Xilinx Virtex-4 Configuration User Guide

Virtex-4 FPGA Configuration User Guide www.xilinx.com 53
UG071 (v1.12) June 2, 2017
Configuration Data Files
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Configuration Data Files
Xilinx design tools can generate configuration data files in a number of different formats,
as described in Table 2-7. BitGen converts the post-PAR .ncd file into a configuration file,
or bitstream. The bitstream contains commands to the FPGA configuration logic as well as
configuration data. (For details on the bitstream format, refer to Chapter 7)
PROMGen, the PROM file generator, converts one or more bitstream files into a PROM file.
PROM files can be generated in a number of different file formats, and need not be used
with a PROM. They can be stored anywhere and delivered by any means.
Byte Swapping
The .mcs,.exo, and .tek PROM file formats are always byte-swapped. The .hex file
format can be byte-swapped or not byte-swapped, depending on user options. The
bitstream files (.bit,.rbt,.bin) are never byte-swapped.
Table 2-7: Xilinx Configuration File Formats
File
Extension
Byte
Swapping
(1)
Xilinx Software
Tool
(2)
Description
.bit
Not
byte-swapped
BitGen (generated
by default)
Binary configuration data file
containing header information that
does not need to be downloaded to
the FPGA. Used to program
devices from iMPACT with a
programming cable.
.rbt
Not
byte-swapped
BitGen (generated if
-b option is set)
ASCII equivalent of the .bit file
containing a text header and ASCII
1s and 0s.
.bin
Not
byte-swapped
BitGen (generated if
-g binary:yes
option is set)
Binary configuration data file with
no header information. Similar to
.bit file. Can be used for custom
configuration solutions
(microprocessors, etc.), or in some
cases to program third-party
PROMs.
.mcs
.exo
.tek
Byte-swapped
PROMGen or
iMPACT
ASCII PROM file formats
containing address and checksum
information in addition to
configuration data. Used mainly
for device programmers and
iMPACT.
.hex
Determined
by user
PROMGen or
iMPACT
ASCII PROM file format
containing only configuration data.
Used mainly in custom
configuration solutions.
Notes:
1. Byte swapping is discussed in the “Byte Swapping” section.
2. For complete BitGen and PROMGen syntax, refer to the Development System Reference Guide.

Xilinx Virtex-4 Specifications

General

Brand	Xilinx
Model	Virtex-4
Category	Motherboard
Language	English