R

buffer

A buffer is an element used to increase the current or drive of a weak signal and, consequently, increase the fanout of the signal. A storage element.

BUFT

A BUFT is a 3-state buffer.

bus

A group of two or more signals that carry closely-associated signals in an electronic design.

byte

A binary word consisting of eight bits. When used to store a number value, a byte can represent a number from 0 to 255.

C

CAE

Computer Aided Engineering. The original term for electronic design automation (EDA). Now, often refers to the sofware tools used to develop the manufacturing tooling for the production of electronic system such as for the panelization of circuit boards.

CAE tool

A Computer-Aided Engineering tool (CAE). Usually refers to programs such as Innoveda, Cadence, or Mentor Graphics that are used to perform design entry and design verification.

capacitance

Capacitance is the property that measures the storage of electrically separated charges.

It is also the load on a net.

carry path

The carry path is the computation of the carries in addition or subtraction from one CLB to another.

cell

A cell is a hierarchical description of an FPGA device.

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Development System Reference Guide

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Xilinx 8.2i manual Buft, Cae

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.