Using Chipscope with Project Navigator to Debug FPGA Application

Abstract: In the technological advancement of FPGAs - Field Programmable Gate Arrays, there have been many paths for DSP applications where FPGA has many advantages in providing optimal device utilization adaptability and high design flexibility. FPGAs allow appropriate customization of hardware at acceptable prices. They are cost as well as time saving when making configurations of standard products. FPGA technology is indispensable in regard with long-term availability and harsh industrial environments. Basing on these features Alstom Power AB, Växjö (Mr.Sonny Bui) designed a controller using VHDL coding which has been implemented using Xilinx ISE on a FPGA board (Virtex-II Pro Board, FG256). Chipscope Logic Analyzer is used to capture the logic in VHDL coding and display all the internal node signals of the circuit using JTAG interface. Most of the thesis work deals with effective working and better understanding of Chipscope technology.