Mapping FPGAs Only, Placing and Routing FPGAs Only

Design Implementation

Mapping (FPGAs Only)

For FPGAs, the MAP command line program maps a logical design to a Xilinx FPGA. The input to MAP is an NGD file, which contains a logical description of the design in terms of both the hierarchical components used to develop the design and the lower-level Xilinx primitives, and any number of NMC (hard placed-and-routed macro) files, each of which contains the definition of a physical macro. MAP then maps the logic to the components (logic cells, I/O cells, and other components) in the target Xilinx FPGA.

The output design from MAP is an NCD file, which is a physical representation of the design mapped to the components in the Xilinx FPGA. The NCD file can then be placed and routed, using the PAR command line program. See Chapter 7, “MAP” for detailed information.

Placing and Routing (FPGAs Only)

For FPGAs, the PAR command line program takes a mapped NCD file as input, places and routes the design, and outputs a placed and routed NCD file, which is used by the bitstream generator, BitGen. The output NCD file can also act as a guide file when you reiterate placement and routing for a design to which minor changes have been made after the previous iteration. See Chapter 9, “PAR” for detailed information.

You can also use the FPGA Editor GUI tool to do the following:

•Place and route critical components before running automatic place and route tools on an entire design

•Modify placement and routing manually; the editor allows both automatic and manual component placement and routing

Note: For more information, see the online Help provided with the FPGA Editor.

Bitstream Generation (FPGAs Only)

For FPGAs, the BitGen command line program produces a bitstream for Xilinx device configuration. BitGen takes a fully routed NCD file as its input and produces a configuration bitstream—a binary file with a .bit extension. The BIT file contains all of the configuration information from the NCD file defining the internal logic and interconnections of the FPGA, plus device-specific information from other files associated with the target device. See Chapter 14, “BitGen” for detailed information.

After you generate your BIT file, you can download it to a device using the iMPACT GUI. You can also format the BIT file into a PROM file using the PromGen command line program and then download it to a device using the iMPACT GUI. See Chapter 16, “PROMGen” of this guide or the iMPACT online help for more information.

Development System Reference Guide

www.xilinx.com

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 Mapping FPGAs Only, Placing and Routing FPGAs Only, Bitstream Generation FPGAs Only

Models: 8.2i