This is Google's cache of http://www.vdlande.com/VHDL/nulls.html. It is a snapshot of the page as it appeared on Oct 15, 2009 20:54:23 GMT. The current page could have changed in the meantime. Learn more

Text-only version
These search terms are highlighted: vhdl These terms only appear in links pointing to this page: reference guide vdlande  
Null Statement
Sequential Statement ---- used in ----> Process
Function
Procedure

Syntax

null;

See LRM section 8.12

Rules and Examples

The null statement performs no action. It is usualls used with the case statement, to indicate that under certain conditions, no action is required. 
case ENCRYPTION is
  when "00" => 
    CPU_DATA_TMP := (B & A) - OPERAND;
  when "01" => 
    CPU_DATA_TMP := (B & A) + OPERAND;
  when "10" => 
    CPU_DATA_TMP := (A & B) - OPERAND; 
  when "11" => 
    CPU_DATA_TMP := (A & B) + OPERAND;
  when others =>
    null;
end case;

Synthesis Issues

The null statement is supported by synthesis tools.

Note: using a null statement in a "combinational process" can result in latches being inferred, unless all signals driven by the process are given unconditional default assignments.

Whats New in '93

In VHDL-93, the null may have an optional label:

labelnull;