The USB Platform Cable is an essential tool for Xilinx development work. Unfortunately, the Windows driver for this kit has not been so consistently reliable that it can be taken for granted. The following personal anecdote may not be useful to anyone in particular, but it may serve as a "data point" for either Xilinx or for other Xilinx customers:
I started out with a Vista x64 design workstation, on which the Xilinx USB Platform Cable worked reliably and flawlessly (even with a USB hub connection). With great fear and trepidation, I 'upgraded' my development system to Windows 7. Instead of doing a 'clean' install, I elected to 'in-place upgrade'.
- At first, the USB Platform Cable did not 'install' correctly, according to Windows 7 Device Manager.
- 'Update driver' did not seem to help.
- Uninstall/re-install did not seem to help.
- Re-running the ISE 14.6 install/setup was my next move (I selected only Lab Tools/Drivers for setup option).
- After the setup completed, Device Manager indicated that the install (and drivers setup) was successful. However, iMPACT still could not recognise the 'virtual' USB Platform Cable on a SP601 board.
- Without rebooting, and after spending an hour or so watching a (American) football game, I connected an actual (non-virtual) USB Platform Cable. iMPACT then recognised BOTH the USB Platform Cable AND the virtual (SP601-resident) USB Platform cable.
I do not know what to make of this, other than this seems to add to the USB Platform Cable's reputation for mystery and intrigue.
-- Bob Elkind
SIGNATURE:
README for newbies is here: http://forums.xilinx.com/t5/New-Users-Forum/README-first-Help-for-new-users/td-p/219369
Summary:
1. Read the manual or user guide. Have you read the manual? Can you find the manual?
2. Search the forums (and search the web) for similar topics.
3. Do not post the same question on multiple forums.
4. Do not post a new topic or question on someone else's thread, start a new thread!
5. Students: Copying code is not the same as learning to design.
6 "It does not work" is not a question which can be answered. Provide useful details (with webpage, datasheet links, please).
7. You are not charged extra fees for comments in your code.
8. I am not paid for forum posts. If I write a good post, then I have been good for nothing.
