Planning for verification in HDL projects In HDL-based development, a key strategic planning tactic is to ensure every block can be independently tested (for example, with self-checking unit testbenches).

Introduction / Context:
Complex digital systems are easier to deliver on time and with quality when verification is planned from day one. Breaking the design into testable units lowers integration risk and accelerates debug by localizing defects before they ripple across the system.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project contains multiple HDL modules/entities arranged hierarchically.
• Each module has a clear interface (ports, parameters/generics).
• Simulators and verification frameworks (assertions, coverage) are available.

Concept / Approach:
Unit-level verification validates functionality against the specification, independent of other blocks. Self-checking testbenches compare outputs to expected results and flag mismatches automatically, improving repeatability. This approach complements system-level tests and hardware bring-up with chips or FPGAs.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Add functional coverage and constrained-random stimulus where appropriate; verify corner cases and reset/clock transitions to ensure robustness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Incorrect” contradicts established hardware verification practice. “Only applies to software projects” conflates two domains; HDL benefits equally from modular testing. “Unnecessary if FPGA has on-chip debug” is false; instrumentation helps but cannot replace exhaustive pre-silicon verification.

Common Pitfalls:
Relying solely on top-level testing; leaving unit tests for the end; lacking self-checks, which turns tests into manual waveform inspection.

Final Answer:
Correct