Functions

Formal Definition

Functions provide a means of splitting code into small parts that are frequently used in a model.

Simplified Syntax

function type_or_range identifier;

  parameter_declaration;

  input_declaration;

  register_declaration;

  event_declaration;

  statement;

endfunction

Description

Functions can only be declared inside a module declaration.

Function definition begins with the function keyword and ends with the endfunction keyword. The returned type or range declaration followed by a function identifier and semicolon should appear after the function keyword. Function can contain declarations of range, returned type, parameters, input arguments, registers and events (these declarations are similar to module items declaration). Net declarations are illegal. Declaration of parameters, registers, events and returned type or range are not required. A function without a range or return type declaration, returns a one-bit value. Functions should have at least one input declaration and a statement that assigns a value to the register with the same name as the function.

Any expression can be used as a function call argument. Functions cannot contain any time-controlled statements, and they cannot enable tasks. Functions can return only one value.

Examples

Example 1

function [15:0] negation;
input [15:0] a;
negation = ~a;
endfunction

A function returning 16-bit value.

Example 2

function real multiply;
input a, b;
real a, b;
multiply = ((1.2 * a) * (b * 0.17)) * 5.1;
endfunction

A function returning real value.

Example 3

real a;
wire [15:0] b;
wire c, d, e, f;
assign b = negation ({4{c, d, e, f}}); // (#1)
initial begin
a = multiply(1.5, a); // (#2)
$display(" b=%b ~b=%b”, b, negation(b)); // (#3)
end

Examples of function calls declared in example 1 and 2 (#1 - continuous assignment, #2 and #3 - procedural statements).

Important Notes

• Functions cannot contain time-control statements.

• A function returns value when invoked by its name.

• Functions should have at least one input argument.

• Functions cannot have output or inout arguments.

• Functions can only be declared inside a module declaration.

• Can use 'include to insert function code

 

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