Cyclone V and PowerPlay

[Altera_Forum]

Hello all, 

 With Cyclone V gate-level simulation is removed.. now how can I create a VCD with all signals for power estimation? :mad:  Thanks

[Altera_Forum]

Hi there, 

 I am not sure that if that will help you, but this link (https://www.altera.com/support/support-resources/knowledge-base/solutions/rd07062010_692.html) explains how to create a VCD using ModelSim-Altera.  I hope that helps.  Cheers, Fade

[Altera_Forum]

Yes but step "4) Run simulation generate VCD database" is impossible to do due to removed gate-level simulation..

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I have to say I never used PowerPlay but I was looking a little around and I hope some of this might help you.  From the cyclone v device datasheet (https://www.altera.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/en_us/pdfs/literature/hb/cyclone-v/cv_51002.pdf):  supply current and power consumption altera offers two ways to estimate power for your design—the excel-based early power estimator (epe) and the quartus® ii powerplay power analyzer feature. use the excel-based epe before you start your design to estimate the supply current for your design. the epe provides a magnitude estimate of the device power because these currents vary greatly with the resources you use. the quartus ii powerplay power analyzer provides better quality estimates based on the specifics of the design after you complete place-androute. the powerplay power analyzer can apply a combination of user-entered, simulation-derived, and estimated signal activities that, when combined with detailed circuit models, yields very accurate power estimates.  early power estimation (https://www.altera.com/support/support-resources/operation-and-testing/power/pow-powerplay.html) I know that is not really what you are looking for, but just in case here are some more information.  performing power analysis with the powerplay power analyzer (http://quartushelp.altera.com/current/mergedprojects/optimize/pwr/pwr_pro_power_analyzer.htm) It might only tells you what you already know, but it also says that you can run it without an .VCD file or you use a Signal Actvitiy File (.saf) for it.  While reading regarding value change dump files I did not find any connection regarding gate-level simulation. I am not to 100%, but as far as I understood it you don't need it.  http://wwwhome.cs.utwente.nl/~molenkam/ods/low_power_exercise/dds-power.pdf http://quartushelp.altera.com/14.1/mergedprojects/eda/eda_topics/quartus2/eda_tab_simulation.htm http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27127 https://www.altera.com.cn/zh_cn/pdfs/literature/ug/ug_gs_msa_qii.pdf  I hope any of this was helpful.

[Altera_Forum]

With gate-level simulation system know toggle rate of internal signals so it is very useful

[Altera_Forum]

Were the information I found and posted before of any help creating a power estimation? I am sure later visitors of this thread might find it helpful knowing if it is worth looking at that links. As you said before gate-level simulation is not available in Cyclone V. Therefore, there is no way to benefit from it possibilities and capabilities.