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Chapter 1

Introduction

The SPI-4.2 (PL4) Lite core implements and is functionally compliant to the OIF-SPI-4-02.1 System Packet Interface Phase 2 specification and supports both VHDL and Verilog design environments.

This chapter introduces the SPI-4.2 Lite core and provides related information, including recommended design experience, additional resources, technical support, and how to submit feedback to Xilinx.

About the Core

The SPI-4.2 Lite core is a Xilinx CORE Generator IP core, included in the latest IP Update on the Xilinx IP Center.

For detailed information about the core, see

www.xilinx.com/products/ipcenter/DO-DI-POSL4MC.htm.

For information about system requirements, installation, and licensing options, see the SPI-4.2 Lite Getting Started Guide.

Recommended Design Experience

Although the SPI-4.2 Lite core is a fully verified solution, the challenge associated with implementing a complete design varies depending on the configuration and functionality of the application. For best results, previous experience building high performance, pipelined FPGA designs using Xilinx implementation software and user constraints files (UCF) is recommended.

Contact your local Xilinx representative for a closer review and estimation for your specific requirements.

Additional Core Resources

For detailed information and updates about the SPI-4.2 Lite core, see the following documents, located on the SPI-4.2 product lounge page at:

www.xilinx.com/ipcenter/posphyl4/spi42_core.htm

SPI-4.2 Lite Data Sheet

SPI-4.2 Lite Release Notes

SPI-4.2 Lite Getting Started Guide

SPI-4.2 Lite v4.3 User Guide

www.xilinx.com

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UG181 June 27, 2008

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Xilinx UG181 manual Introduction, About the Core, Recommended Design Experience, Additional Core Resources

UG181 specifications

Xilinx UG181 refers to the User Guide for the Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs, which offers a comprehensive overview of the architecture, capabilities, and features of these powerful field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Designed to cater to a wide range of applications, Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs are widely adopted in industries such as telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

One of the main features of the Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs is their use of advanced 28nm technology, which enables them to achieve high performance while maintaining low power consumption. This fine process technology not only ensures better power efficiency but also allows for increased logic density. The 7 Series includes several families, such as Artix-7, Kintex-7, and Virtex-7, each tailored for specific application demands ranging from cost-sensitive solutions to high-performance data processing.

Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs also incorporate a rich set of programmable logic resources. This includes Look-Up Tables (LUTs), Flip-Flops, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) slices that have been optimized for various arithmetic functions. With several thousands of logic cells available, designers can implement complex algorithms and systems directly in hardware for improved performance over traditional software solutions.

In addition to their logic capabilities, Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs feature an array of high-speed serial communication interfaces. These include support for technologies like PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial RapidIO, which facilitate efficient data transfer and integration into enterprise-level systems. The presence of high-speed transceivers also makes them ideal for applications that require fast data handling like video processing or high-frequency trading.

Furthermore, these FPGAs offer extensive memory options, including support for a wide range of external memory interfaces. This versatility allows for the integration of high-bandwidth memory solutions, which is essential for performance-intensive applications. With the introduction of the Memory Controller IP, users can easily connect various memory types, ensuring flexibility in system design.

Finally, Xilinx has made significant strides in development tools for 7 Series FPGAs, providing a robust ecosystem for design engineers. With design suites such as Vivado and SDK, users benefit from a comprehensive platform for deciding, simulating, and implementing designs efficiently. The combination of advanced hardware capabilities and powerful software tools solidifies the position of Xilinx 7 Series FPGAs as a preferred choice for custom digital hardware design across various industries.