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Revision History
The following table shows the revision history for this document.

Date Version Revision

05/15/08 1.0 Initial Xilinx release.

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Preface

About This Guide

Whether you design with discrete logic, base all of your designs on microcontrollers, or
simply want to learn how to use the latest and most advanced programmable logic
software, you will find this book an interesting insight into a different way to design.
Programmable logic devices were invented in the late 1970s and have since proved to be
very popular, becoming one of the largest growing sectors in the semiconductor industry.
Why are programmable logic devices so widely used? Besides offering designers ultimate
flexibility, programmable logic devices also provide a time-to-market advantage and
design integration. Plus, they are easy to design with and can be reprogrammed time and
time again – even in the field – to upgrade system functionality.
This book details the history of programmable logic devices; where and how to use them;
how to install the free, fully functioning design software (Xilinx WebPACK ISE software
is included with this book); and then guides you through your first designs. After you have
finished your first design, this book will prove useful as a reference guide or quick start
handbook. There are also sections on VHDL and schematic capture design entry, as well as
a data bank of useful applications examples. I hope you find this book practical,
informative, and above all easy to use.
Nick Mehta

Navigating This Book

This book was written for both the professional engineer who has never designed using
programmable logic devices and for the new engineer embarking on an exciting career in
electronics design. To accommodate these two audiences, we offer the following
navigation section, to help you decide in advance which sections would be most useful.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1 is an overview of how and where PLDs are used and gives a brief history of
programmable logic devices.

CHAPTER 2: XILINX SILICON SOLUTIONS

Chapter 2 describes the different silicon products offered by Xilinx. The Xilinx portfolio
includes CPLD and FPGA devices.

CHAPTER 3: XILINX DESIGN SOFTWARE

Chapter 3 describes the software flow for CPLD and FPGA devices. It also introduces the
Xilinx ISE WebPACK design software detailing the procedure necessary to successfully
install the software.

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Preface: About This Guide

CHAPTER 4: WEBPACK ISE DESIGN ENTRY

Chapter 4 is a step-by-step approach to your first design. The following pages are intended
to demonstrate the basic PLD design entry implementation process.

CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTING CPLD DESIGNS

Chapter 5 discusses the synthesis and implementation process for CPLDs. The design
targets a CoolRunner™-II CPLD.

CHAPTER 6: IMPLEMENTING FPGA DESIGNS

Chapter 6 discusses the synthesis and implementation process for FPGAs. The design
targets a Spartan®-3E that is available on the demo board of the Spartan-3E Design Kit. The
design is the same design as described in previous chapters, but targets a Spartan-3E FPGA
instead.

CHAPTER 7: DESIGN REFERENCE BANK

Chapter 7 contains a useful list of design examples and applications that will give you a
jump start into your future programmable logic designs. This section also offers pointers
on where to locate and download code and IP cores from the Xilinx website.

Conventions
Convention Meaning or Use Example
Messages, prompts, and
Courier font program files that the system speed grade: - 100
displays
Literal commands that you enter
Courier bold ngdbuild design_name
in a syntactical statement
Commands that you select from
File → Open
Helvetica bold a menu
Keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C
Variables in a syntax statement
for which you must supply ngdbuild design_name
values
See the Development System
Italic font References to other manuals Reference Guide for more
information.
If a wire is drawn so that it
Emphasis in text overlaps the pin of a symbol, the
two nets are not connected.
An optional entry or parameter.
However, in bus specifications, ngdbuild [option_name]
Square brackets [ ]
such as bus[7:0], they are design_name
required.
A list of items from which you
Braces { } lowpwr ={on|off}
must choose one or more

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Navigating This Book

Convention Meaning or Use Example

Separates items in a list of
Vertical bar | lowpwr ={on|off}
choices
IOB #1: Name = QOUT’
Vertical ellipsis
IOB #2: Name = CLKIN’
. Repetitive material that has
.
. been omitted
.
.
.
Repetitive material that has allow block block_name loc1
Horizontal ellipsis . . .
been omitted loc2 ... locn;

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Preface: About This Guide

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Chapter 1

Introduction
The History of Programmable Logic
By the late 1970s, standard logic devices were all the rage, and printed circuit boards were
loaded with them. Then someone asked, “What if we gave designers the ability to
implement different interconnections in a bigger device?” This would allow designers to
integrate many standard logic devices into one part.
To offer the ultimate in design flexibility, Ron Cline from Signetics (which was later
purchased by Philips and then eventually Xilinx) came up with the idea of two
programmable planes. These two planes provided any combination of “AND” and “OR”
gates, as well as sharing of AND terms across multiple ORs.
This architecture was very flexible, but at the time wafer geometries of 10 µm made the
input-to-output delay (or propagation delay) high, which made the devices relatively slow.
The features of the PLA were:
• Two programmable ground planes
• Any combination of ANDs/ORs
• Sharing of AND terms across multiple ORs
• Highest logic density available to user
• High fuse count; slower than PALs
• Programmable logic array
Inputs
A B C

Common logic shared

Outputs do not have dedicated product terms

X=A&B#C
Y = A & B # !C

Only requires 3 pt’s

Indicates ‘used’ junction

Indicates ‘unused’ junction X Y

Indicates ‘fixed’ junction Outputs

Figure 1-1: Simple PLA

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Chapter 1:

MMI (later purchased by AMD) was enlisted as a second source for the PLA array. After
fabrication issues, it was modified to become the programmable array logic (PAL)
architecture by fixing one of the programmable planes.
This new architecture differed from that of the PLA in that one of the programmable planes
was fixed – the OR array. PAL architecture also had the added benefit of faster tPD and less
complex software, but without the flexibility of the PLA structure.
Other architectures followed, such as the PLD. This category of devices is often called
Simple PLD.
• One programmable plane: AND/Fixed OR
• Finite combination of ANDs/ORs
• Medium logic density available to user
• Lower fuse count; faster than PLAs (at the time, fabricated on a 10 μm process)
• Programmable array logic
Inputs
A B C
Outputs have dedicated product terms

X=A&B#C
Y = A & B # !C

Requires 4 pt’s

Indicates ‘used’ junction

Indicates ‘unused’ junction X Y
Outputs
Indicates ‘fixed’ junction

Figure 1-2: SPLD Architectures (PAL)

The architecture had a mesh of horizontal and vertical interconnect tracks. At each junction
was a fuse. With the aid of software tools, designers could select which junctions would
not be connected by “blowing” all unwanted fuses. (This was done by a device
programmer, but more commonly these days is achieved with ISP).
Input pins were connected to the vertical interconnect. The horizontal tracks were
connected to AND-OR gates, also called “product terms”. These in turn connected to
dedicated flip-flops, whose outputs were connected to output pins.
PLDs provided as much as 50 times more gates in a single package than discrete logic
devices! This was a huge improvement, not to mention fewer devices needed in inventory
and a higher reliability over standard logic.
PLD technology has moved on from the early days with companies such as Xilinx
producing ultra-low-power CMOS devices based on flash memory technology. Flash PLDs

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Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs)

provide the ability to program the devices time and time again, electrically programming
and erasing the device. Gone are the days of erasing for more than 20 minutes under an UV
eraser.

Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs)

Complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) extend the density of SPLDs. The concept
is to have a few PLD blocks or macrocells on a single device with a general-purpose
interconnect in-between. Simple logic paths can be implemented within a single block.
More sophisticated logic requires multiple blocks and uses the general-purpose
interconnect in-between to make these connections. CPLDs feature:
• Central global interconnect
• Simple, deterministic timing
• Easily routed
• PLD tools add only interconnect
• Wide, fast complex gating

CPLD

SPLD Block SPLD Block

MC0 MC0

MC1 PAL PAL MC1

I/O or or I/O
Interconnect
PLA PLA
Array
MC15 MC15

Figure 1-3: CPLD Architecture

CPLDs are great at handling wide and complex gating at blistering speeds – 5
nanoseconds, for example, which is equivalent to 200 MHz. The timing model for CPLDs
is easy to calculate so before starting your design you can calculate your input-to-output
speeds.

Why Use a CPLD?

CPLDs enable ease of design, lower development costs, more product revenue for your
money, and the opportunity to speed your products to market.
• Ease of Design: CPLDs offer the simplest way to implement a design. Once a design
has been described, by schematic and/or HDL entry, you simply use CPLD
development tools to optimize, fit, and simulate the design. The development tools
create a file that is used to customize (that is, program) a standard off-the-shelf CPLD
with the desired functionality. This provides an instant hardware prototype and
allows the debugging process to begin. If modifications are needed, you can enter

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Chapter 1:

design changes into the CPLD development tool, and re-implement and test the
design immediately.
• Lower Development Costs: CPLDs offer very low development costs. Because
CPLDs are re-programmable, you can easily and very inexpensively change
your designs. This allows you to optimize your designs and continue to add new
features to enhance your products. CPLD development tools are relatively
inexpensive (or in the case of Xilinx, free). Traditionally, designers have had to face
large cost penalties such as re-work, scrap, and development time. With CPLDs, you
have flexible solutions, thus avoiding many traditional design pitfalls.
• More Product Revenue: CPLDs offer very short development cycles, which means
your products get to market quicker and begin generating revenue sooner. Because
CPLDs are re-programmable, products can be easily modified using ISP over the
Internet. This in turn allows you to easily introduce additional features and quickly
generate new revenue. (This also results in an expanded time for revenue). Thousands
of designers are already using CPLDs to get to market quicker and stay in the market
longer by continuing to enhance their products even after they have been introduced
into the field. CPLDs decrease TTM and extend TIM.
• Reduced Board Area: CPLDs offer a high level of integration (that is, a large number
of system gates per area) and are available in very small form factor packages. This
provides the perfect solution for designers whose products which must fit into
small enclosures or who have a limited amount of circuit board space to implement
the logic design. Xilinx CoolRunner® CPLDs are available in the latest chip scale
packages. For example, the CP56 CPLD has a pin pitch of 0.5 mm and is a mere 6 x 6
mm in size, making it ideal for small, low-power end products. The CoolRunner-II
CPLDs are also available in the QF (quad flat no-lead) packages, giving them the
smallest form factor available in the industry. The QF32 is just 5 x 5 mm in size.

Figure 1-4: Small Form Factor Packages

• Cost of Ownership: Cost of Ownership can be defined as the amount it costs to

maintain, fix, or warranty a product. For instance, if a design change requiring
hardware rework must be made to a few prototypes, the cost might be relatively
small. However, as the number of units that must be changed increases, the cost
can become enormous. Because CPLDs are re-programmable, requiring no
hardware rework, it costs much less to make changes to designs implemented using
them. Therefore cost of ownership is dramatically reduced.
Don't forget that the ease or difficulty of design changes can also affect opportunity
costs. Engineers who spend time fixing old designs could be working on introducing
new products and features ahead of the competition.
There are also costs associated with inventory and reliability. PLDs can reduce
inventory costs by replacing standard discrete logic devices. Standard logic has a
predefined function. In a typical design, lots of different types have to be purchased
and stocked. If the design is changed, there may be excess stock of superfluous
devices. This issue can be alleviated by using PLDs. You only need to stock one device;

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Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)

if your design changes, you simply reprogram. By utilizing one device instead of
many, your board reliability will increase by only picking and placing one device
instead of many.
• Reliability: Reliability can also be increased by using ultra-low-power CoolRunner
CPLDs. Their lower heat dissipation and lower power operation leads to
decreased FIT.

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)

In 1985, Xilinx introduced a completely new idea: combine the user control and time to
market of PLDs with the densities and cost benefits of gate arrays. Customers liked it, and
the FPGA was born. Today Xilinx is the number one FPGA vendor in the world.
An FPGA is a regular structure of logic cells (or modules) and interconnect, which is under
your complete control. This means that you can design, program, and make changes to
your circuit whenever you wish.
FPGAs feature:
• Channel based routing
• Post layout timing
• Tools more complex than CPLDs
• Fine grained
• Fast register pipelining

Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic

Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell

Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic

Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell

Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic

Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell

Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic

Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell

12
Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic Logic
Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Cell Data Out
Data In
1
10 11

F=Z F=Z F=Z F=Z Logic Logic

3 5 7 Cell Cell
9
2 4 6 8
Clock
X10392

Figure 1-5: FPGA Architecture

With the introduction of the Spartan® series of FPGAs, Xilinx can now compete with gate
arrays on all aspects – price, gate, and I/O count, as well as performance and cost.
There are two basic types of FPGAs: SRAM-based reprogrammable and OTP (One Time
Programmable). These two types of FPGAs differ in the implementation of the logic cell
and the mechanism used to make connections in the device.

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Chapter 1:

The dominant type of FPGA is SRAM-based and can be reprogrammed as often as you
choose. In fact, an SRAM FPGA is reprogrammed every time it’s powered up, because the
FPGA is really a fancy memory chip. That’s why you need a serial PROM or system
memory with every SRAM FPGA.

Figure 1-6: SRAM Logic Cell

In the SRAM logic cell, instead of conventional gates, an LUT determines the output based
on the values of the inputs. (In the “SRAM logic cell” diagram above, six different
combinations of the four inputs determine the values of the output.) SRAM bits are also
used to make connections.
OTP FPGAs use anti-fuses (contrary to fuses, connections are made, not “blown,”
during programming) to make permanent connections in the chip. Thus, OTP FPGAs do
not require SPROM or other means to download the program to the FPGA. However,
every time you make a design change, you must throw away the chip! The OTP logic cell
is very similar to PLDs, with dedicated gates and flip-flops.

Figure 1-7: OTP Logic Cell

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Logic Consolidation

Logic Consolidation
The consolidation of 74 series standard logic into a low-cost CPLD is a very attractive
proposition. Not only do you save PCB area and board layers – thus reducing your total
system cost – but you only have to purchase and stock one generic part instead of 20 or
more pre-defined logic devices. In production, the pick and place machine only has to
place one part, therefore speeding up production. Less parts means higher quality and
better FIT factor.
By using Xilinx CoolRunner devices, you can benefit from low power consumption and
reduced thermal emissions. This in turn leads to the reduction of the use of heat sinks
(another cost savings) and a higher reliability end product.

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Chapter 1:

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Chapter 2

Xilinx Silicon Solutions

Introduction
Xilinx programmable logic solutions help minimize risks for electronic equipment
manufacturers by shortening the time required to develop products and take them to
market. You can design and verify the unique circuits in Xilinx programmable devices
much faster than by choosing traditional methods such as mask-programmed, fixed logic
gate arrays. Moreover, because Xilinx devices are standard parts that need only to be
programmed, you are not required to wait for prototypes or pay large non-recurring
engineering (NRE) costs.
Customers incorporate Xilinx programmable logic into products for a wide range of
markets. Those include data processing, telecommunications, networking, industrial
control, instrumentation, consumer electronics, automotive, defense, and aerospace
markets.
Leading-edge silicon products, state-of-the-art software solutions, and world-class
technical support make up the total solution that Xilinx delivers. The software component
of this solution is critical to the success of every design project. Xilinx Software Solutions
provide powerful tools that make designing with programmable logic simple. Push-
button design flows, integrated online help, multimedia tutorials, and high-performance
automatic and auto-interactive tools help you achieve optimum results. In addition, the
industry's broadest array of programmable logic technology and EDA integration options
deliver unparalleled design flexibility.
Xilinx is also actively developing breakthrough technology that will enable the hardware
in Xilinx-based systems to be upgraded remotely over any kind of network – including the
Internet – even after the equipment has been shipped to a customer. Xilinx “Online
Upgradeable Systems” would allow equipment manufacturers to remotely add new
features and capabilities to installed systems, or repair problems without having to
physically exchange hardware.

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

Xilinx Devices
The Ultimate System Integration Platform
Virtex-5, 1.0V, 30K to 330K logic cells

Virtex-4, 1.2 V, 14K to 200K logic cells

World's Lowest Cost FPGA

Spartan-3AN, 1.2V, 50K to 1.4 million system gates

Spartan-3E, 1.2V, 100K to 1.6 million system gates

Spartan-3, 1.2V, 50K to 5 million system gates

High Volume, Low Power CPLD

CoolRunner-II 1.8V, 32 to 512 Macrocells

Lowest Cost per Macrocell

XC9500XL 3.3V, 36 to 288 Macrocells

Figure 2-1: Xilinx Devices at a Glance

Xilinx CPLDs
Currently, Xilinx offers CPLD products in two categories: XC9500 and CoolRunner
devices. This guide will focus on the two most popular families, the XC9500XL and the
CoolRunner-II. To choose a CPLD that's right for you, review the product features below to
identify the product family that fits your application. You should also review the selection
considerations to choose the device that best meets your design criteria.

Product Features
XC9500XL Device – The XC9500XL ISP CPLD family takes complex programmable logic
devices to new heights of performance, features, and flexibility. This family delivers
industry-leading speeds while providing the flexibility of enhanced customer-proven pin-
locking architecture, along with extensive IEEE Std.1149.1 JTAG Boundary Scan support.
This CPLD family is ideal for high-speed, low-cost designs.
CoolRunner-II Device – The CoolRunnerII CPLD family offers extremely low power,
making them the leaders in an all-new market segment: portable electronics. With standby
current in the low micro amps and minimal operational power consumption, these parts
are ideal for any application is that is especially power sensitive, such as battery-powered
or portable applications. The CoolRunner-II CPLD extends usage as it offers system-level
features such as LVTTL and SSTL, clocking modes, and input hysteresis.

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CoolRunner-II Low-Power CPLDs

Selection Considerations
To decide which device best meets your design criteria, take a minute to jot down your
design specs (using the list below as a criteria reference). Next, go to a specific product
family page to get more detailed information about the device you need.
Density – Each part gives an equivalent “gate count,” or estimate of the logic density of the
part.
Number of Registers – Count up the number of registers you need for your counters, state
machines, registers, and latches. The number of macrocells in the device must be at least
this large.
Number of I/O Pins – How many inputs and outputs does your design need?
Speed Requirements – What is the fastest combinatorial path in your design? This will
determine the Tpd (in nanoseconds) of the device. What is the fastest sequential circuit in
your design? This will tell you what fMax you need.
Package – What electromechanical constraints are you under? Do you need the smallest
ball grid array package possible, or can you use a more ordinary QFP? Or are you
prototyping and need to use a socketed device, such as a PLCC package?
Low Power – Is your end product battery- or solar-powered? Does your design require the
lowest power devices possible? Do you have heat dissipation concerns?
System-Level Functions – Does your board have multi-voltage devices? Do you need to
level shift between these devices? Do you need to square up clock edges? Do you need to
interface to memories and microprocessors?

