Xilinx Design Tools Download
Xilinx ISE Design Suite is a front-to-back HDL synthesis and implementation tool for Xilinx FPGAs and CPLDs. It also offers PS configuration and initialization code generation features. It is based on the Vitis IDE and utilities. It is succeeded by the Vivado Design Suite.
Start by downloading the ISE suite from Xilinx’s website. Once downloaded, run the self-extracting web installer and follow the prompts.
ISE WebPACK
ISE WebPACK is a free, front-to-back downloadable programmable logic design solution that provides HDL entry and simulation, synthesis, implementation, device fitting and JTAG programming. It supports the Xilinx Spartan family of FPGAs and CPLDs and is available on Windows, XP, and Linux. The product is the industry’s most complete zero-cost design environment.
Xilinx has expanded the functionality of WebPACK with a new Process window that is more intuitive. The window allows designers to select the proper synthesis flow based on the HDL language used (ABEL, Verilog or VHDL).
Other features include a new I/O pin planning capability included in the PlanAhead environment and a floorplanning capability called ExploreAhead. Both are designed to help minimize the effects of minor changes at late stages in the design cycle and reduce re-implementation time. Additionally, SmartGuide and SmartPreview can provide users with intermediate implementation results so they can make trade-offs before proceeding to final placement and routing.
WebPACK ISE also includes a new version of Xilinx SmartCompile technology that cuts implementation runtimes by up to 6x while maintaining exact design preservation for unchanged logic. This enables designers to meet performance goals more quickly and reach design closure in less time.
ISE Simulator
ISE Simulator is a simulation tool that supports both RTL and behavioral level design. It provides back-annotated timing and is able to run both technology-independent and technology-specific designs. In addition, it can also read in AMD libraries and simulate them at a gate level. However, it is recommended that you use the pre-compiled AMD libraries for faster simulation performance.
The Xilinx ISE Design Suite version 10.1 features many improvements, including unified inter-tool integration. This feature allows EDK and System Generator modules to be added directly to the Project Navigator window. It also includes a new version of ISE Foundation software, which now offers full access to ISE SmartXplorer technology. SmartXplorer technology reduces implementation tool run times and improves the productivity of the design team.
After creating a project, the Project Navigator prompts you to set the project name and location. It also asks you to select a top-level source type. After selecting the source type, you can add a Verilog Module to your project. Then, you can specify the inputs and outputs of the module. When the synthesis is complete, you can view the RTL schematic. ISE will also create a skeleton test fixture. If the module is working correctly, the test simulation will display no errors. If there are any errors, the time of each error and the expected output will be displayed in the ISE console.
Vivado
Vivado is the newest design suite from Xilinx. It provides a complete set of tools and functionality to design complex digital systems using Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs. Vivado includes synthesis, place and route, verification and simulation tools.
Compared to previous versions, the new Vivado has more advanced features and functionality. For example, the Vivado high-level synthesis compiler enables C, C++ and SystemC programs to be directly targeted into programmable logic devices. This increases developer productivity by up to 15x, reducing development costs.
Another useful feature is the Vivado IP Packager tool, which allows Xilinx customers, IP developers and ecosystem partners to turn a block of RTL into a reusable, programmable component called an IP core. This IP core can be stitched into a design using Vivado’s IP Integrator tool.
The Vivado software requires a host ID to function properly. This ID is unique to the machine on which it is installed and can be obtained in various ways, such as a MAC address, hard drive serial number or dongle ID. The host ID can also be used to activate licenses for Xilinx products and design tools. To activate a license, the host ID must be entered into the Vivado License Manager. Once it is entered, the Vivado application will be ready to use.