Answers Database

XABEL: How to get test vectors (.TMV file) into an XC9500 JEDEC file


Record #1706

Product Family:  Software

Product Line:  Aldec

Problem Title:
XABEL: How to get test vectors (.TMV file) into an XC9500 JEDEC file


Problem Description:
In XABEL-CPLD, test vectors in a top-level ABEL file are automatically
written into XC9500 JEDEC files.

When using XACT-CPLD to fit a design whose source was an ABEL file,
the version control directory structure imposed by the
Xilinx Design Manager interferes with this process.


Solution 1:

XACT-CPLD does contain the software necessary to write test
vectors into JEDEC files. The XABEL compiler creates a
<design>.tmv file which contains test vector information
whenever it compiles a design containing user test
vectors.  The XC9500 fitter transfers this test vector info
into the JEDEC file whenever it finds a .tmv file with the
same name as the design in the design directory. With
XABEL-CPLD, the fitter finds the .tmv file where it expects
it... in the current design directory. In XACT-CPLD,
the Xilinx Design Manager creates a subdirectory, typically
named xproject\v1_0\rev1, and runs the fitter there.
The fitter can no longer find the .tmv file in the root design
directory where ABEL created it. The .tmv file must be copied
into the rev1 directory for test vectors to be included in the
JEDEC file.

To include test vectors in the JEDEC file under XACT-CPLD, do
the following:

1. If you are using Foundation, make sure the name of your
 top-level ABEL source file and the name in the MODULE statement
 within that source file both match the name of your
 Foundation project.  (This is a special requirement for the
 test vector solution to work.)

2. Compile the top-level ABEL design file as usual.

The ABEL compiler will create <project_name>.tmv containing your
 test vector info. It will also create <project_name>.xnf.

3. Invoke the Xilinx Design Manager.
Perform Design -> Translate.

The Design Manager creates the xproject\v1_0\rev1 directory
containing your <project_name>.xff file.
The Design Manager will create different directory names as you
iterate your design.

4. In File Manager, copy the <project_name>.tmv file from your
 root project directory into the xproject\v1_0\rev1 subdirectory
 (or the most recently created rev subdirectory).

5. In the Xilinx Design Manager, invoke the Flow Engine and Run
 the design as usual.

The Design Manager will create the <project_name>.jed programming file in the ro
ot project directory
(automatically copies it up from the rev directory).
The JEDEC file will contain the test vectors derived from the
source file.

Note: This procedure assumes your design is completely
ABEL-based.



End of Record #1706