In hardware description languages (HDLs) for digital design, connecting component instances together (structural wiring of ports and signals) is generally considered ________.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
HDLs such as VHDL and Verilog allow two main styles of design: behavioral (describing what the circuit does) and structural (instantiating components and wiring them together). Students often wonder whether the act of connecting components is difficult or error-prone.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Use of named port mapping or positional mapping is understood.
  • Signals are declared with compatible widths and types.
  • The design follows synthesizable coding guidelines where required.


Concept / Approach:
Structural HDL is akin to drawing a schematic with text. Once component interfaces (entity/module ports) are known, interconnection is straightforward: declare signals, instantiate components, and map ports to signals. Good naming and consistent types make the task routine rather than difficult.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Declare signals that represent interconnects between components.Instantiate each component with a clear label.Map ports to signals (prefer named association to avoid order mistakes).Simulate to verify connectivity, then synthesize and implement.


Verification / Alternative check:
Typical introductory HDL labs include building adders, multiplexers, and small datapaths structurally. Students reliably wire components with minimal difficulty when they use named associations and maintain type consistency.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Difficulty is not dictated by simulator brand. Structural connections are absolutely valid for synthesizable RTL; testbenches are not the only context. Declaring that it is “Incorrect” ignores common practice in industry and academia.



Common Pitfalls:
Mismatched bus widths, mixing std_logic with std_logic_vector inconsistently, or relying on positional port mapping which can lead to miswiring if the port order changes.



Final Answer:
Correct

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