Setup Your Development Environment - ValentFX Mark 1 FPGA Starter Manual

4.1. Setup Your Development Environment

Software development for the Spartan 6 target is done in Xilinx's ISE development environment (ISE loosely means Integrated
Software Environment). As of this writing, Xilinx is on ISE version 14.5. Go here to start downloading it. If you have a slow or
unreliable, connection you might want to download the file in parts. If you have a fast broadband connection, shoot the moon and go
for the full DVD single file download – the full download can be found about half way down the page linked to above and it's 7.79GB
– so get started. (Also note you want to install the Xilinx ISE for this tutorial, not Vivado which is Xilinx's SoC design tool.)
When the file is finally done downloading you will need to extract its contents to your hard drive as your download comes in a .tar
archive format (That is, if you've downloaded the entire DVD in one file. Otherwise, follow the instruction on the website for how to
reassemble a multi-part download). If you've never used .tar archives there is a pleasant little open source program you should have a
look at, 7Zip. It's archiving software you can use to extract the files. Once you've extracted the contents of the .tar file you will see
"xsetup.exe" under the extracted files' root folder. Run this installer program and follow the on screen instructions. A "typical"
installation will suffice. This rather long document is the official Xilinx Install Guide. Consult it if you have problems with the ISE
installation.
When the installation completes, open the Xilinx ISE (you will most likely find it in your Start menu's All Programs list under "Xilinx
Design Tools > ISE Design Suite 14.5 > ISE Design Tools > 32-bit Project Navigator"). The ISE download comes with the "full"
version of the software. However, your computer will not have licenses to enable the various features Xilinx offers. Therefore, you
need to get your own license file before you continuing.
Go to the Xilinx website and create a user account. Yes, needing a user account might seem like overkill if you're a beginner, but
what you will find is your user account gives you access to many useful design resources. With a Xilinx user account you can watch
training videos, use the forum, get updates and add-on software, and get license files – it's totally worth it.
Xilinx offers many different licensing tiers. We will be using the free "WebPack" license. This enables enough software features to
get us started. The WebPack allows your software to compile and you can use most of the basic Xilinx development tools.
In the ISE, navigate to the "Help" toolbar on the top of the screen and choose "Manage License." This opens the Xilinx License
Configuration Manager. Under the "Acquire License" tab, select the "Get Free ISE WebPack License" radio button and click Next:
Figure 5 – Xilinx License Configuration Manager
The software will gather some unique information about your machine and then give you the option to "Connect Now." Click it:
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