have a PCB implementing the logic whipped up by automated tools is amazing, as well as we absolutely want to see much more of this type of thing.
We’ve seen similar work finished with VHDL synthesis into 74-series logic design. If you’ve been establishing your own elegant digital-logic-fu, be sure to decrease us a line!
[Thanks to Yann Guidon for the tip!]