CoolRunner-II Low-Power CPLDs

CoolRunner -II CPLDs combine very low power with high speed, high density, and high
I/O counts in a single device. The CoolRunner-II family ranges in density from 32 to 512
macrocells. CoolRunner -II CPLDs feature RealDigital technology, allowing the devices to
draw virtually no power in standby mode. This makes them ideal for the fast-growing
market of battery-operated portable electronic equipment, such as:
• Laptop PCs
• Telephone handsets
• Personal digital assistants
• Electronic games
• Web tablets
These CPLDs also use far less dynamic power during actual operation compared to
conventional CPLDs, an important feature for high-performance, heat- sensitive
equipment such as telecom switches, video conferencing systems, simulators, high-end
testers, and emulators.
Turbo vs Non Turbo
Larger R = slower response Vcc
& less power A
B
A B C C
D

Sense amplifier 0.25mA each - Standby

RealDigital: CMOS Everywhere - Zero Static Power
Higher ICC at Fmax

Figure 2-2: Sense Amplifier vs. CMOS CPLDs

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

The CoolRunner-II family of CPLDs is targeted for low-power applications that include
portable, handheld, and power-sensitive applications. Each member of the family includes
RealDigital design technology that combines low power and high speed. With this design
technique, the family offers true pin-to-pin speeds of 5.0 ns, while simultaneously
delivering power that is less than 16 µA (standby) without the need for special "power
down bits" that can negatively affect device performance. By replacing conventional
amplifier methods for implementing product terms (a technique that has been used in
PLDs since the bipolar era) with a cascaded chain of pure CMOS gates, the dynamic power
is also substantially lower than any competing CPLD. CoolRunner-II devices are the only
total CMOS PLDs
TM
CoolRunner -II
High Volume Applications
High Performance, Low Power with
No Cost Penalty
Performance & Density

• Consumer
• Cell Phones
XC9500XL • Cameras
• Set-Top Boxes
Specialty Functions • DVD Players
• Portable GPS
XC9500 • High Speed Clocking
• Delay Lock Loops
• MP3 & Portable Radios
LSI • Digital Delay Lines
• PDAs
• Communication
• Memory Controllers • Servers & PCs
• Bus Interfaces • Graphics Cards
SSI / MSI • UAR/Ts
• Printers
• Counters • Line Cards
• State Machines • Cable Modems
Glue Logic • Industrial
• 7400 Series Replacement • Motor Controllers

1980 1990 2000

Figure 2-3: CPLD Application Trends

Xilinx CoolRunner-II CPLDs deliver the high speed and ease of use associated with the
XC9500/XL/XV CPLD family and the extremely low power versatility of the XPLA3. This
means that the exact same parts can be used for high-speed data communications,
computing systems, and leading-edge portable products, with the added benefit of ISP.
Low power consumption and high-speed operation are combined into a single family that
is easy to use and cost effective. Xilinx-patented Fast Zero Power architecture inherently
delivers extremely low power performance without the need for special design measures.
Clocking techniques and other power-saving features extend your power budget. These
design features are supported from Xilinx ISE 4.1i software onwards. Figure 2-4 shows
some of the advanced CoolRunner-II CPLD package offering with dimensions. All

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CoolRunner-II Low-Power CPLDs

packages are surface mount, with more than half of them ball-grid technologies. The ultra-
tiny packages permit maximum functional capacity in the smallest possible area.
PC44 306.25m2

17.5mm VQ100 256m2

16mm
VQ44 144m2

12mm CP132 64m2

QF48 49m2
8mm CP56 36m2
7mm
6mm QF32
5mm 25m2

Figure 2-4: CPLD Packages

The CMOS technology used in CoolRunner-II CPLDs generates minimal heat, allowing the
use of tiny packages during high-speed operation. At least two densities are present in
each package, with three in the VQ100 (100-pin, 1.0 mm QFP) and TQ144 (144-pin, 1.4 mm
QFP), and in the FT256 (256- ball, 1.0 mm-spacing FLBGA). The FT256 is particularly
suited for slim-dimensioned portable products with mid to high-density logic
requirements.
Table 2-1 also details the distribution of advanced features across the CoolRunner-II CPLD
family. The family has uniform basic features, with advanced features included in densities
where they are most useful. For example, it is unlikely that you would need four I/O banks
on 32- and 64-macrocell parts, but very likely for 384- and 512-macrocell parts.
The I/O banks are groupings of I/O pins using any one of a subset of compatible voltage
standards that share the same V CCIO level. The clock division capability is less efficient
on small parts, but more useful and likely to be used on larger ones. DataGATE™
technology, an ability to block and latch inputs to save power, is valuable in larger parts,
but brings marginal benefit to small parts.
Table 2-1: CoolRunner-II Family Overview
Features XC2C32A XC2C64A XC2C128 XC2C256 XC2C384 XC2C512
FSYSTEM (MHz) 323 263 244 256 217 179
Max User I/O 33 64 100 184 240 270
I/O Banks 2 2 2 2 4 4
LVCMOS, LVTTL (1.5,1.8,2.5,3.3) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HSTL, SSTL - - Yes Yes Yes Yes
DualEDGE Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
DataGATE, CoolCLOCK - - Yes Yes Yes Yes
Standby Power (μW) 28.8 30.6 34.2 37.8 41.4 45.0
Advanced Security Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Packages (size) Maxium User I/O
QFG32 (5x5 mm) 21
VQ44 (12x12 mm) 33 33
PC44 (17.5x17.5 mm) 33 33
QF48 (7x7 mm) 37
CP56 (6x6 mm) 33 45
VQ100 (16x16 mm) 64 80 80
CP132 (8x8 mm) 100 106
TQ144 (22x22 mm) 100 118 118
PQ208 (30.6x30.6 mm) 173 173 173
FT256 (17x17 mm) 184 212 212
FG324 (23x23 mm) 240 270

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CoolRunner-II Architecture Description

The CoolRunner-II CPLD is a highly uniform family of fast, low-power devices. The
underlying architecture is a traditional CPLD architecture, combining macrocells into
function blocks interconnected with a global routing matrix, the Xilinx Advanced
Interconnect Matrix (AIM). The function blocks use a PLA configuration that allows all
product terms to be routed and shared among any of the macrocells of the function block.
Design software can efficiently synthesize and optimize logic that is subsequently fit to the
function blocks and connected with the ability to utilize a very high percentage of device
resources. The software easily and automatically manages design changes, exploiting the
100% routeability of the PLA within each function block. This extremely robust building
block delivers the industry’s highest pin-out retention under very broad design conditions.
The design software automatically manages device resources so that you can express your
designs using completely generic constructs, without needing to know the architectural
details. If you’re more experienced, you can take advantage of these details to more
thoroughly understand the software’s choices and direct its results.
Figure 2-5 shows the high-level architecture whereby function blocks attach to pins and
interconnect to each other within the internal interconnect matrix. Each function block
contains 16 macrocells.
BSC Path

Clock and Control Signals

Function Function
Block 1 Block n
I/O Pin MC1 MC1 I/O Pin
I/O Pin MC2 MC2 I/O Pin
16 FB 16 FB
I/O Blocks

I/O Blocks
16 PLA PLA 16

40
AIM 40

I/O Pin MC16 MC16 I/O Pin

Direct Inputs Direct Inputs
16 16

JTAG BSC and ISP

DS090_01_121201

Figure 2-5: CoolRunner-II High-Level Architecture

CoolRunner-II Function Block

The CoolRunner-II CPLD function blocks contain 16 macrocells, with 40 entry sites for
signals to arrive for logic creation and connection. The internal logic engine is a 56-product
term PLA. All function blocks, regardless of the number contained in the device, are
identical. At the high level, the p-terms reside in a PLA. This structure is extremely flexible
and very robust when compared to fixed or cascaded p-term function blocks. Classic
CPLDs typically have a few p-terms available for a high-speed path to a given macrocell.
They rely on capturing unused p-terms from neighboring macrocells to expand their
product term tally when needed. The result of this architecture is a variable timing model
and the possibility of stranding unusable logic within the function block.

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The PLA is different – and better. First, any p-term can be attached to any OR gate inside
the function block macrocell(s). Second, any logic function can have as many p-terms as
needed attached to it within the function block, to an upper limit of 56. Third, you can
reuse product terms at multiple macrocell OR functions so that within a function block,
you need only create a particular logical product once, but you can reuse it as many as 16
times within the function block. Naturally, this works well with the fitting software, which
identifies product terms that can be shared.

PAL: Requires 4 pt’s! PLA:

PLA Requires only 3 pt’s!
A B C
A B C

Can NOT share X=A&B#C

X Y Y = A & B # !C
common logic X Y
Indicates ‘used’ junction
Indicates ‘unused’ junction
Common logic may be shared
Indicates ‘fixed’ junction in CoolRunner-II
Figure 2-6: Logic Allocation – Typical PAL vs. PLA

The software places as many functions as it can into function blocks. There is no need to
force macrocell functions to be adjacent or have any other restriction except for residing in
the same function block, which is handled by the software. Functions need not share a
common clock, common set/reset, or common output enable to take full advantage of the
PLA. In addition, every p-term arrives with the same time delay incurred. There are no
cascade time adders for putting more product terms in the function block. When the
function block p-term budget is reached, a small interconnect timing penalty routes signals
to another function block to continue creating logic. Xilinx design software handles all this
automatically.

CoolRunner-II Macrocell
The CoolRunner-II CPLD macrocell is extremely efficient and streamlined for logic
creation. You can develop SOP logic expressions comprising as many as 40 inputs and span
56 product terms within a single function block. The macrocell can further combine the
SOP expression into an XOR gate with another single p-term expression. The resulting
logic expression’s polarity is also selectable. The logic function can be pure combinatorial
or registered, with the storage element operating selectively as a D or T flip-flop, or
transparent latch. Available at each macrocell are independent selections of global,
function- block level, or local p-term-derived clocks, sets, resets, and output enables. Each
macrocell flip-flop is configurable for either single edge or DualEDGE clocking, providing

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either double data rate capability or the ability to distribute a slower clock (thereby saving
power). For single-edge clocking or latching, either clock polarity may be selected per
macrocell.
CoolRunner-II macrocell details are shown in Figure 2-7. Standard logic symbols are used
in the in figure, except the trapezoidal multiplexers have input selection from statically
programmed configuration select lines (not shown). Xilinx application note XAPP376
gives a detailed explanation of how logic is created in the CoolRunner-II CPLD family.
FB Inputs
from AIM
40
PLA Array

49
P terms Macrocell
4
Control from I/O Block
Terms (Fast Input) Feedback to AIM
PTA

PTA
PTB CTS
VCC GSR
GND

PTC GND
to I/O
S
D/T Q

FIF
Latch
DualEDGE

GCK0 PTC CE
GCK1 CK R
CTC GCK2
PTC PTA
CTR
GSR
GND

Figure 2-7: CoolRunner-II Macrocell Architecture

When configured as a D-type flip-flop, each macrocell has an optional clock enable signal
permitting state hold while a clock runs freely. Note that control terms are available to be
shared for key functions within the function block, and are generally used whenever the
exact same logic function would be repeatedly created at multiple macrocells. The control
term product terms are available for function block clocking (CTC), function block
asynchronous set (CTS), function block asynchronous reset (CTR), and function block
output enable (CTE).
You can configure any macrocell flip-flop as an input register or latch, which takes in the
signal from the macrocell’s I/O pin and directly drives the AIM. The macrocell
combinatorial functionality is retained for use as a buried logic node if needed.

Advanced Interconnect Matrix (AIM)

AIM is a highly connected low-power rapid switch directed by the software to deliver a set
of as many as 40 signals to each function block for the creation of logic. Results from all
function block macrocells, as well as all pin inputs, circulate back through the AIM for
additional connection available to all other function blocks, as dictated by the design
software. The AIM minimizes both propagation delay and power as it makes attachments
to the various function blocks.

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I/O Blocks
I/O blocks are primarily transceivers. However, each I/O is either automatically
compliant with standard voltage ranges or can be programmed to become compliant. In
addition to voltage levels, each input can selectively arrive through Schmitt-trigger inputs.
This adds a small time delay, but substantially reduces noise on that input pin. Hysteresis
also allows easy generation of external clock circuits. The Schmitt-trigger path is best
illustrated in Figure 2-8. Outputs can be directly driven, tri-stated, or open-drain
configured. A choice of slow or fast slew rate output signal is also available.
VREF for Local Bank
HSTL & SSTL
VCCIO
VREF
to AIM I/O Pin

128 macrocell
Input Hysteresis
to Macrocell and larger devices
(Fast Input)

3.3V - 1.5V Input

Weak Pullup/Bus
Hold
Slewrate VCCIO
from Macrocell I/O Pin

Enabled
Control Term
PTB
4
GTS[0:3] /
CGND
Open Drain
Disabled

Figure 2-8: CoolRunner-II I/O Block

I/O Banking
CPLDs are widely used as voltage interface translators; thus, the I/O pins are grouped in
large banks. The four smaller parts have two output banks. With two banks available, the
outputs will switch to one of two selected output voltage levels, unless both banks are set
to the same voltage. The larger parts (384 and 512 macrocell) support four output banks,
split evenly. They can support groupings of one, two, three, or four separate output voltage
levels. This kind of flexibility permits easy interfacing to 3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, and 1.5V in a
single part.

DataGATE
Low power is the hallmark of CMOS technology. Other CPLD families use a sense
amplifier approach to create p-terms, which always has a residual current component. This
residual current can be several hundred milliamps, making these CPLDs unusable in
portable systems. CoolRunner-II CPLDs use standard CMOS methods to create the CPLD
architecture and deliver the corresponding low current consumption, without any special
tricks.
However, sometimes you might want to reduce the system current even more by
selectively disabling unused circuitry. The patented DataGATE technology permits a
straightforward approach to additional power reduction. Each I/O pin has a series switch
that can block the arrival of unused free- running signals that may increase power

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consumption. Disabling these switches enables you to complete your design and choose
which sections will participate in the DataGATE function.
DataGATE
Configuration
Assertion Rail
Bit

Data Latch
Input
to AIM
Pin

Figure 2-9: DataGATE Function in CoolRunner-II CPLDs

• Available on all input pins (except JTAG pins)

• Available for all I/O types
• Selectable on a per pin basis
• Data latch holds last valid pin value
• DataGATE allows additional power savings
♦ ability to disable active board inputs
• DataGATE can also be used for debugging and hot plug input
The DataGATE logic function drives an assertion rail threaded through medium- and
high-density CoolRunner-II CPLD parts. You can select which inputs to block under the
control of the DataGATE function, effectively blocking controlled switching signals so that
they do not drive internal chip capacitances. Output signals that do not switch are held by
the bus hold feature. You can choose any set of input pins can be chosen to participate in
the DataGATE function.
Figure 2-9 shows how DataGATE function works. One I/O pin drives the DataGATE
assertion rail. It can have any desired logic function on it – something as simple as
mapping an input pin to the DataGATE function or as complex as a counter or state
machine output driving the DataGATE I/O pin through a macrocell. When the DataGATE
rail is asserted low, any pass transistor switch attached to it is blocked. Each pin has the
ability to attach to the AIM through a DataGATE pass transistor, and be blocked. A latch
automatically captures the state of the pin when it becomes blocked. The DataGATE
assertion rail threads throughout all possible I/Os, so each can participate if chosen. One
macrocell is singled out to drive the rail, and that macrocell is exposed to the outside world
(through a pin) for inspection. If the DataGATE function is not needed, this pin is an
ordinary I/O.

Additional Clock Options: Division, DualEDGE, and CoolCLOCK

Division
Circuitry has been included in the CoolRunner-II CPLD architecture to divide one
externally supplied global clock by standard values, with options for division by 2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12, 14, and 16 (see Figure 2-10). This capability is supplied on the GCK2 pin. The
resulting clock produced will be 50% duty cycle for all possible divisions. Note that a
synchronous reset is included to guarantee that no runt clocks can get through to the global

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clock nets. The signal is buffered and driven to multiple traces with minimal loading and
skew.

Global DIV2
Clock
(GCK2) Clock DIV4 to FB 1
Divide
By
2,4,6,…,16 to FB n
CDRST
DIV16

x378_01_041202

Figure 2-10: CoolRunner-II Clock Division

DualEDGE
Each macrocell has the ability to double its input clock switching frequency. Figure 2-7
shows the macrocell flip-flop with the DualEDGE option (doubled clock) at each
macrocell. The source to double can be a control term clock, a product term clock, or one of
the available global clocks. The ability to switch on both clock edges is vital for a number
of synchronous memory interface applications as well as certain double data rate I/O
applications.

CoolCLOCK
In addition to the DualEDGE flip-flop, you can gain additional power savings by
combining the clock division circuitry with the DualEDGE circuitry. This capability is
called CoolCLOCK and is designed to reduce clocking power within the CPLD. Because
the clock net can be a significant power drain, you can reduce the clock power by driving
the net at half frequency, and then doubling the clock rate using DualEDGE triggering at
the macrocells. Figure 2-11 illustrates how CoolCLOCK is created by internal clock
cascading, with the divider and DualEDGE flip-flop working together.
Input Device
Divide Routing Macrocell
Clock D/T/L
Q
D
DIV2 T
Latch

GCK2 Global DualEDGE

Divide Divided
by 2 Clock
CDRST

x378_03_041202

Figure 2-11: CoolCLOCK

Design Security
You can secure your designs during programming to prevent either accidental overwriting
or pattern theft via readback. CoolRunner-II CPLDs have four independent levels of
security provided on-chip, eliminating any electrical or visual detection of configuration
patterns. These security bits can be reset only by erasing the entire device. Additional
details are omitted intentionally.

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• Four independent levels of security

♦ Hidden and scattered
♦ Affect different modes
♦ Interconnects are buried
♦ Multiple programming bits

XC9500XL CPLD Overview

The high-performance, low-cost XC9500XL family of Xilinx CPLDs are targeted for
leading-edge systems that require rapid design development, longer system life, and
robust field upgrade capability. The 3.3V XC9500XL family ranges in density from 36 to 288
macrocells.
These devices are In-System Programmable (ISP), which allows manufacturers to perform
unlimited design iterations during the prototyping phase, extensive system in-board
debugging, program and test during manufacturing, and field upgrades.
Based on advanced process technologies, the XC9500XL CPLD provides fast, guaranteed
timing; superior pin locking; and a full JTAG-compliant interface. All XC9500XL devices
have excellent quality and reliability characteristics with a 10,000 program/erase cycle
endurance rating and 20-year data retention.

Flexible Pin-Locking Architecture

XC9500XL devices, in conjunction with our fitter software, give you the maximum in
routeability and flexibility while maintaining high performance. The architecture is
feature-rich, including individual product term (p-term) output enables, three global
clocks, and more p-terms per output than any other CPLD. The proven ability of the
architecture to adapt to design changes while maintaining pin assignments has been
demonstrated in countless real-world customer designs.

Full IEEE 1149.1 JTAG Development and Debugging Support

The JTAG capability of the XC9500XL CPLD is the most comprehensive of any CPLD on
the market. It features the standard support including BYPASS, SAMPLE/PRELOAD, and
EXTEST. Additional Boundary Scan instructions, not found in any other CPLD, include
INTEST (for device functional test), HIGHZ (for bypass), and USERCODE (for program
tracking), for maximum debugging capability.
The XC9500XL family is supported by a wide variety of industry-standard third-party
development and debugging tools including Corelis, JTAG Technologies, and Asset
Intertech. These tools allow you to develop Boundary Scan test vectors to interactively
analyze, test, and debug system failures. The family is also supported on all major ATE
platforms, including Teradyne, Hewlett Packard, and Genrad.
Table 2-2: XC9500XL Product Overview

XC9536XL XC9572XL XC95144XL XC95288XL

Macrocells 36 72 144 288
Usable Gates 800 1,600 3,200 6,400
Registers 36 72 144 288
TPD (ns) 5 5 5 6

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XC9500XL CPLD Overview

XC9536XL XC9572XL XC95144XL XC95288XL

TSU (ns) 3.7 3.7 3.7 4.0
TCO (ns) 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.8
fSYSTEM (MHz) 178 178 178 208

XC9500XL CPLDs also complement the higher-density Xilinx FPGAs to provide a total
logic solution, within a unified development environment. The XC9500XL family is fully
WebPOWERED via its free WebPACK ISE software.

Family Highlights
• Lowest cost per macrocell
• State-of-the-art pin-locking architecture
• Highest programming reliability reduces system risk
• Complements Xilinx 3.3V FPGA families
• Performance
♦ 5 ns pin-to-pin speed
♦ 222 MHz system frequency
• Powerful Architecture
♦ Wide 54-input function blocks
♦ As many as 90 product-terms per macrocell
♦ Fast and routable Fast CONNECT™ II switch matrix
♦ Three global clocks with local inversion
♦ Individual OE per output, with local inversion

Figure 2-12: XC9500XL Block Fan-In

• Highest Reliability
♦ Endurance rating of 10,000 cycles

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

♦ Data retention rating of 20 years

♦ Immune from "ISP Lock-Out" failure mode
♦ Allows arbitrary mixed-power sequencing and waveforms
• Advanced Technology
♦ Third-generation, proven CPLD technology
♦ Mainstream, scalable, high-reliability processing
♦ Fast ISP and erase times
♦ Outperforms All Other 3.3V CPLDs
♦ Extended data retention supports longer system operating life
♦ Virtually eliminates ISP failures
♦ Superior pin-locking for lower design risk
♦ Glitch-free I/O pins during power-up
• Full IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) ISP and Boundary Scan testing
• Free WebPOWERED software

Device Type XC95144XL Package=TQ144

Package TQ144 CES0145 Revision=C
Lot Code F11845A Wafer Fab=E
Geometry=S
Speed 7C Date Code=0145
Operating Range (Year=01; Week=45)

Part marking for non-chip scale package

Figure 2-13: XC9500XL Part Numbering System

Platform FPGAs

Spartan-3/3E/3A/3AN FPGAs
Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGAs are ideal for low-cost, high-volume applications and are targeted
as replacements for fixed-logic gate arrays and ASSP products such as bus interface chip
sets. The Spartan-3 (1.2V, 90 nm) FPGA is not only available for a very low cost, but it
integrates many architectural features associated with high-end programmable logic. This
combination of low cost and features makes it an ideal replacement for ASICs (gate arrays)
and many ASSP devices. For example, a Spartan-3 FPGA in a car multimedia system could

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Platform FPGAs

absorb many system functions, including embedded IP cores, custom system interfaces,
DSP, and logic. Figure 2-14 below shows such a system.

