Netlist Launcher Netlister | Xilinx 8.2i specification

Netlist Launcher (Netlister)

When NGDBuild is invoked, the Netlist launcher goes through the following steps:

1.The Netlist Launcher initializes itself with a set of rules for determining what netlist reader to use with each type of netlist, and the options with which each reader is invoked.

The rules are contained in the system rules file (described in “System Rules File”) and in the user rules file (described in “User Rules File”).

2.NGDBuild makes the directory of the top-level netlist the first entry in the Netlist Launcher’s list of search paths.

3.For the top-level design and for each file referenced in the top-level design, NGDBuild queries the Netlist Launcher for the presence of the corresponding NGO file.

4.For each NGO file requested, the Netlist Launcher performs the following actions:

♦Determines what netlist is the source for the requested NGO file

The Netlist Launcher determines the source netlist by looking in its rules database for the list of legal netlist extensions. Then, it looks in the search path (which includes the current directory) for a netlist file possessing a legal extension and the same name as the requested NGO file.

♦Finds the requested NGO file

The Netlist Launcher looks first in the directory specified with the –dd option (or current directory if a directory is not specified). If the NGO file is not found there and the source netlist was not found in the search path, the Netlist Launcher looks for the NGO file in the search path.

♦Determines whether the NGO file must be created or updated

If neither the netlist source file nor the NGO file is found, NGDBuild exits with an error.

If the netlist source file is found but the corresponding NGO file is not found, the Netlist Launcher invokes the proper netlist reader to create the NGO file.

If the netlist source file is not found but the corresponding NGO file is found, the Netlist Launcher indicates to NGDBuild that the file exists and NGDBuild uses this NGO file.

If both the netlist source file and the corresponding NGO file are found, the netlist file’s time stamp is checked against the NGO file’s timestamp. If the timestamp of the NGO file is later than the source netlist, the Netlist Launcher returns a “found” status to NGDBuild. If the timestamp of the NGO file is earlier than the netlist source, or the NGO file is not present in the expected location, then the Launcher creates the NGO file from the netlist source by invoking the netlist reader specified by its rules.

Note: The timestamp check can be overridden by options on the NGDBuild command line. The –nt on option updates all existing NGO files, regardless of their timestamps. The –nt off option does not update any existing NGO files, regardless of their timestamps.

5.The Netlist launcher indicates to NGDBuild that the requested NGO files have been found, and NGDBuild can process all of these NGO 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.

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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 Netlist Launcher Netlister

Models: 8.2i

Netlist Launcher (Netlister)

8.2i specifications