Verifying HDL designs — tool used regardless of AHDL or VHDL source Regardless of whether you describe the circuit in AHDL or VHDL, the correct way to verify proper operation is to use a ________.

Introduction / Context:
HDLs enable text-based descriptions of logic. Verification ensures the design behaves as intended before hardware implementation. This question focuses on the standard verification workflow after coding in AHDL or VHDL.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The design is already written in a supported HDL.
• We need a method to validate functionality across test vectors and timing scenarios.
• Target flow includes analysis, elaboration, and dynamic checking of waveforms.

Concept / Approach:
A simulator evaluates HDL processes and concurrent statements to produce time-ordered waveforms. Designers apply stimulus (testbenches), observe responses, and compare them with specifications. This is independent of the source HDL dialect; VHDL and AHDL alike need simulation to catch functional and timing issues early.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Write or import the HDL description and associated testbench.Run behavioral simulation to verify logic-level functionality.Optionally run post-synthesis or gate-level simulation to include propagation delays and constraints.Iterate until outputs match expected results for all relevant vectors.

Verification / Alternative check:
Static timing analysis complements simulation but does not replace functional verification. Hardware prototyping (e.g., on FPGA) is later-stage validation, not the primary verification step following HDL coding.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“PROCESS” is a VHDL keyword, not a verification tool. “Computer” is too generic. “Primitive library” provides building blocks, not verification.

Common Pitfalls:
Relying solely on synthesis without simulation; inadequate testbench coverage; ignoring corner cases and reset behavior.

Final Answer:
simulator