BoardScope : A debug tool for reconfigurable systems

Abstract

BoardScope is a portable, interactive debug tool for Xilinx FPGA-based hardware. BoardScope features simple but powerful graphical interfaces for viewing FPGA circuits in their operational state. The main display graphically shows the Configurable Logic Block (CLB) flip-flop states of all FPGA devices in the system. This display indicates overall dataflow and is used to find design errors, such as clocking problems or incorrect initialization or reset. The CLB display shows the complete state, including LUT values and flip-flop configuration, of any CLB. Finally, a symbol file may be used to drive a waveform display. The waveform display permits both bit-level signals and multibit busses to be viewed in a fashion similar to that used by circuit simulators. BoardScope is implemented completely in Java , using the Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT) version 1.1, The interface to the hardware is provided by XHWIF, the Xilinx standard Hard Ware InterFace for FPGA based hardware. This simplifies porting, and provides remote access capabilities. Remote access allows multiple users to communicate with the hardware across a network. BoardScope currently runs on the WildForce and WildOne boards from Annapolis Microsystems, and the PCI Pamette from Digital Equipment Corporation. Ports to other systems are currently under way.