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Chapter 2: Installing and Licensing the Core

Licensing Options

Evaluation

The method for obtaining an evaluation license is determined by the version of the PCI core you choose.

For the PCI32/33 Virtex™ and Spartan™ core, register on the Xilinx IP Evaluation page at www.xilinx.com/ipcenter/ipevaluation. From this location, access is granted and you can generate your own license.

For the PCI 64/66 core, please contact your locate FAE to request a Full System Hardware Evaluation license key.

Full

The Full license is provided when you purchase the core, and provides full access to all core functionality both in simulation and in hardware, including:

Gate-level functional simulation support

Back annotated gate-level simulation support

Full implementation support including place and route and bitstream generation

Full functionality in the programmed device with no time-outs

Obtaining a Full License

After purchase, a full license for the Xilinx PCI core can be downloaded from the core’s lounge. To create and download a license file for use with the CORE Generator, do the following:

1.After purchase, you will receive a letter containing a serial number, which is used to register for access to the lounge, a secured area of the PCI product page. Go to http://www.xilinx.com/products/logicore/lounge/lounge.htm and choose the appropriate link to gain access to core.

2.From the product page, click Register to register and request access to the lounge. Xilinx will review your access request and typically grants access to the lounge in 48 hours. (Contact Xilinx Customer Service if you need faster turnaround.)

3.After receiving confirmation of lounge access, click Access Lounge from the PCI product page and log in.

4.From the lounge, a link is available at the top of the initial page allowing you to generate a license. Click this link and follow the instructions to fill out the license request form; then click Submit to generate the license. An e-mail containing license and installation instructions will be sent to you immediately.

Direct Download

A CORE Generator license is not required when performing a direct download of PCI-X core, as described in “Direct Download of Standalone Core,” page 15.

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www.xilinx.com

PCI v3.0.151 Getting Started Guide

 

 

UG157 August 31, 2005

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Xilinx PCI v3.0 manual Licensing Options, Evaluation, Full, Direct Download

PCI v3.0 specifications

Xilinx PCI Express (PCIe) v3.0 technology represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency for high-speed data transfer applications. As a critical interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to a host system, PCIe v3.0 introduces numerous enhancements that ensure faster data rates, increased bandwidth, and lower latency, meeting the rigorous demands of modern computing environments.

One of the standout features of PCIe v3.0 is its increased data transfer rate, which doubles the bandwidth compared to its predecessor, PCIe v2.0. This version supports a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 8 GT/s (gigatransfers per second) per lane, leading to an aggregate bandwidth of up to 32 GB/s with four lanes operating simultaneously, which is crucial for applications in data-intensive fields such as telecommunications, data centers, and high-performance computing.

Xilinx’s PCIe v3.0 solutions incorporate advanced error-handling mechanisms and improved power management. The technology employs a robust 128/130b encoding scheme that minimizes overhead while ensuring data integrity. Additionally, PCIe v3.0 supports native high-speed signaling, which not only reduces power consumption but also enhances signal quality, leading to greater reliability in data transmission.

The flexibility of Xilinx’s PCIe v3.0 implementation makes it ideal for various applications, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video processing, where rapid data throughput is paramount. Moreover, Xilinx provides extensive support through its Vivado Design Suite, enabling developers to easily integrate PCIe functionality into their designs while optimizing performance for specific applications through customizable settings.

Another key characteristic is the backward compatibility with earlier PCIe versions. This ensures that existing hardware can leverage new capabilities without necessitating a complete overhaul of the infrastructure, enhancing investment protection for users. The inclusion of additional features such as enhanced message signaling and the ability to support up to 64 thousand in-flight transactions further boosts the efficiency of data handling in a multi-threaded environment.

In summary, Xilinx PCI Express v3.0 technology is a powerful solution that combines high bandwidth, reduced latency, and enhanced reliability, making it an essential component for advanced computing architectures. Its robust features, coupled with Xilinx’s design tools and support, provide developers with the resources needed to push the boundaries of data transfer capabilities in a growing range of applications.