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The first memory emulator for serial ROMs used with FPGAs. PromICE used with unoROM (shown here), allows hardware designers to stop burning ROMs and for the first time easily test design alternatives to optimize FPGA design. Only PromICE from Grammar Engine can emulate serial configuration ROMs. PromICE/Serial closes the gap between theoretical FPGA layouts and real world performance. How PromICE/Serial works PromICE/Serial connects to hardware under development through a serial ROM socket. The FPGA configuration file (binary or hex) produced by any design software is loaded to PromICE/ Serial (using Grammar Engine's software) through a hosts serial, parallel or Ethernet port. Once the configuration file is loaded, no interaction is required between PromICE/Serial and the host. Each time the hardware is reset, PromICE/Serial loads the configuration file into the FPGA, emulating all timing and loading characteristics of the serial ROM. PromICE/Serial Components PromICE/Serial consists of a standard PromICE memory emulator and a serial ROM adapter called the unoROM. The unoROM can be purchased separately if the customer has a PromICE. Cables to connect unoROM to PromICE and two 8 pin DIP cables (for 3 and 5 volt emulation) are included. Powerful Development Features PromICE/Serial provides unique features for developing optimal FPGA configurations. Cascading Support: For large FPGAs, multiple ROMs are used to store a configuration. A single PromICE/Serial can emulate the memory of all the cascaded ROMs. It will correctly load all configuration files through the first ROM socket. This eliminates overflowing memory and the inconvenience of programming multiple ROMs during development Banking: PromICE/Serial can loaded with alternative configuration files in up to 8 banks of emulation memory. Once these banks are loaded, they can be selected with a rotary switch on the unoROM. This allows quick and easy testing of alternate FPGA designs, measuring performance of individual features, and ready access to a "known good" or baseline design during testing.
PromICE/Serial Benefits
PromICE Reusability Once FPGA configuration is complete, PromICE can be re-used to emulate standard memory for firmware development. PromICE is an invaluable tool for engineers "bringing up boards": testing hardware, modifying BIOSes and writing device drivers before the board is passed on to the software developers. Today, Hardware Engineers write more software than embedded software people did just a few years ago. PromICE is ideal for quickly testing initialization routines - our trace features can tell you exactly where things go wrong. Stop burning ROMs! After hardware development is complete, the PromICE can be used for embedded software development. Conclusion For over a decade, PromICE has emulated memory in hardware under development and provided quick downloading for testing firmware without programming ROM or flash. Now hardware designers can apply the same rapid debugging techniques to optimize FPGA configurations. |
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