Design Manager and Flow Engine Menu Commands

This section describes all of the menu commands for the Design Manager and Flow Engine combined. The commands are presented in alphabetical order.

1, 2, 3, 4 (File Menu)

The File menu display up to four of the most recently used projects. To open a project, click on the appropriate file listed in the menu.

Abort (Flow Menu)

Use this command to terminate the current Flow Engine execution.

Note: To set a run target, use the Setup Stop After command.

About Design Manager (Help Menu)

Use this command to display program information, including the software version and serial number, and the copyright notice. A dialog box displays this information.

About Flow Engine (Help Menu)

Use this command to display program information, including the software version and serial number, and the copyright notice. A dialog box displays this information.

Advanced (Setup Menu)

Use this command to open the Advanced dialog box, shown in following figure. Set the options in this dialog box to configure the implementation flow and control aspects of the Flow Engine interface.

Figure 4.1 Advanced Dialog Box

Advanced Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Implementation State
  
  Use this option to update the Flow Engine to which implementation state was last completed. Most users will not need to modify this setting.
  
  In normal Flow Engine use, do not use this setting to change the implementation state. This setting is typically used if some processing on the design was performed outside of the Design Manager or Flow Engine. For example, if the design was routed using the FPGA Editor, the Implementation State option should be set to Routed to inform the Design Manager and Flow Engine that this implementation state is complete.
  
  
• Use Flashing to Indicate Heartbeat
  
  Use this option to show flashing process icons that indicate processing activity in the Flow Engine. This option is useful for providing feedback that the Flow Engine is running. However, using this option may slow the implementation process. This option is off by default.
  
  

Chip Viewer (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the Chip Viewer. This tool presents a graphical view of the final fitting report for CPLDs. You can use the Chip Viewer before or after the Fitting process.

If you run the Chip Viewer before Fitting, the viewer reads from the design netlist. Select a device to get basic design information, set I/O assignments and pin-locking, and modify the UCF file.

If you run it after Fitting, the viewer reads the fitting results in the .vm6 file. It allows you to view the final fit and all pin assignments, connections between macrocells and details about macrocell use, and power settings and slew rates.

Note: The Chip Viewer is supported for CPLD device families only.

Close (Flow Menu)

Use this command to close the Flow Engine window. Use this command when you are finished implementing the design or no longer need the Flow Engine.

Command History (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to open the Command History utility and display the commands and options that have been run in the flow for the current implementation revision. This utility is useful for reviewing the commands and options that were used while executing the flow. This utility is shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.2 Command History Utility

Command History Utility

The following options are available.

• Mode
  
  Select a view mode.
  
  
  • Process
    
    This mode displays high level flow information about the executed commands, such as optimize, map, place, and route.
    
    
  • Command Line
    
    This mode displays the executed operating system commands and command line options.
    
    
  • Show Date and Time
    
    This mode displays the date and time that the commands were run on the selected implementation revision.
    
    
• Close
  
  Click Close to exit the utility.
  
  

Command Preview (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to open the Command Preview utility and display the commands and options that remain to be run in the flow for the current implementation revision. This utility is useful for determining which commands will be executed in the flow and whether the correct options have been set. This utility is shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.3 Command Preview Utility

Command Preview Utility

The following options are available.

• Mode
  
  Select a view mode.
  
  
  • Process
    
    This mode displays high level flow information about the commands, such as optimize, map, place, and route, that will be executed.
    
    
  • Command Line
    
    This mode displays the operating system commands and command line options that will be executed.
    
    
• Update View
  
  Click this button to update the command preview information to reflect any changes made in Flow Engine option settings since opening the Command Preview window.
  
  
• Close
  
  Click Close to exit the utility.
  
  

Constraints Editor (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to launch the Constraints Editor. This tool allows you to create new constraints and edit existing ones after running the Translate step in the Flow Engine.

The Constraints Editor accepts NGD and, optionally, UCF files as input and writes out a valid UCF file. You can use this valid UCF file as input to an automatic implementation of a revision or to the Translate step, if you are implementing a revision in separate steps.

For additional information, see the Constraints Editor Guide.

Copy Revision (Design Menu)

Use this command to make a copy of the currently selected implementation revision. The new implementation revision contains the same data as the selected implementation revision. When you use the Copy Revision command, the Copy As dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure. After the Design Manager creates the copy, it displays a new implementation revision icon in the project view.

Figure 4.4 Copy As Dialog Box

Copy Revision Dialog Box

Type a name for the implementation revision copy in the Copy As field.

Delete (Design Menu)

Use this command to delete the currently selected project, design version, or implementation revision. Select the appropriate icon and select Design Delete or press the Delete key on your keyboard. You are prompted to confirm that you really want to delete the selected data.

Delete Project (File Menu)

Use this command to delete a project along with all its associated files in the project directory. This command opens the Delete Project dialog box, shown in the following figure. You are presented with a list of projects from which you can select a project to delete. To delete a project, select a project and click Delete.

Figure 4.5 Delete Project Dialog Box

Delete Project Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Xilinx Projects
  
  Select a project to delete.
  
  
• Delete
  
  Click Delete to exit the dialog box and delete the selected project.
  
  
• Remove From List
  
  Click Remove From List to exit the dialog box and remove the project from the most recently used project list in the File menu. This option removes the project from the list but does not delete the project and all accompanying data.
  
  

Exit (File Menu)

Use this command to close the current project and exit the Design Manager. All data is saved automatically upon exit. You are prompted to confirm that you really want to quit.

Export (Design Menu)

Use this command to export your design data. It opens the Export dialog box, shown in the following figure. This command is useful for transferring design data created in the Design Manager to other environments.

Figure 4.6 Export Dialog Box

Note: The Flow Engine automatically exports certain files to your design directory based on the targets selected in the Options dialog box.

Export Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Export Options
  
  Choose the types of data to export.
  
  
  • Physical Design Data
    
    Select this option to export physical design data (design_name.ncd file for FPGAs and design_name.vm6 or design_name.gyd file for CPLDs).
    
