VHDL inout port in gate-level simulation

Question

Hi,  I have a design with an bidirectional bus (defined as inout) at the very top level.   In module:
HWID                    : inout    std_logic_vector(7 downto 0);
.
.
HWID &lt;= data_out when (nRead = '0') else (others =&gt; 'Z');
In test bench:
signal hwid                        : std_logic_vector(7 downto 0);
.
.
hwid &lt;= hwid_tb when nRead = '1' else (others =&gt; 'Z');  The code works just fine at the RTL simulation and even programmed into the device.  However, if I try to run gate-level simulation, ModelSim gives the following error: Error: ***.vhd(94): Signal 'hwid' must have only one source since it is connected to buffer port 'HWID'.  Anyone have any idea what is going on here?  Thanks, Tobyn

altera_forum · Answer

Can we see the whole code?

altera_forum · Answer

This is part of a large system and test bench, so it isn't feasible to post the full code.  Thanks, Tobyn

altera_forum · Answer

Hi,  I now understand what is going on.  I looked at the .vho Altera compiled my design into and the inout port has been converted from inout to buffer type!  It also converted all out ports to buffers as well.  That explains why ModelSim complains about multiple drivers: it doesn't like anything in my test bench writing to the buffer port.  ENTITY 	RF_module_top IS
    PORT (
	\Rise_Edge_P(n)\ : IN std_logic := '0';
	\Fall_Edge_P(n)\ : IN std_logic := '0';
	HWID : BUFFER std_logic_vector(7 DOWNTO 0);
	nRead : IN std_logic;
.
.
	nWrite : IN std_logic
	);
END RF_module_top;
  I still don't get why Altera is doing this...  Anyone know how to get around this?    Thanks, Tobyn

altera_forum · Answer

Why are you doing gate level simulation? Is there any specific reason you need to?

Ive never done a gate level simulation in 12 years of FPGA design. With good test benches and timing specs/analysis, Ive never needed it

altera_forum · Answer

Hi Tobyn,  I have exactly the same issue. Did you find a solution for Quartus buffer generating? Because if I change manually in .vho the BUFFER to INOUT, on simulation the bus is Undefined state!  Thanks,      --- Quote Start ---  Hi,  I now understand what is going on.  I looked at the .vho Altera compiled my design into and the inout port has been converted from inout to buffer type!  It also converted all out ports to buffers as well.  That explains why ModelSim complains about multiple drivers: it doesn't like anything in my test bench writing to the buffer port.  ENTITY     RF_module_top IS
    PORT (
    \Rise_Edge_P(n)\ : IN std_logic := '0';
    \Fall_Edge_P(n)\ : IN std_logic := '0';
    HWID : BUFFER std_logic_vector(7 DOWNTO 0);
    nRead : IN std_logic;
.
.
    nWrite : IN std_logic
    );
END RF_module_top;
  I still don't get why Altera is doing this...  Anyone know how to get around this?    Thanks, Tobyn  --- Quote End ---

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VHDL inout port in gate-level simulation

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