Figure 2-14: Car Multimedia System

In the car multimedia system shown in the above figure, the PCI bridge takes the form of
a pre-verified drop in IP core, and the device-level and board-level clocking functions are
implemented in the Spartan-3 on-chip DCMs. CAN core IP can connect to the body
electronics modules. These cores are provided by Xilinx AllianceCORE™ partners such as
Bosch, Memec Design, CAST, Inc., Xylon, and Intelliga. On-chip 18 x 18 multipliers can be
used in DSP-type activities such as filtering and formatting. Other custom-designed
interfaces can be implemented to off-chip processors, an IDE interface to the drive unit of
a DVD player, audio, memory, and LCD. Additionally, the Spartan-3 XCITE digitally

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controlled impedance technology can reduce EMI and component count by providing on-
chip tunable impedances to provide line matching without the need for external resistors.

Figure 2-15: Spartan-3 Architecture Layout

The Spartan-3 family is based on advanced 90 nm, eight- layer metal process technology.
Xilinx uses 90 nm technology to drive pricing down to under $20 for a one-million-gate
FPGA (approximately 17,000 logic cells), which represents a cost savings as high as 80
percent compared to competitive offerings. A smaller die size and 300 mm wafers improve
device densities and yields, thereby reducing overall production costs. This in turn leads to
a more highly integrated, less expensive product that takes up less board space when
designed into an end product.

Figure 2-16: Spartan-3 Features

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Platform FPGAs

The Spartan-3 FPGA memory architecture provides the optimal granularity and efficient
area utilization.
• Shift Register SRL16 Blocks
♦ Each CLB LUT works as a 16-bit fast, compact shift register
♦ Cascade LUTs to build longer shift registers
♦ Implement pipeline registers and buffers for video or wireless

COUT COUT

SLICEL S3
X1Y1

SLICEL S2
X1Y0
Switch
Matrix

SLICEM S1
X0Y1
SHIFT

SLICEM S0
X0Y0

CIN CIN

Figure 2-17: Spartan-3 Configurable Logic Block

• As Much as 520 Kb Distributed SelectRAM™ Memory

♦ Each LUT works as a single-port or dual-port RAM/ROM
♦ Cascade LUTs to build larger memories
♦ Applications include flexible memory sizes, FIFOs, and buffers
• As Much as 1.87 Mb Embedded Block RAM
♦ As many as 104 blocks of synchronous, cascadable 18 Kb block RAM
♦ Configure each 18 Kb block as a single- or dual-port RAM
♦ Supports multiple aspect ratios, data-width conversion, and parity
♦ Applications include data caches, deep FIFOs, and buffers
• Memory Interfaces
♦ Enable electrical interfaces such as HSTL and SSTL to connect to popular external
memories
• Multipliers
♦ Enable simple arithmetic and math as well as advanced DSP functions, enabling
you to derive more than 330 billion MACs/s of DSP performance

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♦ As many as 104 18 x 18 multipliers support 18-bit signed or 17-bit unsigned

multiplication, which you can cascade to support wider bits
♦ Constant coefficient multipliers: On-chip memories and logic cells work hand-in-
hand to build compact multipliers with a constant operand
♦ Logic Cell multipliers: Implement user-preferred algorithms such as Baugh-
Wooley, Booth, Wallace tree, and others
• DCMs deliver sophisticated digital clock management that’s impervious to system
jitter, temperature, voltage variations, and other problems typically found with PLLs
integrated into FPGAs.
♦ Flexible frequency generation from 25 MHz to 325 MHz
♦ 100 ps jitter
♦ Integer multiplication and division parameters
♦ Quadrature and precision phase shift control
♦ 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees
♦ Fine grain control (1/256 clock period) for clock data synchronization
♦ Precise 50/50 duty cycle generation
♦ Temperature compensation
• XCITE Digitally Controlled Impedance Technology – A Xilinx Innovation
♦ I/O termination is required to maintain signal integrity. With hundreds of I/Os
and advanced package technologies, external termination resistors are no longer
viable.
♦ I/O termination dynamically eliminates drive strength variation due to process,
temperature, and voltage fluctuations.
• Spartan-3 XCITE DCI Technology Highlights
♦ Series and parallel termination for single-ended and differential standards
♦ Maximum flexibility with support of series and parallel termination on all I/O
banks
♦ Input, output, bidirectional, and differential I/O support
♦ Wide series impedance range
♦ Popular standard support, including LVDS, LVDSEXT, LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL,
HSTL, GTL, and GTLP
♦ Full- and half-impedance input buffers

Table 2-3: XCITE DCI Technology Advantages

Advantage Details
• Second Generation Technology Proven in the field and used extensively by
customers
• Lower Costs Fewer resistors, fewer PCB traces, and smaller
board area, result in lower PCB costs.
• Absolute I/O Flexibility Any termination on any I/O bank. Non- XCITE
technology alternatives deliver limited
functionality
• Maximum I/O Bandwidth Less ringing and reflections maximize I/O
bandwidth

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Platform FPGAs

• Immunity to Temperature and Temperature and voltage variations lead to

Voltage Changes significant impedance mismatches. XCITE
technology dynamically adjusts on-chip
impedance to such variations reducing and
improving reliability
• Eliminates Stub Reflection Improves discrete termination techniques by
eliminating the distance between the package pin
and resistor.
• Increases System Reliability Fewer components on board, deliver higher
reliability

Spartan-3 Features and Benefits

Table 2-4: Spartan-3 FPGA Family Overview

Device XC3S50 XC3S200 XC3S400 XC3S1000 XC3S1500 XC3S2000 XC3S4000 XC3S5000

System Gates 50K 200K 400K 1000K 1500K 2000K 4000K 5000K

Logic Cells 1,728 4,320 8,064 17,280 29,952 46,080 62,208 74,480

Dedicated Multipliers 4 12 16 24 32 40 96 104

Block RAM Blocks 4 12 16 24 32 40 96 104

Block RAM Bits 72K 216K 288K 432K 576K 720K 1,728K 1,872K

Distributed RAM Bits 12K 30K 56K 120K 208K 320K 432K 520K

DCMs 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

I/O Standards 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

Max Single Ended I/O 124 173 264 391 487 565 712 784

Table 2-5: Spartan-3 Features and Benefits

Spartan-3 Feature Benefit
FPGA fabric and routing, up to Allows for implementation of system level function
5,000,000 system gates blocks, high on-chip connectivity and high-
throughput
Block RAM – 18k blocks Enables implementation of large packet
buffers/FIFOs, line buffers
Distributed RAM For implementing smaller FIFOs/Buffers, DSP
coefficients
Shift register mode (SRL16) 16-bit shift register ideal for capturing high speed or
burst mode data and to store data in DSP and
encryption applications e.g. fast pipelining
Dedicated 18 x 18 multiplier blocks High speed DSP processing; use of multipliers in
conjunction with fabric allows for ultra-fast, parallel
DSP operations
Single-ended signalling (up to 622 Connectivity to commonly used chip-to-chip,
Mbps) – LVTTL, LVCMOS, GTL, memory (SRAM, SDRAM) and chip-to- backplane
GTL+, PCI, HSTL-I, II, III, SSTL-I,II signalling standards; eliminates the need for
multiple translation ICs
Differential signalling (up to 622 Differential signalling at low cost – bandwidth
Mbps) - LVDS, BLVDS, Ultra LVD, management (saving the number of pins, reduced
SRSDS and LDT power consumption, reduced EMI, high noise
immunity

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Digital clock management (DCM) Eliminate on-chip and board level clock delay,
simultaneous multiply and divide, reduction of
board level clock speed and number of board level
clocks, adjustable clock phase for ensuring
coherency
Global routing resources Distribution of clocks and other signals with very
high fanout throughout the device
Programmable output drive Improves signal integrity, achieving right trade off
between Tco and ground bounce
Table 2-6: Spartan-3E FPGA Family Overview
Device XC3S100E XC3S250E XC3S500E XC3S1200E XC3S1600E
System Gates 100K 250K 500K 1200K 1600K
Logic Cells 2,160 5,508 10,476 19,512 33,192
Dedicated Multipliers 4 12 20 28 36
Block RAM Blocks 4 12 20 28 36
Block RAM Bits 72K 216K 360K 504K 648K
Distributed RAM Bits 15K 38K 73K 136K 231K
DCMs 2 4 4 8 8
Max Differential I/O 40 68 92 124 156
Max Single Ended I/O 108 172 232 304 376
VQ100 66 66
CP132 92 92
TQ144 108 108
PQ208 158 158
FT256 172 190 190
FG320 232 250 250
FG400 304 304
FG484 376

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Platform FPGAs

Spartan-3/3E System Integration

Spartan-3/3E can create substantial system savings by replacing other standard system
functions.

$15 $6
$10

$4
$6
$7/$2
Spartan-3E

$30
$7.50

$6

Figure 2-18: Spartan-3/3E System Integration

Spartan-3A/3AN
The Spartan-3A and Spartan-3AN families are pin-to-pin compatible low-cost FPGA
families. The Spartan-3AN is non-volatile. Its offering is shown in Table 2-7.
Table 2-7: Spartan-3AN Family

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The Spartan-3A family is similar, as shown in Table 2-8.

Table 2-8: Spartan-3A Family

Virtex FPGAs

Virtex-4 FPGAs
With more than 100 innovations, the Virtex-4 family represents a new milestone in the
evolution of FPGA technology. The idea behind the family was to offer higher
performance, higher logic density, lower power, lower cost and more advanced
capabilities over previous families. To offer one or two of these items is relatively easy – the
challenge was to offer all at the same time. We did this through a combination of
innovative process and circuit design, process development, the ASMBL architectural
approach and the use of advanced embedded functions.

ASMBL Architecture
One of the most remarkable developments embodied in the new Virtex-4 FPGA family is
the Advanced Silicon Modular Block (ASMBL) columnar architecture, which represents a
fundamentally new way of constructing the FPGA floor plan and its interconnect to the
package. First of all, ASMBL enables IO pins, clock pins and power and ground pins to be
located anywhere on the silicon chip, not just along the periphery as with previous FPGA
architectures. This in turn allows power and ground pins to be brought directly into the
centre of the silicon die, thereby significantly reducing on-chip IR drops that can occur
with the largest FPGAs running at the highest frequencies

Inside the Virtex-4

At the heart of the Virtex-4 FPGA is Xilinx’ next generation 90nm triple oxide 10-layer
copper CMOS process technology. With a dual oxide 90nm process, there would have been
a trade off between performance and power. With triple oxide, that is not the case, both
high performance and low power are achievable.

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Virtex FPGAs

The columnar approach to building the ASMBL architecture enables Xilinx to cost-
effectively develop multiple FPGA platforms, each with different combinations of feature
sets. Thus, a specific platform can be optimized specifically for a certain domain of
applications – such as logic, connectivity, DSP and embedded processing – to meet
application requirements previously delivered only by ASICs, ASSPs and similar devices
while remaining programmable at heart.
Virtex-4
Traditional FPGA Family Multi-platform FPGA Family
Feature

Device
D
Device Capability & Cost

cost
Feature
C
Feature
B
Feature
B
Feature Feature
A A

Figure 2-19: Xilinx ASMBL Architecture

Virtex-4 Variants
Virtex-4 is offered in three variants; Virtex-4 LX, optimized for high performance logic
functions; Virtex-4 SX, optimized for high-performance signal processing; Virtex-4 FX,
optimized for embedded processing and high-speed serial connectivity.

LX FX SX
Resource
Logic 14-
14-200K LCs 12-
12-140K LCs 23-
23-55K LCs

Memory 0.9-
0.9-6Mb 0.6-
0.6-10Mb 2.3-
2.3-5.7Mb

DCMs 4-12 4-20 4-8

DSP Slices 32-

32-96 32-
32-192 128-
128-512

SelectIO 240-
240-960 240-
240-896 320-
320-640

RocketIO N/A 0-24 Channels N/A

PowerPC N/A 1 or 2 Cores N/A

Ethernet MAC N/A 2 or 4 Cores N/A

Choose the Platform that Best Fits the Application

Figure 2-20: Virtex-4 Platforms

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

Virtex-4 LX
The most general-purpose family would be the Virtex-4 LX or logic optimized platform
family. The LX family is similar in function to early Virtex-II devices without the
embedded PowerPC processor or higher-speed serial I/Os found in the newer Virtex-II
ProTM devices. All types of soft Intellectual Property (IP) cores can be implemented on this
Platform, including various DSP blocks and soft processor cores such as MicroBlaze or
PicoBlaze. The primary benefit is the use of highly integrated general-purpose logic
elements, which makes this the most cost-effective logic platform.
The Virtex-4 LX Platform will have several family members with small–to-large-size
devices, making it a suitable match for many applications. This family will have twice the
logic density of any device shipping today. The cost benefits of using advanced 90nm
silicon fabrication technology on 300mm wafers, together with cost-effective device
packaging insures this platform’s broad-based acceptance. The higher clock frequencies
compared to previous generation platform FPGAs greatly expands the LX Platform’s
suitability for replacing ASICs.
• Highest Logic Capacity Ever (up to 200k LCs)
• Widest Capacity Range (8 LX devices ranging for 14k to 200k LCs)

Figure 2-21: Virtex-4 LX

Virtex-4 FX
Adding a PowerPC and high-speed serial transceivers creates the full-featured Virtex-4 FX
platform. The combination of features, architecture, and fabrication process enables
processor clock speeds of up to 450 MHz. Combining this capability with serial
transceivers supporting any speed from 600 Mbps to 11.1Gbps provides a very capable
high-performance platform FPGA that meets embedded-processing and connectivity-
domain requirements.

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Virtex FPGAs

The FX Platform incorporates advanced system features that are particularly useful in a
wide-range of applications in the Telecom, Storage, and Networking space, and other
system applications requiring high-performance processing and high-bandwidth I/O.
These applications can be segmented into two general application domains based on the
system behavior. The embedded-processing domain is dominated by control flow
operations involving complex data types. The connectivity-domain involves message-
based processing and is dominated by asynchronous data flow operations. Both domains
are best implemented on the Virtex-4 FX full-featured platform.
• Additional Advanced System Functions
♦ 10 Gbps RocketIO
♦ PowerPC Cores
♦ 10/100/1000 Ethernet MAC Cores
• Rich Memory Mix BRAM/FIFO
♦ Up to Nearly 10 Mbits
• Six FX Devices Ranging from 12k to 140k LCs

Figure 2-22: Virtex-4 FX

Virtex-4 SX
Increasing the ratio of DSP and memory blocks to the number of logic elements creates the
Virtex-4 SX, or signal-processing/DSP Platform family of devices. The changed ration of
features creates a relatively smaller die size Platform in comparison to other Virtex-4
platforms for high-speed signal processing. This trade-off combined with the new DSP
slice features packs the capability for the highest DSP performance into the most cost-
effective Virtex-4 SX Platform. With significantly higher DSP bandwidth at much reduced
power consumption of previous Virtex-II Pro devices, the Virtex-4 SX Platform delivers the
most DSP performance per dollar compared to any other device. Each DSP Slice

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

implements an 18-bit x 18-bit MAC that can be clocked at 500MHz. The impact of Virtex-4
DSP specific enhancements to include new modes and capabilities, together with other
parts of the optimized SX Platform architecture, enables more capable higher level DSP IP.

SX55
512 •• 256
256 GMAC/s:
GMAC/s: Highest
Highest DSP
DSP
performance in the industry
performance in the industry
DSP
Slices •• Lowest
Lowest DSP
DSP cost
cost // performance ratio
ratio

SX35 FX140
192
FX100
160
SX25
128 FX60
LX100 LX160 LX200
96 LX80
LX40 LX60
64 LX25
FX40
32 FX20
LX15 Device
FX12
Cost

Figure 2-23: Virtex-4 SX

Virtex-5
The Virtex-5 family of FPGAs represents the 5th generation in the Virtex series of FPGAs.
Built on 65 nm triple-oxide process technology, the proven multi-platform ASMBL
architecture, and the all-new ExpressFabric technology, the Virtex-5 family offers
customers the highest performance, most flexible connectivity, optimized power, lowest
system cost and maximum productivity. The first family available at product launch is
Virtex-5 LX, shown in Table 2-9. The complete Virtex-5 Platform family is as follows:
• Virtex-5 LX Platform - Optimized for high-performance logic
• Virtex-5 LXT Platform - Optimized for high-performance logic with low-power serial
connectivity
• Virtex-5 SXT Platform - Optimized for DSP and memory-intensive applications with
low-power serial connectivity
• Virtex-5 FXT Platform - Optimized for embedded processing and memory-intensive
applications with highest-speed serial connectivity

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Military and Aerospace

Table 2-9: Virtex-5 Family

Virtex™-5 Platforms LX LXT SXT FXT

Logic Logic/Serial DSP/Serial Emb./Serial

Logic
On-chip RAM
DSP Capabilities
Parallel I/Os
Serial I/Os
®
PowerPC Processors
Shipping since May ‘06 Oct ‘06 Feb ‘07 Now
For a complete Virtex-5 Platform FPGA product table, see
http://www.xilinx.com/publications/prod_mktg/pn0010938-4.pdf

Military and Aerospace

Xilinx is the leading supplier of high-reliability PLDs to the aerospace and defense
markets. These devices are used in a wide range of applications such as electronic warfare,
missile guidance and targeting, RADAR, SONAR communications, signal processing,
avionics, and satellites. The Xilinx QPro family of ceramic and plastic QML products
provides you with advanced programmable logic solutions for next-generation designs.
The QPro family also includes select products that are radiation hardened for use in
satellite and other space applications. Our quality management system is fully compliant
with all ISO9001 requirements. In 1997, Xilinx became fully qualified as a QML supplier by
meeting all of the requirements for MIL Standard 38535.

Automotive and Industrial

Xilinx XA Solutions – Architecting Automotive Intelligence

In-car electronic content is increasing at a phenomenal rate. It includes such applications as
navigation systems, entertainment systems, instrument clusters, advanced driver
information systems, and communications devices. To address the needs of automotive
electronics designers, Xilinx has created a new family of devices with an extended
industrial temperature range option. This new “XA” family consists of existing Xilinx
industrial grade (I) FPGAs and CPLDs, with the addition of a new extended temperature
grade (Q) for selected devices. The new Q product grade (-40°C to +125°C ambient for
CPLDs and junction for FPGAs) is ideal for automotive and industrial applications. The
wide range of device density and package combinations enables you to deliver high-
performance, cost-effective, flexible solutions that meet your application needs.

Design-In Flexibility
With Xilinx XA devices, you can design-in flexibility and get your product to market faster
than ever before. Because many new standards continue to evolve (such as the LIN, MOST,

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Chapter 2: Xilinx Silicon Solutions

and FlexRay in-car busing standards), you need the flexibility to quickly modify your
designs at any time. With our unique Internet Reconfigurable Logic (IRL) capability, you
can remotely and automatically modify your designs, in the field, after your product has
left the factory. By combining our latest XA PLDs with our solutions infrastructure of high-
productivity software, IP cores, design services, and customer education, you can develop
advanced, highly flexible products faster than ever before. For more information, visit
www.xilinx.com/automotive.

XA Product Range
Table 2-10: Temperature Grades
Product Group Temperature Grade/Range (ºC)
C I Q
FPGA Tj = 0 to +85 Tj = -40 to +100 Tj = -40 to +125
CPLD Ta = 0 to +70 Ta = -40 to +85 Ta = -40 to +125

Table 2-11: Available XA Devices in Extended Temperature

XA Device Family Densities
Spartan-3 (3.3V) 50k gates to 1500k gates
Spartan-3E (3.3V) 100k to 1600k gates
XC9500XL (3.3V) 36 to 144 macrocells
CoolRunner-II (1.8V) 32 to 384 macrocells
Spartan-IIE (1.8V) 50k gates to 300k gates

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Chapter 3

Xilinx Design Software

Design Tools
Programmable logic design has entered an era in which device densities are measured in
the millions of gates, and system performance is measured in hundreds of megahertz.
Given these system complexities, the critical success factor in the creation of a design is
your productivity.
Xilinx offers complete electronic design tools that enable the implementation of designs in
Xilinx PLDs. These development solutions combine powerful technology with a flexible,
easy-to-use graphical interface to help you achieve the best possible designs within your
project schedule – regardless of your experience level.
The availability of products such as WebPACK ISE software has made it much easier to
design with programmable logic. Designs can be described easily and quickly using a
description language such as ABEL, VHDL, Verilog™, or with a schematic capture
package.

