Get Started with VHDP

Software Setup

Use the benefits of code suggestions and vendor-independent libraries by using VHDPlus IDE, the easiest way to program your FPGA.

Install VHDPlus IDE

Windows

1. Download MAX 10 device support¹
2. Download and install Quartus Prime Lite for Windows²
3. Download and install VHDPlus IDE:

Linux

1. Download MAX 10 device support¹
2. Download and install Quartus Prime Lite for Linux²
3. Install VHDPlus IDE:

VHDPlus IDE is now officially distributed as a Snap package in the Snap Store:

You can install it by running:

sudo snap install --classic vhdplus

Note: If snap isn't available in your Linux distribution, please check the following Installing Snapd guide, which can help you get that set up.

¹MAX 10 device support:
The VHDPlus Core is equipped with a MAX 10 FPGA. Select the device family depending on your development board.

²Quartus Prime:
Quartus Prime is necessary for compiling your code and programming your FPGA.

Drivers

You need to install the drivers according to your programmer at hand in order to program your FPGA. Our VHDPlus Core features an ARROW USB Programmer because of its additional USB to UART interface.

Follow this guide to download and install the driver for the Arrow USB Programmer.

Connect VHDPlus IDE with Quartus

For direct compiling and programming of VHDPlus IDE a connection via Quartus is necessary. If Quartus is installed in default directory no further steps are needed. Otherwise an adjustment of the Quartus' path can be realized by opening the VHDPlus IDE and navigating through Extras -> Options -> General

When Quartus is detected successfully the boundary turns green.

Setup Simulation with GHDL (Optional)

Windows

Using the new Package Manager (recommended)

1. Open the Package Manager Extras -> Package Manager
2. Install GHDL and GTKWave and wait for them to finish

Manual installation

1. Download and Install GHDL
2. Download an extract GTK Wave
3. Specify the path for GHDL and GTKWave executables in Extras -> Settings -> Simulator

Linux

1. Download and Install GHDL with sudo apt-get install ghdl or follow these instructions
2. Download an install GTKWave with sudo apt-get install gtkwave or follow these instructions
3. Specify the path for GHDL and GTKWave executables in Extras -> Settings -> Simulator

Learn more about simulation with GHDL here

Setup Simulation with ModelSim (Optional)

1. Download and install ModelSim for Windows or ModelSim for Linux
2. Specify the path for the modelsim_ase folder in Extras -> Settings -> Simulator
3. Run the simulation in the GHDP viewer or with a right click on a VHDL file

Learn more about simulation with ModelSim here

Next Steps

Beginner Guide

If you made it to this point, you should be ready to write your first program 🎉.
You can find a detailed beginner guide here.

Simulate your program

• If you want to use GHDL click here.
• For ModelSim look here.

Learn how to use libraries

We offer useful libraries inside our IDE. Learn more here.

You can use your own libraries written in VHDL or Verilog conveniently in your projects.
You can learn how to do that here.

Need Help?

Starting to program FPGAs can be quite tricky. Here are a few options that can help you get started.

• Join our Discord! We are happy to help with any problems and to answer questions.
• Ask questions on Stack Overflow
• Check out our YouTube Channel. We upload useful tutorials frequently.
• Check out Community Projects. See what is possible with VHDPlus and learn how to create those Projects yourself.