    
  • Timing Simulation Data
    
    Select this option to export timing simulation data (time_sim.edn, time_sim.sdf, time_sim.v, time_sim.vhd, and time_sim.xmm files).
    
    
  • Configuration Data
    
    Select this option to export configuration data (design_name.bit or design_name.ll file for FPGAs and design_name.jed file for CPLDs).
    
    
• Files To Export
  
  This list box shows the files to be exported based on the selections made in the Export Options area.
  
  
• Export To
  
  Type the directory path and name in which to save the exported data. Click the Browse button to open a directory selection dialog box in which you can select a directory for the exported data.
  
  

Floorplanner (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the Floorplanner from the Design Manager. The Floorplanner is a graphical placement tool that gives you control over placing a design into a target FPGA using a “drag and drop” paradigm with the mouse pointer.

The Floorplanner displays a hierarchical representation of the design in the Design window using hierarchy structure lines and colors to distinguish the different hierarchical levels. The Floorplan window displays the floorplan of the target device into which you place logic from the hierarchy.

For online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the Floorplanner.

Note: The Floorplanner is supported for all XC4000 families, Virtex, Spartan/XL, and Spartan2 FPGA device families only.

Flow Engine (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the Flow Engine. You can use the Flow Engine to implement a design. You can set compile and flow options from within the Flow Engine.

For additional online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the Flow Engine.

Flow Log File (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to view the Flow Engine log file in a separate window. The log file contains all of the messages displayed for the programs run during the implementation process.

Font (View Menu)

Use this command to specify the font type and font size for the text displayed in the Flow Engine message log window. This command opens a standard font dialog box in which you can make these settings.

FPGA Editor (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the FPGA Editor from the Design Manager. The FPGA Editor is a graphical tool that allows you to display and configure FPGAs. You can use the FPGA Editor to edit design logic, logic placement, and signal routing.

Use the FPGA editor before the Place&Route step to place and route critical components. You can also use the editor to manually finish placement and routing if the Route process does not completely route your design.

For online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the FPGA Editor.

Note: The FPGA Editor is supported for the FPGA device families only.

FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route (Design Menu)

Use this command to run multiple place and route passes on an implementation revision. You can indicate the number of place and route passes the software should run and the number of passes you want to save. Each pass you save is added as an implementation revision in the Design Manager project view. When you use this command, the dialog box shown in the following figure appears, in which you can make these settings.

Figure 4.7 FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Dialog Box

After you run the place and route passes, the FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Status dialog box appears. This dialog box shows the design version name and the status of your placed and routed design, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.8 FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Status Dialog Box

For more information on cost tables, best passes, and on generating a nodelist file and setting up environment variables, see the “Turns Engine (PAR Multi-Tasking Option)” section of the Development System Reference Guide.

Note: This command is supported for the FPGA device families only. In order to accomplish the MPPR runs, the Flow Engine generates temporary (tmp) files in your working directory. If MPPR does not complete successfully, the tmp files remain in the Design Manager project view.

FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Initial Placement Seed (Cost Table)
  
  Specify a placement initialization value with which to begin the place and route attempts. Each subsequent attempt is assigned an incremental value based on the placement initialization value.
  
  The number you choose corresponds to a cost table index and results in different place and route strategies. Cost tables assign weighted values to relevant factors such as constraints specified in the input file (for example, certain components must be in certain locations), the length of connections, and the available routing resources. Choose a number from 1 to 100. The default is 1.
  
  

  Note: Cost tables are fixed from one run to the next; however, cost tables are not an ordered set. There is no correlation between a cost table's number and its relative value.

• Place & Route Passes to Execute
  
  Specify the number of place and route passes to attempt. Choose a number from 1 to 100. The default is 1.
  
  
• Save N Best Passes
  
  Specify the number of place and route passes to save. The software saves the specified number of passes. Choose a number from 1 to 100. The default is 1.
  
  This option compares every result to every other result and leaves you with the best passes. The best outputs are determined by a score assigned to each output design. This score takes into account such factors as the number of unrouted nets, the delays on nets, and conformance to your timing constraints. The lower the score, the better the design.
  
  
• Prefix for Derived Revisions
  
  Enter a prefix for the name of the passes to be run, if you do not want to use the default, rev#. Passes saved as revisions in the Design Manager project view follow different default naming conventions than normal revisions. By default, the passes are named rev#_p#_#_#_#.
  
  The default prefix, rev#, indicates the number of the revision on which the pass was based. The rest of the pass name is fixed, that is you cannot alter it. The second number, p#, indicates the number of the Multi-Pass Place & Route (MPPR) run within a given version. For example, if you run MPPR once, p will be followed by a 1. If you run MPPR a second time on a different revision within the same version, p is followed by 2. The last three numbers are based on the initial cost table, the pass number, and the number of passes saved.
  
  
• Nodelist File
  
  Click the Browse button to the right of this field to choose a nodelist file that you have generated. Choosing a nodelist file allows you to use multiple machines (nodes) that are networked together for a multi-run place and route job, significantly reducing the total amount of elapsed time to completion. The nodelist file contains a list of the node names, one per line.
  
  

  Note: The Nodelist File option is only available on UNIX workstations.

• Run
  
  Click Run to exit the dialog box and launch the FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Flow Engine.
  
  

FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Status Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• OK
  
  Click OK to exit the dialog box.
  
  
• View Log File
  
  Click this button to view the log file.
  
  
• View Summary Report
  
  Click this button to launch the Report Browser and view the summary report generated by the FPGA Multi-Pass Place & Route Flow Engine.
  
  

FPGA Re-entrant Route (Setup Menu)

Use this command to reroute a previously routed design. This command opens the Re-entrant Route dialog box, shown in the following figure, which allows you to set up the conditions for your re-entrant routing. You can set the number of re-entrant routing and cleanup passes and set whether to use timing constraints for the re-entrant route process.

