VHDL-Generics

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I have instantiated a VHDL component in my top level VHD. I want to use generics to pass some constant values. Are generics synthesisable and implementable in actual hardware when i download in actual device(Cyclone III)? Kindly let me know if you are aware.

[Altera_Forum]

The simple answer is yes! 

 The generic does not actually synthesis to any logic itself but will control what and how your logic is built.   For example if you have a generic that specifies a bus width, it will set the bus width to the generic value during synthesis.  Hope this helps

[Altera_Forum]

Thankyou Vernmid...That really helps.... 

 Shekar.

[Altera_Forum]

Just throwing in my two cents, as I read the original post slightly differently(and if I'm wrong, please ignore.) As Vernmid said, they come into play during synthesis. So if a bus width is parameterized, you can set that parameter for a given compile, it will synthesize, place and route, and file will be created to download to the device. But if you change that parameter, you can't implement that change in hardware when you download the configuration file to the device. Instead, you have to re-run synthesis, re-place-and-route, etc.  

(Again, that may not be what you were asking, but when I first read the post, that's what I was thinking...)

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks Rysc...that information is definitely useful.........