Schematic Capture Process

Schematic capture is the traditional method that designers have used to specify gate arrays
and programmable logic devices. It is a graphical tool that allows you to specify the exact
gates required and how you want them connected. There are four basic steps to using
schematic capture:
1. After selecting a specific schematic capture tool and device library, begin building the
circuit by loading the desired gates from the selected library. You can use any
combination of gates that you need. You must choose a specific vendor and device
family library at this time, but you don’t yet have to know what device within that
family you will ultimately use with respect to package and speed.
2. Connect the gates together using nets or wires. You have complete control and can
connect the gates in any configuration required by your application.
3. Add and label the input and output buffers. These will define the I/O package pins for
the device.

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

4. Generate a netlist.

Figure 3-1: PLD Design Flow

A netlist is a text equivalent of the circuit. It is generated by design tools such as a

schematic capture program. The netlist is a compact way for other programs to understand
what gates are in the circuit, how they are connected, and the names of the I/O pins.

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HDL Design Process

EDIF is the industry-wide standard for netlists; many others exist, including vendor-
specific ones such as the Xilinx Netlist Format (XNF). Once you have the design netlist, you
have all you need to determine what the circuit does.
Design Flow
STAT_MAC
Specification
clock CLK AUG amber_light

reset RESET GRN green_light

TIME (3.0) RG red_light

Libraries Counter
CLOCK COUNT (3.0)

RESET

Schematic
Capture Design Schematic

Netlist
101010101001110101010101
010101011110001110100111
101010101001110101010101
010101011110001110100111
101010101001110101010101
010101011110001110100111
101010101001110101010101
010101011110001110100111

Design Netlist

Figure 3-2: Design Specification – Netlist

The example on the previous pages is obviously very simplistic. Let’s describe a more
realistic design of 10,000 equivalent gates. The typical schematic page contains about 200
gates, contained with soft macros. Therefore, it would require 50 schematic pages to create
a 10,000-gate design! Each page needs to go through all the steps mentioned previously:
adding components, interconnecting the gates, adding I/Os, and generating a netlist. This
is rather time-consuming, especially if you want to have a 20,000, 50,000, or even larger
design.
Another inherent problem with using schematic capture is the difficulty in migrating
between vendors and technologies. If you initially create your 10,000 gate design with
FPGA vendor X and then want to migrate to a gate array, you would have to modify every
one of those 50 pages using the gate array vendor’s component library.

HDL Design Process

There has to be a better way, and, of course, there is. It is called high-level design (HLD),
behavioral, or hardware description language (HDL). For our purposes, these three terms
are essentially the same thing. The idea is to use a high-level language to describe the
circuit in a text file rather than a graphical low-level gate description. The term behavioral is
used because in this powerful language you describe the function or behavior of the circuit
in words rather than figuring out the appropriate gates needed to create the application.
There are two major flavors of HDL: VHDL and Verilog.
As an example, consider the design work needed specifying a 16 x 16 multiplier with
schematic capture or an HDL file. A multiplier is a regular but complex arrangement of
adders and registers that requires quite a few gates. Our example has two 16-bit inputs (A
and B) and a 32-bit product output (Y = A x B) – for a total of 64 I/Os. This circuit requires
approximately 6,000 equivalent gates. In the schematic implementation, the required gates

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would have to be loaded, positioned on the page, and interconnected, with I/O buffers
added. That would be about three days of work.
The HDL implementation, which is also 6,000 gates, requires eight lines of text and can be
done in three minutes. This file contains all the information necessary to define our 16 x 16
multiplier. So, as a designer, which method would you choose? In addition to the
tremendous time savings, the HDL method is completely vendor-independent. This opens
up tremendous design possibilities for engineers.
$ESIGN&LOW

3PECIFICATION

,IBRARIES

3CHEMATIC
#APTURE

.ETLIST

$ESIGN3CHEMATICS

/2
ENTITY-5,4IS
PORT!"INSTD?LOGICDOWNTO 
9OUTSTD?LOGICDOWNTO 
END-5,4

ARCHITECTURE"%(!6%OF-5,4IS
BEGIN
9!
"
END"%(!6%

$ESIGN7RITTENIN($,

Figure 3-3: Design Specification – Multiplier

To create a 32 x 32 multiplier, you could simply modify the work you’d already done for
the smaller multiplier. For the schematic approach, this would entail making three copies
of the 30 pages, then figuring out where to edit the 90 pages so that they addressed the
larger bus widths. This would probably require four hours of graphical editing. For the
HDL specification, it would be a matter of changing the bus references from 15 to 31 in line
2, and 31 to 63 in line 3. This would probably require about four seconds.

HDL File Change Example

Before (16 x 16 multiplier):
entity MULT is
port(A,B:in std_logic_vector (15 downto 0);
Y:out std_logic_vector (31 downto 0));
end MULT;

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HDL Design Process

architecture BEHAVE of MULT is

begin
Y <= A * B;
end BEHAVE;

After (32 x 32 multiplier):

entity MULT is
port(A,B:in std_logic_vector (31 downto 0);
Y:out std_logic_vector (63 downto 0));
end MULT;

architecture BEHAVE of MULT is

begin
Y <= A * B;
end BEHAVE;
HDL is also ideal for design re-use. You can share your “library” of parts with other
designers at your company, therefore saving and avoiding duplication of effort.

HDL Synthesis
Once we have specified the design in a behavioral description we can convert it into gates
using the process of synthesis. The synthesis tool does the intensive work of figuring out
what gates to use, based on the high-level description file you provide (using schematic
capture, you would have to do this manually.) Because the resulting netlist is vendor and
device family-specific, you must use the appropriate vendor library. Most synthesis tools
support a large range of gate array, FPGA, and CPLD device vendors.
In addition, you can specify optimization criteria that the synthesis tool will take into
account when making the gate-level selections, also called mapping. Some of these options
include: optimizing the complete design for the least number of gates, optimizing a certain
section of the design for fastest speed, using the best gate configuration to minimize power,
and using the FPGA-friendly, register-rich configuration for state machines.
You can easily experiment with different vendors, device families, and optimization
constraints, thus exploring many different solutions instead of just one with the schematic
approach.
To recap, the advantages of high level design and synthesis are many. It is much simpler
and faster to specify your design using HDL, and much easier to make changes to the
design because of the self-documenting nature of the language. You are relieved from the
tedium of selecting and interconnecting at the gate level. You merely select the library and
optimization criteria (e.g., speed, area) and the synthesis tool will determine the results.
You can also try different design alternatives and select the best one for your application. In
fact, there is no real practical alternative for designs exceeding 10,000 gates.

ISE Software
ISE advanced HDL synthesis engines produce optimized results for PLD synthesis, one of
the most essential steps in your design methodology. It takes your conceptual HDL design
definition and generates a logical or physical representation for the targeted silicon device.
A state-of-the-art synthesis engine is required to produce highly optimized results with a
fast compile and turnaround time. To meet this requirement, the synthesis engine must be
tightly integrated with the physical implementation tool and proactively meet design

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

timing requirements by driving the placement in the physical device. In addition, cross
probing between the physical design report and the HDL design code further enhances the
turnaround time.
Xilinx ISE software provides seamless integration with leading synthesis engines from
Mentor Graphics, Synopsys and Synplicity. The ISE product also includes Xilinx
proprietary synthesis technology, or XST. With just the push of a button, you can start any
leading synthesis engine within ISE. You can even use multiple synthesis engines to obtain
the most optimized result of your programmable logic design.

Design Verification
Programmable logic designs are verified by using a simulator, which is a software program
that confirms the functionality or timing of a circuit. The industry-standard formats used
ensure that designs can be reused. If a vendors changes its libraries, only a synthesis
recompile is necessary. Even if you decide to move to a different vendor and/or
technology, you are just a compile away after selecting the new library. It is even design-
tool independent, so you can try synthesis tools from different vendors and pick the best
results. IP cores are commonly available in HDL format, since that makes them easier to
modify and use with different device vendors.
After completing the design specification, you’ll need to know if the circuit actually works
as it’s supposed to. That is the purpose of design verification. A simulator simulates the
circuit. You’ll need to provide the design information (via the netlist after schematic

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HDL Design Process

capture or synthesis) and the specific input pattern, or test vectors, that you want checked.
The simulator takes this information and determines the outputs of the circuit.
Specification

Libraries

HDL
Schematic Synthesis
Capture

Netlist

Verification

Simulation

Test
Vectors

Implementation

Translate

Fitting Timing Analyzer

Place & Route Back-Annotation

Download Device
Program

System Debug

Printed
Circuit Board

Figure 3-4: The PLD Design Flow

Functional Simulation
At this point in the design flow, a functional simulation only checks that the circuits give the
right combinations of ones and zeros. You should conduct a timing simulation a little later in
the design flow. If there are any problems, you can go back to the schematic or HDL file,
make changes, regenerate the netlist, and then rerun the simulation. Designers typically

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

spend 50% of their development time going through this loop until the design works as
required.
Using HDL offers an additional advantage when verifying the design: You can simulate
directly from the HDL source file. This bypasses the time-consuming synthesis process
that would normally be required for every design change iteration. Once the circuit works
correctly, running the synthesis tool generates the netlist for the next step in the design
flow – device implementation.

Device Implementation
A design netlist completely describes the design using the gates for a specific
vendor/device family. Once your design is fully verified, it is time to place it on a chip, a
process referred to as device implementation.
Translate comprises various programs used to import the design netlist and prepare it for
layout. The programs will vary among vendors. Some of the more common programs
during translate include: optimization, translation to the physical device elements, and
device-specific design rule checking (for example, does the design exceed the number of
clock buffers available in this device?). During this stage of the design flow, you will be
asked to select the target device, package, speed grade, and any other device-specific
options. The translate step usually ends with a comprehensive report of the results of all
the programs executed. In addition to warnings and errors is usually a listing of device and
I/O utilization, which helps you to determine if you have selected the best device.

Fitting
For CPLDs, this design step is called fitting, meaning to “fit” the design to the target device.
In the diagram above, a section of the design is fit to the CPLD. CPLDs are a fixed
architecture, so the software needs to pick the gates and interconnect paths that match the
circuit. This is usually a fast process.
The biggest potential problem is if you had previously assigned the exact locations of the
I/O pins, commonly referred to as pin locking. Most often, this occurs when using a legacy
design iteration that has been committed to the printed circuit board layout. Architectures
that support I/O pin locking (such as the Xilinx XC9500 and CoolRunner CPLDs) have a
very big advantage. They allow you to keep the original I/O pin placements regardless of
the number of design changes, utilization, or required performance. Pin locking is very
important when using ISP. If you layout your PCB to accept a specific pin out, and then
change the design, you can re-program confident that you pin out will stay the same.

Place and Route

For FPGAs, place and route programs are run after compile. “Place” is the process of
selecting specific modules, or logic blocks, in the FPGAs where design gates will reside.
“Route,” as the name implies, is the physical routing of the interconnect between the logic
blocks. Most vendors provide automatic place and route tools so that you don’t have to
worry about the intricate details of the device architecture. Some vendors offer tools that
allow expert users to manually place and/or route the most critical parts of their designs to
achieve better performance than with the automatic tools. Floorplanner is a type of manual
tool.
Place and route programs require the longest time to complete successfully because it’s a
complex task to determine the location of large designs, ensure that they all get connected
correctly, and meet the desired performance. These programs however, can only work well
if the target architecture has sufficient routing for the design. No amount of fancy coding

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HDL Design Process

can compensate for an ill-conceived architecture, especially if there are not enough routing
tracks. If you were to encounter this problem, the most common solution would be to use
a larger device. And you would likely remember the experience the next time you selected
a vendor.
A related program is called timing-driven place and route (TDPR). This allows you to specify
timing criteria that will be used during device layout. A static timing analyzer is usually part
of the vendor’s implementation software. It provides timing information about paths in
the design. This information is very accurate and can be viewed in many different ways,
such as displaying all paths in the design and ranking them from longest to shortest delay.
In addition, at this point you can use the detailed layout information after reformatting
and go back to your chosen simulator with detailed timing information. This process is
called back-annotation and has the advantage of providing the accurate timing as well as the
zeros and ones operation of your design. In both cases, the timing reflects delays of the
logic blocks as well as the interconnect. The final implementation step is the download or
program.

Downloading or Programming
Download generally refers to volatile devices such as SRAM FPGAs. As the name implies,
you download the device configuration information into the device memory. The
bitstream that is transferred contains all the information to define the logic and
interconnect of the design and is different for every design. Because SRAM devices lose
their configuration when the power is turned off, the bitstream must be stored somewhere
for a production solution. A common such place is a serial PROM. There is an associated
piece of hardware that connects from the computer to a board containing the target device.
Program is used to program all non-volatile programmable logic devices, including serial
PROMs. Programming performs the same function as download, except that the
configuration information is retained after the power is removed from the device. For
antifuse devices, programming can only be done once per device – hence the term one-
time programmable. Programming of Xilinx CPLDs can be done in-system via JTAG or
with a conventional device programmer such as Data IO. JTAG Boundary Scan – formally
known as IEEE/ANSI standard 1149.1_1190 – is a set of design rules that facilitate testing,
device programming, and debugging at the chip, board, and system levels.

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In-system programming has an added advantage in that devices can be soldered directly
to the PCB (such as TQFP surface-mount-type devices). If the design changes, the devices
do not need to be removed from the board but simply re-programmed in-system.

ISP – In System Programming and Downloading

Libraries Download
Cable
HDL
Schematic Synthesis
Capture

Netlist

Verification

Simulation Target Device

on PCB
Test
Vectors

Conventional Programming
Implementation Target
Device

Translate

Fitting Timing Analyzer

Place & Route Back-Annotation

Download Device
Program
Programmer

Figure 3-5: Device Implementation – Download/Program

System Debug
The device is now working, but you still need to verify that the device works in the actual
board, a process called system debug. Any major problems here mean that you have made
an assumption on the device specification that is incorrect, or have not considered some
aspect of the signal required to/from the programmable logic device. If so, you can collect
data on the problem and go back to the drawing (or behavioral) board. The “Design Tools
Center” web pages cover both the Xilinx ISE tools suite as well as design tools from our
software partners. It is arranged by the following topics:

Dynamic Verification
You can save time by using dynamic verification to intercept logical or HDL-based errors
early in the design cycle. By exposing a design to realistic and extensive stimuli, you can
find many functional problems at this stage. The following dynamic verification tools are
supported:

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Advanced Design Techniques

• HDL Bencher™
• ISE Simulator
• ModelSim XE
• StateBench
• HDL Simulation Libraries

Debug Verification
Debug verification tools speed up the process of viewing, identifying, and correcting
design problems at different stages of the design cycle. Debug verification includes the
ability to view, “live,” all internal signals and nodes within an FPGA. These tools can also
assist in HDL-based designs by checking coding style for optimum performance. The
following debug verification tools are supported:
• FPGA Editor Probe
• ChipScope ILA
• ChipScope Pro

Board-Level Verification
Using board-level verification tools ensures that your design performs as intended once
integrated with the rest of the system. The Xilinx ISE environment supports the following
board-level verification tools:
• IBIS Models
• Tau
• BLAST
• Stamp Models
• iMPACT

Advanced Design Techniques

As your FPGA requirements grow, your design problems can change. High-density design
environments mean multiple teams working through distributed nodes on the same
project, across the aisle or in different parts of the world. ISE software’s advanced design
options are targeted at making high-density designs as easy to realize as the smallest glue
logic.
Floorplanner – The Xilinx high-level floorplanner is a graphic planning tool that lets you
map your design onto the target chip. Floorplanning can efficiently drive your high-
density design process.
Modular Design – This gives you the ability to partition a large design into individual
modules. Each module can then be floorplanned, designed, implemented, and locked until
the remaining modules are finished.
Partial Reconfigurability – Useful for applications requiring the loading of different
designs into the same area of the device, partial reconfiguration allows you to flexibly
change portions of a design without having to reset or completely reconfigure the entire
device.
Internet Team Design – This allows managers to drive each team and its design module
from a standard Internet browser using the corporate intranet structure.

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

High-Level Languages – As design densities increase, the need for a higher level of
abstraction becomes more important. Xilinx is driving and supporting industry standards
and their respective support tools.

Embedded SW Design Tools Center

Embedded Software Tools are for Virtex®-II Pro and Virtex-4 Platform FPGAs. The term
"embedded software tools" most often applies to the tools required to create, edit, compile,
link, load, and debug high-level language code, usually C or C++, for execution on a
processor engine. With the Virtex-4 and Virtex-II Pro Platform FPGAs, you will be able to
target design modules for either silicon hardware (FPGA gates) or as software
applications, running on process engines like the embedded PowerPC™ hard core.
When it comes to embedded software development, Xilinx offers multiple levels of
support. Xilinx supports the embedded processors with the Embedded Development Kit
(EDK) for both low-cost and high-performance markets. More details on EDK can be
found in the Design Tools Centre on the Xilinx website.
For hardware-centric engineers who want to move design modules into software running
on the PowerPC core, Xilinx provides a simple and low-cost solution. Alternatively, if
software-centric engineers want a feature-rich environment in which to develop more
complex applications, Xilinx supplies access to specialized best-of-class tools from the
embedded industry leader. This prevents you from having to embrace completely new
development methodologies. You will be able to port existing legacy designs more easily
to the Xilinx Platform FPGAs.

ISE WebPACK Software

The ISE WebPACK software, the only free downloadable design environment supported
on Linux, is a reduced feature set version of the complete ISE tool suite. The full version of
the ISE software, known as ISE Foundation, has all the tools necessary to complete a design
targeting any architecture available from Xilinx. The ISE WebPACK tool set comprises all
the tools necessary to complete designs targeted to Xilinx CPLDs and some Xilinx FPGAs.

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ISE WebPACK Software

This chapter explains what is available in ISE WebPACK and gives details on how to go
about registering and installing the software.
Table 3-1: WebPACK Operating System and Device Support
Feature ISE WebPACK
Microsoft Windows XP/Vista
Operating Systems
Redhat Enterprise Linux 3 (32-bit)
Virtex: XCV50 - XCV600
Virtex-E: XCV50E - XCV600E
Virtex-II: XC2V40 - XC2V500
Virtex-II Pro: XC2VP2 - XC2VP7
Virtex-4:
LX: XC4VLX15, XC4VLX25
SX: XC4VSX25
Virtex Series FX: XC4VFX12
Virtex-5:
LX: XC5VLX30, XC5VLX50
LXT: XC5VLX30T, XC5VLX50T
FXT: XC5VFX50T
Virtex Q: XQV100 - XVQ600
Virtex QR: XQVR300 - XVQR600
Virtex-EQ: XQV600E
Spartan-II/IIE: All
Spartan-3: XC3S50 - XC3S1500
Spartan-3E: All
Spartan Series
Spartan-3A/AN: All
Spartan-3A DSP: XC3SD1800A
XA (Xilinx Automotive) Spartan-3: All
CoolRunner-II/A
All
CoolRunner XPLA3
XC9500/XL/XV All

Registration and Installation

The ISE WebPACK software is available from two sources, on CD and as a download from
the internet. If this book was received as part of a CoolRunner-II or Spartan-3 Design Kit, it
will have been accompanied by a copy of ISE WebPACK on CD. That CD will have a
Product ID that will need to be registered to generate a registration key that will enable
installation. This registration process and the downloading of the software can both be
done from the ISE WebPACK main page for which visitors need to register. This page can
be found by navigating as follows:
www.xilinx.com → Products and Services → Design Tools → ISE WebPACK

To register a CD, click on the button. After completion of a short

survey, there will be an option to register the software. The web page asks for a Product ID.

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

This is usually on a sticker on the CD pack and takes the form ABC123456789. Once this
has been entered, the 16 digit registration ID will be displayed on the following web page
as well as emailed to the email address of the user.

To download the software, click the button. This will offer the
option to download the complete ISE WebPACK tool suite, only the tools required for
CPLD designs or only the programming tools. Xilinx recommends that, if the space is
available, the entire tool suite is downloaded. Once the appropriate design tools have been
downloaded, the software can be installed by simply double clicking on the self-extracting
zip file.