Note: This command is supported for FPGA device families only.

Figure 4.9 FPGA Re-entrant Route Dialog Box

FPGA Re-entrant Route Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Allow Re-entrant Routing
  
  Use this option to further route an already routed design. The router reroutes some connections to improve the timing score or to finish routing unrouted nets. This option is useful if you want to manually route a portion of the design and then automatically route the design or if you want to run additional delay reduction passes.
  
  
• Re-entrant Route Options
  
  You can set the number of re-entrant routing and cleanup passes. If you run both cost-based and delay-based cleanup passes, the cost-based passes will run before the delay-based passes. Running more than two cleanup passes rarely provides improved results. You can also specify whether you want to use timing constraints during the re-entrant routing process.
  
  
  • Run _ Cost-Based Cleanup Passes
    
    Cost-based cleanup makes rerouting decisions by assigning weighted values to the factors affecting delay times between sources and nets. Set the number of cost-based cleanup passes you want to run by choosing a number from 1 to 5. The default is 1.
    
    
  • Run _ Delay-Based Cleanup Passes
    
    Delay-based cleanup makes rerouting decisions based on computed delay times between sources and loads on the routed nets, and reroutes to minimize the delays. Set the number of delay-based cleanup passes you want to run by choosing a number from 1 to 5. The default is 0.
    
    
  • Run _ Re-entrant Route Passes
    
    Re-entrant routing runs additional timing driven or non-timing driven routing passes, depending on whether you specified timing constraints. Placement and routing from previous place and route runs are preserved. Set the number of re-entrant route passes by choosing a number from 1 to 2000. The default is Auto.
    
    
  • Use Timespecs During Re-entrant Route
    
    The Flow Engine uses timing constraints in the design file to route the design within the specified constraints. By default, this option is on.
    
    

Hardware Debugger (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the Hardware Debugger. Use the Hardware Debugger to download a design to a device, verify the downloaded configuration, and display the internal states of the programmed device.

For online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the Hardware Debugger.

Note: The Hardware Debugger is supported for FPGA device families only.

Help Topics (Help Menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Design Manager or Flow Engine Help. From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions and to various types of reference information.

After you open Help, you can click the Help Topics button in the Help window whenever you want to return to the opening screen of Help.

For more information about online help, see the “Using Help” section of the “Getting Started” chapter.

Implement (Design Menu)

Use this command to start the implementation process. This command opens the Flow Engine and begins an automatic implementation on the “last” implementation revision. The “last” revision is the bottommost revision in the Design Manager project view. However, if you changed your source design for the “last” revision, the New Version dialog box appears. You must set options in this dialog box before implementation can take place. See the “New Version Dialog Box” section for information on these options.

If you want to set implementation, simulation, and configuration options before you implement your design, set them in the Options dialog box. For more information on this dialog box, see the “Options Dialog Box (FPGA)” or “Options Dialog Box (CPLD)” section.

Note: If you want to implement a revision that is not the “last” revision, right-click on a revision and select Re-implement. See the “Re-Implementing a Design” section of the “Using the Design Manager and Flow Engine” chapter for information.

After you implement a design, the Implement Status dialog box appears. This dialog box is shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.10 Implement Status Dialog Box

Implement Status Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• OK
  
  Click OK to exit the dialog box.
  
  
• View Log File
  
  Click this button to view the log file for this implementation.
  
  
• Reports
  
  Click this button to launch the Report Browser and view reports generated by the Flow Engine.
  
  

JTAG Programmer (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the JTAG Programmer. Use the JTAG Programmer to download your design and configure a device from the XC4000, XC5200, Virtex, Spartan/XL, or Spartan2 FPGA families or XC9500 CPLD family.

For online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the JTAG Programmer.

Lock Pins (Design Menu)

Use this command to perform pin locking by placing pinout information in the user constraints file (UCF). This command allows you to use pinout information with other Xilinx implementation tools. For FPGAs, pin locations and logical pad names are read from a placed NCD file. For CPLDs, this information is read from a fitted GYD file.

This command creates a UCF file if one does not exist. If one exists, the existing user constraints are maintained, but additional pin locking constraints are added to the file. All pin locking constraints created by this command are written in a PINLOCK section within the UCF file.

After the constraints are generated, you can review the Lock Pins report by clicking View Report in the status dialog box, shown in the following figure, or by using the Utilities Lock Pins Report command.

Figure 4.11 Lock Pins Status Dialog Box

Lock Pins Status Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• OK
  
  Click OK to exit the dialog box.
  
  
• View Lock Pins Report
  
  Click this button to view the report generated during the creation of pin locking constraints in your UCF file.
  
  

Lock Pins Report (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to open the report file generated during the execution of the Design Lock Pins command. This report contains information on the constraint conflicts between the pin locking constraints in the UCF file and the design file.

New Project (File Menu)

Use this command to create a new project. This command opens the New Project dialog box, shown in the following figure. In this dialog box, you can specify the design file for creating your new project.

Figure 4.12 New Project Dialog Box

Note: To open an existing project, use the File Open Project command.

New Project Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Input Design
  
  Specify the name of the design file you want to open. You can either type the name or click the Browse button to the right of the Design field. Clicking the Browse button opens a file selection dialog box in which you can select a design file to open. See the “Inputs and Outputs” section of the “Introduction” chapter for information on the input design file types accepted by the Design Manager.
  
  
• Work Directory
  
  Specify the name of the directory in which to put the project data files. To modify the work directory, type the path or click the Browse button to open a directory selection dialog box. The software automatically appends the subdirectory xproj to the selection made in the directory selection dialog box. The xproj subdirectory stores all of the data files for the project.
  
  If you want to change the name of the work directory, type over the name using the characters A through Z, a through z, 0 through 9, period (.), underscore (_), or hyphen (-) only.
  
  

  Note: When you browse for the input design, the software automatically fills the Work Directory field with the input design directory followed by the xproj subdirectory.

• Comment
  
  Type any comments, including options and strategies. Comments appear in the main window next to the project icon.
  
