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F1.5, XVHDL: Using Metamor (XVHDL) with Foundation F1.5


Record #4468

Product Family: Software

Product Line: Metamor

Product Part: Foundation XVHDL

Problem Title:
F1.5, XVHDL: Using Metamor (XVHDL) with Foundation F1.5


Problem Description:
Date: 9/98

Urgency: standard

General Description:
Metamor (XVHDL) was the VHDL compiler used with Foundation F1.4 and earlier.
Starting with F1.5, Metamor is replaced by the Synopsys FPGA Express HDL
compiler in Foundation.

When a design which was created in F1.4 or earlier software is opened in F1.5,
the project type remains as the older project type,  "XACTStep M1."  The Project Type can be seen by
 selecting File -> Project Type from the Project Manager.   You
may choose to upgrade the project to the new "Foundation Series v1.5" project
type, which allows the use of the Synopsys FPGA Express HDL compiler.  For
more information on this upgrade process, please see (XIlinx Solution 4363).

If you wish to remain using the Metamor XVHDL compiler, you must remain in the
"XACTStep M1" project type. The version of the Foundation tools you are using is F1.5, but the flows are the same as with F1.3/F1.4. The Metamor compiler is not shipped with F1.5. If you wish to continue using it, you must either keep it on your PC when you installed F1.5, or reinstall it from the Foundation F1.4 CDROM if it was removed during the F1.5 install process. If you are unsure if you still have the
Metamor compiler on your system, look for the file <ACTIVE>\VHDL\XVHDL.EXE,
where <ACTIVE> is the install location of the Foundation tools. By default, F1.5
installs the software in a location C:\FNDTN\ACTIVE.

If you have misplaced the F1.4 CD, you may also download the F1.4 XVHDL compiler from the File Download area of the Xilinx Web Site.

Note that you must have a security hardware key to enable the Metamor compiler. You should use the same key you were using with the previous Foundation
software. This means that only existing customers who have been previously
licensed for Metamor will have the ability to use Metamor with the F1.5 software.

Note that when you use the Metamor compiler with F1.5, you will only have access to Xilinx devices which were supported in F1.4. To access new devices supported in Xilinx 1.5 software, you must upgrade the project type to "Foundation Series v1.5" and therefore use the Express VHDL compiler instead of the Metamor XVHDL
compiler.



Solution 1:





Solution 2:

Installing from File Download area of Xilinx Web site:

(If you did not perform an "Uninstall" of F1.4 AND you have installed F1.5 into the same directory as where F1.4 was installed, then you should not need to reinstall XVHDL, because it should still be there from F1.4.)

Download the file (ftp://ftp.xilinx.com/pub/swhelp/foundation/xvhdl305.zipInternet Link)

Unzip this file into the <ACTIVE> directory. This will give you a subdirectory called
VHDL in the <ACTIVE> directory. By default with F1.5, the <ACTIVE> directory is
located at C:\FNDTN\ACTIVE.

You will also need to download the Metamor PM (personality module) in order for the design to be successfully translated by the Xilinx Implementation Tools.
This may be downloaded at:

(ftp://ftp.xilinx.com/pub/swhelp/foundation/metamor.zipInternet Link)

This directory should be placed in the %XILINX% directory (by default C:\FNDTN).

Now, when you are in F1.5, and the project type is set to "XACTStep M1", the tools will use the Metamor XVHDL compiler to compile VHDL designs. Again, be aware
that the security hardware key is required to authorize the Metamor compiler.



Solution 3:

Instructions for installing Metamor XVHDL compiler:
(If you did not perform an "Uninstall" of F1.4 AND you have installed F1.5 into the same directory as where F1.4 was installed, then you should not need to reinstall XVHDL, because it should still be there from F1.4.)

Install from F1.4 CDROM:
====================

1. Insert the Foundation Series F1.4 Design Entry Tools CD. The setup program
     should autorun.
2. From the Master Install screen, select "Install Design Entry Tools."
3. Select "Upgrade existing version", when prompted. Be sure that the location
     it sees as the existing version directory is accurate.
4. Under Setup Options screen, select "Custom Install."
5. On the Select Components screen, select ONLY "X-VHDL Compiler." Deselect
     all other options by clicking on the checkmarks next to the component name.
6. Click Next, and complete the install process.

You will also need to copy the Metamor PM from the Design Implementation Tools
CD. Simply copy the Metamor directory from the CD into the %XILINX% directory on your system (C:\FNDTN by default).

Now, when you are in F1.5, and the project type is set to "XACTStep M1", the tools will use the Metamor XVHDL compiler to compile VHDL designs. Again, be aware
that the security hardware key is required to authorize the Metamor compiler.




End of Record #4468 - Last Modified: 09/21/98 14:59

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