Design Of D-Flip Flop Using Verilog

Important Note: This simulation is designed for desktop view only. For the best experience, please use a desktop monitor with a minimum resolution of 1280x720 pixels. The simulation may not function properly on smaller screens like mobile devices or tablets.

1. Understanding the Simulation

This simulation helps you learn about D-Flip-Flop implementation in Verilog:

  • D-Flip-Flop Design: A sequential circuit that stores a single bit of data and transfers it to the output on a clock edge.
  • The simulation covers both positive and negative edge-triggered D-Flip-Flops:
    • Positive Edge: Output Q gets the value of input D at the rising edge of CLK
    • Negative Edge: Output Q gets the value of input D at the falling edge of CLK
  • It demonstrates sequential logic behavior using clocked always blocks.

2. Getting Started

  1. Enter your module name and testbench name in the respective fields:
    • Module names must follow Verilog naming conventions.
    • Only letters, numbers, and underscores are allowed (no hyphens or special characters).
    • Testbench name must end with '_tb'.

3. Building the Verilog Module

  1. In the first column, arrange the code blocks in the correct order by dragging and dropping them:

    • The code block that defines inputs, outputs, and module name should be placed first
    • Followed by the code block that defines the module functionality
    • Finally, the end of module block
  2. Select the appropriate signals:

    • Inputs: D (data input), CLK (clock input)
    • Output: Q (data output)
  3. Define the functionality using the always block:

    • Select the condition of always block as 'posedge CLK' for positive edge flip-flop or 'negedge CLK' for negative edge flip-flop
    • The Q output must be assigned the value of D at the chosen clock edge
    • Fill in the LHS and RHS of the assignment keeping in mind what value should be assigned at the clock edge
    • The assignment operator must be '<=' (not '=') because for sequential storage behavior, we always need to select the non-blocking assignment operator (<=)

4. Creating the Testbench

  1. In the second column, arrange the testbench code blocks in the correct order:

    • Testbench name definition
    • Signal declarations (reg for inputs, wire for outputs)
    • Module instantiation
    • Input and clock wave definitions
    • End of module
  2. Define the testbench signals:

    • reg D, CLK; wire Q (Q is the output here)
  3. Connect the ports correctly in the module instantiation:

    • Enter the name of the verilog module you have earlier coded
    • Select the arguments in the same order as you have chosen in the D flip-flop module
    • Important: Maintain correct order - incorrect order like (D, Q, CLK) would make D, Q as inputs and CLK as output which is not desired
    • Select the input D wave as per your choice from the options given in the dropdown list

5. Validation and Observation

  1. Click the "Validate" button to check your code.
  2. The observation column will show:
    • Error messages in red if there are mistakes. Refer to the Troubleshooting section below for dealing with the Error messages.
    • A truth table for the input D wave you have selected if the code is correct.
  3. If you need to start over, click the "Reset" button to shuffle the code blocks.

Verilog Syntax Reference

6. Troubleshooting

If you see error messages, carefully check:

  • Module and testbench names follow the naming rules.
  • Code blocks are in the correct order.
  • D and CLK are properly declared as inputs, Q as output.
  • The always block condition matches your choice (posedge or negedge CLK).
  • Non-blocking assignment (<=) is used for sequential logic.
  • Port connections are properly defined in the module instantiation.
  • Input D wave is selected from the dropdown options.

Additional tips:

  • Use the Reset button to start fresh if needed.
  • Observe the fluctuations in input wave and corresponding expected and observed output Q wave.
  • Verify the flip-flop behavior matches expected timing for the selected clock edge.

Important Reminders

  • Verilog is case-sensitive.
  • All signals must be properly declared before use.
  • Testbench signals must match the module ports.
  • Code blocks must be in the correct order for the simulation to work.
  • Use non-blocking assignment (<=) for sequential logic in always blocks.
  • The flip-flop behavior depends on the chosen clock edge (posedge or negedge).
  • Ensure correct port order in module instantiation to avoid signal misconnection.