Module Descriptions
In general, the design flow for FPGAs and CPLDs is very similar. Design Entry can be done
in Schematic or HDL, such as VHDL, Verilog or, for CPLDs only, ABEL. The design can
also comprise of a mixture of schematic diagrams and embedded HDL symbols. There is
also a facility to create state machines in a diagrammatic form and let the software tools
generate optimized code from a state diagram. All these steps will be seen in Chapter 4, ISE
WebPACK Design Entry.
WebPACK ISE software incorporates the ISE Simulator Lite – Xilinx’ new simulation tool.
This tool will be used in the tutorial section of this book. The full version of the ISE
Simulator is available in the full feature set ISE Foundation software. There is also the
option to download the ModelSim Xilinx Edition (MXE) software. This is a version of
Mentor Graphics’ ModelSim simulator with the Xilinx libraries precompiled. For more
information on the MXE software, refer to:
www.xilinx.com → Products and Services → Design Tools → Verification

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ISE WebPACK Software

The flow diagram below shows the similarities and differences between CPLD and FPGA
software flows.

Schematic HDL Design State Machine

Entry

ECS HDL Editor StateCad

Synthesis
Xilinx Synthesis Technology (XST)

Translate
NGDBuild

CPLD FPGA

Fit Implement
CPLD Fitter MAP/PAR

Estimate Power
XPower

Program
IMPACT Programmer

Testbench Simulate
HDL Bencher ModelSim XE

Figure 3-6: WebPACK Software Design Flow

When your design is complete and you are happy with the simulation results, you can then
download the design to the required device.

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Chapter 3: Xilinx Design Software

Getting Started
Licenses
The MXE Simulator is the only tool that requires a license. MXE Simulator is licensed via
the FlexLM product from Macrovision. It requires you to situate a starter license file on
your hard drive, pointed to by a set lm_license_file environment setting. The license
is free and you apply for it online after installation, after which you will receive a
license.dat file via email.
From the Start menu, go to Programs → ModelSimXE → Submit License Request

Projects
When starting a project the default location of the project will be:
c:\Xilinx_WebPACK\bin\nt
You can create a unique directory on your hard drive for working on projects, for example:
c:\my_projects.
Should you need to uninstall and reinstall WebPACK ISE software due to problems on
your system, we recommend that you delete the entire WebPACK ISE directory structure.

Updating Software
Between major releases of software, Service Packs are released to keep the software fully
up to date. Service Packs often include new device features, updated characterization data
and minor improvements to the tools. Xilinx recommends that, if a Service Pack is
available for a version of the ISE WebPACK software, you install it at the earliest possible
convenience.

Summary
In this chapter, we demonstrated how to access and install the ISE WebPACK software, and
listed the devices it supports.
The next section will show how to embark upon a PLD design for the first time using the
powerful features of WebPACK ISE software. The example design is a basic up/down
counter and 7-segment display decoder. The design entry process is identical for CPLDs
and FPGAs.

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Chapter 4

WebPACK ISE Design Entry

This chapter describes a step-by-step approach to a simple design. The following pages are
intended to demonstrate the basic PLD design entry and implementation process. In this
example tutorial, you’ll design a simple up/down counter and 7-segment display decoder
in VHDL. Our design is initially targeted at the CoolRunner-II CPLD that is on the board in
the CPLD Design Kit. If you received this manual as part of the design kit, you can
download the design to the board and see it working at the end of the next chapter. If you
received this manual alone, you can purchase a Design Kit from www.xilinx.com →
Online Store. We also show how you can convert the project to target a Spartan-3E FPGA.

Design Entry
To start WebPACK ISE software, select:
Start → Programs → Xilinx ISE 10.1 → ISE → Project Navigator
To create a new project:
1. Select in Project Navigator: File → New Project.

Figure 4-1: New Project Window – Project Name

2. Call the project “Tutorial” and put it in your Designs directory. For this tutorial, we
will be using an HDL top level.
3. Click the Next> button.

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Chapter 4: WebPACK ISE Design Entry

4. Enter the following into the New Project dialog box:

Device Family: CoolRunner-II
Device: xc2c256
Package: TQ144
Speed Grade: -7
Synthesis Tool: XST (VHDL/Verilog)
Simulator:I ISE Simulator (VHDL/Verilog)

Figure 4-2: New Project Window – Device and Design Flow

5. Click the Next> button. Click Next> in the New Source wizard.
6. Click Next> in the Add Existing Sources dialog box. Click Finish. This will create a
project.
7. Add a new source to the project by selecting Project → New Source.
8. Add a VHDL module and call it “clock_divide.”

Figure 4-3: New Source Window

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Design Entry

9. Click the Next> button.

We will first create a clock divider module because we need to divide the 100 kHz
frequency from the on board oscillator down to a frequency slow enough for the
human eye to see. We will do this by using the CoolRunner-II clock divider to divide
bown by 16, then building a 10-bit counter to get a final frequency of approximately 6
Hz.
10. Create a 4-Bit Counter Module

Figure 4-4: Define VHDL Source Window

11. Declare two ports: clock_osc and clock_div. The port clock_osc should be of
direction “in”, and clk_div should be direction “out”.
12. Click the Next> button as many times as needed to get to the design summary
window. Review the contents of the final window and click the Finish button.
This has automatically generated the entity in the counter VHDL module. Notice that a file
called “clock_divide.vhd” has been added to the project in the Sources in Project
window of the Project Navigator.

Figure 4-5: Source in Project Window

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Chapter 4: WebPACK ISE Design Entry

The source code will open automatically, but if you do not see it you can double-click on
this source (highlighted in Figure 4-5) to open it in the WebPACK ISE Editor window.

Figure 4-6: clock_divide.vhd

You can remove the source files from the WebPACK ISE GUI by clicking
Window → Float in the ISE Menu. As the project builds, you will notice how the
WebPACK ISE tool manages hierarchy and associated files in the Sources window.

HDL Editor
Double-clicking on any file name in the Sources window allows that file to be edited in
the main Text Editor.

The Language Template

The language template is an excellent tool to assist you in creating HDL code. It has a range
of popular functions such as counters, multiplexers, decoders, and shift registers. It also
has templates for creating common operators (such as “IF/THEN” and “FOR” loops) often
associated with software languages.
Language templates are used as a reference. They can be copied and pasted into the design,
then customized for their intended purpose. Usually, you must change the bus width or
signal names, and sometimes modify the functionality.
To use the language template:

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Design Entry

1. In the HDL Editor place the cursor between begin and end Behavioral.
2. Open the language templates by clicking the button on the Project Navigator tool bar.

You can also access the language template from the Edit → Language Template
menu.
3. Navigate to the Simple Counter in the Language Templates as follows:
VHDL → Device Primitive Instantiation → CPLD → Clock Components → CR-II Clock
Divider → Divide by 16 → Simple Divider (CLK_DIV16)
4. Highlight all the code as indicated in the comments and copy it into the
clock_divide.vhd file at the architecture section, between the begin and end
statements
5. You can close the language templates by clicking the X in the top right corner of the
text window if you wish, but we will be using them again shortly.
6. Notice the color-coding used in the HDL Editor. The green text indicates a comment.
The commented text in this template shows which libraries are required in the VHDL
header. Figure 4-7 shows the CLK_DIV code that has been pasted into the clock_divide
file.

Figure 4-7: CLK_DIV16 Pasted Into File

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Chapter 4: WebPACK ISE Design Entry

Edit the Clock Divide Module

1. At this point, you should uncomment the following two lines near the top of the
clock_divide.vhd. To uncomment, simply delete the leading dashes (---), giving:
library UNISIM;
use UNISIM.VComponents.all;
2. Now we need to create a 10-bit counter to divide the clock down further. Open up the
language templates again and navigate as follows:
VHDL → Synthesis Constructs → Coding Examples → Counters → Binary → Up Counters
→ Simple Counter
3. Highlight the code and copy it into the clock_divide.vhd file between the begin
and end statements after the clock divider code you previously pasted from the
language templates. We need to make a few edits to the code to make it functional.
First change all three references from “<clock>” to “clock_div_int” and then
remove the <> brackets around both occurrences the word “count.”
4. As we have created two new signals called count and clock_div_int, we need to
declare the signals. Between the architecture statement and the begin statement of the
clock divider enter the following two signal declarations:
signal clock_div_int : std_logic;
signal count : std_logic_vector(9 downto 0):="0000000000";
The signal count is defined as a 10-bit signal that is given an initial value of all zeros.
This is necessary for successful simulation.
5. We must now connect these two signals to the two ports of our clock divider
instantiation. Edit the code so that it looks like the following:
clk_div16_inst : clk_div16
port map (
clkdv => clock_div_int,
clkin => clock_osc
);
6. The final edit needed to make this code function as we require is to take the most
significant bit of the counter and connect it up to our output port. After the “end
process;” line and before the “end Behavioral;” line, enter the following logical
assignment:
clock_div <= count(9);

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Design Entry

Figure 4-8: Clock_Divide in VHDL Window

A typical VHDL module consists of library declarations, an entity, and an architecture. The
library declarations are needed to tell the compiler which packages are required. To
summarize our module, the entity declares all ports associated with the design. Count (9
down to 0) means that count is a 10-bit logic vector.
This design has one input (clock_osc) and one output (clock_div). The actual
functional description of the design appears after the begin statement in the architecture.
The function of this design is to divide the incoming clock_osc signal from the oscillator
by 16 using the hard clock divider, and to use the subsequent output to increment a signal
“count” when clock_div_int = 1 and there is an event on clock_div_int. This is
resolved into a positive edge. The area still within the architecture – but before the begin
statement – is where component declarations reside.

Save the Counter Module

Save the VHDL file by clicking the disk icon or selecting from the Project Navigator menus:
File → Save

Create an Up/Down Counter Module

We are now ready to create the second module. This module will be another counter that
will step through 16 different sequences. You may need to revert back to viewing “Sources
for: Synthesis/Implementation” before we commence.

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1. To add another source go Project → New Source in the Project Navigator menu.
Choose VHDL Module and call it “counter”. This module will need five ports, four
inputs named “clock”, “reset” , “direction, and pause_design” as well as a
4-bit output bus called “count_out”.

Figure 4-9: Port Declaration Screen

2. Place a check mark in the Bus check box for count_out. Set the MSB on count_out
to 3 and the LSB to 0.
3. Click Next> and Finish until the VHDL file opens.
4. We need to go back to the counter section of the Language Templates and find a
counter with direction control. In the Language Templates follow:
VHDL → Synthesis Constructs → Coding Examples → Counters → Binary → Up/Down
Counters → /wCE
5. Copy the code and paste it into the “counter.vhd” file between the begin and End
Behavioral lines.
6. We now need to edit the signal names and insert a reset signal. You may find the
Edit → Replace feature useful to perfom the following tasks:
a. Change the reference to <count_direction> to Direction and remove the <>
brackets around the <clock>and <count> signals.
b. Change <clock_enable> to pause_design
c. Change the polarity for the active condition for the pause_design from:
If pause_design=’1’
to
If pause_design=’0’
d. Add an asynchronous reset into the code by adding the following line directly
after the begin of the process statement:
if reset='0' then count <= "0000";
The reset condition is ‘0’ because the push button on the demonstration board is
active low, making it is a ‘1’ when not pressed, and a ‘0’ when pressed.
7. Change the process statement to process (clock , reset , pause_design)

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Design Entry

8. Then we need to create a 4-bit signal called count. Insert the following code between
the architecture and begin lines:
signal count : std_logic_vector (3 downto 0);
9. Finally, we need to connect the Count signal to the count_out port by inserting the
following line after the end process statement and before the end behavioral
statement:
count_out <= count;
10. Change the if clock statement to start with elsif instead of if.
The code sould now look like this.

Figure 4-10: Counter Code

11. Save the file.

Create Conversion Module

Now we have completed two modules. The final functional model will convert a 4-bit
binary number into 7-bit code to drive the seven segment display.
1. Again, start by creating a new VHDL Module source by going Project → New Source.
This time call the module display_drive. This module only requires two ports – a 4-

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Chapter 4: WebPACK ISE Design Entry

bit input bus called count_in and a 7-bit output bus called LED, as shown in
Figure 4-11.

Figure 4-11: Port Declarations

2. Click Next> and Finish.

3. As this module is purely a logical conversion of one signal format to another, no
process statement is needed. Insert the following code between the “begin” and end
Behavioral lines:
with count_in Select
LED<= "1111001" when "0001", --1
"0100100" when "0010", --2
"0110000" when "0011", --3
"0011001" when "0100", --4
"0010010" when "0101", --5
"0000010" when "0110", --6
"1111000" when "0111", --7
"0000000" when "1000", --8
"0010000" when "1001", --9
"0001000" when "1010", --A
"0000011" when "1011", --b
"1000110" when "1100", --C
"0100001" when "1101", --d
"0000110" when "1110", --E
"0001110" when "1111", --F
"1000000" when others; --0

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Functional Simulation

The display_drive.vhd files should appear as shown in Figure 4-12.

Figure 4-12: display_drive.vhd File

4. Save this file.

Functional Simulation
You can now run a functional simulation on the display_drive module. With
display_drive.vhd highlighted in the Source window, the Process window will give
all the available operations for the particular module. A VHDL file can be synthesised and
then implemented through to a bitstream. Normally, a design consists of several lower-
level modules wired together by a top-level file. In this instance, we are going to simulate
only one lower-level module to introduce the functional simulation methodology.
To simulate a VHDL file, you must first create a testbench.
1. From the Project menu, select New Source as before:

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2. Select Test Bench Waveform as the source type and give it the name
display_drive_tb.

Figure 4-13: Define Test Bench

3. Click the Next > button.

4. The testbench is going to simulate the display_drive module, so when asked which
source you want to associate the source with, select display_drive and click the
Next> button.
5. Review the information and click Finish button.
6. The HDL Bencher tool now reads in the design. The initialize timing box sets the initial
parameters. As this design is logic only and has no clock, the only parameter that
needs to be set is the initial GSR length. The default setting of 100 ns is fine.
7. Click Finish to bring up the Waveform Editor.

Figure 4-14: HDL Bencher

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Functional Simulation

8. To simulate the design, you need to tell the testbench how you want the input signals
to toggle. After the GSR pulse has finished, double-click in the count_in waveform.
In the dialog box that appears, click Pattern Wizard. In the Pattern Type box, select
Count Up. In the Number of Cycles box, select 8. Select Radix to be Binary.

Figure 4-15: Pattern Wizard

9. Click OK to close the Pattern Wizard window.

10. Close this simulation interface by selecting File → Close, or by right-clicking on the
bottom tab “display_drive_tb.vhd” and selecting Close.
11. Return to the implementation interface by selecting “Source For: Implementation“ in
the Sources window. This changes the processes available from simulation to design
implementation.
12. To simulate the design, you need to change the sources you are viewing from
implementation to behavioral simulation. In the box next to Sources For: select
Behavioral Simluation.
13. Select display_drive_tb. You will notice that there are now different processes
available in the Process window.
14. Expand Xilinx ISE Simulator and double-click Simulate Behavioral Model.

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Chapter 4: WebPACK ISE Design Entry

15. Select the Simulation tab to view the results. You may need to expand the signal
names by clicking on the plus (+) signs.

Figure 4-16: Simulate Behavioral Model

The LED[6:0] signals now toggle as defined in the display_drive.vhd file.

16. Close the simulation by selecting File → Close, or by right-clicking on the bottom tab
labeled “Simulation” and selecting Close. Click Yes when asked to confirm the
closing of an active simulation.

Top-Level VHDL Designs

Now all we need to do is create a top level VHDL module to connect up our three blocks.
1. Use Project → New Source to create a new VHDL Module and give it the name top.
As this is the top level of our design, all the ports we declare in this module will be pins
on our device. In this design, we have four input ports named clock_ext,

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Top-Level VHDL Designs

reset_ext, direction_ext, and pause_design along with one output port, a 7-

bit bus called LED_output. Once these are declared, your code should look like this:

Figure 4-17: top.vhd Module

2. Because we are going to use the three previous models as components in our top level
design, we need to first declare them as components, just as we did with the clock
divider module in the first module we created. Between the architecture
behavioral of top is line and the begin line, insert the three component
declarations as follows:
component clock_divide
Port ( clock_osc : in STD_LOGIC;
clock_div : out STD_LOGIC);
end component;

component counter
Port ( clock : in STD_LOGIC;
reset : in STD_LOGIC;
direction : in STD_LOGIC;
pause_design : in STD_LOGIC;
count_out : out STD_LOGIC_VECTOR (3 downto 0)
);
component display_drive
Port ( count_in : in STD_LOGIC_VECTOR (3 downto 0);
LED : out STD_LOGIC_VECTOR (6 downto 0)
);
end component;
Notice that the ports of the components exactly match the ports in the three modules we
created earlier.
3. Now that the components have been declared, we must use instances of them in the
design. Enter the following text into the code after the begin and before the end
Behavioral statements:
U1: clock_divide
Port map (
clock_osc => clock_ext,
clock_div => clock_div_sig

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);
U2: counter
Port map (
clock => clock_div_sig,
reset => reset_ext,
direction => direction_ext,
pause_design => pause_design,
count_out => count_in_sig
);
U3: display_drive
Port map (
count_in => count_in_sig,
LED => LED_output
);
Notice that the ports of the components have all been connected to either a port in our
entity declaration (clock_ext, reset_ext, direction_ext or LED_output) or an
intermediate signal (clock_div_sig or count_in_sig).
4. We now need to declare these two signals that we have just used. After your last
component declaration and before begin, enter the following two signal declarations:
signal count_in_sig : std_logic_vector (3 downto 0);
signal clock_div_sig : std_logic;

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Top-Level Schematic Designs

The code should be as shown in Figure 4-18.

Figure 4-18: Top Level Code

5. Save the file. You should now see in the Project Navigator Sources window that the
source files are ordered in a hierarchy. Top.vhd is the top level and the other three
modules all sit underneath as shown in Figure 4-19.

Figure 4-19: Hierarchy in Sources Window

Top-Level Schematic Designs

Sometimes, it’s easier to visualize designs when they have a schematic top level that
instantiates the individual blocks of HDL. The blocks can then be wired together in the

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traditional method. For designs in the WebPACK ISE tool, the entire project can be
schematic- based.
This section discusses the method of connecting VHDL modules via the ECS schematic
tool. If you worked through the previous section, you will first need to remove the top
level VHDL file top.vhd from the project. To do this, highlight the file in the sources for
Synthesis/Implementation View, right click and select Remove, then click the Yes button
in the dialog box.
This action will take you back to the stage in the flow with only the three lower level
modules in the project. The Sources window module view should look like Figure 4-20
below.

Figure 4-20: Sources in Project Window (Synthesis/Implementation View)

ECS Hints
The ECS schematic capture program is designed around you selecting the action you wish
to perform, followed by the object on which the action will be performed. In general, most
Windows applications currently operate by selecting the object and then the action to be
performed on that object. Understanding this fundamental philosophy of operation makes
learning ECS a much more enjoyable experience.

Creating a Top Level Schematic Design

Before we create a schematic, we need to make symbols out of the three VHDL modules.
This adds a schematic representation of each module to the schematic library for this
project.
1. Highlight the clock_divide.vhd module in the Sources window and then expand
Design Utilities in the Process window. Double-click Create Schematic Symbol.
Repeat these actions for the counter.vhd and display_drive.vhd files.

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2. Now we need to make a schematic sheet. From the Project menu, select New Source
→ Schematic and give it the name top_sch as shown in Figure 4-21.

Figure 4-21: New Source Window Showing top_sch

3. Click the Next> button, then the Finish button. The ECS Schematic Editor window
will now appear. There will also be an Options tab below the Processes window.
4. The symbol libraries can be found under the Symbol tab on the right hand tab in the
Sources window You will see that there is a category showing the path to your project
directory. If you click this category, you will see three symbols listed below. These are
the three symbols that you have just created, as shown in Figure 4-22.

Figure 4-22: Symbols Tab

5. Click the clock_divide symbol and move your cursor over to the schematic sheet.
Place the clock_divide symbol in the middle of the left hand side of the schematic
sheet.
6. Then click the counter symbol and place it to the right of the previous symbol with
space between them.

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7. Finally, click the display_drive symbol and place it in the middle of the right hand
side of the schematic sheet. Your sheet should now look something like this: .

