Virtex® Family FPGAs

[rajbirkataria]

Hi,

I'm using a xc2v2000 Virtex-II FPGA. Is there a way to readback the bitstream from the FPGA using iMPACT or any other tool?

I tried right clicking on the device, but didn't see an option for it.  I was able to readback the contents of the flash though.

[austin]

Yes,

use the following environmental variable, and set it to 1 in the "my computer" advanced tab, or set them in a DOS window:

set XIL_IMPACT_VIRTEX_DUMPBIN=1

and launch impact from that window (if you don't have this set universally in the advanced tab).

The verify button will now appear black (not gray), and when you verify, you will now have an impact.bin (binary) file, and a impact.rbd (ascii 1's and 0's) file in the directory you invoked impact from.

If you don't want to use a mask file (.msk), then you also have to set:

set XIL_IMPACT_IGNORE_MASK_FILE=1

The mask file has the BRAM bits, capture bits, LUTRAM, SRL, DRP, and other bits masked out so that they are not indicated as a failure or error (as these bits do change, and don't cause a problem).

Remember to rename the file, as the same file name is used if you do another verify (if you wish to save readbacks).

[singhabhishek]

Dear Sir,

                I also have the same issue. I have made the settings as told by you, but when I right click on FPGA, I don't see any Verify option. Please help.

Regards,

Abhishek Singh

[austin]

s,

What version are you using?

The settings I posted should work.  Check the spelling, and how you set hte environment on your machine/OS.