netlist from VHDL code

[Ruby]

Hi,

I am trying to simulate a cache compressor with some 8k data lines. I
mean 8k lines are the input from L1 cache to the compressor. The
compressor send the compressed output to the L2 cache or main memory.
In this simulation I don't even want to verify the functionality - as
an function(algorithm choosen for this compressor) can be implemented
in a circuit form. I would like to find out the critical path of the
circuit.

Now my problem is since the circuit is too big(too many data lines),
I don't want to draw the schematic. So Can I write the VHDL code for
the circuit and get a netlist from the code. If I can do that, then I
can run the pathmill to find the critical path of the circuit and so as
the max. delay.

Pls let me know if you guys have any suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Ruby]

So Can I write the VHDL code for
the circuit

Yes. And a testbench for it to

eliminate logical errors.

What is the testbench and how to write it, Could you please mention in
more detail.

and get a netlist from the code. If I can do that, then I
can run the pathmill to find the critical path of the circuit and so as
the max. delay.

Yes, a static timing analysis is the easiest way
to find the critical paths.

I guess to get nelist, vhdl code should be structural. Could you pls
tell me, do the code have to be synthesizable code. I am not sure how
to get the netlist out of vhdl code. Could you give me some pointer in
that direction.

Thanks