  

New Revision (Design Menu)

Use this command to create a new implementation revision. A new implementation revision allows you to attempt a new implementation of the design using different compile options or a different target part. When you use the New Revision command, you must make settings in the dialog box shown in the following figure. After the new implementation revision is created, a new implementation revision icon is displayed in the Design Manager project view.

Figure 4.13 New Revision Dialog Box

New Revision Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Version Name
  
  This option is disabled when creating a revision.
  
  
• Version Comment
  
  This option is disabled when creating a revision.
  
  
• Revision Name
  
  Enter the revision name for your implementation revision.
  
  

  Note: When naming revisions, use the characters A through Z, a through z, 0 through 9, period (.), underscore (_), or hyphen (-) only.

• Revision Comment
  
  Type any comments, including options and strategies. Comments appear in the main window next to the implementation revision icon.
  
  
• Part
  
  Click the Select button to the right of the Part field to select a part type from the Part Selector. See the “Part Selector Dialog Box” for details.
  
  
• Copy Persistent Data
  
  Use the drop down list boxes to the right of the following options to copy constraint, guide, and floorplan data to the new revision.
  
  
  • Constraints File
    
    
  • Guide File
    
    
  • Floorplan File
    
    When initially creating a project, the Design Manager copies constraints file data from the project directory to the revision directory. By default, floorplan and constraint file data is copied from the “last” revision, that is the bottommost revision in the project view. Guide file data is copied based on your previous setting. You can choose to copy data from a previous revision or a custom file or choose None if you do not want to copy data.
    
    

New Version (Design Menu)

Use this command to create a new design version. A new design version allows you to manage changes to the input design or logic of your design. For instance, any time your netlist data or schematic changes, you must generate a new design version.

When you use the New Version command, the New Version dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure. In the New Version dialog box, enter the information necessary to define the new design version. After the new design version is created, a new design version icon is immediately added and displayed in the Design Manager project view.

Figure 4.14 New Version Dialog Box

New Version Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

Note: When naming versions and revisions, use the characters A through Z, a through z, 0 through 9, period (.), underscore (_), or hyphen (-) only.

• Version Name
  
  Enter the design version name.
  
  
• Version Comment
  
  Type any comments, including options and strategies. Comments appear in the main window next to the design version icon.
  
  
• Revision Name
  
  Enter the revision name for your implementation revision.
  
  
• Revision Comment
  
  Type any comments, including options and strategies. Comments appear in the main window next to the implementation revision icon.
  
  
• Part
  
  Click the Select button to the right of the Part field to select a part type from the Part Selector. See the “Part Selector Dialog Box” section for details.
  
  
• Copy Persistent Data
  
  Use the drop down list boxes to the right of the following options to copy constraint, guide, and floorplan data to the new revision.
  
  
  • Constraints File
    
    
  • Guide File
    
    
  • Floorplan File
    
    When initially creating a project, the Design Manager copies constraints file data from the project directory to the revision directory. By default, floorplan and constraint file data is copied from the “last” revision, that is the bottommost revision in the project view. Guide file data is copied based on your previous setting. You can choose to copy data from a previous revision or a custom file or choose None if you do not want to copy data.
    
    

Online Documentation (Help Menu)

Use this command to open the software manuals on the Web. If you do not have Web access, you can still access the documentation, either from the copy you installed on your local hard drive or from the CD. The manuals are opened in the default Web browser. You can set your default browser using the File Preferences command.

Open Project (File Menu)

Use this command to open an existing project. The project consists of several files but is represented in the Xilinx Project dialog box as a single file with the .xpj extension. The Open Project command opens the Open Project dialog box, as shown in the following figure. Select a project from this dialog box.

Figure 4.15 Open Project Dialog Box

To open one of the four most recently used projects, select a project from the project name list in the Design Manager File menu.

Note: To create a new project, use the File New Project command.

Open Project Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Xilinx Projects
  
  Select the project file you want to open.
  
  
• Open
  
  Click Open to exit the dialog box and open the selected project file.
  
  
• Browse
  
  Click Browse to search for a project file. The project file you choose is appended to the Xilinx Projects list.
  
  

Options (Design and Setup Menus)

Use this command to open the dialog box shown in the following figures. This dialog box allows you to set options used in the implementation flow. Changes made in this dialog box apply to the selected implementation revision. The following dialog box appears if you are targeting an FPGA.

Figure 4.16 Options Dialog Box (FPGA)

The following dialog box appears if you are targeting a CPLD.

Figure 4.17 Options Dialog Box (CPLD)

Note: If you open this dialog box from the Flow Engine while a step is running, the changes are picked up when the step is done. Subsequent steps are run with the changes you made.

Options Dialog Box (FPGA)

This dialog box allows you to set implementation, configuration, and simulation options. It also allows you to set the Place and Route Effort Level.

• Place & Route Effort Level
  
  Use this option to specify the algorithms that the placer and router use to place and route a design. Use the Place & Route Effort Level slider bar to select an effort level setting. A setting closer to High Effort provides better place and route results at the expense of longer run times. The default value is 2.
  
  
• Implementation
  
  Select a set of implementation options to use from the Implementation drop-down list. Implementation options control how the software translates, maps, places, routes, and optimizes a design. These options affect the Translate, Map, and Place&Route steps in the implementation flow. A set of default implementation options and any option templates you created with the Template Manager appear when you click this drop-down list.
  
  Click the Edit Options button to the right of the Implementation drop-down list to open the Implementation Options dialog box. The options in this box depend on the target device family. For more information on the implementation options, see one of the following sections in the “Implementation Flow Options” chapter.
  
  
  • “Spartan Implementation Options”
    
    
  • “Spartan2 Implementation Options”
    
    
  • “Virtex Implementation Options”
    
    
  • “XC3000 Implementation Options”
    
    
  • “XC4000 Implementation Options”
    
    
  • “XC5200 Implementation Options”
    
    
• Simulation
  
  To produce timing simulation data, select one of the simulators or a template you created with the Template Manager from the drop-down list box. This data is produced after the design is placed and routed. See the “Producing Timing Simulation Data” section of the “Using the Design Manager and Flow Engine” chapter for more information. If you do not want to produce timing simulation data, select OFF.
  
