Xapp1104 S6FailSafe Design

Implementation of a
Fail-Safe Design in the

Spartan-6 Family Using
ISE Design Suite 12.4
XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

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Revision History
The following table shows the revision history for this document.
Date Version Revision

08/23/11 1.0 Initial Xilinx release.
06/19/13 1.0.1 Replaced SCC lounge with IDF page throughout. Added URL to download reference
design in Reference Design Files.
Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4 www.xilinx.com XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Table of Contents
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Preface: About This Guide

Guide Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Typographical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Online Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chapter 1: Single Chip Crypto Design Overview

Lab Design Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Reference Design Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Reference Design Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installing Reference Design Files into Target Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 2: Synthesizing Modules for the Isolation Design Flow

Synthesize the SCC_LAB_TOP Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Synthesize the aes Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Synthesize the aes_r Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Synthesize the compare Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Isolation Design Flow Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Chapter 3: Floorplanning the System

Project Entry in PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Launch the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
PlanAhead Project Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Placing I/Os and DCMs with the PlanAhead Tool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Setting Up Timing Constraints with the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Defining ISO Partitions with the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Defining Attributes for Each ISO Partition with the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . 65
Set Up the Area Groups for the ISO Regions with the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . 69
Running Report Timing with the PlanAhead Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Exporting the Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Chapter 4: Running the Isolation Verification Tool Against the UCF

Creating the File Used to Run the IVT UCF Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Creating the Pin Isolation Group File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4 www.xilinx.com 3

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Running the IVT UCF Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Examining the Output from the IVT UCF Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
IVT SVG Output File for UCF Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Chapter 5: Implementing the Design with the PlanAhead Tool

Generating and Running an Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Isolation Design Flow Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Chapter 6: Verifying the Design with the NCD Isolation Verification

Tool
Creating the File Used to Run the IVT NCD Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Running the IVT NCD Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Examining the Output from the IVT NCD Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
IVT RPT Output File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
IVT SVG Output File for NCD Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Isolation Design Flow Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Appendix A: Tactical Patch Needed for ISE Tools 12.3 and 12.4
Tactical Patch for ISE Tools 12.3 or 12.4 for Windows PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tactical Patch for ISE Tools 12.3 or 12.4 for the Linux Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
4 www.xilinx.com Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Preface
About This Guide

This lab covers the creation and implementation of a single chip crypto (SCC) system,
utilizing an isolated, redundant Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) module. Complete
step-by-step instructions are given for the entire process.
Guide Contents
This manual contains the following chapters:
• Chapter 1, Single Chip Crypto Design Overview, describes the SCC design and the
goals of the lab.
• Chapter 2, Synthesizing Modules for the Isolation Design Flow, describes the steps in
the bottom-up synthesis flow.
• Chapter 3, Floorplanning the System, gives step-by-step instructions for
implementing the SCC design.
• Chapter 4, Running the Isolation Verification Tool Against the UCF, covers running
the Isolation Verification Tool (IVT) against the pre-placed-and-routed design.
• Chapter 5, Implementing the Design with the PlanAhead Tool, details placing and
routing the SCC design.
• Chapter 6, Verifying the Design with the NCD Isolation Verification Tool, describes
running the verification tool on the placed-and-routed design.
• Appendix A, Tactical Patch Needed for ISE Tools 12.3 and 12.4, describes the tactical
patches needed for ISE tools 12.3 and 12.4 for the Windows PC and Linux server.
Additional Resources
To find additional documentation, see the Xilinx website at:
http://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/index.htm.
To search the Answer Database of silicon, software, and IP questions and answers, or to
create a technical support WebCase, see the Xilinx website at:
http://www.xilinx.com/support/mysupport.htm.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Preface: About This Guide
Conventions
This document uses the following conventions. An example illustrates each convention.
Typographical
The following typographical conventions are used in this document:
Convention Meaning or Use Example

