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MAP Input Files

•If the physical constraints file already exists, MAP reads the file, checks it for syntax errors, and overwrites the schematic-generated section of the file. MAP also checks the user-generated section for errors and corrects errors by commenting out physical constraints in the file or by halting the operation. If no errors are found in the user- generated section, the section is unchanged.

Note: For a discussion of the output file name and its location, see “–o (Output File Name)”.

MAP Input Files

MAP uses the following files as input:

•NGD file—Native Generic Database file. This file contains a logical description of the design expressed both in terms of the hierarchy used when the design was first created and in terms of lower-level Xilinx primitives to which the hierarchy resolves. The file also contains all of the constraints applied to the design during design entry or entered in a UCF (User Constraints File). The NGD file is created by the NGDBuild program.

•NMC file—Macro library file. An NMC file contains the definition of a physical macro. When there are macro instances in the NGD design file, NMC files are used to define the macro instances. There is one NMC file for each type of macro in the design file.

•Guide NCD file—An optional input file generated from a previous MAP run. An NCD file contains a physical description of the design in terms of the components in the target Xilinx device. A guide NCD file is an output NCD file from a previous MAP run that is used as an input to guide a later MAP run.

•Guide NGM file—An optional input file, which is a binary design file containing all of the data in the input NGD file as well as information on the physical design produced by the mapping. See “Guided Mapping” for details.

MAP Output Files

Output from MAP consists of the following files:

•NCD (Native Circuit Description) file—a physical description of the design in terms of the components in the target Xilinx device. For a discussion of the output NCD file name and its location, see “–o (Output File Name)”.

•PCF (Physical Constraints File)—an ASCII text file that contains constraints specified during design entry expressed in terms of physical elements. The physical constraints in the PCF are expressed in Xilinx’s constraint language.

MAP creates a PCF file if one does not exist or rewrites an existing file by overwriting the schematic-generated section of the file (between the statements SCHEMATIC START and SCHEMATIC END). For an existing physical constraints file, MAP also checks the user-generated section for syntax errors and signals errors by halting the operation. If no errors are found in the user-generated section, the section is unchanged.

•NGM file—a binary design file that contains all of the data in the input NGD file as well as information on the physical design produced by mapping. The NGM file is used to correlate the back-annotated design netlist to the structure and naming of the source design.

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Xilinx 8.2i manual MAP Input Files, MAP Output Files
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8.2i specifications

Xilinx 8.2i is a significant version of the Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) that emerged in the early 2000s, marking an important milestone in the world of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) development. This version introduced a slew of advanced features, technologies, and characteristics that made it an indispensable tool for engineers and developers in designing, simulating, and implementing digital circuits.

One of the standout features of Xilinx 8.2i is its enhanced design entry capabilities. This version supports multiple design entry methods, including schematic entry, VHDL, and Verilog HDL, giving engineers the flexibility to choose their preferred approach. The integrated environment provides user-friendly graphical interfaces, making it accessible for both novice and experienced users.

Xilinx 8.2i's synthesis tools have been improved to enable more efficient design compilation and optimization. The new algorithms used in this version facilitate faster synthesis times while reducing power consumption and improving performance. Furthermore, it features support for advanced FPGA architectures, which allows for the implementation of more complex designs with greater efficiency.

The implementation tools in Xilinx 8.2i include advanced place and route capabilities, utilizing state-of-the-art algorithms for optimized resource usage. These tools enable designers to make better use of FPGA resources, ensuring that designs fit within the constraints of the target device while maximizing performance.

Another key characteristic of Xilinx 8.2i is its extensive support for various Xilinx devices such as the Spartan, Virtex, and CoolRunner series. This compatibility ensures that developers can leverage the powerful features of these FPGA families, including high-speed transceivers and DSP slices.

Xilinx 8.2i also places a strong emphasis on simulation and verification. The version integrates with various simulation tools, allowing for thorough testing of the designs before implementation. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures that the final product meets specifications.

In addition, this version includes support for design constraints, enabling engineers to specify timing, area, and other critical design parameters. By accommodating constraints, Xilinx 8.2i helps in achieving reliable and efficient designs tailored to project needs.

In summary, Xilinx 8.2i is a robust software development tool that enhances the design process for FPGAs. Its comprehensive features, including multiple design entry options, advanced synthesis and implementation tools, extensive device support, and strong simulation capabilities, make it a valuable resource for engineers and developers striving for innovation in digital design.
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