  Click the Edit Options button to the right of the Simulation drop-down list to open the Simulation Options dialog box. Simulation options control the creation of netlists in terms of the Xilinx primitive set, which allow you to simulate and back-annotate your design. In back-annotation, physical design data is distributed back to the logic design to perform back-end simulation. You can perform front and back-end simulation on both pre- and post-routed designs. For information on the simulation options, see one of the following sections in the “Implementation Flow Options” chapter.
  
  
  • “Spartan Simulation Options”
    
    
  • “Spartan2 Simulation Options”
    
    
  • “Virtex Simulation Options”
    
    
  • “XC3000 Simulation Options”
    
    
  • “XC4000 Simulation Options”
    
    
  • “XC5200 Simulation Options”
    
    
• Configuration
  
  Select a set of configuration options to use in this implementation from the Configuration drop-down list. Configuration options control the configuration parameters of a device, the startup sequence, and readback capabilities. These options affect the Configure step in the implementation flow. A set of default configuration options and any option templates you created with the Template Manager appear when you click this drop-down list. Selecting a set of options produces configuration data after design implementation. The configuration data is used to program a device. Select OFF if you do not want to produce configuration data.
  
  Click the Edit Options button to the right of the Configuration drop-down list to open the Configuration Options dialog box. The options in this dialog box depend on the target device family. For information on the configuration options, see one of the following sections in the “Implementation Flow Options” chapter.
  
  
  • “Spartan Configuration Options”
    
    
  • “Spartan2 Configuration Options”
    
    
  • “Virtex Configuration Options”
    
    
  • “XC3000 Configuration Options”
    
    
  • “XC4000 Configuration Options”
    
    
  • “XC5200 Configuration Options”
    
    

Options Dialog Box (CPLD)

This dialog box allows you to set implementation and simulation options.

• Implementation Options
  
  Select a CPLD Optimization Style, whether optimized for area, a balance of both area and speed, or speed. Implementation options control how the software translates and fits a design. These options affect the Translate, Fit, and Bitstream steps in the implementation flow.
  
  If you created an option template using the Template Manager, click User Defined as your CPLD Optimization Style and select your template from the drop-down list box. If you want to edit these user defined options, click the Edit Options button to the right of the drop-down list to open the Implementation Options dialog box. See the “XC9500 Implementation Options” section of the “Implementation Flow Options” chapter for information on this dialog box.
  
  
• Simulation
  
  To produce timing simulation data, select one of the simulators or a template you created with the Template Manager from the drop-down list box. This data is produced after the design is fitted. See the “Producing Timing Simulation Data” section of the “Using the Design Manager and Flow Engine” chapter for more information. If you do not want to produce timing simulation data, select OFF.
  
  Click the Edit Options button to the right of the Simulation drop-down list to open the Simulation Options dialog box. Simulation options control the creation of netlists in terms of the Xilinx primitive set, which allow you to simulate and back-annotate your design. In back-annotation, physical design data is distributed back to the logic design to perform back-end simulation. You can perform front and back-end simulation on both pre- and post-fitted designs. For information on the simulation options, see the “XC9500 Simulation Options” section of the “Implementation Flow Options” chapter.
  
  

Preferences (File Menu)

Use this command to open the dialog box shown in the following figure. Use this dialog box to customize program settings, such as specifying the text editor for viewing reports. The settings you make in this dialog box are applied to all projects.

Figure 4.18 Preferences Dialog Box

Note: The text that specifies the editor and web browser is not validated and is sent directly to the operating system. Verify the text before sending it.

Preferences Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Editor for Viewing Files
  
  Specify the text editor you want to use. This option sets the text editor for all tools in the Xilinx tool suite. Click Browse to search for an executable to use as your text editor. Click Default to select the default text editor.
  
  
• Web Browser
  
  Specify the Web browser you want to use. Click Browse to search for an executable to use as your browser. Click Default to select the default browser.
  
  
• Overwrite Last Version on Implement Command
  
  Select this option to overwrite the “last” version when you select Design Implement. The “last” version is the bottommost version in the Design Manager project view. By default, this option is off.
  
  
• Use Part Specified in Input Design
  
  By default, the Design Manager reads the part you set using the Part Selector. Select this option if you want the Design Manager to read the part from the input design instead. By default, this option is off.
  
  

Produce Timing Report (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to generate timing reports. You can use this command if at least Map (for FPGAs) or Fit (for CPLDs) has completed successfully. The type, title, and file name of the report depend on the state of your design when you run this command. You cannot change the file name of the report. The following table shows the report that is generated given a particular state. The timing reports are placed in the Report Browser when complete.

Table 4_1 Timing Report Titles and File Names

This command opens a dialog box in which you can set the report format. The dialog box shown in the following figure appears if you are targeting an FPGA.

Figure 4.19 Produce Timing Reports Dialog Box (FPGA)

The dialog box shown in the following figure appears if you are targeting a CPLD.

Figure 4.20 Produce Timing Reports Dialog Box (CPLD)

Note: If you step back over a state that was necessary to generate a report, the report associated with that state is removed from the Report Browser. To restore the state and the associated reports, use the Flow Step command in the Flow Engine.

Produce Timing Report Dialog Box (FPGA)

Select a timing report format. The default is Report Paths Failing Timing Constraints.

• Limit Report to _ Paths per Timing Constraint
  
  Use this option to set the maximum number of reported paths for each timing constraint. The report displays worst-case paths. Choose Summary, No Limit, or a value from 1 to 10. The Summary report indicates whether your timing constraints are being met and the maximum frequency for your clocks. It also indicates if errors exist. The default setting is 3.
  
