Refactoring in the DVT Eclipse IDE - How to Connect Instances across the Design Hierarchy

Description

This video explains how to connect instances across the Design Hierarchy using DVT. The tool automatically creates and connects all the required ports across the design hierarchy, in order to propagate the signal.

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Transcript

Introduction

In DVT, you can easily connect two instances across the design hierarchy. Let's suppose you want to connect a power-on signal from a power controller to this UART instance.

Connecting the Destination Module

Right-click on the destination module and from the context menu select Refactor Connect Input. Note that the selected design path is shown in the Refactoring Connect View.

Specifying the Signal Source

Similarly, endpoints can be specified from the Design Hierarchy View. Let's locate the signal source instance, right-click, and select Connect Output.

Customizing Port and Signal Details

In the view, you can also customize the input or output port names, the signal name, as well as its type and width.

Computing Changes and Previewing Signal Propagation

Press Compute Changes, then use the diagram preview to visually explore how the new signal will propagate across the design hierarchy. Note that the source and destination instances are marked with a purple contour highlight.

Inspecting Side Effects

Press the Show Side Effects toolbar button to inspect instances situated elsewhere in the design hierarchy but affected by the refactoring.

Previewing Code Changes

Press the Code Preview button to see the source code changes, new ports, port connections, and signals.

Applying the Changes

When done, press Connect to apply the changes.

Using Existing Ports

Note that you can also use existing ports. For example, this UART power level port as destination and let the tool create the source port in the power controller.