Figure 4-23: Schematic Sheet

Connecting the Blocks

1. Now the blocks must be connected together. Select the Add Wire tool from the toolbar.

Figure 4-24: Add Wire Tool

2. Click the clock_div output of the clock_divide module and then click the Clock
input of the Counter module. Draw a wire between the two ports.
3. Repeat the process between the Count_out(3:0) output of the Counter symbol
and the count_in(3:0) input of the display_drive symbol.
4. With the Add Wire icon still selected, we need to draw wires from the input and
output ports in order that we can make them into I/O pins. First click the clock_osc
port of the clock_divide symbol and draw a wire towards the left of the sheet. It
does not have to be too long. Then repeat the process with the reset, direction and
pause_design ports of the counter symbol. Then draw one wire below the other
input wires for the pause_design signal. Finally, draw a wire from the LED(6:0)
output of the display_drive symbol towards the right of the sheet.
Your schematic should now look like this:

Figure 4-25: Connected Blocks

Naming the Blocks

To name the ports click Add → Net Name in the menu or select the Add Net Names tool
from the Drawing toolbar:
1. Select the Add Net Names tool from the Drawing toolbar.

2. The net naming options will appear in the process window. In the Name section, type
clock_ext and then click the end of the net you attached to the clock_osc port.

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Type reset_ext and click the end of the net attached to the reset port. Then type
direction_ext and click the end of the net attached to the direction port. Then type
pause_design and click the end of the net attached to the pause_design port.
3. Finally, type LED_output(6:0) and click the end of the output of the
display_drive symbol.

I/O Markers
1. To make these named nets into I/O ports, select Add → I/O Marker or click the Add I/O
Marker tool from the Drawing toolbar:

2. Then click and hold the left mouse button and draw a box round each of the five
named nets. The direction of the port (input or output) will be correctly selected
automatically. The finished schematic should look like this:

Figure 4-26: Adding I/O Markers

3. Save the design (File → Save) and exit the Schematic Editor. You will notice that the
ISE software automatically recognizes that the schematic file is the top level file and
reorganzes the design accordingly.
In the Design Entry utilities, you can view the VHDL code that was created from the
schematic when top_sch was selected in the Sources window. The synthesis tool
actually works from this file.

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Chapter 5

Implementing CPLD Designs

Introduction
After you have successfully simulated your design, the synthesis stage converts the code-
based or schematic-based design into an NGC netlist file. The netlist is a non-readable file
that describes the actual circuit to be implemented at a very low level. The implementation
phase uses the netlist and a constraints file to recreate the design using the available
resources within the CPLD. Constraints may be physical or timing and are commonly used
for setting the required frequency of the design or declaring the required pinout.
The first step is Translate, also known as NGD Build because it is building an NGD file.
This step checks the design and ensures that the netlist is consistent with the chosen
architecture. Translate also checks the UCF for any inconsistencies. In effect, this stage
prepares the synthesized design for use within a CPLD.
The fit stage distributes the design to the resources in the CPLD and places those resources
according to the constraints specified. Obviously, if the design is too big for the chosen
device, the fit process will not be able to complete its job. The fitter uses the constraints that
were present in the UCF file to understand timing and may sometimes decide to change
the design to meet timing specifications. For example, sometimes the fitter will change the
D-Type flip-flops in the design to Toggle Type or T-Type registers. It all depends on how
well the design converts into product terms.
Note: Once the fitter has completed, it is good practice to re-simulate. As all the logic delays added
by the macrocells, switch matrix, and flip-flops are known, the chosen simulator can use information
for timing simulation.
The fitter creates a JEDEC file, which is used to program the device on the board either
using a parallel cable or programming equipment.
The steps of implementation must be carried out in this order. WebPACK ISE software will
automatically perform the steps required if a particular step is selected. For example, if the
design has only just been functionally simulated and you decide to do a timing simulation,
the software will automatically synthesize, translate, and fit the design. It will then
generate the timing information before it opens the simulator and gives the timing
simulation results.
The rest of this chapter demonstrates the steps required to successfully implement our
counter design.

Synthesis
The XST synthesis tool will only attempt to synthesize the file highlighted in the Sources
window. In our design, “top.vhd” (for VHDL designs) or “top_sch” (for schematic
designs) instantiates three lower level blocks, “clock_divide”, “counter” and

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“display_drive.” The synthesis tool recognizes all the lower level blocks used in the
top-level code and synthesizes them together to create a single bitstream.
1. In the Sources window, ensure that top.vhd is highlighted.
Note: If your top level is the schematic file top_sch, you will need to check the syntax of
the lower level VHDL files. You cannot perform a syntax check on a schematic file.
2. In the Process window, expand the Synthesis subsection by clicking on the “+” next
to Synthesize.
3. You can now check your design by double-clicking on Check Syntax. Ensure that any
errors in your code are corrected before you continue. If the syntax check is OK, a
check mark will appear.
The design should be okay because both the HDL Bencher tool and ISE Simulator have
already checked for syntax errors. (It is useful, when writing code, to periodically check
your design for any mistakes using this feature.)

Figure 5-1: Process Window Showing Check Syntax for clock_divide.vhd

After you have checked all the modules, highlight the top level module, then go down to
the process tree and right-click on Synthesize (under Implement Design) and select
Properties.

Figure 5-2: Selecting Synthesis Properties

A window appears allowing you to influence the way in which your design is
interpreted. The Help feature will explain each of the options in each tab.
4. Highlight the Xilinx Specific Options category.

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Constraints Editor

5. In the Xilinx Specific Options tab, ensure that the Add IO Buffers box is ticked. The
I/O buffers will be attached to all the port names in the top-level entity of the design.

Figure 5-3: Process Properties for Xilinx Specific Options

Clicking on Help in each tab demonstrates the complex issue of synthesis and how the
final result could change. The synthesis tool will never alter the function of the design,
but it has a huge influence on how the design will perform in the targeted device.
6. Click OK in the Process Properties window and double-click on Synthesize.
7. When the synthesis is complete, a green tick will appear next to Synthesize. Double-
click on View Synthesis Report. The report file (.syr) will appear in ISE.

Constraints Editor
To get the performance you need from a device, you must tell the implementation tools
what and where performance is required. This design is particularly slow and timing
constraints are unnecessary. Constraints can also be physical; pin-locking is a physical
constraint.
In this example, we are going to download the design to the board from the CoolRunner-
II Design Kit so the signals need to be assigned to the correct pins to be able to see the
design running.
1. In the Process window, expand the User Constraints tree and double-click
Floorplan IO. As there is no constraints file present in the design, the software will

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Chapter 5: Implementing CPLD Designs

create a constraints file and call it “top.ucf.” It will be associated with your top level
source file.

Figure 5-4: Assign Package Pins

Notice that the Translate step in the Implement Design section runs automatically.
This is because the implementation stage must see the netlist before it can offer you the
chance to constrain sections of the design. When translate has completed, the Xilinx
PACE (Pinout Area and Constraints Editor) tool opens. If there are already constraints
in the UCF file, these will be imported by PACE and displayed. As we have an empty
UCF file, nothing exists for PACE to import. In the Design Object List, you can enter a
variety of constraints on the I/O pins used in the design. PACE recognizes the five pins
in the design and displays them in the list.
2. Click in the Loc area next to each signal and enter the following location constraints:
clock_ext P38
direction_ext P124
LED_output<0> P56
LED_output<1> P53
LED_output<2> P60
LED_output<3> P58
LED_output<4> P57
LED_output<5> P54
LED_output<6> P61
pause_design P39
reset_ext P143
In addition, in the Datagate column for the signal clock_ext, select DATA_GATE. Also,
for the signal pause_design, look under the Globals column and set it to DATA_GATE.
This defines the control signal for all other inputs that have DataGATE selected. DataGATE
is a feature in CoolRunner-II that enables input pins to be electrically isolated from the
internal fabric of the device. The pin that turns this feature on and off is the DataGATE
enable or DGE pin. On this device, the DGE pin is P39, which is mapped to slide switch

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Constraints Editor

SW0. Moving SW0 will show DataGATE blocking the clock signal from the device, thereby
pausing the design.
The direction_ext signal is also connected to one of the slide switches (in this case
SW2) which is connected to P124 of the device. Therefore, changing the position of SW2
changes the direction in which the counter counts.
The LED output signals are all located to the pins of the 4 digit seven segment display.
Finally, the reset_ext signal is connected to BTN0 on the main board. This corresponds
to P143.

Figure 5-5: Enter Location Constraints

3. Save the PACE session and exit the PACE tool. It is now possible to see the constraints
in the UCF file.
4. Select the top.ucf or top_sch.ucf file in the Sources window. The name of the
UCF depends on if you are using a schematic or HDL top level file. This will display
the processes available for a UCF file.
5. Now, under the User Constraints tab, double-click Edit Constraints (Text) in the
Process window. The UCF file will open in the main window of the ISE Project
Navigator.
The constraints entered into PACE can be seen in Figure 5-6.
Note: If you do not see the UCF file in the Sources window, add it by using Project → Add
Source.

Figure 5-6: Text Constraints Imported from PACE

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CoolRunner-II architecture supports the use of non 50:50 duty cycle clocks by
implementing input hysteresis. This can be selected on a pin-by-pin basis. For example, if
the clock used in this design is an RC oscillator, the input hysteresis can be used to clean up
the clock using the following constraint syntax:
NET “clock” schmitt_trigger;
The CoolRunner-II CPLD also supports different I/O standards. If signals had to go to a
downstream device that required the signals to conform to a certain I/O standard, you
could use the following constraint syntax:
NET “net_name” IOSTANDARD=LVTTL;
The permissible standards are LVTTL, LVCMOS15, LVCMOS18, LVCMOS25, LVCMOS33.
On larger devices (128 macrocell and above), HSTL_I, SSTL2_I, and SSTL3_I are also
included. However, you can use only one I/O standard per bank, so take care when
assigning different I/O standards in a design.
The CoolRunner-II family has several features that are aimed at reducing power
consumption in the device. One of these features is known as CoolClock. The clock signal
on Global Clock Input 2 (GCK2) is divided by two as soon as it enters the device. All of the
registers clocked by this clock are then automatically configured as dual-edge triggered
flip-flops. The highest toggling net in the design will now be toggling at half the frequency,
which will reduce the power consumption of that net without compromising the
performance of the design. The CoolClock attribute can be applied by right-clicking on
GCK2 in PACE or by adding the following line in the UCF:
NET “clock” COOL_CLK;
However, we will not use these features in this tutorial. For more information on the use of
CoolRunner-II CPLDs, and their advanced features, visit the documentation section on
www.xilinx.com for a number of application notes, often including free code examples.
You must re-run translate so the new constraints can be read.
6. Select the top-level file in the Sources window to display the implementation
processes for the top-level design. This will be either top.vhd or top_sch.sch,
depending on if you are using a HDL or schematic top-level file.
7. Click on the “+” next to Implement Design in the Process window.
The implementation steps are now visible. An orange question mark indicates that
translate is now out of date and should be re-run.
8. A right-click on Implement Design allows you to edit the properties for each
particular step, as shown in Figure 5-7. Change the I/O Voltage Standard from

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CPLD Reports

LVCMOS18 to LVCMOS33, and change the Unused I/O Pad Termination Mode to
Ground.

Figure 5-7: PROCESS PROPERTIES – IMPLEMENT DESIGN

The Help button will explain the operation of each field.

You can set the default I/O standard under the Fitting tab of the Process Properties
window, as shown in Figure 5-7.

CPLD Reports
Two reports are available that detail the fitting results and associated timing of the design.
These are:
• The Translation Report shows any errors in the design or the UCF.
• The CPLD Fitter Report can be opened in two ways, either in a standard text window
within the ISE GUI or in a browser window.
1. To select which format to open, go to Edit → Preferences

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2. Select ISE General in the Category box, then choose between HTML and Text under
CPLD reports.

Figure 5-8: ISE Preferences

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CPLD Reports

3. To open the CPLD Fitter Report, expand the Fit branch and double-click on the Fitter
Report process.

Figure 5-9: CPLD HTML Fitter Report

The same information is contained in both the HTML and text reports, but the HTML
report has been designed to make the information more readable and easier to find. You
can browse through several sections of the HTML Fitter Report by using the menu on the
left-hand side of the page.
• The Summary section of the report gives a summary of the total resources available in
the device (macrocells, I/O pins, etc.), and how much is used by the design.
• The errors and warnings generated during fitting can be seen in the
Errors/Warnings section.
• The Inputs and Logic sections give information about signals, macrocells, and pins
in the fitted design. The key to the meaning of the abbreviations is available by
pressing the legend button.

• The Function Blocks summary looks into each function block and shows which
macrocell is used to generate the signals on the external pins. By clicking on a specific

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function block (e.g., FB1) in the Function Blocks section, all of the macrocells in
that function block will be shown. Clicking on a specific macrocell will bring up a
diagram of how that macrocell is configured.
The XC2C256 device has 16 function blocks, of which only two have been used for
logic functions in this design. The design could be packed into a single function block,
but the chosen I/O pins dictate which macrocells (and hence which function blocks)
are used.
• A great feature of CPLDs is the deterministic timing, as a fixed delay exists per
macrocell. The Timing Report is able to give the exact propagation delays and
setup times and clock-to-out times. These values are displayed in the first section of
the report.
The next section lists the longest setup time, cycle time (logic delay between
synchronous points as constrained by the period constraint), and clock-to-out time.
The setup and clock-to-out times don’t strictly affect the design’s performance. These
parameter limitations are dependent on the upstream and downstream devices on the
board. The cycle time is the maximum period of the internal system clock.
The next section shows all the inputs and outputs of the design and their timing
relationship with the system clock. The clock to setup section details the internal nets
to and from a synchronous point. The maximum delay in this section dictates the
maximum system frequency.
The last section details all the path type definitions, explaining the difference between
the types mentioned previously in the report.
4. To generate a detailed timing report, right-click on Generate Timing in the Process
window (under Optional Implementation Tools) and select Properties → Timing
Report Format. Then, select Detail from the drop down menu.

Configuration with CoolRunner-II Utility Window

The CPLD Design Kit comes with a USB cable which can be used to configure the device.
The kit also includes a software utility called “Configuration with CoolRunner-II Utility
Window” that makes configuration easy. If you have a Xilinx USB cable, you can skip to the
Configuration Using iMPACT section below, but first follow the board setup instructions.
The design does not require the LCD module, so it should be disconnected from the board.
1. Set the clock frequency to 100 kHz by removing the clock jumper on JP1.
2. Set slide switch SW1 to the left position, and SW0 to the right position.

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Configuration with CoolRunner-II Utility Window

3. First, you need to generate a configuration file for the device. Click the Generate
Programming File process:

Figure 5-10: Generate Programming File.

If you are using the CoolRunner-II Starter Kit, and wish to use the USB cable provided,
continue to the next step. If you have a Xilinx programming cable (not provided in the kit)
and wish to use iMPACT for programming, jump to the section labeled “Configuration
Using iMPACT”.
4. Now that you have a programming file, you need to start the CoolRunner-II Utility
Window. If you have not already done so, install this software from the Resource CD
that came with the Starter Kit.
5. Ensure that the USB cable is plugged in to the computer and the board.

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Chapter 5: Implementing CPLD Designs

6. Start the CoolRunner-II Utility Window by selecting Start → Programs → Digilent →

Tools → CoolRunner-II Utility Window.

Figure 5-11: CoolRunner-II Utility Window

7. Click on the browse button ( shown as … next to the program text box ). Navigate to
the location of the JEDEC programming file and select it. The JEDEC file will be in the
directory that you have initially specified as the project directory. In this example it
would be c:\designs\tutorial. Press the Program button to erase the CPLD and
re-program it with the new design file.
The board will now be programmed with the design you created. It will count from 0 to F
in Hex and then start again at 0. You can reset the design by pressing BTN0. You can
change the direction of the count by moving slide switch SW1, and you can isolate the
clock from the device, thereby pausing the design by moving SW1.

Configuration Using iMPACT

1. To configure using iMPACT, you must connect your Xilinx JTAG cable to the pins on
J8. The board must be powered already either by the USB cable or by an external
power source connected to JP3; it will not draw power from the Xilinx programming
cable.
2. With Sources for Synthesis and Implementation displayed in the Source window,
double-click on Configure Target Device in the Process window. You may have to
click on the plus signs (+) next to Implement Design to see this option.
3. A dialog box labeled ‘Welcome to iMPACT’ appears. Select Configure devices using
Boundary-Scan (JTAG) and click Finish.
4. A dialog box labeled Assign New Configuration File appears. Browse to the target
JEDEC file and click Open.
5. A dialog box labeled Device Programming Properties appears. Click OK.

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6. A dialog box will appear with showing programming options. Select Configure
devices using Boundary-Scan (JTAG) and click Finish. iMPACT will appear.

Figure 5-12: iMPACT Programmer Main Window

7. Right-click on the Xilinx XC2C256 icon that appears in the iMPACT window and select
Program.
The board will now be programmed with the design you created. It will count from 0
to F in Hex and then start again at 0. You can reset the design by pressing BTN0. You
can change the direction of the count by moving slide switch SW4 and you can isolate
the clock from the device, thereby pausing the design by moving SW1

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Introduction

Chapter 6

Implementing FPGA Designs

Introduction
After you have successfully simulated your design, the synthesis stage converts the code-
based HDL or schematic-based design into an NGC netlist file. The netlist is a non-
readable file that describes the actual circuit to be implemented at a very low level. The
implementation phase uses the netlist and a constraints file to recreate the design using the
available resources within the FPGA. Constraints may be physical or timing and are
commonly used for setting the required frequency of the design or declaring the required
pin-out.
The map stage distributes the design to the resources available in the FPGA. Obviously, if
the design is too big for the specified device, mapping will be incomplete. The map stage
also uses the UCF file to understand timing and may sometimes decide to add further logic
(replication) to meet the given timing requirements. Map has the ability to “shuffle’ the
design around LUTs to create the best possible implementation for the design. The whole
process is automatic and requires little user input.
The place and route stage works with the allocated CLBs and chooses the best location for
each block. For a fast logic path, it makes sense to place relevant CLBs next to each other
simply to minimize the path length. The routing resources are then allocated to each
connection, again using a careful selection of the best possible routing types. For example,
if you need a signal for many areas of the design, the place and route tool would use a
“longline” to span the chip with minimal delay or skew.
At this point, it is good practice to re-simulate. As all of the logic delays added by the LUTs
and flip-flops are now known (as well as the routing delays), the chosen simulator can use
this information for timing simulation.
Finally, a program called “bitgen” takes the output of place and route and creates a
programming bitstream. When developing a design, it may not be necessary to create a bit
file on every implementation, as you may only need to ensure that a particular portion of
your design passes timing verification. The steps of implementation must be carried out in
this order:
1. Synthesize
2. Map
3. Place and Route
4. Timing Simulate
5. Program.
WebPACK ISE software will automatically perform the steps required if a particular step is
selected. For example, if the design has only just been functionally simulated and you
decide to do a timing simulation, the software will automatically synthesize and fit. It will

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Chapter 6: Implementing FPGA Designs

then generate the timing information before opening the simulator and giving timing
simulation results.
In this chapter, we’ll demonstrate the steps required to successfully implement our counter
and decoder design into a Spartan-3E FPGA.

Changing the Project from CoolRunner-II to Spartan-3E

Double-click on “xc2c256-7tq144” in the Sources window, shown inFigure 6-1.

Figure 6-1: Sources in Project Window

The Project Properties dialog box will appear.

Figure 6-2: Project Properties Dialog

6. Enter the following characteristics as shown above:

a. In the Family field, select Spartan3E
b. In the Device field, select xc3s500e
c. Change the Package field to fg320
d. Set the Speed grade to -4
e. Set Top-Level Source Type to HDL
f. Set Synthesis Tool to XST (VHDL/Verilog)
g. Set Simulator to ISE Simulator (VHDL/Verilog)
h. Click on OK.

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Synthesis

The project, originally targeted at a CoolRunner-II CPLD, is now targeting a Xilinx

Spartan-3E FPGA. The green ticks in the Process window should have disappeared and
been replaced by orange question marks, indicating that the design must be re-synthesized
and re-implemented.