  
• Report Paths Using Advanced Design Analysis
  
  Select this option only if you are not supplying any timing constraints in a PCF file. This report contains an analysis that enumerates all clocks and the required OFFSETs for each clock. It also contains an analysis of paths having only combinatorial logic, ordered by delay.
  
  
• Report Paths in Timing Constraints
  
  Select this option to generate a report of the paths and path delays covered by the timing constraints that you specified in your design or UCF file. The number of paths per constraint is limited to the number you specify with the Limit Report to _ Paths per Timing Constraint option.
  
  
• Report Paths Failing Timing Constraints
  
  Select this option to generate an error report. The error report lists timing errors and associated net/path delay information. Failed paths appear listed from worst-case to best-case.
  
  If a constraint is not met, the report gives the number of items scored, the number of errors encountered, and a detailed breakdown of the error. For errors in which the path delays are broken down into individual net and component delays, the report lists each physical element and the logic element from which the physical element was generated. If a constraint is met, the report states the number of items scored, reports no timing errors detected, and issues a brief report line.
  
  The number of errors listed for each constraint is limited to the number you specify with the Limit Report to _ Paths per Timing Constraint option.
  
  

Produce Timing Report Dialog Box (CPLD)

Select a timing report format.

• Summary
  
  Select Summary to generate a report that contains summary information and design statistics.
  
  
• Detailed
  
  Select Detailed to generate a report that lists delay information for all nets and paths.
  
  

Project Notes (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to open a standard text editor window in which to make notes for the current project. Use the File Preferences command to specify the text editor of your choice.

PROM File Formatter (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the PROM File Formatter. Use the PROM File Formatter to format BIT files into a PROM file compatible with Xilinx and third party PROM programmers. You can also use it to concatenate multiple bitstreams into a single PROM file for daisy chain applications.

For online help for this tool, obtain Help from within the PROM File Formatter.

Note: The PROM File Formatter is supported for the FPGA device families only.

Properties (Design Menu)

Use this command to display information about a selected project, design version, or implementation revision. This command opens a dialog box containing information that varies depending on the selected object.

All dialog boxes contain the object name and directory, and a comment field with noted options and strategies. In addition, the Project Properties dialog box contains the input design name and path. The Revision Properties dialog box contains the part type used.

The Project Properties dialog box also contains two buttons, Version List or Revision List. If you click one of these buttons, the Files List dialog box opens, as shown in the following figure. From this dialog box, you can specify files you want to copy to your version or revision directory or a specified subdirectory.

Figure 4.21 Files List Dialog Box

Files List Dialog Box

• File
  
  This area lists the files you specify in the Filename field.
  
  
• Subdir
  
  This area lists the subdirectories you specify in the Subdirectory field.
  
  
• Filename
  
  Specify the file or files you want to copy to the version or revision directory or subdirectory you specify. Use wildcard characters to specify a multiple file names. Click Browse to search for a file.
  
  
• Subdirectory (optional)
  
  Specify the subdirectory into which you want to copy files. The subdirectory is created under the version or revision directory.
  
  
• Set
  
  Click Set to set the files and subdirectories you specify.
  
  
• Delete
  
  Click Delete to remove the selected file or subdirectory.
  
  

Report Browser (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to view reports. The Report Browser command opens the Report Browser utility. This utility contains icons that represent the reports that have been generated by the Flow Engine.

The icons change appearance to indicate whether or not you have read a report. A yellow mark in the upper left corner of the report icon indicates that the report has been generated but not read. A report icon without this mark indicates that the report has been generated and read.

To read a report, double-click the report icon. The report opens in the text editor that you specified with the File Preferences command.

Run (Flow Menu)

Use this command to start the Flow Engine. The Flow Engine processes until it completes the target process or finishes implementing the design.

Save Project (File Menu)

Use this command to save the current project. Using this command ensures that all comments and the state of the project and design version icons are saved.

Note: The Design Manager saves frequently so that data is almost always up to date.

Set Constraints File (Design Menu)

Use this command to bring up the Set Constraints dialog box shown in the following figure. This dialog box allows you to identify a UCF file to constrain your design. You can specify logic placement and timing requirements in the UCF file.

Figure 4.22 Set Constraints Dialog Box

Set Constraints File Dialog Box

This dialog box contains the Copy Constraints Data From option. Select this option to copy a constraints file into the selected implementation revision. The software uses this file to implement the design.

From the drop-down list box, select a revision that contains the UCF file you want to use, or select Custom to open the Custom dialog box and select a specific file. See the following section for information on the Custom dialog box. Select None if you do not want to constrain your design based on a previous revision or custom file.

Set Constraints File Custom Dialog Box

This dialog box is shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.23 Set Constraint File Custom Dialog Box

In the Constraints File field, type the name of a specific file, or click Browse to open a file selection dialog box in which you can select an existing UCF file.

Set Floorplan File(s) (Design Menu)

Use this command to open the Set Floorplan File(s) dialog box, shown in the following figure. Use this dialog box to instruct the Design Manager to use information generated by the Floorplanner as a guide for mapping. The Design Manager obtains this information from the Floorplanner MFP file. For information on how to create the MFP file, refer to the Floorplanner Guide.

Note: This command is available for the XC4000, Virtex, Spartan, and Spartan2 device families only. If you use this command, you cannot guide mapping using the Design Set Guide File(s) command Custom option.

Figure 4.24 Set Floorplan File(s) Dialog Box

Set Floorplan File(s) Dialog Box

This dialog box contains the following options.

• Copy Floorplan Data From
  
  Select this option to copy a floorplan file into the selected implementation revision. If the Enable Floorplan option is selected, the software uses this file to implement the design.
  
  From the drop-down list box, select a revision that contains the floorplan files you want to use, or select Custom to open the Custom dialog box and guide from a specific file. See the following section for information on the Custom dialog box. Select None if you do not want to copy floorplan data from a previous revision or custom file.
  
