Answers Database

EZTAG: Can FPGAs be mixed in with 9500 devices when using the JTAG cable?


Record #1691

Problem Title:
EZTAG: Can FPGAs be mixed in with 9500 devices when using the JTAG
cable?



Problem Description:
The question may arise as to how the EZTAG software will regard
FPGA devices that in the JTAG chain of 9500 devices.

EZTAG cannot program a FPGA, but it can put it into BYPASS mode
if you have the FPGA's BSDL (Boundary Scan Description Language)
file present. If the FPGA is in BYPASS mode, then any 9500 device
that is connected to the FPGA's TDO output can be programmed.
The FPGA itself will remain unprogrammed.


Solution 1:

Obtain the BSDL files from: ftp.xilinx.com/pub/swhelp/bsdl.
Rename the *.sdl file to a *.bsd extension (EZTAG does not
recognize the .sdl extension). Then, within the EZTAG program,
specify your .jed files in the left "Device Programming Files"
dialog box, and your .bsd files in the right "Device BSDL
Files" Dialog box. Be certain you have the correct ordering.



End of Record #1691