Configuration Data Files; Byte Swapping - Xilinx Virtex-4 Configuration User Manual

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Configuration Data Files

Xilinx design tools can generate configuration data files in a number of different formats,
as described in
or bitstream. The bitstream contains commands to the FPGA configuration logic as well as
configuration data. (For details on the bitstream format, refer to
PROMGen, the PROM file generator, converts one or more bitstream files into a PROM file.
PROM files can be generated in a number of different file formats, and need not be used
with a PROM. They can be stored anywhere and delivered by any means.
Table 2-7: Xilinx Configuration File Formats
Notes:
1. Byte swapping is discussed in the
2. For complete BitGen and PROMGen syntax, refer to the Development System Reference Guide.

Byte Swapping

The .mcs, .exo, and .tek PROM file formats are always byte-swapped. The .hex file
format can be byte-swapped or not byte-swapped, depending on user options. The
bitstream files (.bit, .rbt, .bin) are never byte-swapped.
Virtex-4 FPGA Configuration User Guide
UG071 (v1.12) June 2, 2017
Table 2-7. BitGen converts the post-PAR .ncd file into a configuration file,
File Byte
(1)
Extension Swapping
Not
.bit
byte-swapped
Not
.rbt
byte-swapped
Not
.bin
byte-swapped
.mcs
Byte-swapped
.exo
.tek
Determined
.hex
by user
www.xilinx.com
Xilinx Software
(2)
Tool
Binary configuration data file
containing header information that
BitGen (generated does not need to be downloaded to
by default) the FPGA. Used to program
devices from iMPACT with a
programming cable.
ASCII equivalent of the .bit file
BitGen (generated if
containing a text header and ASCII
-b option is set)
1s and 0s.
Binary configuration data file with
no header information. Similar to
BitGen (generated if .bit file. Can be used for custom
configuration solutions
-g binary:yes
option is set) (microprocessors, etc.), or in some
cases to program third-party
PROMs.
ASCII PROM file formats
containing address and checksum
PROMGen or information in addition to
iMPACT configuration data. Used mainly
for device programmers and
iMPACT.
ASCII PROM file format
PROMGen or containing only configuration data.
iMPACT Used mainly in custom
configuration solutions.
"Byte Swapping" section.
Configuration Data Files
Chapter 7)
Description
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