Xilinx has released version 13.1 of their ISE Design Suite. including a number of new features. This software is used to develop programs from Xilinx CPLD and FPGA products, including the CoolRunner-II chips found in our development boards. The suite includes the free Webpack ISE.
Note that this is a ~4 GB download. However, Xilinx is also mailing the software on a free DVD.
User guides and tutorials are available free from Xilinx.
Downloading it now. Looks popular, I’m only using about 1/10th my full bandwidth.
Looked through the change log, but didn’t notice any stand-out changes. I’m still on 12.1, so an upgrade is in order anyways.
I always hope they improve the schematic editor. It is the easiest way for a beginner to enter a design and get started in programmable logic. We were discussing bad CAD interfaces in the forum. If you want to feel really frustrated, try the schematic editor in ISE :) I think it is an afterthought, or it was added to tick a box and it has been neglected ever since. Will let you know if v13.1 s any improvement.
Warning! Don’t spend your money at the Xilinx site for any shipping if it’s not free. I made th mistake of ordering the Free DVD with 2-3 day shipping, and the bill is almost $35. The Xilinx site takes your credit card info, and doesn’t even allow you to “approve” the cost before it is submitted. What a rip off. I’m now trying to figue out how to cancel this order, short of calling my credit card company and complaining to them for something that’s Xilinx fault.
PS: Did I mention that the response also said it would not ship for two weeks, and that this is the cost for “Standard” shipping, not even expedited shipping. I’m not happy w/ Xilinx right now.