A fresh look is needed to overcome the difficulties involved in managing the integration of large-scale FPGAs onto a PCB. 7Circuits solves the challenges associated with designing-in large FPGA's on PC boards by using the patented IO Synthesis Technology. IO Synthesis Technology has the following key features:
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Design Simplification:
7Circuits simplifies the process of pin assignments by using a higher level of connectivity abstraction. Rather than the prevalent method of defining each pin individually, 7Circuits allows the designer to work at the interface level. In short, a designer would now define a 64-bit LVDS bus, instead of having to manually enter the data for all 128 pins. This not only saves time, but also makes the entire process simpler and less burdensome. |
System Level Correctness:
7Circuits takes a system level view, rather than just being PCB centric, or FPGA centric. It looks at how a pin assignment change at any point in the process will affect the entire design. Each assignment is fully verified by running DRC checks against FPGA rules, as well as system rules (electrical, physical, and logical) as set by the designer. 7Circuits bridges the gap between FPGA tools and PCB tools, while ensuring that the system connectivity will always be accurate. |
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Automation:
The tasks of assigning pins is completely automated. Once the designer enters the interface information, 7Circuits automatically synthesizes the entire connectivity, while reducing the height of the rats nest. In addition, PCB schematics and symbols are automatically generated. Valuable time is saved by automating these time consuming and error prone tasks, and designers can focus on developing the value added part of their design. |
Effective Change Management:
7Circuits easily integrates design changes from PCB and FPGA teams. Seamless interface to both FPGA and PCB design chains allows 7Circuits to read in changes to the design at any stage. The intelligent rules based engine within 7Circuits then generates the new assignments based on system level rules. This allows the system design to stay on schedule, and on budget. |
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Standardized Design Methodology:
7Circuits allows companies to make sure that a standardized methodology is followed within their design teams to build boards. As everyone is familiar with the toolset, there is little conflict or friction, and the task of design transfer is seamless and smooth.
A majority of 7Circuits users find that the usually arduous and burdensome task of designing-in a large FPGA on a board is now very simple. Their designs are always accurate. The project stays on time and on budget. As an added benefit, 7Circuits typically reduces the layer count, reducing the cost of PCB manufacture. |
