Using the Xilinx Software

In the Sources window, select the top-level VHDL module in your design. Now you will notice that the Process window shows you all available processes that can be run on the top-level VHDL module.

Figure 5-3: Processes available to VHDL design source

In the Process window, if you right-click on Generate Programming File and select Run, you are instructing Project Navigator to run through whatever processes are necessary to produce a programming file (FPGA bitstream) from the selected VHDL source. In the messages console window, you will see that Project Navigator is synthesizing, translating, mapping, routing, and generating a bitstream for your design.

Now that you have generated a bitstream for your design, you have access to all the files that were produced on the way to bitstream creation. For example, if you wish to see how your design was placed on the Xilinx FPGA, you can select the FloorPlanner view underneath the Place & Route option in the Process window.

Figure 5-4: Launching processes from within Project Navigator

Simulating using ModelSim within the Project Navigator

The System Generator project is already set up to run simulations at four different stages of Project Navigator implementation. The System Generator creates four different ModelSim do files which can be run from the Simulation process when your testbench is selected.

The ModelSim do files created by System Generator are:

∙pn_behavioral.do - for a behavioral (VHDL) simulation on the VHDL files in the project, before any synthesis or implementation.

Xilinx ISE 4.1i Project Navigator

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Xilinx V2.1 manual Simulating using ModelSim within the Project Navigator, Processes available to Vhdl design source
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V2.1 specifications

Xilinx V2.1 is a notable iteration in the series of versatile and robust Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) developed to cater to a wide range of applications. Launched to provide enhancements in performance and flexibility, V2.1 embodies sophisticated technologies and features that stand out in the electronics industry.

One of the primary features of Xilinx V2.1 is its improved processing power. The architecture has been optimized to support higher clock speeds and increased logic density, allowing for more complex designs to be implemented effectively. This boost in performance is facilitated by utilizing advanced silicon technologies, which significantly reduce power consumption while maximizing efficiency.

Another significant characteristic of Xilinx V2.1 is its enhanced I/O (Input/Output) capabilities. The device supports a variety of industry-standard interfaces, which include PCI Express, SATA, and various serial communication protocols. Such adaptability ensures seamless integration into existing systems, providing engineers with the flexibility to adapt to various application requirements without the need for substantial redesign efforts.

Xilinx V2.1 also features improved scalability, making it a prime choice for applications that demand diverse performance levels. This device supports an array of configurations and can be used in small-scale projects as well as in larger, more demanding environments requiring extensive resources. This scalability is further aided by support for multiple development platforms, enabling rapid prototyping and simplifying the design process.

Security is increasingly becoming a priority in digital design, and Xilinx V2.1 addresses this concern via hardware security features. It includes enhanced encryption protocols and secure boot functionalities, which help protect intellectual property and sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Additionally, the integration of advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) blocks allows Xilinx V2.1 to efficiently handle data-intensive tasks such as video processing and real-time signal analysis. These capabilities make it suitable for applications in telecommunications, automotive systems, and industrial automation.

Xilinx V2.1 also benefits from a rich development environment, including robust software tools that facilitate design entry, simulation, and verification. The support for industry-standard programming languages like VHDL and Verilog simplifies the development process, enabling engineers to design complex systems more efficiently.

In summary, Xilinx V2.1 stands out due to its impressive combination of high performance, flexibility, scalability, security, and comprehensive development support. These features make it a valuable asset for engineers and developers looking to innovate across various sectors, from telecommunications and automotive to industrial applications.
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