ModelSim

ModelSim

ModelSim is a digital circuit simulator used for simulating and debugging HDL designs like VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog. It enables functional and timing simulations of RTL designs before synthesis to verify functionality.
ModelSim image
vhdl verilog systemverilog rtl simulation debugging

ModelSim: Digital Circuit Simulator

ModelSim is a digital circuit simulator used for simulating and debugging HDL designs like VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog. It enables functional and timing simulations of RTL designs before synthesis to verify functionality.

What is ModelSim?

ModelSim is a widely used HDL simulator and debugger for verifying digital circuit designs modeled in hardware description languages (HDL) like VHDL, Verilog, and SystemVerilog before synthesis. It allows comprehensive functional and timing simulations of RTL designs to thoroughly verify the functionality and timing performance.

Key features of ModelSim include:

  • Fast and efficient event-driven simulation for large complex designs
  • Supports various levels of simulation such as behavioral, functional, timing, and gate-level
  • Advanced debugging features like breakpoint insertion and waveform tracing
  • Supports language standards like VHDL, Verilog, SystemVerilog, PSL, and SVA
  • Interoperability with major synthesis, placement and routing tools
  • Scripting support to automate simulation workflows

ModelSim delivers proven technology for FPGA, ASIC and SoC design and verification. It is developed by Mentor Graphics and runs on various OS platforms like Linux, Windows and Unix workstations.

ModelSim Features

Features

  1. RTL simulation
  2. Gate-level simulation
  3. Mixed-language simulation
  4. Debugging
  5. Waveform viewing
  6. Code coverage
  7. IP integration

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Pay-As-You-Go

Pros

Wide industry adoption

Mature and reliable

Good for complex designs

Feature-rich debugging

Integrates with major EDA tools

Cons

Steep learning curve

Expensive licensing

Limited support for SystemVerilog

Not ideal for FPGA/ASIC synthesis


The Best ModelSim Alternatives

Top Development and Hdl Simulator and other similar apps like ModelSim


CircuitLab icon

CircuitLab

CircuitLab is an online circuit simulator and schematic capture tool designed for simplicity and ease-of-use. It allows users to quickly create circuit designs, analyze their behavior through interactive simulation, and share designs with others.Some key features of CircuitLab include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface to assemble circuitsLarge component library with both analog and...
CircuitLab image
GEDA Project icon

GEDA Project

The gEDA Project is a full GPL'd suite of Electronic Design Automation tools that are used for electrical circuit design, schematic capture, simulation, prototyping, and production. gEDA uses an open file format and aims to be a free alternative to proprietary EDA suites like Cadence or OrCAD.gEDA includes applications for...
GEDA Project image
Synopsys VCS icon

Synopsys VCS

Synopsys VCS is a leading functional verification solution used for verifying complex integrated circuit (IC) and system-on-chip (SoC) designs. It provides comprehensive debug, analysis tools, and performance optimizations to accelerate the functional verification process.Key features of VCS include:Support for SystemVerilog, VHDL, Verilog, PSL, and more languagesAdvanced debugging with Identify tool...
Synopsys VCS image
Circuit Tree icon

Circuit Tree

Circuit Tree is an open-source, cross-platform electronics design automation suite focused on schematic capture and PCB layout. It aims to provide an easy-to-use and intuitive graphical user interface coupled with powerful tools to boost productivity.Key features of Circuit Tree include:Intuitive graphical schematic capture with advanced editing toolsPowerful PCB layout module...
Circuit Tree image
Cadence Incisive icon

Cadence Incisive

Cadence Incisive is a comprehensive integrated design environment aimed at complex chip, system, and software development. It brings together a broad set of engines and tools to accelerate the entire development lifecycle.Key features and capabilities include:Design entry - Supports design capture including schematic entry, HDL editing, and IP integration.Simulation -...
Cadence Incisive image
Riviera-PRO icon

Riviera-PRO

Riviera-PRO is a comprehensive functional verification platform used by hardware design and verification teams for testing complex System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. It provides a robust environment for pre-silicon validation, debugging, and analysis of register transfer level (RTL) designs written in Verilog, SystemVerilog, VHDL, and SystemC.Key capabilities and benefits of Riviera-PRO include:Advanced...
Riviera-PRO image
5spice icon

5spice

5spice is an open source customer relationship management (CRM) software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a suite of tools to manage contacts and relationships with customers and prospects.Key features of 5spice CRM include:Contact Management - Organize contact details for individuals and companies in a searchable database.Lead Management...