Global training solutions for engineers creating the world's electronics

gtkwave cribsheet

Starting the program

1. Unix: type gtkwave <filename>.vcd

2. Windows: If everything is set up correctly, simply double click on the .vcd file and gtkwave will spring in to life.

If it isn't, you may have to do the following:

  • Make sure <path to gtkwave> is in your path. For instance, if gtkwave is installed in c:\apps\gtkwave, then your path variable should contain c:\apps\gtkwave
  • Open a command prompt; Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt  .
  • Change to the directory where the vcd file is located, using cd
    cd c:\users\training\systemc\ex1
  • Type winwave <filename>.vcd

 

Adding waveforms (1 at a time)

Once you've got gtkwave going.

1. Select menu Search -> Signal Search Tree

2. Click on the + next to "SystemC" in the dialogue box that appears

3. Select each signal in turn and click Append (to add waveforms last in the display), or Insert (to add waveforms in between others).

4. Click OK

5. Click on the zoom fit button which looks like this |<->|

Adding waveforms (all at once)

1. Select menu Search -> Signal Search Tree

2. Click on the word "SystemC" in the dialogue box that appears

3. Click Append (to add waveforms last in the display), or Insert (to add waveforms in between others).

4. Click OK

5. Click on the zoom fit button which looks like this |<->|

Markers

There is one primary marker, and up to 26 named markers. The primary marker is moved by clicking with the left mouse button, and dragging the marker.

Named markers work as follows

1. To add a named marker select Marker -> Drop Named Marker. The marker will appear at the primary marker location. You will see at tiny letter at the top of the waveform display.

2. To move a named marker,
a. select Marker -> Show-Change Marker Data
b. Type in the new location time and press return.
c. Click OK

3. To remove a marker
a. Click on the marker (on the letter) so that the primary marker is on top of the named marker
b. Select Marker -> Collect Named Marker