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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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8 years ago

Block Diagram File with Parameters - Generate VHDL File not possible (for Simulation)

Hello,

please tell me if i got something wrong in my workflow:

1. My Top-Level File is a BDF (Block Diagram File)

2. I placed VHDL Blocks including Generics which are seen as parameters in the BDF. There i can set a parameter e.g:

parameter

value

type

COUNT_MAX

1000

Signed Integer

SOMETHING_ELSE

20.5

Float

I even can write a Variable instead of the number, e.g:

parameter

value

type

COUNT_MAX

GLOBAL_PARAM_CNT_MAX

Signed Integer

SOMETHING_ELSE

GLOBAL_PARAM_RANDOM

Float

3. The GLOBAL_PARAM_CNT_MAX can be set by the "Parameter Primitive" or e.g. in the Settings->Comiler Settings-> Default Parameters

4. Everthing is fine, the design is synthesizable and the Parameters can be changed and set up by a Revision very easily! Perfect!

Now my Problem. I want to simulate my design by the "build in" modelsim altera startet edition. So, as far as i understand and already did earlier, i have to generate a VHDL of the BDF and write a Test Bench for ist. Very easy in theory. Since there are Parameters inside the BDF, it is not possible to generate a VHDL by "File->Create/Update->Generate HDL File" as it shows up the error:

Error (275082): Illegal values "GLOBAL_PARAM_CNT_MAX " for parameter "COUNT_MAX ". The type is "Signed Integer".

Error (12153): Can't elaborate top-level user hierarchy

Error: Quartus Prime Create VHDL File was unsuccessful. 2 errors, 0 warnings

Error: Peak virtual memory: 521 megabytes

Error: Processing ended: Tue Jun 27 18:16:10 2017

Error: Elapsed time: 00:00:00

Error: Total CPU time (on all processors): 00:00:01

So, how can i use parameters (in any way?) on a very clear BDF File and somehow do a design simulation in Modelsim? -> I have LOTS of parameters. Just replacing the parameters by direct values for simulation/HDL file generation is no solution :-( Or is it simply a BUG on Quartus Prime Version 16.1?

Thank you very much!

1 Reply

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor

    Probably not a bug - just weaknesses in BDF.

    Easiest option is probably just write in VHDL in the first place.