EDA Playground–An Awesome Online Tool

Many times we use the web to find code examples and tutorials. However, often the examples were incomplete. Sometimes they were missing the necessary code to hook the example into a real design. Other times, the code examples had syntax errors.

Sometime we are presented with a working design, with lines stripped out, but with undefined variables and dangling commas left in. Other times the code examples simply did not work on my simulator. All this resulted in endless frustration to us. I knew there had to be a better way, EDA Playground is one.

EDA Playground is a free web application that allows users to edit, simulate (and view waveforms), synthesize, and share their HDL code. Its goal is to accelerate the learning of design and testbench development with easier code sharing and with simpler access to simulators and libraries. EDA Playground is specifically designed for small prototypes and examples (it is not intended to be used for a full-blown FPGA or ASIC design).

EDA Playground gives engineers immediate hands-on exposure to simulating SystemVerilog, Verilog, VHDL, C++/SystemC, and other HDLs. All you need is a web browser. The goal is to accelerate learning of design/testbench development with easier code sharing, and with simpler access to EDA tools and libraries. EDA Playground is specifically designed for small prototypes and examples.

• With a simple click, run your code and see console output in real time. Pick another simulator version and run it again.
• View waves for your simulation using EPWave browser-based wave viewer.
• Save your code snippets. Share your code and simulation results with a web link. Perfect for web forum discussions or emails. Great for asking questions or sharing your knowledge.
• Quickly try something out
  • Try out a SystemVerilog feature before using it on your project.
  • Try out a library that you’re thinking of using.
  • Modify another engineer’s shared code and re-run it.
• Eliminate environment differences. Since the code always executes in the same environment, everyone will see the same result on a subsequent re-run.
• Browse and use a large repository of working code examples and templates.