  
• Enable Floorplan
  
  By default, this option is enabled and instructs the software to use the specified floorplan file. If you do not want to guide your design in this revision but want to keep your floorplan file intact, disable this option.
  
  

Set Floorplan File(s) Custom Dialog Box

This dialog box is shown in the following figure. It contains the following options.

Figure 4.25 Set Floorplan File(s) Custom Dialog Box

• Floorplanning File
  
  Select an FNF file. Click Browse to search for a file.
  
  
• Floorplanned Guide File
  
  Select an MFP file. Click Browse to search for a file.
  
  

Set Guide File(s) (Design Menu)

Use this command to open the Set Guide File(s) dialog box, shown in the following figure, in which you can specify a guide file. A guide file is created each time you implement your design and you can reuse this data to maintain mapping, placing, and routing consistency for FPGAs and fitting consistency for CPLDs. You can guide from an implementation revision or from a custom guide file. Guiding your design can reduce the amount of time taken for implementation.

Figure 4.26 Set Guide File(s) Dialog Box

Set Guide File(s) Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Copy Guide Data From
  
  Select this option to copy a guide file into the selected implementation revision. If the Enable Guide option is selected, the software uses this file to implement the design.
  
  From the drop-down list box, select a revision that contains the guide files you want to use, or select Custom to open the Custom dialog box and guide from a specific file. See the following section for information on the Custom dialog box. Select None if you do not want to guide from a previous revision or custom file.
  
  

  Note: If you select a revision, it must be a placed and routed revision. If you want to guide from a mapped file, you must use the Custom option.

• Enable Guide
  
  By default, this option is enabled and instructs the software to use the specified guide file. If you do not want to guide your design in this revision but want to keep your guide file intact, disable this option.
  
  
• Match Guide Design Exactly
  
  Select this option to lock the placement and routing of the matching logic. This option is useful when you have made minor changes to the design and want to ensure that matching logic is not changed to accommodate additional logic.
  
  If you do not select this option, the guide files are used as a starting point only. This allows the mapper, placer, and router greater flexibility in accommodating design modifications.
  
  

  Note: This option is not recommended for synthesis based designs. This option is supported for the FPGA device families only.

Set Guide File(s) Custom Dialog Box

This dialog box is shown in the following figure. It contains the following options.

Figure 4.27 Set Guide File(s) Custom Dialog Box

• Guide File
  
  Specify an NCD file to guide placing and routing for FPGAs. Specify a GYD file to guide fitting for CPLDs. Click Browse to search for a file.
  
  
• Mapping Guide File
  
  Specify a file to guide mapping for FPGAs. This option is not supported for CPLDs. Click Browse to search for a file.
  
  

  Note: If you use this option, you cannot guide mapping using the Design Set Floorplan File(s) command.

Set Part (Design Menu)

Use this command to open the Set Part dialog box shown in the following figure. This command allows you to create a new implementation revision targeted for the part you choose.

Figure 4.28 Set Part Dialog Box

Note: After the implementation revision is created, the part cannot be changed.

Set Part Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Version Name
  
  This option is disabled when setting the part.
  
  
• Version Comment
  
  This option is disabled when setting the part.
  
  
• Revision Name
  
  Enter the revision name for your implementation revision.
  
  

  Note: When naming revisions, use the characters A through Z, a through z, 0 through 9, period (.), underscore (_), or hyphen (-) only.

• Revision Comment
  
  Type any comments, including options and strategies. Comments appear in the main window next to the implementation revision icon.
  
  
• Part
  
  Click the Select button to the right of the Part field to select a part type from the Part Selector. See the following section for details.
  
  
• Copy Persistent Data
  
  Use the drop down list boxes to the right of the following options to copy constraint, guide, and floorplan data to the new revision.
  
  
  • Constraints File
    
    
  • Guide File
    
    
  • Floorplan File
    
    When initially creating a project, the Design Manager copies constraints file data from the project directory to the revision directory. By default, floorplan and constraint file data is copied from the “last” revision, that is the bottommost revision in the project view. Guide file data is copied based on your previous setting. You can choose to copy data from a previous revision or a custom file or choose None if you do not want to copy data.
    
    

Part Selector Dialog Box

This dialog box is shown in the following figure. Set the following options in the Part Selector.

Figure 4.29 Part Selector Dialog Box

• Family
  
  Specify the family type.
  
  
• Device
  
  Specify the device type. Only the devices that are in the family that you specify in the Family field are displayed in the Devices field.
  
  
• Package
  
  Specify the package type such as PC84, PQ100, or BGA225.
  
  
• Speed Grade
  
  Specify the speed grade of the device.
  
  

Status Bar (View Menu)

Use this command to show or hide the status bar.

In the Design Manager, the status bar shows the project name, the part name if an implementation revision is selected, and the name of the selected item.

In the Flow Engine, the status bar shows the target part name for the current implementation revision, the name of the user specified constraints file, and the name of the user specified guide file.

Step (Flow Menu)

Use this command to run the next step in the processing flow. This command allows you to single-step through the implementation process.

Note: You can use the Implementation State option in the Advanced dialog box to restore an implementation state when you have stepped forward too far.

Step Back (Flow Menu)

Use this command to go back one step in the processing flow. You can use this command to back up and rerun a step using different options. The data is not deleted until you overwrite it by rerunning the step.

Note: You can use the Implementation State option in the Advanced dialog box to restore an implementation state when you have stepped back too far.

Stop After (Setup Menu)

Use this command to specify a target break point where the Flow Engine will stop processing. Choose a process from the Stop After dialog box, shown in the following figure. For instance, if you want to map, place, and route your design but not create a timing simulation file or device programming file, select Stop After Place&Route.

Figure 4.30 Stop After Dialog Box

Stop After Dialog Box

Select a target break point from the Stop After list box. When working with an FPGA the available targets are Translate, Map, Place & Route, Timing (Sim), and Configure. When working with a CPLD the available targets are Translate, Fit, Timing (Sim), and Bitstream. The selected target appears in the Stop After field.

