Introduction, Command Line Program Overview

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter describes the command line programs for the Xilinx development system. The chapter contains the following sections:

•“Command Line Program Overview”

•“Command Line Syntax”

•“Command Line Options”

•“Invoking Command Line Programs”

Command Line Program Overview

Xilinx command line programs allow you to implement and verify your design. The following table lists the programs you can use for each step in the design flow. For detailed information, see Chapter 2, “Design Flow”.

Table 1-1:Command Line Programs in the Design Flow

Design Flow Step	Command Line Program

Design Implementation	NGDBuild, MAP, PAR, Xplorer,
	BitGen

Design Preservation	TCL

Timing Simulation and Back	NetGen
Annotation
(Design Verification)

Static Timing Analysis	TRACE
(Design Verification)

You can run these programs in the standard design flow or use special options to run the programs for design preservation. Each command line program has multiple options, which allow you to control how a program executes. For example, you can set options to change output file names, to set a part number for your design, or to specify files to read in when executing the program. You can also use options to create guide files and run guide mode to maintain the performance of a previously implemented design.

Some of the command line programs described in this manual underlie many of the Xilinx Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). The GUIs can be used in conjunction with the command line programs or alone. For information on the GUIs, see the online Help provided with each Xilinx tool.

Development System Reference Guide

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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.

Xilinx 8.2i manual Introduction, Command Line Program Overview

Models: 8.2i

Introduction

Command Line Program Overview

Table 1-1:Command Line Programs in the Design Flow

Design Flow Step

TRACE

Development System Reference Guide

8.2i specifications