Chip lifecycle / Work products / FPGA prototype software environment

FPGA prototype software environment

The set-up for running firmware and drivers on an FPGA prototype of the chip design, including the prototype build, loaders, debug access, interface daughter cards and the known differences from silicon.

Model Work product in the Firmware and software stack lifecycle

Why it exists and what it decides

It runs software at speeds close enough to real time to test drivers, operating systems and applications before silicon. Software that needs real interface speeds or long runs otherwise waits for silicon, and driver bring-up becomes the critical path after tape-out.

Decisions it informs

Which drivers and applications can be tested before silicon
Whether interface behaviour is good enough to commit software features
Which hardware issues must be reported before tape-out

Register or sign in to read on

The full lifecycle detail, with its charts, flows, tables and every section, is for registered members. Registration is free and takes a minute. You come back to this page afterwards.