AX2000-1CS896 datasheet(105/226 Pages) ACTEL

105 / 226 page

Axcelerator Family FPGAs

v2.7

2-91

Silicon Explorer II Probe Interface

Silicon Explorer II is an integrated hardware and

software solution that, in conjunction with the Designer

tools, allows users to examine any of the internal nets

(except I/O registers) of the device while it is operating in

a prototype or a production system. The user can probe

up to four nodes at a time without changing the

placement and routing of the design and without using

any additional device resources. Highlighted nets in

Designer’s ChipPlanner can be accessed using Silicon

Explorer II in order to observe their real time values.

Silicon Explorer II's noninvasive method does not alter

timing or loading effects, thus shortening the debug

cycle. In addition, Silicon Explorer II does not require

relayout or additional MUXes to bring signals out to

external

pins,

which

necessary

when

using

programmable logic devices from other suppliers. By

eliminating multiple place-and-route program cycles, the

integrity of the design is maintained throughout the

debug process.

Each member of the Axcelerator family has four external

pads: PRA, PRB, PRC, and PRD. These can be used to bring

out four probe signals from the Axcelerator device (note

that the AX125 only has two probe signals that can be

observed: PRA and PRB). Each core tile has up to two

probe signals. To disallow probing, the SFUS security fuse

in the silicon signature has to be programmed (see

"Special Fuses" on page 2-90).

Silicon Explorer II connects to the host PC using a

standard serial port connector. Connections to the circuit

board are achieved using a nine-pin D-Sub connector

(Figure 1-9 on page 1-7). Once the design has been

placed-and-routed, and the Axcelerator device has been

programmed, Silicon Explorer II can be connected and

the Explorer software can be launched.

Silicon Explorer II comes with an additional optional PC

hosted tool that emulates an 18-channel logic analyzer.

Four channels are used to monitor four internal nodes,

and 14 channels are available to probe external signals.

The software included with the tool provides the user

with an intuitive interface that allows for easy viewing

and editing of signal waveforms.

Programming

Device programming is supported through the Silicon

Sculptor II, a single-site, robust and compact device

programmer for the PC. Up to four Silicon Sculptor IIs can

be daisy-chained and controlled from a single PC host.

With standalone software for the PC, Silicon Sculptor II is

designed to allow concurrent programming of multiple

units from the same PC when daisy-chained.

Silicon Sculptor II programs devices independently to

achieve the fastest programming times possible. Each

fuse is verified by Silicon Sculptor II to ensure correct

programming. Furthermore, at the end of programming,

there are integrity tests that are run to ensure that

programming was completed properly. Not only does it

test programmed and nonprogrammed fuses, Silicon

Sculptor II also provides a self-test to test its own

hardware extensively.

Programming

Axcelerator

device

using

Silicon

Sculptor II is similar to programming any other antifuse

device. The procedure is as follows:

1. Load the .AFM file.

2. Select the device to be programmed.

3. Begin programming.

When the design is ready to go to production, Actel

offers

device

volume-programming

services

either

through distribution partners or via our In-House

Programming Center.

addition,

Microsystems

offers

multi-site

programmers

that

provide

qualified

support

for

Axcelerator devices.

For more details on programming the Axcelerator

devices, please refer to the Silicon Sculptor II User’s

Guide.

AX2000-1CS896 Datasheet(PDF) 105 Page - Actel Corporation

AX2000-1CS896 Datasheet(HTML) 105 Page - Actel Corporation

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