Our circuit worked in both simulation and after we programmed it into the chip. After each component was coded, we simulated to ensure that the component performed the correct action. Then, once we combined all the components into the larger circuit, we simulated the entire circuit to ensure that the lights behaved correctly. Programming the board verified these simulations by flashing lights according to our circuit's design.

Further testing went into the extension of the labs. When we wrote the upper-level design of the circuit in VHDL, we simulated several times to ensure correct usage of port mapping and then programmed the chip with the new circuit to make sure that it worked correctly.

Also, when we added programmability through the dipswitches, we used simulation after finishing the code. This ensured that most of the problems we encountered with expanding the circuit were removed before we had to wire all the dipswitches. Of course, we encountered several problems after programming the new circuit to the chip (see Problems), and worked through that problem by testing various programs on the dipswitches. Click here to see our simulation of portmapping (file must be downloaded and simulated in Altera Max+2).

We also wrote programs that used the accumulator cleverly. These programs were tested through the simulator to make sure that the correct output got sent to the lights. Click here to see this program.

Click here to go to the previous part of the lab write-up.

Click here to go to the next part of the lab write-up.

Click here to return to the main menu.