Silicon Explorer Ii Quick Start - Actel Silicon Explorer II Quick Start Manual

Silicon Explorer II Quick Start

This Quick Start manual describes procedures for connecting Silicon
Explorer II, debugging and analyzing devices, and programming
Actel's ProASIC devices. For a more detailed description, refer to the
online help system included with the software (select the Help
command from the Help menu). This manual also describes additional
considerations necessary when debugging SX devices.
Silicon Explorer II enables control of the ActionProbe circuitry, a
patented architectural feature built into all of Actel's antifuse devices
that allows access to any internal node from selected external pins. SE
II integrates two diagnostic tools, the Command module and the
Analyze module, into a single diagnostic and logic analysis device that
attaches to a PC's standard COM port. In addition to acting as a
diagnostic device, Silicon Explorer II programs ProASIC devices.
The Command module of the Explore software lists all the observable
nets in the FPGA. Select the desired net in the list and click the PRA or
PRB button to display the signal on the Analyze module. The
Command module reads back the design's checksum. You can use the
design's checksum to verify that you programmed the correct design in
the FPGA. The Analyze module is an 18-channel logic analyzer that
automatically displays the signals for both probe outputs (and up to 16
additional signals) on the target system. You may sample data
asynchronously or synchronously at 100 MHz. Channel 1 and 2 of the
logic analyzer connect to the PRA and PRB signals on the FGPA
automatically. Silicon Explorer II uses the remaining 16 channels of the
logic analyzer to examine other signals on the board.
Actel also offers Silicon Explorer II Lite. SE II Lite enables only the
Command module and relies on an external scope or logic analyzer for
viewing signals.
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