Read: Chapters 9 & 10 of Textbook: Free Range VHDL
9. VHDL Modularity with Components
VHDL uses packages, components, and functions to address modularity
Components:
name the module (entity)
describe what the module will do (architecture)
let the program know the module exists and can be used (component declaration)
use the module in your code (component instantiation, or mapping)
Notes:
VHDL structural model supports reuse of design units
Avoid digital design using schematic capture
Structural modeling in VHDL supports hierarchical design concepts
10. Registers and Register Transfer Level
Registers in VHDL are vector versions of D flip-flops in which all operations on the flip flops occur simultaneously
VHDL can be used to implement Register Transfer Level (RTL) circuits
RTL circuits should be simple to ensure completion