To set up QuestaSim for Linux in a "portable" fashion, you can avoid system-wide installation by using Docker or a standalone local directory setup.
Here is a full blog post covering the download, setup, and "portable" configuration for Linux. How to Set Up QuestaSim for Linux: The Portable Guide
Running high-end EDA tools like QuestaSim on modern Linux distributions can be a headache due to library conflicts. Whether you're moving between workstations or want to keep your OS clean, a portable setup is the best way to go.
In this guide, we'll cover how to download and configure QuestaSim for Linux without "installing" it in the traditional, system-cluttering sense. ⚡ The "Portable" Strategy True portability in Linux comes from two methods:
Local Directory Setup: Keeping the entire installation in a single folder (e.g., /opt/questasim) and using script-based environment variables.
Docker Containers: The ultimate portability. Package QuestaSim and its specific library dependencies into an image that runs on any distro. 📥 Step 1: Download Questasim
Siemens (formerly Mentor Graphics) does not provide a direct public "portable.zip" file. You must download the installer from an official source:
Intel FPGA Edition: The most common way for students and hobbyists to get Questasim is via the Intel FPGA Download Center. Look for "Questa*-Intel® FPGA Edition".
Siemens Support Center: Professional users can download the full version from the Siemens EDA Support Portal. File types to look for: .run (Self-extracting installer) .aol (Mentor Graphics install format) 🛠️ Step 2: Portable Installation (Local Folder) download questasim for linux portable
Instead of installing to /usr/local, choose a dedicated path like ~/eda/questasim. 1. Install Dependencies
Questasim is often 64-bit now, but older versions or specific sub-tools still require 32-bit libraries.
# Example for Ubuntu/Debian sudo apt install libxft2 libxext6 libncurses5 Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 2. Run the Installer Launch the installer and point it to your local directory.
chmod +x QuestaSetup-linux.run ./QuestaSetup-linux.run --mode folder --prefix ~/eda/questasim Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 🚀 Step 3: Making it "Portable" via Scripts
To make it portable, you don't want to edit your ~/.bashrc permanently. Instead, create a wrapper script (run_questa.sh) inside your folder:
#!/bin/bash # run_questa.sh PORTABLE_ROOT=$(pwd) export PATH="$PORTABLE_ROOT/questasim/linux_x86_64:$PATH" export LM_LICENSE_FILE="$PORTABLE_ROOT/license.dat" vsim "$@" Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Now, you can move the entire folder to another machine and just run ./run_questa.sh. 🐳 Step 4: The Docker Approach (Highly Recommended)
If you want to run QuestaSim on a modern distro (like Ubuntu 24.04) without worrying about old library dependencies, use Docker. To set up QuestaSim for Linux in a
Create a Dockerfile that uses an older, stable base like Ubuntu 18.04 or 20.04.
Mount your project as a volume so your code stays on your host machine while the simulator runs inside the container. 💡 Quick Tips for Success
License Path: Always use an absolute path in your LM_LICENSE_FILE variable to avoid "License not found" errors when switching directories.
Check vsim: Run vsim -version immediately after setup to verify that all shared libraries (.so files) are correctly linked.
Portable Stimulus: If you're doing advanced verification, check out the built-in Portable Stimulus capabilities to reuse test scenarios across platforms.
If you'd like to see a specific Dockerfile template or need help troubleshooting a specific library error, let me know! I can also help you draft the license request email for the Intel/Altera version. Running Questasim on any OS through Docker - REDS blog
Here’s a structured write-up you can use for a blog, internal knowledge base, or tutorial site.
Before searching for a download, it's critical to define what "portable" means for complex software like QuestaSim. Part 1: Understanding "Portable" in the Context of
Setup attempted:
~/tools/questasetenv.shWhat worked:
vlog, vsim, vopt launched without root.vsim -gui) worked if libXft.so.2 and libpng12 were preinstalled via ldd hack.What failed consistently:
uvm_config_db.vcover reported corrupt database.Performance – 20–30% slower than legitimate install due to missing compiler optimizations and stripped debug symbols.
# Example: extract to a USB drive mounted at /mnt/usb
tar -xzvf questasim-linux-2024.1.tgz -C /mnt/usb/questa_portable/
Inside you should see:
bin/ docs/ examples/ install/ lib/ scripts/
vlib work
vlog test.v
vsim -c -do "run -all; quit"
If you see vsim: error while loading shared libraries, install missing libraries locally (still no root needed – use conda or linuxdeploy for bundling).
| License Type | Portable? | How it works |
|--------------|-----------|---------------|
| Node-locked (USB dongle) | ✅ Yes | Siemens sells USB hardware keys. Plug into any machine, set LM_LICENSE_FILE to the key. |
| Floating license server | ❌ No, unless VPN | Your machine must reach the license server via network. Use VPN or SSH forwarding. |
| Free Starter Edition | ✅ Yes | License is tied to the installation folder. Can be moved. |
| Evaluation license (30 days) | ✅ Yes | Temporary, but can be pre-installed on USB. |
Best for portability: Request a node-locked USB dongle from Siemens (costly, ~$2k+ annually).
Best for students: Use Intel Starter Edition – no license server needed.