Synthesis
The design as it stands from chapter 5 cannot be implemented directly into a Spartan-3E as
it contains the CoolRunner-II hard clock divider which is present only in the CoolRunner-
II family. Therefore, the clock_divide module must be edited to remove that block and
replace its functionality with logic. The oscillator on the Spartan-3E board is 50 MHz so the
clock divider must divide down more than in the CPLD design where the oscillator was
100 kHz.
1. Make the edits to the clock_divide.vhd module by removing the CLK_DIV16
component and using a 23-bit counter. The new code will look like this:
library IEEE;
use IEEE.STD_LOGIC_1164.ALL;
use IEEE.STD_LOGIC_ARITH.ALL;
use IEEE.STD_LOGIC_UNSIGNED.ALL;
library UNISIM;
use UNISIM.VComponents.all;
entity clock_divide is
Port ( clock_osc : in STD_LOGIC;
clock_div : out STD_LOGIC);
end clock_divide;
architecture Behavioral of clock_divide is
signal count : std_logic_vector(22 downto
0):="00000000000000000000000";
begin
process (clock_osc)
begin
if clock_osc='1' and clock_osc'event then
count <= count + 1;
end if;
end process;
clock_div <= count(22);
end Behavioral;
2. Save and close the clock_divide.vhd file.
3. In the Sources window, ensure that “top.vhd” (or “top_sch” for schematic flows)
is highlighted.
4. In the Process window, expand the Synthesis subsection by clicking on the plus sign
(+) next to Synthesize. You can now check your design by double-clicking on Check
Syntax.
Note: For schematic designs you will have to Check Syntax on the sub-modules.
Ensure that any errors in your code are corrected before you continue. If the syntax
check is OK, a green check mark will appear (as shown in Figure 6-3).

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Note: The design should be okay because both the Bencher and XSim have already checked for
syntax errors. (It is useful, when writing code, to periodically check your design for any mistakes using
this feature.)

Figure 6-3: Processes Window Showing Check Syntax Success

The synthesis tool will never alter the function of the design, but it has a huge influence on
how the design will perform in the targeted device.
Double-click Synthesize – XST to run the synthesis of the design. Then expand the
synthesis tree in the process window and double-click View Synthesis Report. The first
section of the report summarizes just the synthesis settings. Each entity in the design is
then compiled and analyzed. The next section in the report gives synthesis details and
documents how the design was interpreted.
Note: The state machine is one hot encoded, as each state name (red, amber, redamb, and green)
has been assigned its own 1-bit register.
When synthesis chooses to use primitive macros it is known as “inference.” As registered
outputs were selected in the state machine, three further registers were inferred.

Figure 6-4: Extract of Synthesis Report

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The Constraints File

The Final Report section shows the resources used within the FPGA.

Figure 6-5: Final Report

The Constraints File

To get the ultimate performance from the device, you must tell the implementation tools
what and where performance is required. This design is particularly slow and timing
constraints are unnecessary. Constraints can also be physical; pin locking is a physical
constraint. For this design, assume that the specification for clock frequency is 100 MHz
and that the pin-out has been pre-determined to that of a Spartan-3 device.
There are already some constraints in the UCF from the previous project implementation.
It will be necessary to delete these constraints before running implementation steps. This is
because we set constraints that apply only to CPLDs, and set pin-outs for a CoolRunner-II
XC2C256-TQ144.
1. Highlight “top.ucf” in the Source window. Expand the plus sign(+) next to User
Constraints and double-click Edit Constraints (Text).
2. Highlight all of the constraints (the entire file) and delete them. Save the UCF
(File → Save).

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3. Double-click on Floorplan IO - Pre-Synthesis. This is found under the User

Constraints branch.

Figure 6-6: Process Window Showing Assign Package Pins

The PACE tool will be launched.

4. In PACE, assign all I/O pins in the Design Object List as shown in Figure 6-7. Simply
place the cursor in the Loc column, click on the entry for each, and type in the values
shown. If you have selected another package type, you can refer to the data sheet, or
roll over the package pins in the PACE display to find a global clock pin for clock.

Figure 6-7: Design Object List

5. Save (File → Save) and exit (File → Exit) the PACE session.
Note: You may encounter a dialog that asks you to define the bus delimiter. Select XST Default: <>
or XST Optional {}.
6. Click on the plus sign “+” next to Implement Design in the Process window.

Figure 6-8: Process Window Showing Implement Design

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FPGA Reports

7. Implement the design by double-clicking on Implement Design (you could run each
stage separately).
8. When there is a green tick next to Translate, Map, and Place and Route, your design
has completed the implementation stage.

Figure 6-9: Completed Implementation

A green tick means that the design ran through without any warnings. A yellow
exclamation point may mean that there is a warning in one of the reports. If you’ve
followed the design procedure outlined in this example, there should be no errors or
warnings.

FPGA Reports
Each stage has its own report. Clicking on the “+” next to each stage lists the reports
available:
• The Translate Report shows any errors in the design or the UCF.
• The Map Report confirms the resources used within the device and describes
trimmed and merged logic. It will also describe exactly where each portion of the
design is located in the actual device. A detailed Map Report can be chosen in the
properties for map.
• The Post-Map Static Timing Report shows the logic delays only (no routing)
covered by the timing constraints. This design has two timing constraints, the clock
period and the clock-to-out time of the three lights. If the logic-only delays don’t meet
timing constraints, the additional delay added by routing will only add to the
problem. Without a routing delay, these designs would run at 200 MHz!
• The Place and Route Report gives a step-by-step progress report. The place and
route tool must be aware of timing requirements. It will list the given constraints and
report how comfortably the design fell within – or how much it failed – the
constraints.
• The Asynchronous Delay Report is concerned with the worst path delays in the
design – both logic and routing.
• The Pad Report displays the final pin-out of the design, with information regarding
the drive strength and signalling standard.
• The Guide Report shows how well a guide file has been met (if one was specified).
• The Post Place and Route Static Timing Report adds the routing delays.
Notice that the max frequency of the clock has dropped.

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WebPACK ISE software has additional tools for complex timing analysis and floor
planning, which are beyond the scope of this introductory book. To find out more about
advanced software tools, visit the software documentation page at our website:
http://www.xilinx.com/support/software_manuals.htm

Programming
Ensure that the Spartan-3E Design Kit board is powered and switch SWP set to the On
position.
A DLC9 Platform USB cable is required to configure the device from the iMPACT
Programmer. Ensure that the cable is plugged in to the computer and that the ribbon
cable/flying leads are connected properly to the board.
To program a Spartan-3E:
1. Right-click on Generate Programming File and click on Properties.
2. Under the Start-Up Options category, ensure that the FPGA Start-Up Clock is set to
JTAG Clock by selecting JTAG Clock from the drop-down menu. Click OK

Figure 6-10: JTAG Clock Selection

3. Double-click on Generate Programming File.

This operation creates a .bit file that can be used by the iMPACT programmer to
configure a device.
4. Expand the Generate Programming File tools subsection.
5. Double-click on Configure Device (iMPACT).
6. Click Finish on the “Welcome to iMPACT” screen.
7. The JTAG chain will automatically be recognized. Associate the top.bit file with the
Spartan-3E device and put the PROM and the CPLD into bypass mode by clicking
Bypass in the bottom right corner of the window.
8. Click on the picture of the Spartan-3E device.
9. From the Operations Menu, select Program. Click OK to program the device.

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Summary

The design created is now in the Spartan-3E, and, if you have attached the seven segment
displays to J1 and J2, you will see the counter counting up from 0 to F in Hex. Changing the
position of switch SW0 will reset the counter back down to zero, changing the position of
switch SW1 will change the direction from counting up to counting down.

Summary
This chapter has taken the VHDL or Schematic design through to a working physical
device. The steps discussed were:
• Synthesis and Synthesis Report
• Timing and Physical Constraints using the Constraints Editor
• The Reports Generated throughout the Implementation flow
• Creating and Downloading a bitstream.

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Chapter 7

Application Notes, Reference Designs,

IP, and Services
Introduction
Our final chapter contains a useful resources that will give you a good jump start into your
future programmable logic designs. Xilinx has a large inventory of free Application Notes
and associated design files to facilitate the creation of complex designs. In addition, we
have an extensive library of Intellectual Property, some of which must be purchased. In the
pages that follow, we will outline current inventory applications.

CPLD Reference Designs

CPLD reference designs are HDL code-based designs that can help reduce the time of
CPLD designs. They are all available free of charge. These reference designs take the form
of IP, which can be used as is. Unlike purchased IP, these reference designs do not come
with direct support. They are built around application notes and have been tested in
WebPACK software. They are fully functional through the WebPACK simulator and
testbench. You can find CoolRunner reference designs in the Xilinx IP Center
http://www.xilinx.com/ipcenter/ by searching on the keyword “CoolRunner.”
Table 7-1 details the current reference designs. These are continually updated, so check
regularly for new listings. The URL is:

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http://www.origin.xilinx.com/products/silicon_solutions/cplds/resources/coolvhdlq.
htm?url=/products/xaw/coolvhdlq.htm
Table 7-1: Current Reference Designs
Memory PDA
XAPP800: SPI Flash XAPP357: LED Test
XAPP394: CoolRunner-II Mobile SDRAM XAPP356: XPATH Handspring Design
Interface Module (VHDL & Pocket C)
XAPP384: CoolRunner-II DDR SDRAM XAPP355: Serial ADC Interface
Interface XAPP149: Oscilloscope
XAPP354: NAND Interface (ABEL) XAPP147: Low Power Design
XAPP354: NAND Interface (VHDL) XAPP146: 8 Channel Digital Volt Meter
XAPP354: NAND Interface (Verilog)
XAPP906: SD Card Multiplexer
XAPP944: Data Stream Switch
Microcontroller Wireless
XAPP432: LIN Controller Implementation XAPP358: Wireless Transceiver Customer
XAPP432: LIN I/O Module Pack
XAPP393: 8051 Microcontroller Interface for XAPP345: IrDA & UART Design (VHDL)
CoolRunner -II XAPP345: IrDA & UART Design (Verilog)
XAPP387: PicoBlaze Microcontroller
XAPP349: 8051 Microcontroller Interface for
CoolRunner XPLA3
CoolRunner-II Datacom
XAPP390: Digital Camera Design XAPP380: N x N Digital Crosspoint Switch
XAPP378: CoolRunner-II Example Designs XAPP383: SECDED
XAPP381: CoolRunner-II Demo Board XAPP372: Smart Card Reader
XAPP444: CPLD Fitting, Tips and Tricks XAPP328: MP3 for XPLA3
XAPP940: Stepper Motor Controller

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CoolRunner-II Application Examples

Table 7-1: Current Reference Designs

Bus Interface Security
XAPP398: Compact Flash XAPP374: CryptoBlaze
XAPP391: 8b/10b Encoder-Decoder for XAPP371: Galois Field GF(2^m) Multiplier
CoolRunner-II
XAPP391: 16b/20b Encoder-Decoder for
CoolRunner-II
XAPP386: CoolRunner-II Serial Peripheral
Interface Master
XAPP353: SMBus Controller (VHDL)
XAPP348: Serial Peripheral Interface Master
XAPP341: UART (VHDL)
XAPP341: UART (Verilog)
XAPP339: Manchester Encoder-Decoder
(Verilog)
XAPP339: Manchester Encoder-Decoder
(VHDL)
XAPP336: 8b/10b Encoder-Decoder for
CoolRunner XPLA3
XAPP336: 16b/20b Encoder-Decoder for
CoolRunner XPLA3
XAPP333/ XAPP385: I2C Controller (VHDL)
XAPP333/ XAPP385: I2C Controller (Verilog)

CoolRunner-II Application Examples

The flexibility of the CoolRunner-II architecture means that it can be used for an infinite
number of different applications. CoolRunner-II CPLDs create standard logic (gates and
flip flops) efficiently. Using design software, the architecture efficiently creates just the
required logic to solve the problem. Unused logic remains available for future
modifications, corrections or enhancement. Xilinx design software shuts down unused
circuits eliminating their participation in the power consumption budget. By using gates
and flip flops to build logic, CoolRunner-II CPLDs create a rich variety of diverse
protocols, modulations and interfaces. If the task can be solved with logic, CoolRunner-II

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CPLDs can deliver. For example, Figure 7-1 illustrates some of the applications we have
prepared for portable consumer applications, such as cell phones and PDAs.

Figure 7-1: Portable Consumer Application Notes

For the same market we also supply application notes for using the inherent low power
characteristics and features of the CoolRunner CPLD .

Get the Most out of Microcontroller-Based Designs

Microcontrollers don’t make the world go round, but they most certainly help us get
around in the world. You can find microcontrollers in automobiles, microwave ovens,
automatic teller machines, VCRs, point-of-sale terminals, robotic devices, wireless
telephones, home security systems, and satellites, to name just a few applications.
In the never-ending quest for faster, better, and cheaper products, advanced designers are
now pairing CPLDs with microcontrollers to take advantage of the strengths of each.
Microcontrollers are naturally good at sequential processes and computationally intensive
tasks, as well as a host of non-time-critical tasks. CPLDs such as Xilinx CoolRunner devices
are ideal for parallel processing, high-speed operations, and applications where lots of
inputs and outputs are required.
Although faster and more powerful microcontrollers do exist, 8-bit microcontrollers own
much of the market because of their low cost and low power characteristics. The typical
operational speed is around 20 MHz, but some microcontroller cores divide clock
frequency internally and use multiple clock cycles per instruction (operations often
include fetch-and-execute instruction cycles). Thus, with a clock division of 2 – with each

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CoolRunner-II Application Examples

instruction taking as long as three cycles – the actual speed of a 20 MHz microcontroller is
divided by 6. This works out to an operational speed of only 3.33 MHz.
CoolRunner CPLDs are much, much faster than microcontrollers and can easily reach
system speeds in excess of 100 MHz. Today, we are even seeing CoolRunner devices with
input-to-output delays as short as 3.5 ns, which equates to impressive system speeds as
fast as 285 MHz. CoolRunner CPLDs make ideal partners for microcontrollers, because
they not only can perform high-speed tasks, they can perform those tasks with ultra- low
power consumption.
Xilinx offers free software and low-cost hardware design tools to support CPLD
integration with microcontrollers. The Xilinx CPLD design process is quite similar to that
used on microcontrollers, you can quickly learn how to partition your designs across a
CPLD and microcontroller to maximum advantage.

Design Partitioning
As we noted before, microcontrollers are very good at computational tasks, and CPLDs are
excellent in high-speed systems, with their abundance of I/Os. Table 7-2shows how we
can use a microcontroller and a CPLD in a partitioned design to achieve the greatest
control over a stepper motor.

Emergency Stop
Stepper Motor
Speed
Speed and
and
Rx
FIFO
FIFO
Byte Direction
Direction M
Control
Control
Microcontroller
Microcontroller

UART
UART
Tx Byte
FIFO
FIFO

360°
Can be integrated as well
if FPGA is used rather than CPLD

Counter
Counter
Interrupt
Xilinx CPU Register
Register Motor Position
Feedback
Comparator
Comparator

Figure 7-2: Partitioned Design: Microcontroller and CPLD

Meanwhile, the UART and FIFO sections of the design can be implemented in the
microcontroller in the form of a microcontroller peripheral, or implemented in a larger,
more granular PLD such as an FPGA – for example, a Xilinx Spartan device. Using a PLD
in this design has the added benefit of gaining the ability to absorb any other discrete logic
elements on the PCB or in the total design into the CPLD. Under this new configuration,
we can consider the CPLD as offering hardware-based subroutines or as a mini co-
processor.
The microcontroller still performs ASCII string manipulation and mathematical functions,
but it now has more time to perform these operations – without interruption. The motor
control is now independently stable and safe.

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In low-power applications, microcontrollers are universally accepted as low-power

devices and have been the automatic choice of designers. The CoolRunner family of ultra-
low power CPLDs are an ideal fit in this arena and may be used to complement your low-
power microcontroller to integrate designs in battery-powered, portable designs (<100 uA
current consumption at standby).

Documentation and Example Code

Xilinx offer many Application notes, White Papers and User Guides to illustrate how
CPLDs and FPGAs can be used. Some of these take the shape “how-to” guides that explain
to the reader how to use a certain features of the architecture. Others show how to
implement popular designs in CPLDs or FPGAs, and offer free code examples.
There are too many application notes to list them all here (more than 100 for CPLDs alone)
but, as a sample, a few of the popular applications are listed below to illustrate the diverse
range available. This list grows longer as more applications are developed. For the latest
list, please visit www.xilinx.com → Documentation → Application Notes.
Table 7-2: Documentation List
Title Number Family
Interfacing to DDR SDRAM with CoolRunner- 384 CoolRunner-II
II CPLDs
CoolRunner-II I2C Bus Controller 385 CoolRunner-II
Implementation
Compact Flash Card Interface for CoolRunner- 398 CoolRunner-II
II CPLDs
CoolRunner-II Character LCD Module 904 CoolRunner-II
Interface
DDR2 SDRAM Memory Interface for Spartan-3 454 Spartan-3
FPGAs
Using IP Cores in Spartan-3 FPGAs 474 Spartan-3
644MHz SDR LVDS Transmitter and Receiver 622 Virtex-II/ Spartan-3
HDTV Video Pattern Generator 682 Virtex-II/ Spartan-3
UltraController-II: Minimal footprint 575 Virtex-4/
embedded processing engine Virtex-II Pro
Virtex-4 High Speed Single Data Rate LVDS 704 Virtex-4
Transceiver
Multiple Bit Error Correction 715 Virtex-4
Memory Interface Application Note Overview 802 Virtex-4/
Spartan-3

Intellectual Property (IP) Cores

IP cores are very complex pre-tested system-level functions that are used in logic designs
to dramatically shorten development time. The benefits of using an IP core include:
• Faster time to market
• Simplified development process
• Minimal design risk
• Reduced software compile time
• Reduced verification time

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End Markets

• Predictable performance/functionality.
IP cores are similar to vendor-provided soft macros in that they simplify the design
specification procedure by removing designers from gate-level details of commonly used
functions. IP cores differ from soft macros in that they are generally much larger system-
level functions, such as a PCI bus interface, DSP filter, or PCMCIA interface. They are
extensively tested (and hence rarely free of charge) to prevent designers from having to
verify the IP core functions themselves.
The Xilinx website has a comprehensive database of Xilinx LogiCORE and third-party
AllianceCORE verified and tested cores. To find them, visit the Xilinx IP Center at
www.xilinx.com/ipcenter. The CORE Generator tool from Xilinx delivers highly
optimized cores compatible with standard design methodologies for Xilinx FPGAs. This
easy-to-use tool generates flexible, high-performance cores with a high degree of
predictability. You can also download future core offerings from the Xilinx website. The
CORE Generator tool is provided as part of Xilinx Foundation ISE software.

End Markets
The eSP web portal is located within the “End Markets” section on the Xilinx website. It is
the industry's first web portal dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions that
accelerate product development. To make it as easy as possible, we provide a choice for
locating material:
Aerospace/Defense Industrial/Scientific/Medical
Automotive Test/Measurement
Consumer Wired Communications
Audio/Video/Broadcast Wireless Communications
To get there, visit: http://www.xilinx.com/esp/
You can select a specific market solution or a broad-reaching technology that interests you
and see what Xilinx can offer in that application area. The site was designed to decrease the
time spent in the pre-design phase. This phase, which increasingly has become the
designers’ Achilles’ heel, involves visiting seminars, learning new standards, assimilating
the data, analyzing market trends, and more.
The eSP web portal saves time by proving up-to-date information about emerging
standards and protocols, how and where they are used, impartial information about which
one is best for your application, and pre-tested reference designs that can be purchased
and used.

Xilinx Design Services

Xilinx Design Services, or XDS, combines skills and experience in system, logic, and
embedded software design to provide a unique development partner. Leveraging these
skill sets will help you optimize your budget, schedule, and performance requirements.
The XDS portfolio includes:
• IP Core Modification
♦ Modifications or integration of existing Xilinx LogiCORE products and drivers
♦ Quick access to LogiCORE source code and a team with experience and expertise
with LogiCORE products

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♦ Fixed bid/fixed price contracts

• FPGA Design From Specification
♦ Turnkey FPGA design, ASIC conversions, and driver development and
integration
♦ Expertise in optimizing Xilinx technology to provide the best solution
♦ Excellent project management to ensure on-time and correct deliveries
♦ Fixed bid/fixed price contracts
• FPGA System Design
♦ System architecture consulting, FPGA logic, and embedded software design
♦ Broad applications experience and immense depth of experience with Xilinx
embedded processing tools and products
♦ Fixed bid/fixed price contracts
• Embedded Software Design
♦ Complex embedded software designs with real-time constraints, driver
development, and integration with hardware
♦ Experience with FPGA platform design, including processors and gates
♦ Expertise in hardware/software co-design techniques
♦ Fixed bid/fixed price contracts
Overall, XDS offers:
• Professional project management
• System-level experience around the world
• Faster project ramp-up
• Experienced FPGA design engineers
• FPGA hardware and software experts
• Accelerated knowledge of FPGA systems
• Access to ready-made intellectual property cores.
To find out more, please visit the XDS home at:
www.xilinx.com → Products and Services → Xilinx Design Services
Lserves to make training available when you need it and for the products you need.
Classes are held in centers around the world, although specific onsite instruction is also
available. For more information, visit www.support.xilinx.com and click on “Courses”
under “Education.”

