On 02/11/2012 14:46, Andy wrote:
> On Wednesday, October 31, 2012 4:17:49 PM UTC-5, Jim Lewis wrote:
>> Currently the language does not have a reverse operator because no one has bothered to submit a use case for one. If you have something that this is useful for, you should submit it to the working group. Best Regards, Jim Lewis
>
> Rather than adding a new operator to VHDL that adds bloat and impacts tool vendors, it would be better to add reverse() functions to the ieee packages for the standard vector types? Note that these packages are governed by the same working group. Until that time, you can write and use your own functions, with the tools you already have.
>
> VHDL already allows extension through code to cover the need. For a taste of what can be done through "extend VHDL through code", take a look at the fixed- and floating-point packages (now part of the standard), or better yet the new Open Source VHDL Verification Methodology (OSVVM) library. These were all accomplished without changing the language itself.
>
> Andy
>
You just beat me too it, I was planning to write exactly the same point
(something I have also mentioned on the steering group), if it can be
implemented in a package then that should be the preferred way as
updating the language itself is a real struggle (there is very little
money to be made in enhancing VHDL hence Vendors are reluctant to go
that way, this is not my point of view).
Jim's OS-VVM is a great example of a successful package and the
osvvm.org website could be a good place (even though it is owned by
Aldec) to put all those great functions people write. I would not go for
IEEE as the adoption process will be slow and apparently it creates lots
of issues with maintenance.
Hans
www.ht-lab.com