Re: gEDA: Xilinx software???

[Magnus Danielson <cfmd-at-NOSPAMswipnet_dot_se>]

From: Stephen Williams <steve@icarus.com>
Subject: Re: gEDA: Xilinx software??? 
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 13:47:02 -0800

> 
> aldavis@ieee.org said:
> > I would like to switch over entirely to free tools (Icarus Verilog
> > and others).  From a quick check on open collector, it looks like
> > most of what is needed for such a course is available, but the Icarus
> > web site says that the Xilinx tools are needed to actually download
> > to a board.
> 
> Place&Route for Xilinx parts is not available in free software, with
> the possible exception of the Web Pack that is available from Xilinx.
> I personally haven't tried the Web Pack software.

Indeed. For the actual download procedure, there is JTAG software
around for Linux, but as Steve mentioned, the Place&Route aims to
generate the binary file to actually download.

> Incidentally, Xilinx has apparently seen the light (or at least a dim
> glow) and has announced Linux support. They are currently claiming
> Foundation runs under WINE on RedHat 7.2, and give a schedule of 2003
> for fully native ISE for Linux.

Wow (in a less impressed way). They are stating the known, we allready
know it works. Seems like it hit them too... eventually. Good that
they have scheduled up for a full native version, but they should be
able to release it before 2003.

But to answer Al's original question, I'd say take a look at the
WebPACK. You can do designs up to 300k width it. The big trouble you
migth encounter is target FPGAs. If you have old 4000-targets, then
you are (sadly) out of luck, but if you have Spartran (I, II and IIE)
and Virtex E (up to 300E) then go for it.

I've seen a Spartan-IIE based card of 99 USD. Fits the WebPACK
software like a glove. Should make Uni's happy.

The full free, Linux-road is still not fully open. There are many good
pieces there.

Cheers,
Magnus