Introduction - Actel Silicon Explorer II User Manual

Introduction

This manual describes procedures for connecting and using Silicon
Explorer II (SE II), debugging, and analyzing devices. For a more
detailed description, refer to the online help system included with the
software (select the Help command from the Help menu).
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.
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 also 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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