Teaching basics of instruction pipelining with HDLDLX

HDLDLX is a graphically described VHDL model of 5-stage integer pipeline of well known DLX processor. It can be used as a platform explaining logic-level implementation of pipelined processor as a complement to SW functional simulators. Students can interact with model by implementing hazard resolution logic or modifying the pipeline structure. Even though that the model is internally represented in VHDL, the previous knowledge of this language is not required. HDLDLX can be used in conjunction with HDL Designer and Modelsim tools from Mentor Graphics corporation. Article also discusses pros and cons of using commercial EDA tools in undergraduate computer architecture course.