Developed in C++ by Óscar Grimal and released under the MIT license, the open-source Pulse is being developed as a VHDL simulator independent of GHDL. Providing the entire toolchain from the compiler to waveform output, the project uses a text-based interface; a C++20-compatible compiler and CMake are sufficient to run it.
At this stage, basic IEEE packages and types are supported, but default values cannot be used. The roadmap includes generics, additional types, an improved simulation engine, and mixed-language support with Verilog.
Why it matters
This initiative may interest developers seeking an alternative to existing tools, as it offers an option independent of GHDL for VHDL simulation. Its combination of compilation, simulation, and waveform output in a single toolchain shows that the project aims to be a more comprehensive development tool rather than merely a simulation engine. The MIT license provides an accessible basis for reviewing the source code and contributing to the project’s development. However, its current status, limited to basic IEEE support and without the ability to use default values, restricts its area of use, particularly for more complex designs. The key open question is at what stage and to what extent the planned features, such as generics, additional types, and mixed-language support, will be completed.