Axcelerator Family FPGAs
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Design Environment
The Axcelerator family of FPGAs is fully supported by both Microsemi's Libero Integrated Design
Environment and Designer FPGA Development software. Libero IDE is an integrated design manager
that seamlessly integrates design tools while guiding the user through the design flow, managing all
design and log files, and passing necessary design data among tools. Additionally, Libero IDE allows
users to integrate both schematic and HDL synthesis into a single flow and verify the entire design in a
single environment (see the
Libero IDE Flow diagram located on the Microsemi SoC Products Group
website). Libero IDE includes Synplify Actel Edition (AE) from Synplicity, ViewDraw AE from Mentor
Graphics, ModelSim HDL Simulator from Mentor Graphics, WaveFormer Lite AE from
SynaptiCAD, and Designer software from Microsemi.
Designer software is a place-and-route tool and provides a comprehensive suite of backend support
tools for FPGA development. The Designer software includes the following:
Timer – a world-class integrated static timing analyzer and constraints editor which support
timing-driven place-and-route
NetlistViewer – a design netlist schematic viewer
ChipPlanner – a graphical floorplanner viewer and editor
SmartPower – allows the designer to quickly estimate the power consumption of a design
PinEditor – a graphical application for editing pin assignments and I/O attributes
I/O Attribute Editor – displays all assigned and unassigned I/O macros and their attributes in a
spreadsheet format
With the Designer software, a user can lock the design pins before layout while minimally impacting the
results of place-and-route. Additionally, Microsemi’s back-annotation flow is compatible with all the major
simulators and the simulation results can be cross-probed with Silicon Explorer II, Microsemi’s integrated
verification and logic analysis tool. Another tool included in the Designer software is the SmartGen core
generator, which easily creates popular and commonly used logic functions for implementation into your
schematic or HDL design.
Designer software is compatible with the most popular FPGA design entry and verification tools from
EDA vendors, such as Mentor Graphics, Synplicity, Synopsys, and Cadence Design Systems. The
Designer software is available for both the Windows and UNIX operating systems.
Programming
Programming support is provided through Silicon Sculptor II, a single-site programmer driven via a PC-
based GUI. In addition, BP Microsystems offers multi-site programmers that provide qualified support for
Microsemi devices. Factory programming is available for high-volume production needs.
In-System Diagnostic and Debug Capabilities
The Axcelerator family of FPGAs includes internal probe circuitry, allowing the designer to dynamically
observe and analyze any signal inside the FPGA without disturbing normal device operation
(Figure 1-9).Figure 1-9
Probe Setup
Serial
Connection
Additional 14 Channels
(Logic Analyzer)
Axcelerator FPGAs
Silicon Explorer II
TDI
TCK
TMS
16 Pin
Connection
22 Pin
Connection
PRA
PRB
TDO
CH3/PRC
CH4/PRD