Real Time Verification/Programming

Silicon Explorer II

Actel’s antifuse FPGAs contain internal probe circuitry that provides built-in, no-cost access to every node in a design, enabling 100% real-time observation and analysis of a device’s internal logic nodes without design iteration. Silicon Explorer II, an easy to use integrated verification and logic analysis tool for the PC, accesses the probe circuitry, enabling designers to complete the design verification process at their desks.

• Real time access into internal nodes without design iteration
• PC-hosted 18-channel logic analyzer that connects easily to a desktop or laptop
• Up to 100 MHz asynchronous or 66 MHz synchronous sampling rate

• Graphical user interface for viewing and analysis
• Portable and easy to use
• 100% node observability built into all Actel antifuse parts
• Serial port connection, no plug-in card

With Silicon Explorer II, the designer will be able to improve productivity and decrease time-to-market by removing the guesswork typically associated with the process of system verification.

Programming

Actel offers several programming options, including Silicon Sculptor 3 and the FlashPro series. Actel also has programming solutions for production design and offers volume programming services through distribution partners.

Silicon Sculptor 3 is a high-speed, robust, single-device programmer for all Actel devices. The compact Silicon Sculptor 3 programmer connects to a PC via USB 2.0 and comes with standalone software for the PC. This device programmer is designed to allow concurrent programming of multiple units from the same PC with speeds faster than those of previous Actel programmers. Up to 12 programmers can be connected to a single PC using nested USB hubs.

FlashPro4 and FlashPro Lite

are compact and cost-effective ways to program Actel flash devices. They eliminate incompatibility problems and expensive redesign costs, and offer faster time-to-market with their ISP capability. All programmers can be controlled by the same easy-to-use GUI and connect to a PC through a USB port for FlashPro4 and parallel port for FlashPro Lite. FlashPro4 supports SmartFusion, IGLOO/e, and ProASIC3/E devices and is powered from the USB port. FlashPro Lite supports ProASIC^PLUS devices only and is powered from the target board.

when the design is ready to go to production, MSC has a programming solution for that too.