Design Consultants
The Xilinx XPERTS Program qualifies, develops, and supports design consultants,
ensuring that they have superior design skills and the ability to work successfully with
customers. XPERTS is a worldwide program that allows easy access to certified experts in
Xilinx device architectures, software tools, and cores.
XPERTS partners also offer consulting in the areas of HDL synthesis and verification,
customization and integration, system-level designs, and team- based design techniques.
A listing of partners in the Xilinx XPERTS program is located at
www.xilinx.com/ipecenter.

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Xilinx Design Services

Technical Support
Xilinx provides 24-hour access to a set of sophisticated tools for resolving technical issues
via the Web. The Xilinx search utility scans through thousands of answer records to return
solutions for the given issue. Several problem-solver tools are also available for assistance
in specific areas, like configuration or install. A complete suite of one-hour modules is also
available at the desktop via live or recorded e-learning.
Lastly, if you have a valid service contract, you can access Xilinx engineers over the Web by
opening a case against a specific issue. For technical support, visit
www.support.xilinx.com.

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Glossary

Glossary of Terms
ABEL – Advanced Boolean Expression Language, low-level language for design entry,
from Data I/O.
AIM – Advanced Interconnect Matrix in the CoolRunner-II CPLD that provides the flexible
interconnection between the PLA function blocks.
Antifuse – A small circuit element that can be irreversibly changed from being non-
conducting to being conducting with ~100 Ohm. Anti-fuse-based FPGAs are thus non-
volatile and can be programmed only once (see OTP).
AQL – Acceptable Quality Level. The relative number of devices, expressed in parts-per-
million (ppm), that might not meet specification or be defective. Typical values are around
10 ppm.
ASIC – Application Specific Integrated Circuit, also called a gate array. Asynchronous logic
that is not synchronized by a clock. Asynchronous designs can be faster than synchronous
ones, but are more sensitive to parametric changes and are thus less robust.
ASSP – Application-Specific Standard Product. Type of high-integration chip or chipset
ASIC that is designed for a common yet specific application.
ATM – Asynchronous Transfer Mode. A very high-speed (megahertz to gigahertz)
connection-oriented bit-serial protocol for transmitting data and real-time voice and video in
fixed-length packets (48-byte payload, 5-byte header).
Back Annotation – Automatically attaching timing values to the entered design format
after the design has been placed and routed in an FPGA.
Behavioral Language – Top-down description from an even higher level than VHDL.
Block RAM – A block of 2k to 4k bits of RAM inside an FPGA. Dual-port and synchronous
operation are desirable.
CAD – Computer Aided Design, using computers to design products.
CAE – Computer Aided Engineering, analyses designs created on a computer.
CLB – Configurable Logic Block. Xilinx-specific name for a block of logic surrounded by
routing resources. A CLB contains two or four LUTs (function generators) plus two or four
flip-flops.
CMOS – Complementary Metal-Oxide-Silicon. Dominant technology for logic and memory.
Has replaced the older bipolar TTL technology in most applications (except very fast ones).
CMOS offers lower power consumption and smaller chip sizes compared to bipolar and
now meets or even beats TTL speed.

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Compiler – software that converts a higher language description into a lower-level

representation. For FPGAs: the complete partition, place and route process.
Configuration – The internally stored file that controls the FPGA so that it performs the
desired logic function. Also, the act of loading an FPGA with that file.
Constraints – Performance requirements imposed on the design, usually in the form of
max allowable delay, or required operating frequency.
CoolCLOCK – Combination of the clock divider and clock doubler functions in
CoolRunner-II CPLDs to further reduce power consumption associated with high-speed
clocked-in internal device networks.
CPLD – Complex Programmable Logic Device, synonymous with EPLD. PAL-derived
programmable logic devices that implement logic as sum-of- products driving macrocells.
CPLDs are known to have short pin-to-pin delays, and can accept wide inputs, but have
relatively high power consumption and fewer flip-flops compared to FPGAs.
CUPL – Compiler Universal for Programmable Logic, CPLD development tool available
from Logical Devices.
DataGATE – A function within CoolRunner-II devices to block free-running input signals,
effectively blocking controlled switching signals so they do not drive internal chip
capacitances to further reduce power consumption. Can be selected on all inputs.
Input Hysteresis – Input hysteresis provides designers with a tool to minimize external
components, whether using the inputs to create a simple clock source or reducing the need
for external buffers to sharpen a slow or noisy input signal. Function found in CoolRunner-
II CPLDs (may also be referred to as Schmitt Trigger inputs in the text).
DCM – Digital Clock Manager. Provides zero-delay clock buffering, precise phase control,
and precise frequency generation on Xilinx Virtex-II FPGAs.
DCI – Digitally Controlled Impedance in the Virtex-II solution dynamically eliminates drive
strength variation due to process, temperature, and voltage fluctuation. DCI uses two
external high-precision resistors to incorporate equivalent input and output impedance
internally for hundreds of I/O pins.
Debugging – The process of finding and eliminating functional errors in software and
hardware.
Density – Amount of logic in a device, often used to mean capacity. Usually measured in
gates, but for FPGAs, better expressed in logic cells, each consisting of a 4-input LUT and
a flip-flop.
DLL – Delay Locked Loop, A digital circuit used to perform clock management functions
on- and off-chip.
DRAM – Dynamic Random Access Memory. A low-cost/read-write memory where data is
stored on capacitors and must be refreshed periodically. DRAMs are usually addressed by
a sequence of two addresses – row address and column address – which makes them
slower and more difficult to use than SRAMs.
DSP – Digital Signal Processing. The manipulation of analog data that has been sampled
and converted into a digital representation. Examples are filtering, convolution, and Fast
Fourier Transform
EAB – Embedded Array Block. Altera™ name for block RAM in FLEX10K.
EDIF – Electronic Data Interchange Format. Industry-standard for specifying a logic design
in text (ASCII) form.

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EPLD – Erasable Programmable Logic Devices, synonymous with CPLDs. PAL-derived

programmable logic devices that implement logic as sum-of- products driving macrocells.
EPLDs are known to have short pin-to-pin delays, and can accept wide inputs, but have
relatively high power consumption and fewer flip-flops than FPGAs.
Embedded RAM – Read-write memory stored inside a logic device. Avoids the delay and
additional connections of an external RAM.
ESD – Electro-Static Discharge. High-voltage discharge can rupture the input transistor
gate oxide. ESD-protection diodes divert the current to the supply leads.
5-Volt Tolerant – Characteristic of the input or I/O pin of a 3.3V device that allows this pin
to be driven to 5V without any excessive input current or device breakdown. Very desirable
feature.
FIFO – First-In-First-Out memory, where data is stored in the incoming sequence and is
read out in the same sequence. Input and output can be asynchronous to each other. A
FIFO needs no external addresses, although all modern FIFOs are implemented internally
with RAMs driven by circular read and write counters.
FIT – Failure In Time. Describes the number of device failures statistically expected for a
certain number of device-hours. Expressed as failures per one billion device hours. Device
temperature must be specified. MTBF can be calculated from FIT.
Flash – Non-volatile programmable technology, an alternative to Electrically-Erasable
Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) technology. The memory content can be
erased by an electrical signal. This allows in-system programmability and eliminates the
need for ultraviolet light and quartz windows in the package.
Flip-Flop – Single-bit storage cell that samples its Data input at the active (rising or falling)
clock edge, and then presents the new state on its Q output after that clock edge, holding
it there until after the next active clock edge.
Floorplanning – Method of manually assigning specific parts of the design to specific chip
locations. Can achieve faster compilation, better utilization, and higher performance.
Footprint – The printed circuit pattern that accepts a device and connects its pins
appropriately. Footprint-compatible devices can be interchanged without modifying the PC
board.
FPGA – Field Programmable Gate Array. An integrated circuit that contains configurable
(programmable) logic blocks and configurable (programmable) interconnect between
those blocks.
Function Generator – Also called look-up-table, with N-inputs and one output. Can
implement any logic function of its N-inputs. N is between 2 and 6; 4-input function
generators are most popular.
GAL – Generic Array Logic. Lattice name for a variation on PALs Gate. Smallest logic
element with several inputs and one output. AND gate output is high when all inputs are
high. OR gate output is high when at least one input is high. A 2-input NAND gate is used
as the measurement unit for gate array complexity.
Gate Array – ASIC where transistors are pre-defined, and only the interconnect pattern is
customized for the individual application.
GTL – Gunning Transceiver Logic. A high-speed, low-power back-plane standard.
GUI – Graphic User Interface. A way of representing the computer output on the screen as
graphics, pictures, icons, and windows. Pioneered by Xerox and the Macintosh, now
universally adopted (e.g., by Windows 95).

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HDL – Hardware Description Language.

Hierarchical Design – Design description in multiple layers, from the highest (overview) to
the lowest (circuit details). Alternative: flat design, where everything is described at the
same level of detail. Incremental design making small design changes while maintaining
most of the layout and routing.
Interconnect – Metal lines and programmable switches that connect signals between logic
blocks and between logic blocks and the I/O.
IOB or I/O – Input/Output block. Logic block with features specialized for interfacing with
the PC board.
ISO9000 – An internationally recognized quality standard. Xilinx is certified to ISO9001 and
ISO9002.
IP – Intellectual Property. In the legal sense: patents, copyrights, and trade secrets. In
integrated circuits: pre-defined large functions, called cores, that help you complete large
designs faster.
ISP – In-System Programmable device. A programmable logic device that can be
programmed after it has been connected to (soldered into) the system PC board. Although
all SRAM-based FPGAs are naturally ISP, this term is only used with certain CPLDs, to
distinguish them from the older CPLDs that must be programmed in programming
equipment.
JTAG – Joint Test Action Group. Older name for IEEE 1149.1 Boundary Scan, a method to
test PC boards and ICs.
LogiBLOX – Formerly called X-Blox. Library of logic modules, often with user-definable
parameters, like data width. Very similar to LPM.
Logic Cell – Metric for FPGA density. One logic cell is one 4-input look-up table plus one
flip-flop.
LPM – Library of Parameterized Modules. Library of logic modules, often with user-
definable parameters, like data width. Very similar to LogiBlox.
LUT – Look-Up Table. Also called function generator with N inputs and one output. Can
implement any logic function of its N inputs. N is between 2 and 6; 4-input LUTs are most
popular.
Macrocell – The logic cell in a sum-of-products CPLD or PAL/GAL.
Mapping – Process of assigning portions of the logic design to the physical chip resources
(CLBs). With FPGAs, mapping is a more demanding and more important process than with
gate arrays.
MTBF – Mean Time Between Failure. The statistically relevant up-time between equipment
failure. See also FIT.
Netlist – Textual description of logic and interconnects. See also XNF and EDIF.
NRE – Non-Recurring Engineering charges. Startup cost for the creation of an ASIC, gate
array, or HardWire. Pays for layout, masks, and test development. FPGAs and CPLDs do
not require NRE.
Optimization – Design change to improve performance. See also Synthesis.
OTP – One-Time Programmable. Irreversible method of programming logic or memory.
Fuses and anti-fuses are inherently OTP. EPROMs and EPROM-based CPLDs are OTP if
their plastic package blocks the ultraviolet light needed to erase the stored data or
configuration.

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PAL – Programmable Array Logic. Oldest practical form of programmable logic,

implemented a sum-of-products plus optional output flip-flops.
Partitioning – In FPGAs, the process of dividing the logic into sub-functions that can later
be placed into individual CLBs. Partitioning precedes placement.
PCI – Peripheral Component Interface. Synchronous bus standard characterized by short
range, light loading, low cost, and high performance. A 33 MHz PCI can support data byte
transfers of up to 132 megabytes per second on 36 parallel data lines (including parity) and
a common clock. There is also a new 66 MHz standard.
PCMCIA – Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association. (Also: People Can’t
Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms). Physical and electrical standard for small plug-in
boards for portable computers.
Pin-Locking – Rigidly defining and maintaining the functionality and timing requirements
of device pins while the internal logic is still being designed or modified. Pin-locking has
become important, since circuit-board fabrication times are longer than PLD design
implementation times.
PIP – Programmable Interconnect Point. In Xilinx FPGAs, a point where two signal lines
can be connected, as determined by the device configuration.
Placement – In FPGAs, the process of assigning specific parts of the design to specific
locations (CLBs) on the chip. Usually done automatically.
PLA – Programmable Logic Array. The first and most flexible programmable logic
configuration with two programmable planes providing any combination of “AND” and “OR”
gates and sharing of AND terms across multiple ORs. This architecture is implemented in
CoolRunner and CoolRunner-II devices.
PLD – Programmable Logic Device. Most generic name for all programmable logic: PALs,
CPLDs, and FPGAs.
QML – Qualified Manufacturing Line. For example, ISO9000.
Routing – The interconnection, or the process of creating the desired interconnection, of
logic cells to make them perform the desired function. Routing follows partitioning and
placement.
Schematic – Graphic representation of a logic design in the form of interconnected gates,
flip-flops, and larger blocks. Older and more visually intuitive alternative to the increasingly
more popular equation-based or high-level language text description of a logic design.
SelectRAM – Xilinx-specific name for a small RAM (usually 16 bits), implemented in a LUT.
Simulation – Computer modeling of logic and (sometimes) timing behavior of logic driven
by simulation inputs (stimuli or vectors).
SPROM – Serial Programmable Read-Only Memory. Non-volatile memory device that can
store the FPGA configuration bitstream. The SPROM has a built-in address counter,
receives a clock, and outputs a serial bitstream.
SRAM – Static Random Access Memory. Read-write memory with data stored in latches.
Faster than DRAM and with simpler timing requirements, but smaller in size and about four
times as expensive than DRAM of the same capacity.
SRL16 – Shift Register LUT, an alternative mode of operation for every function generator
(LUT) that are part of every CLB in Virtex and Spartan FPGAs. This mode increases the
number of flip-flops by 16. Adding flip-flops enables fast pipelining – ideal in DSP
applications.

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Static Timing – Detailed description of on-chip logic and interconnect delays.

Sub-Micron – The smallest feature size is usually expressed in micron (μ = millionth of a
meter, or thousandth of a millimeter) The state of the art is moving from 0.35μ to 0.25μ, and
may soon reach 0.18μ. The wavelength of visible light is 0.4 to 0.8μ. 1 mil = 25.4μ.
Synchronous – Circuitry that changes state only in response to a common clock, as
opposed to asynchronous circuitry that responds to a multitude of derived signals.
Synchronous circuits are easier to design, debug, and modify, and tolerate parameter
changes and speed upgrades better than asynchronous circuits.
Synthesis – Optimization process of adapting a logic design to the logic resources
available on the chip, like LUTs, longline, and dedicated carry. Synthesis precedes
mapping.
SystemI/O – Technology incorporated in Virtex-II FPGAs that uses the SelectIO-Ultra
blocks to provide the fastest and most flexible electrical interfaces available. Each I/O pin
is individually programmable for any of the 19 single-ended I/O standards or six differential
I/O standards, including LVDS, SSTL, HSTL II, and GTL+. SelectIO-Ultra technology
delivers 840 Mbps LVDS performance using dedicated DDR registers.
TBUFs – Buffers with a tri-state option, where the output can be made inactive. Used for
multiplexing different data sources onto a common bus. The pull- down-only option can use
the bus as a wired AND function.
Timing – Relating to delays, performance, or speed.
Timing Driven – A design or layout method that takes performance requirements into
consideration.
UART – Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter. An 8-bit-parallel- to-serial and
serial-to-8-bit-parallel converter, combined with parity and start- detect circuitry and
sometimes even FIFO buffers. Used widely in asynchronous serial communications
interfaces such as modems.
USB – Universal Serial Bus. A new, low-cost, low-speed, self-clocking bit- serial bus (1.5
MHz and 12 MHz) using four wires (Vcc, ground, differential data) to daisy-chain as many
as 128 devices.
VME – Older bus standard, popular with MC68000-based industrial computers.
XA – Device suffix for automotive parts.
XNF File – Xilinx proprietary description format for a logic design Alternative: EDIF.

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ACRONYMS

ACRONYMS
ABEL Advanced Boolean Expression Language
ADC Analog-to-Digital Converter
AIM Advanced Interconnect Matrix
ANSI American National Standards Institute
ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
ASSP Application Specific Standard Product
ATE Automatic Test Equipment
BGA Ball Grid Array
BLVDS Backplane Low Voltage Differential Signaling
BUFG Global Clock Buffer
CAD Computer Aided Design
CAN Controller Area Network
CBT Computer Based Training
CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
CE Clock Enable
CLB Configurable Logic Block
CLK Clock Signal
CMOS Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
CPLD Complex Programmable Logic Device
CSP Chip Scale Packaging
DCI Digitally Controlled Impedance
DCM Digital Clock Manager
DCM Digital Control Management
DES Data Encryption Standard
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory
DRC Design Rule Checker

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DSL Digital Subscriber Line

DSP Digital Signal Processor
DTV Digital Television
ECS Schematic Editor
EDA Electronic Design Automation
EDIF Electronic Digital Interchange Format
EMI Electromagnetic Interference
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
eSP emerging Standards and Protocols
FAT File Allocation Table
FIFO First In First Out
FIR Finite Impulse Response (Filter)
FIT Failures in Time
FLBGA Flip Chip Ball Grid Array
fMax Frequency Maximum
FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
FSM Finite State Machine
GPS Global Positioning System
GTL Gunning Transceiver Logic
GTLP Gunning Transceiver Logic Plus
GUI Graphical User Interface
HDL Hardware Description Language
HDTV High Definition Television
HEX Hexadecimal
HSTL High Speed Transceiver Logic
I/O Inputs and Outputs
IBIS I/O Buffer Information Specification
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ILA Integrated Logic Analyzer
IOB Input Output Block
IP Intellectual Property
IRL Internet Reconfigurable Logic
ISE Integrated Software Environment
ISP In System Programming
JEDEC Joint Electron Device Engineering Council
JTAG Joint Test Advisory Group

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LAN Local Area Network

LEC Logic Equivalence Checker
LMG Logic Modeling Group
LSB Least Significant Bit
LUT Look Up Table
LVCMOS Low Voltage Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
LVDS Low Voltage Differential Signaling
LVDSEXTLow Voltage Differential Signaling Extension
LVPECL Low Voltage Positive Emitter Coupled Logic
LVTTL Low Voltage Transistor to Transistor Logic
MAC Multiply and Accumulate
MAN Metropolitan Area Network
MCS Manipulate Comment Section
MIL Military
MOSFET Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors
MP3 MPEG Layer III Audio Coding
MPEG Motion Picture Experts Group
MSB Most Significant Bit
MUX Multiplexer
NAND Not And
NGC Native Generic Compiler
NRE Non-Recurring Engineering (Cost)
OE Output Enable
OTP One Time Programmable
PACE Pinout and Area Constraints Editor
PAL Programmable Array Logic
PCB Printed Circuit Board
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCMCIA Personal Computer Memory Card International Association
PCS Personnel Communications System
PLA Programmable Logic Array
PLD Programmable Logic Device
PROM Programmable Read Only Memory
QFP Quad Flat Pack
QML Qualified Manufacturers Listing
QPRO QML Performance Reliability of Supply Off the Shelf ASIC

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RAM Random Access Memory

RC Radio Controlled
ROM Read Only Memory
SOP Sum of Product
SPLD Simple Programmable Logic Device
SRAM Static Random Access Memory
SRL16 Shift Register LUT
SSTL Stub Series Terminated Transceiver Logic
TIM Time in Market
Tpd Time of Propagation Delay (through the device)
TQFP Thin Quad Flat Pack
TTM Time to Market
UCF User Constraints File
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
UV Ultraviolet
VCCO Voltage Current Controlled Oscillator
VFM Variable Function Multiplexer
VHDL VHISC High Level Description Language
VHSIC Very High Speed Integrated Circuit
VREF Voltage Reference
VSS Visual Software Solutions
WAN Wireless Area Network
WLAN Wireless Local Access Network
WPU Weak Pull Up
XCITE Xilinx Controlled Impedance Technology
XOR Exclusive OR
XST Xilinx Synthesis Technology
ZIA Zero Power Interconnect Array

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