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Altera Corporation
FLEX 8000 Programmable Logic Device Family Data Sheet
FLEX 8000 devices contain an optimized microprocessor interface that
permits the microprocessor to configure FLEX 8000 devices serially, in
parallel, synchronously, or asynchronously. The interface also enables the
microprocessor to treat a FLEX 8000 device as memory and configure the
device by writing to a virtual memory location, making it very easy for the
designer to create configuration software.
The FLEX 8000 family is supported by Altera’s MAX+PLUS II
development system, a single, integrated package that offers schematic,
text—including the Altera Hardware Description Language (AHDL),
VHDL, and Verilog HDL—and waveform design entry, compilation and
logic synthesis, simulation and timing analysis, and device programming.
The MAX+PLUS II software provides EDIF 2 0 0 and 3 0 0, library of
parameterized modules (LPM), VHDL, Verilog HDL, and other interfaces
for additional design entry and simulation support from other industry-
standard PC- and UNIX workstation-based EDA tools. The
MAX+PLUS II software runs on Windows-based PCs and Sun
SPARCstation, HP 9000 Series 700/800, and IBM RISC System/6000
workstations.
The MAX+PLUS II software interfaces easily with common gate array
EDA tools for synthesis and simulation. For example, the MAX+PLUS II
software can generate Verilog HDL files for simulation with tools such as
Cadence Verilog-XL. Additionally, the MAX+PLUS II software contains
EDA libraries that use device-specific features such as carry chains, which
are used for fast counter and arithmetic functions. For instance, the
Synopsys Design Compiler library supplied with the MAX+PLUS II
development system includes DesignWare functions that are optimized
for the FLEX 8000 architecture.
f For more information on the MAX+PLUS II software, go to the
Functional
Description
The FLEX 8000 architecture incorporates a large matrix of compact
building blocks called logic elements (LEs). Each LE contains a 4-input
LUT that provides combinatorial logic capability and a programmable
register that offers sequential logic capability. The fine-grained structure
of the LE provides highly efficient logic implementation.
Eight LEs are grouped together to form a logic array block (LAB). Each
FLEX 8000 LAB is an independent structure with common inputs,
interconnections, and control signals. The LAB architecture provides a
coarse-grained structure for high device performance and easy routing.