( ESNUG 325 Item 6 ) ---------------------------------------------- [8/18/99]
Subject: Differences w/ ViewLogic FPGA Express vs. Synopsys FPGA Compiler II
> What is differences the Synopsys FPGA Express 3.2 and FPGA Compiler 3.2 ?
> Which is the best to Xilinx FPGA VHDL synthesize and optimize?
>
> - Tibor Szolnoki
From: Jim Kipps <jkipps@viewlogic.com>
ViewLogic FPGA Express 3.2 is identical to FPGA Compiler II (3.2) w/ regard
to language coverage and optimization algorithms. FPGA Compiler II is
differentiated from FPGA Express in three ways: DC compatibility features,
distribution channel, and price.
With regard to DC compability features, FPGA Compiler II can read and write
DC scripts and it can synthesize instantiated DesignWare components. While
FPGA Express uses the same language front-end and is subset compatible with
DC, it does not synthesize instantiated DesignWare components.
With regard to distribution channel, FPGA Express is not sold directly by
Synopsys. Rather, it is sold by Viewlogic and VeriBest as part of an
FPGA-in-Systems design solution. FPGA Express can also be obtained in a
vendor restricted form from Xilinx, Lattice, and Lucent.
Viewlogic is the only channel that markets FPGA Express for both the windows
and UNIX platform.
With regard to price, FPGA Express can be purchased at several price points
depending on which options you need. FPGA Compiler II comes with all
options included, which makes its price higher than FPGA Express. However,
if you are purchasing DC from Synopsys you might get a break on the price of
FPGA Compiler II.
As for which is best for Xilinx, FPGA Express 3.2 and FPGA Compiler II (3.2)
deliver the exact same results (san the use of DesignWare). In all fairness,
I should say that the two main competitors of FPGA Express/FPGA Compiler II
( Synplicity and Exemplar ) also give good results for Xilinx. I will also
admit to not doing so well for the Virtex family in the FGPA Express 3.1
release, but the 3.2 release has made tremendous improvements in its support
of Virtex and I recommend it.
All three tools (FPGA Express, Synplify, and Leonardo) can be evaluated at no
charge.
- James R. Kipps, FPGA Marketing Manager
ViewLogic Marlboro, MA
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
From: ems@riverside-machines.com
> While FPGA Express uses the same language front-end and is subset
> compatible with DC...
This wasn't true in Express 3.1 and DC 1998.05, as we discussed a few
weeks ago -- are you saying that they do both now use the same analyser?
- Evan
Riverside Machines Ltd.
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