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Step 1: Select
Device The first step in designing a Xilinx CPLD
is to select a device that meets your needs. Click
here for details on how to select the CPLD that's right
for you!
Step 2: Select
Software
In order to implement a design, you need software. There
are five steps to implementing a design, three of which are
required and two that are optional. Xilinx offers a collection
of free downloadable software modules which provide everything
you need to complete a Xilinx XC9500 or CoolRunner Series CPLD
design. Read the information below and note which software
modules you need:
After identifying the software modules that you need, go to
our CPLD
WebPACK™ ISE™ downloadable software solutions page,
register with us, and download the modules.
- Design entry - This is where you get the design
out of your brain and into an electronic format. The
software module to do this is called Design Entry.
- Functional simulation (Optional) - This is where
you check to see if your logic functions correctly. The
software module to do this is called ModelSim MXE
backPACK.
- Fitting the design - This software takes the
output from your design entry, targets it to an actual
device and generates a JEDEC file that can be used to
program your parts. If you are using the CoolRunner family,
the software module to do fitting is called CoolRunner
Series Fitter. If you are using the XC9500 family, the
software module to do fitting is called XC9500 Series
Fitter Module.
- Timing simulation (Optional) - Once you have fit
the device to a specific part, timing information is
available and you can determine if the design meets your
performance requirements. The software module to do this is
called ModelSim MXE backPACK.
- Programming the part - This software uses the
JEDEC file from the fitter and a Xilinx ISP cable and allows
you to program and make changes to your part while it is on
your PCB. If you are using the CoolRunner family, the
software module to do programming is called PC - ISP3
Programmer Module. If you are using the XC9500 family,
the software module to do programming is called JTAG
Programmer Module.
Step 3: Development
Process
After you have selected a CPLD device and downloaded the
necessary software, you are ready to do your design. This
includes the design entry, programming and testing of your
prototype, and documenting your design. You'll find a wealth
of related information in the online
references, app notes and
data
sheets.
Step 4: Purchase
Device
Purchasing a Xilinx CPLD device is easy. For initial
prototype quantity requirements, first check the Xilinx e-commerce
site. This is designed to meet all your developement/prototype
needs - from software, to programming hardware, to actual CPLD
devices. Please note that we are in the process of adding all
Xilinx CPLDs to this site; as a result, the specific device
you are looking for may not yet be available. Should this be
the case, simply follow the general guidlines below.
For all your Xilinx CPLD requirements, contact your
favorite Xilinx North
American or International
distributor and place your order. Of course, you will probably
be specifying the part on your Bill of Material (BOM) and
letting your purchasing department handle it. No matter how
your company does business, the Xilinx
sales and customer
support organizations will make it as simple as possible
for you. |
