Mail Archives: geda-user/2012/10/21/22:08:49
On 10/21/2012 07:43 PM, David Collins wrote:
> Hi all. I am hoping to start some FPGA development over the next few months using Linux toolchains - probably Altera FPGAs specifically - and am just looking for some advice.
>
> The most obvious issues seem to be:
> 1. Will I be able to synthesize circuits for these devices using Icarus Verilog?, and
> 2. Are there open-source tools for working with the Altera JTAG USB-blaster?
>
> Also, is there a particular FPGA or development kit you would recommend?
>
> Would I be better off with a Xilinx device?
>
> If anyone has experience developing for CPLDs with Linux, I am interested in advice on that also.
>
> David
>
> http://indigo.uk.to/~david
>
>
>
Well, Icarus and the other commercial tools are a whole bunch different
from one another. I've used Aldec, for example, it's a great tool but
very expensive - which let's you single-step through a simulation, set
breakpoints - just like a software debugging tool. I don't believe
icaraus has this ability - so you have to use other techniques like
using print statements, for example, to know what is up. It interfaces
nicely with GTKwave so you get nice plots. All good stuff - I've done
one FPGA using Icarus but not actually tested it out in real life. In my
opinion, the design entry tools from Xilinx and Quartus are junk. Stick
with an HDL based design and you won't go wrong - if Icarus then you are
using Verilog.
But should you synthesize with it? Nah. Use Icarus to get your code
working then use XST or Quartus or whatever to build the parts up.
If you are looking for free, then you can't beat Icarus for design
simulation + xilinix web-pack or Altera quartus for synthesis and
place/route.
Xilinx or Altera (or others) is your choice. I like xilinx - but that's
me. Also, Altera supprt has gone down the crapper in recent years. Maybe
that's important to you
I don't know about open source tools. But, I am aware of people using
the FTDI USB chipsets for blasting JTAG. Maybe you can find some people
making DIY blasters for linux. If you find some, let me know -
hope this is helpful
gene
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