Learning how to use a new or unfamiliar language construct is frequently frustrating and time-consuming, particularly since hardware description and verification languages contain many examples of inconsistent syntax, exceptions and strange usage rules.
The famous Esperan Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) are concise references for the syntax, use and rules of each major construct or feature in a language.
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In the main section of each guide, the major constructs and features of the language are listed alphabetically. Each list entry typically contains:-
- A description of the construct or feature
- Simplified syntax
- Examples and rules for common usage
- A summary of any language version changes
The guides also contain tutorials, definitions, keyword listing by feature, and descriptions of common packages or language resources. Every attendee on an Esperan language class receives a copy of the language reference guide.
Take a look at the following sample pages
- VHDL (sample)
- Verilog
- SystemVerilog (sample)
- SystemVerilog Assertions (sample)
- PSL (sample)
- Tcl
- SystemC
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How is your reference guide different than others?
Unlike other guides, we do not copy and paste large chunks of the IEEE Language Reference Guide (LRM) to bulk out our guides. Our guides are intended to be clear, quick and simple to use. The LRMs are very comprehensive, but not user-friendly. If you do need that level of detail, fully-searchable PDF copies of the LRMs are available from the IEEE.
2) Is there an online or PDF copy of your reference guide?
The guides are only available in hardcopy.
3) Can I buy a reference guide?
Reference guides are currently only available to course attendees. However if you are interested in bulk buys for academic or company use, please contact your local sales office.
4) Why isn't there a guide for OVM/UVM?
Both the UVM and OVM libraries contain very comprehensive online language and methodology references in both HTML and PDF formats. You can download this information for free from the OVM and UVM websites (registration required).