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Xilinx Student Edition Software
Student Edition Software 
Differences between the Student Edition and Standard Foundation software 
Xilinx Student Edition License Generator 
Frequently Asked Questions  
Your Graduation Gift 
 		 Xilinx Design Series 
XS40 and XS95 Development BoardsInternet Link 
Xilinx University Program Home Page 
Prentice HallInternet Link 
Technical Support 
 
 

Student Edition Software

The Xilinx Student Edition Software (1.5), available for PCs running Windows '95 and Windows 
 NT, integrates Xilinx's Design Implementation Tools (M1) with the very popular Foundation Design Entry Tools as well as IEEE standard VHDL and Verilog synthesis capability, based on Synopsys' FPGA Express technology.  The Xilinx Student Edition software is readily available with several Prentice Hall Xilinx Design Series books. 

The Xilinx Student Edition software (XSE)  incorporates state-of-the-art HDL design tools including support for both VHDL and Verilog.  Design entry capabilities are provided in a complete, mixed level design environment, featuring: 

  • HDL Text Entry - includes ABEL, VHDL, Verilog Synthesis. The HDL Editor provides extensive color coded editing and searching capabilities with integrated syntax checking. The Language Assistant speeds design entry by managing the Xilinx supplied library of commonly used language constructs and logic modules, as well as user created  libraries. HDL Synthesis and Optimization is performed by an embedded version of Synopsys version 2.1.2 FPGA Express technology through the push of a button. Coding errors found during compilation are highlighted directly in the source code, to simplify your debugging.
  • Graphical State Editor - creates state diagrams and compiles them into HDL code.  The State Editor enables fast, intuitive, graphical entry of both simple and complex state machines. 
The Xilinx Student Edition software includes Xilinx 1.5 implementation tools (M1), seamlessly  integrated to help you create the most efficient and compact deigns that operate at the highest possible speed. These features include: 
  • Timing Driven Place and Route - Allows you to specify your timing requirements for critical paths. This feature often gives 30-40% performance improvements when speed is critical.
  • Flow Engine - Automates and simplifies the implementation process.  Using a simple graphical interface, you can monitor and control all aspects of your design implementation. 
  • Simulation - Provides design verification before and after implementation, thus reducing the number of design iterations required to meet design specifications. 
  • Incremental Design Capability - Reduces your overall design cycle by allowing you to re-use previous iterations of your design.  This is very helpful for evaluating design alterations. 
The M1 Design Implementation Tools technology provides dramatically improved design performance through advanced placement and routing algorithms, powerful "auto-interactive" design tools delivering the choice between a push-button or manually-directed design flows, and support for standards-based design methodologies including EDIF, SDF, VHDL (Vital) and Verilog. 
 
The Xilinx Student Edition offers- Push-button, Mixled-level Design Environment.  All of the advanced technology within the (XSE) Foundation Series work seamlessly together. For example, you can embed VHDL and Verilog components into a top level schematic, and then simulate the entire design. With the push of a button, all of the design source files are compiled into the Xilinx Programmable Logic Device that you specified - meeting the timing specification. So while you have complete control over every aspect of the design entry, synthesis and implementation process, you also can apply intuitive, push-button design techniques that simplify the completion of your design.. 

The Xilinx Student Edition supports all Xilinx CPLD devices, Spartan devices, and FPGA devices up to 20K system gates. 

The Xilinx Student Edition software has been designed to enable both new and experienced students to achieve handcrafted results automatically. The Xilinx Student Edition software is a complete ready-to-use set of tightly integrated, easy-to-use tools that give you the highest performance  independent of your expertise or the complexity of your design.  You are assured of success on each and every design because the Foundation Series gives you the advanced tools and technology you need. 
 

What's the difference

The major differences between the Xilinx Student Edition software and the Standard Xilinx Foundation software are: 
 
    Standard Foundation Software
  • includes Timing Constraint Entry
  • includes Static Timing Analysis
  • includes JTAG download cables
  • includes Unlimited Device Support
  • provides Additional license scheme for multiple users (labs)
  • Node lock and/ or  Floating Network licensing scheme 
  • available Software maintenance scheme for software updates and technical support
    Xilinx Student Edition Software
  • No live technical support (telephone or email) Web-base support only
  • Device support only up to 20K system gates
  • Easy automated web based software registration and licensing
  • Single user licensing scheme
  • Node Lock license only
  • No maintenance, no software upgrades
 
 
The Xilinx Student Edition Software is intended for student use (Home or Dorm) one copy per student,  not for use in the school lab. The Standard Foundation Express software is what should be used in the school lab. The Standard Foundation software can be purchased at a special University discount price or a donation can be made to the university if funding is not available.  Donation requests need to be submitted by a university staff member. 
 

Your Graduation Gift 

As a Xilinx Student Edition Software customer, you are eligible to receive a gift from Xilinx to celebrate your graduation from school.  Your Graduation Gift from Xilinx will consist of a free package of Xilinx's most current version of its 'Base' commercial software. 

To receive your Graduation Gift, you must meet these criteria: 

  1. Your Xilinx Student Edition serial number must be registered under your name. The gift is not transferable to another individual.
  2. 6 months must elapse from the time you first register your Xilinx Student Edition software.
  3. You have started working at a job at a commercial company which is not an academic institution. 
Once you meet these three criteria, Xilinx encourages you to come back here to sign up to receive your graduation gift. 
 

Technical Support 

For technical support, students should refer to support.xilinx.comInternet Link or to the Xilinx Student Edition Frequently Asked Questions page.  These resources are available 24 hours a day. 

Live technical support (telephone or email) is not offered for the Xilinx Student Edition package.