Re: [myhdl-list] OT - Atmel ProChip Designer software

[Jan D. <ja...@ja...>]

On 10/13/2011 10:58 PM, garyr wrote:
> My question does not specifically concern MyHDL. If there is another
> newsgroup where it would be more appropriate please let me know.
>
> I would like to use the free Atmel ProChip Designer software  to
> generate code for one of the ATF15xx CPLDs. The brochure for it lists
> four types of software packages: Design&  Entry, Synthesis,
> Simulation and Fitters& Devices. I think I understand the function of
> Design&  Entry, Simulation and  Fitters&  Devices but Synthesis has
> me puzzled. The synthesis packages are  all very expensive
> third-party items. Is the synthesis software necessary  for code
> development or just convenient?

When you use HDL-based design, synthesis is necessary.

Tools from mainstream EDA vendors are typically going to be expensive,
as a consequence of the nature of EDA (currently). For synthesis,
that is even understandable (as opposed to simulation for example).

However, mainstream FPGA vendors such Xilinx and Altera understand
that synthesis (and HDL-based design) is necessary for designers
to cope with the complexity of their devices. Therefore, they
subsidize EDA tools, including decent synthesis, as a way to
sell more devices. Basically, you get it for free or for a
low price.

I would therefore consider moving to a vendor with such an offering.
Xilinx and Altera have it, don't know about Actel and others.

Jan

-- 
Jan Decaluwe - Resources bvba - http://www.jandecaluwe.com
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