HDL Concepts
RTL (Register-Transfer Level)
An abstraction level describing digital circuits in terms of registers and the combinational logic transferring data between them.
Detailed Explanation
RTL describes what happens each clock cycle—data moves from register to register through combinational logic. This abstraction is detailed enough for synthesis yet high enough for human comprehension. RTL is the primary design entry for digital systems.
RTL code uses constructs like always_ff (sequential logic), always_comb (combinational logic), and module hierarchy. Synthesis tools convert RTL to gate-level netlists. Simulation verifies RTL behavior.