Template Manager (Utilities Menu)

Use this command to create or modify your implementation, simulation, and configuration option templates. Templates provide a convenient way to have several groups of option settings that you can select from when you implement a design. Implementation and simulation options are supported for FPGAs and CPLDs. Configuration options are supported for FPGAs.

The Template Manager command opens the dialog box shown in the following figure. For more information on how to use the Template Manager, see the “Working with Templates” section of the “Using the Design Manager and Flow Engine” chapter.

Figure 4.31 Template Manager Dialog Box

Template Manager Dialog Box

The following options are available in this dialog box.

• Family
  
  Select the device family of the option templates you want to create or modify.
  
  
• Implementation Templates
  
  Select this option to work with implementation option templates. Implementation options control how an FPGA design is translated, mapped, optimized, placed, and routed and how a CPLD design is translated and fitted.
  
  
• Simulation Templates
  
  Select this option to work with simulation option templates. Simulation options control the creation of netlists for front and back-end simulation. Simulation can be performed on both pre- and post-routed designs.
  
  
• Configuration Templates
  
  Select this option to work with configuration option templates. Configuration options control the configuration startup, readback, and parameters for the device.
  
  

  Note: Configuration options are available for FPGA devices only.

• Template List
  
  Select an option template with which to work. If you are working with simulation options, select the name of your simulator.
  
  
• Close
  
  Click Close to close the Template Manager.
  
  
• New
  
  Click New to add a new option template. This allows you to create multiple templates with different settings.
  
  
• Edit
  
  Click Edit to open the Implementation, Simulation, or Configuration Options dialog box to view and modify the settings for a particular option template.
  
  
• Copy
  
  Click Copy to make a copy of the selected option template.
  
  
• Rename
  
  Click Rename to rename the selected option template. You cannot rename the default set of options.
  
  
• Delete
  
  Click Delete to delete the selected option template. You cannot delete the default set of options.
  
  
• Import
  
  Click Import to import a template file. A template file contains one or more option templates. Clicking Import opens a standard file selection dialog box in which you can choose a template file to import. The templates read from the file appear in the Template List area of the Template Manager. You can transfer a template from one Design Manager project to another by using the Export option followed by the Import option.
  
  
• Export
  
  Click Export to export option templates to a template file. A template file contains one or more option templates. You can select the templates you want to export from the Template List area of the Template Manager. Clicking Export opens a standard file selection dialog box in which you can specify the template file name. You can transfer a template from one Design Manager project to another by using the Export option followed by the Import option.
  
  
• Customize
  
  Click Customize to open the Customize Options dialog box. Use this dialog box to specify custom template options that are provided by other programs but are not supported by the standard options provided in the Design Manager. You can use any options that the programs support. For more information on the commands and options for the programs, refer to their user manuals.
  
  

Customize Options Dialog Box

This dialog box is shown in the following figure. The following options are available in this dialog box.

Figure 4.32 Customize Options Dialog Box

Note: The title of this dialog box changes based on whether you are working with implementation, simulation, or configuration options.

• Template Custom Options
  
  This area lists the programs and options you specify in the Program Name and Program Options fields.
  
  
• Program Name
  
  Select the name of the program or programs that you want to use from the drop-down list box. This list box contains only the programs that apply for the template type and part family that you chose.
  
  
• Program Options
  
  Specify the program options that you want to use. Enter the options as they would appear on the command line.
  
  

  Note: Any options you have entered previously are saved and appear the next time you open this dialog box.

• List Options
  
  Click List Options to open a file that lists the options and usage messages associated with the selected program. If the options differ according to a device family, the options are listed broken into families. The file opens in the text editor you set using the File Preferences command.
  
  
• Set
  
  Click Set to set the programs and options that you specify.
  
  
• Delete
  
  Click Delete to remove the selected program or option.
  
  

  Note: It is possible to enter options in the Customize Options dialog box that can conflict with normal Flow Engine options. It is beyond the scope of this manual to explain all the possible conflicts.

Timing Analyzer (Tools Menu)

Use this command to launch the Timing Analyzer. Use the Timing Analyzer after a design has been mapped, routed, or fitted. The Timing Analyzer performs a static timing analysis of a mapped or routed FPGA or fitted CPLD design. A static timing analysis is a point-to-point analysis of a design network. It does not include insertion of stimulus vectors.

The Timing Analyzer verifies that the delay along a given path or paths meets your specified timing requirements. It organizes and displays data that indicate the critical paths in your circuit, the cycle time of the circuit, the delay along any specified paths, and the paths with the greatest delay. It also provides a quick analysis of the effect of different speed grades on the design.

The Timing Analyzer works with synchronous systems composed of flip-flops and combinatorial logic. In a synchronous design, signals must be stable long enough to allow the clocks to change so that setup and hold violations are avoided.

For online help for the this tool, obtain Help from within the Timing Analyzer.

Toolbar (View Menu)

Use this command to show or hide the toolbar.

Toolbox (View Menu)

Use this command to show or hide the toolbox.

Update Flow (Setup Menu)

Use this command to determine whether a change has been made that would cause a successfully run step to be rerun. If the Flow Engine determines that a process needs to be rerun, it presents a confirmation dialog box. Click Yes and the flow is reset to run the appropriate step next. See the “Smart Flow Engine Change Detection” table of the “Introduction” chapter for information on which file changes cause steps to be rerun.

Note: The Flow Engine will not automatically begin processing the appropriate step, you must select Flow Run or Flow Step to begin the implementation process.

Xilinx on the Web (Help Menu)

This cascading menu command allows you to access Xilinx web pages through a Web browser. Use the File Preferences command to set the Web browser of your choice. You must have Web access to use these commands.

Use the Support and Services command to open the Xilinx technical support page. Use this page to access the latest design information, to search across various resources, and to access online resources directly.

Use the Xilinx Home Page command to open the Xilinx home page. This page contains links to the latest Xilinx announcements, technical support, and information on the company, its products, and investor relations.