Answers Database

Foundation 6.x: is there Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2 support?


Record #910

Product Family:  Software

Product Line:  Aldec

Problem Title:
Foundation 6.x: is there Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2 support?


Problem Description:
Is the Xilinx Foundation Series software supported under
Windows 95, Windows NT, or OS/2?

**Note:  This solution applies only to Foundation using the XACTStep 6.x impleme
ntation tools.

Foundation F1.3, using the M1 implementation tools is fully supported in both Wi
ndows 95 and Windows NT.


Solution 1:

Windows 95 Support
==================

The Foundation design entry and simulation tools will run
under Windows 95.  However, there are some compatibility
issues when running XACTstep 6.0.1 (the place & route tools)
under Windows 95:

- The Design Manager may cause an "Illegal operation" error
  when closed.	This causes no system problems and can be
  ignored.

- The Hardware Debugger may not run under Windows 95.



Solution 2:

Windows NT Support
------------------
The XACTstep 6.0.1 graphical Windows tools will not run under
Windows NT.  However, Xilinx has had some success using XACT
5.2.1 (DOS-based tools) within a DOS session under Windows NT.

With Foundation v6.0.x:
=======================
Set the project type to XACT5, by selecting File->Project Type
from the Foundation Project Manager.

To generate XNF files from schematics, open the Schematic
Editor and select Options -> Export Netlist.  Click OK to
create XNF files for all schematics in the design.

Use the XACT5 button on the Project Manager design flow chart
to invoke a DOS session to implement the design.
---------------------

With Foundation F1.3:
=====================
Set the project type to XACTStep6, by selecting File -> Project
Type from the Project Manager.	If the XACTStep6 project type
is not available, refer to (Xilinx Solution 2599).

To generate XNF files from schematics, open the Schematic
Editor and select Options -> Export Netlist.  Click OK to
create XNF files for all schematics in the design.

Open a DOS session and run XMAKE or XNFMERGE, XNFPREP, etc., on
the XNF file(s).
-----------------

Refer to the Development System Reference Guide Vol. 1, 2, and
3 for specific information about using the DOS-based tools.

The HDL Design Wizard (accessed through the HDL Editor) does
not work under Windows NT.

For details about installing the XACT 5.2.1 tools under NT,
refer to (Xilinx Solution 902), ignoring all references to
Viewlogic, ProSeries, or Workview Office.





Solution 3:

OS/2 Support
------------
Foundation 6.0.1 has not been tested by Xilinx or Aldec under
OS/2.  This operating system is not supported.



End of Record #910