I need help just understanding this program for class

Whoa! You are indeed, in full freakout mode homie. So I take it this is for a class, and you're following every step in a lab manual? Moreover, I would imagine that the due date for this lab is fast approaching, which is only adding to your sense of panic.

I'm no expert on AHDL, but from what I understand it's usually used to program program array logic (PAL) devices. I'm tempted to go into to detail, but I get the feeling that you already know this, so I won't bore you. Unless, this lab requires you to program an IC that will then function as your AHDL program describes (i.e. if your program AND's to terms together the IC will AND two terms together), the only thing for you to do is a functional analysis. This can be done using the functional simulator in Altera.

The steps for using AHDL software are as follows:

1. Write a HDL program that describes the circuits function, debug it as necessary.

2. Do functional testing on your program to ensure that it functions as intended.

3. Once step two is done, a designer pics a programmable logic device, and then does timing simulation. Timing simulations are basically functional simulations but with timing delays between the input and outputs.

4. Finally the chosen device is programmed and actually tested for proper functionality. Of course, this assumes that steps 1 through 3 went off with out a hitch.

As a student I'm assuming you're being asked to do step 2 in the the above list. Now, from here on out I don't think I'll be able to give any real assistance (I'm not sure I've given any thus far), unless you ask a specific question regarding your lab.

LogicallyRed