XPower Syntax, Files Used by XPower, Fpga Designs

Chapter 10: XPower

Files Used by XPower

XPower uses the following file types:

•CXT - File produced by CPLDfit and used by XPower to calculate and display power consumption.

•NCD - An physical design file produced by MAP and PAR that contains information on an FPGA. Xilinx recommends using a fully placed and routed NCD design (produced by PAR) to get the most accurate power estimate. Using a mapped-only NCD (produced by MAP) file may compromise accuracy.

•PCF - An optional user-modifiable ASCII Physical Constraints File (PCF) produced by MAP. The PCF contains timing constraints that XPower uses to identify clock nets (by using the period constraint) and GSRs (by looking at TIGs). Temperature and voltage information is also available if these constraints have been set in the User Constraints FIle (UCF).

Note: The Innoveda CAE tools create a file with a .pcf extension when generating a plot of an Innoveda schematic. This PCF is not related to a Xilinx PCF. Because XPower automatically reads a PCF with the same root name as your design file, make sure your directory does not contain an Innoveda PCF with the same root name as your NCD file.

•VCD - Output file from simulators. XPower uses this file to set frequencies and activity rates of internal signals, which are signals that are not inputs or outputs but internal to the design. For a list of supported simulators, see the “VCD Data Entry” section of this chapter.

•XAD - Output file that provides most of the information contained in the VCD file, but is much smaller in size to reduce runtime.

•XML - Settings file from XPower. Settings for a design can be saved to an XML file and then reloaded into XPower for the same design. Data input such as frequencies, toggle rates, and capacitance loads can be saved to this file to avoid entering the same information the next time the design is loaded into XPower.

XPower Syntax

Use the following syntax to run XPower from the command line:

FPGA Designs

xpwr infile[.ncd] [constraints_file[.pcf]] [options] -o design_name.pwr

CPLD Designs

xpwr infile[.cxt] [options] -o design_name.pwr

infile is the name of the input physical design file. If you enter a filename with no extension, XPower looks for an NCD file with the specified name. If no NCD file is found, XPower looks for a CXT file.

constraints file is the name of the Physical Constraints File (PCF). This optional file is used to define timing constraints for the design. If you do not specify a PCF, XPower looks for one with the same root name as the input NCD file. If a CXT file is found, XPower does not look for a PCF file.

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Development System Reference Guide

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.

Xilinx 8.2i manual XPower Syntax, Files Used by XPower, Fpga Designs, Cpld Designs

Models: 8.2i