Specification Automation for FPGAs

 

Today’s programmable devices require many of the same development techniques and tools as ASIC and full-custom designs, and the most sophisticated FPGAs fully qualify as SoCs. Your FPGA developers can benefit from the same specification automation solutions as their ASIC counterparts.

IDesignSpec GDI and IDS-Batch CLI Support for FPGAs

IDesignSpec GDI and IDS-Batch CLI include specialized support for your FPGA designers. IDesignSpec GDI and IDS-Batch CLI can read the specifications for pre-defined IP blocks provided by FPGA vendors for integration into larger designs. IDesignSpec GDI and IDS-Batch CLI generate UVM models, C/C++ headers, and documentation for these IP blocks automatically. They also generate target scripts for use in the FPGA vendor implementation tools. Agnisys directly partners with both Xilinx and Intel to support your team.

The IC Designer’s Guide to Automated Specification of Design, Verification, and Validation for Better Products

There are multiple causes for designs being wrong, but some of the most common are related to the design specifications and how they are distributed and maintained throughout the product development lifecycle. Learn how to address this issue by reading this guide.  

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Modernizing FPGA Development with IDesignSpec™

Streamline FPGA Design from Specification to Bitstream

The FPGA development process often begins with fragmented and manual steps, particularly when defining the hardware/software interface. With IDesignSpec™ (IDS), FPGA developers can achieve a seamless, automated flow from design specification to bitstream generation, eliminating manual errors and reducing development time.

Why IDesignSpec™ for FPGA Design?

Seamless Vendor Integration

  • Fully compatible with Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus Prime, and tools for Altera Agilex
  • Supports popular buses like AMBA® -APB, AHB, AXI, Tilelink, Wishboneand Avalon, ensuring smooth IP packaging and integration.

Automated and Consistent Output Generation

With IDS, users can define their specifications in their preferred format—Word, Excel, SystemRDL, IP-XACT, RALF, or CSV—and automatically generate all outputs:

  • Hardware Outputs: Verilog, VHDL, SystemVerilog, SystemC.
  • Verification Outputs: UVM testbenches, sequences, and assertions.
  • Firmware Outputs: C headers, APIs for software integration.
  • Documentation Outputs: IP-XACT, datasheets, and HTML.

Correct-by-Construction Workflow

  • No manual data re-entry or duplication.
  • Automates script generation for tools like Vivado and Quartus Prime, ensuring error-free integration and faster development cycles.
  • Streamlines IP packaging, handling specification changes effortlessly.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Pre-Captured IP Libraries: Ready-to-use IP blocks for faster development.
  • Automated Bus Interface Creation: Simplifies various bus interface generations.
  • Integrated Design Flow: Eliminates fragmented steps with end-to-end automation.
  • UVM Testbench Automation: Ensures functional accuracy with automated test generation.
  • Seamless Data Flow: Consistent outputs across hardware, software, and documentation.

Tailored for FPGA Ecosystems

Xilinx UltraScale+

  • Automate register handling and IP creation for AMBA buses like AXI.
  • Seamlessly integrate generated RTL and IP into Vivado projects.
  • Reduce manual intervention with pre-configured TCL scripts for IP packaging and reuse.

Altera Agilex

  • Generate Avalon or AXI bus interfaces with seamless import into Quartus Prime.
  • Automate IP packaging and reuse with IDS-generated RTL and scripts.
  • Enhance functional verification with automated UVM-based testing.

How IDesignSpec™ Works

  1. Define Your Specification
    Start with a hardware/software specification in any format. IDS supports inputs such as Word, Excel, SystemRDL, IP-XACT, or CSV.
  2. Automate Outputs
    Generate RTL, UVM testbenches, firmware headers, and documentation without data re-entry.
  3. Integrate with Vendor Tools
    Use Vivado or Quartus Prime to package and integrate IP blocks, leveraging IDS-generated Verilog files and TCL scripts.
  4. Streamline Verification
    Automate UVM sequences, assertions, and functional verification to accelerate validation cycles.

A Game-Changer for FPGA Applications

Accelerating Development

IDS cuts development time in half by automating code generation, IP creation, and integration with vendor tools.

Enabling Collaboration

By maintaining a single golden specification, IDS bridges the gap between hardware and software teams, reducing errors and ensuring consistency.

Optimized for Diverse Applications

From data centers to automotive, 5G, and industrial designs, IDS delivers unmatched efficiency and reliability for FPGA projects.

Unlock FPGA Efficiency with IDesignSpec™

IDesignSpec™ transforms FPGA development with a specification-driven approach that eliminates manual errors, accelerates workflows, and ensures seamless integration. By automating register generation, bus interface creation, verification, and documentation, IDS empowers FPGA developers to innovate faster and with greater confidence.

Ready to streamline your FPGA projects?
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There is no better way to appreciate the power of the IDesignSpec Suite of products than to see them in action. Schedule your discussion today.

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