PLDs- CPLD/FPGA design and VHDL

Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) offer some of the flexibility of software alongside the advantages of an electronic device, and therefore are a popular solution in many engineering applications.

Because of the way the functionality is usually defined through a hardware description language, akin to a software language, PLD development and verification activities can be seen both from a software or a hardware perspective.  In a safety critical industry such as civil aerospace, this means that PLDs have successfully been certified using both the software standard DO178B, and the hardware standard DO254.  We have extensive experience of compliance with both standards, and understand the nuances of each, across all Design Assurance Levels (DALs).

We offer a range of services to assist a client with their PLD development and verification activities.  These can be provided as a complete solution, taking the high level requirements and delivering a complete implemented and verified solution, or specific engineering activities in support of the overall project.  For example, PLD verification activities can be provided to assist in the overall project schedule, whilst efficiently solving independence requirements.

Our engineering services are delivered in a way to best fit a client's existing processes, choice of language (e.g. VHDL or Verilog) and toolset, but where these are not mandated, our internal PLD design, implementation and verification procedures and standard can be employed, along with tools such as ModelSim.