While YouTube does not host official "courses" in the traditional sense, several channels provide comprehensive, multi-video series for mastering VHDL. These are highly regarded for their practical, step-by-step guidance, catering to a range of skill levels.

Top channels and courses for learning VHDL

  1. Nandland: One of the most highly recommended resources for beginners, this channel provides well-structured video tutorials that simplify complex concepts.
    • Best for: Beginners who need solid foundational knowledge of VHDL and FPGA design.
    • Content: Covers the VHDL language with practical examples and ties the concepts to real-world FPGA projects, even selling a development board for hands-on learning.
  2. VHDLwhiz: This resource is excellent for both beginners and intermediate learners, delving into more advanced topics than most free beginner guides.
    • Best for: A range of learners who want to move from the basics to more advanced digital design concepts and best practices.
    • Content: The channel's content is comprehensive, often accompanied by articles and quizzes on the VHDLwhiz website.
  3. FPGAs for Beginners: As the name suggests, this channel is specifically designed for new learners entering the world of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and VHDL.
    • Best for: Absolute beginners who want a clear, concise pathway into FPGA and VHDL design without feeling overwhelmed.
    • Content: Provides project-based tutorials, helping you grasp concepts by building simple circuits from the ground up.
  4. Digilent's Beginner FPGA playlist: Hosted by DigiKey, this video series is designed to get beginners up and running with FPGA development using a specific board.
    • Best for: Beginners who have a Digilent or similar development board and want a guided, hands-on introduction.
    • Content: Walks through creating your first projects and setting up your toolchain, providing a practical, project-oriented start.
  5. LS12 DAES: VHDL Crash Course: This quick-start tutorial is perfect for those who want to jump into VHDL development with a minimal learning curve.
    • Best for: Students or hobbyists who need a fast, practical introduction to create their first simple VHDL project.
    • Content: Covers software installation, testbenches, and implementing a project from scratch in just a few videos.
  6. Learn And Grow Community: Master FPGA Design with VHDL: This comprehensive playlist offers a full course for mastering FPGA design, moving from basics to advanced projects.
    • Best for: Those who want a structured, self-paced course that offers long-form content and a wide range of topics.
    • Content: The 26 videos cover everything from initial concepts to advanced project implementations.
  7. Eduvance: FPGA Design using VHDL Lectures: Created by a training provider, this playlist is a polished and educational series for learning FPGA design.
    • Best for: A classroom-like learning experience with professionally produced, detailed lectures.
    • Content: Provides clear lectures on VHDL, simulation, and practical applications, like controlling LEDs with switches.
  8. V-Codes: VHDL Tutorials: This channel provides concise and clear tutorials on using popular tools like Xilinx ISE and Vivado for VHDL development.
    • Best for: Learners who want to focus on the practical, tool-oriented side of VHDL development, from compilation to simulation.
    • Content: Tutorials cover how to set up, compile, and simulate VHDL and Verilog code within the development environment.
  9. VHDL Language: This channel covers the VHDL language from basics to professional-level concepts with live demonstrations.
    • Best for: Visual learners who benefit from watching coding demonstrations and real-time output.
    • Content: The channel covers a wide range of VHDL features with many short, example-based videos.
  10. SURF VHDL: The "free VHDL Course" playlist on this channel offers a series of practical, project-based video tutorials.
    • Best for: Hands-on learners who want to see VHDL implemented on actual hardware, like an Altera board.
    • Content: This is a great resource for understanding how to simulate, lay out, and test VHDL designs on a physical board.


💡 About the Author:
Sana Allah Kheiri is the founder of Paratopic Technologies LLC and leads the company’s research and development in AI, cybersecurity, and digital freedom initiatives. Through his blog and technology campaigns, he advocates for the decentralization of digital rights in authoritarian-leaning environments.