Messages, prompts, and
Courier font program files that the system speed grade: - 100
displays
Literal commands that you enter
Courier bold ngdbuild design_name
in a syntactical statement
Commands that you select from
File → Open
Helvetica bold a menu
Keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C
Variables in a syntax statement
for which you must supply ngdbuild design_name
values
See the Command Line Tools User
Italic font References to other manuals
Guide for more information.
If a wire is drawn so that it
Emphasis in text overlaps the pin of a symbol, the
two nets are not connected.
Online Document
The following conventions are used in this document:
Convention Meaning or Use Example

See the section “Additional
Cross-reference link to a location Resources” for details.
Blue text
in the current document Refer to “Title Formats” in
Chapter 1 for details.
Go to http://www.xilinx.com
Blue, underlined text Hyperlink to a website (URL)
for the latest speed files.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 1
Single Chip Crypto Design Overview

This chapter describes how a Single Chip Crypto (SCC) system can be created using a
Spartan®-6 FPGA, and the Xilinx® ISE® Design Suite 12.4 and PlanAhead™ 12.4
development tools.
The isolation design flow (IDF) allows for applications that include redundant type 1
encryptors, resident red and black data, and functionality that operates on multiple levels
of security within the same Xilinx FPGA.
At the core of the IDF is physical and electrical isolation (ISO) of chosen logic from other
areas of the design. This is accomplished via:
• Conventional, best practices, modular Xilinx design entry where each function
isolated by the user must be at its own level of hierarchy
• Modular synthesis of each isolated region of the design
• (Mandatory) Manual floorplanning to isolate the desired regions of the design on the
FPGA while providing user-specified intra-region communication through the use of
trusted routing
• Automated verification of isolation via the Xilinx Isolation Verification Tool (IVT)
software
Lab Design Overview

The SCC rules for the Spartan-6 FPGA are outlined in XAPP1145, Developing Fail-Safe
Designs in the Spartan-6 Family Using the Isolation Design Flow. This application note gives
details on how functions are to be isolated, specific differences between a normal partition
flow and an SCC partition flow, information on SCC-specific HDL code mnemonics, and
trusted routing rules.
To illustrate the IDF and capabilities, this design implements isolated, redundant AES
modules. Figure 1-1 is a hierarchical diagram of the various VHDL sub-blocks used in the
implementation of the design. Type 1 Spartan-6 FPGA crypto applications require defense-
grade (XQ) devices for mask control. The design example used in this application note was
created using a non-defense-grade Spartan-6 XC6SLX150T-3FGG676 device.
Note: This lab requires the ISE software, version 12.2 or later.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X-Ref Target - Figure 1-1
SCC_LAB_TOP
AES COMPARE AES_R
KEY_EXPANDER KEY_EXPANDER
X1104_c1_01_101210
Figure 1-1: VHDL Design Hierarchical Block Diagram
Figure 1-2 shows the IDF used for the SCC lab.
Module Synthesis
System Floorplanning
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
Design Implementation
IVT on NCD File
X1104_c1_02_101210
Figure 1-2: Isolation Design Flow

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Lab Design Overview
Figure 1-3 shows the partitioning and I/O mapping for an XC6SLX150T-3FGG676 device.
reset
push_button
AES
COMPARE
led
AES_R
clk
X1104_c1_03_110210
Figure 1-3: Die View: Partition and I/O Map of XC6SLX150T-3FGG676
Figure 1-4 is a view of the completed SCC reference design displayed in the Xilinx FPGA
Editor tool. The design incorporates two AES algorithm blocks: aes and aes_r. Both of
the AES blocks are driven by the same input data and key. In Figure 1-4, the two AES
blocks are the angle-shaped regions. Both of the AES blocks are tied to the compare block,
which compares the outputs of the AES blocks. If the outputs of the AES blocks do not
match, the compare block sends an alert to the user indicated by an LED. Both AES blocks
have an input that allows the user to inject an error. However, only the aes block has the
error injection input tied to an external pushbutton.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c1_04_062411
Figure 1-4: FPGA Editor View: Implementation of the SCC Design

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Reference Design Files
Reference Design Files
Reference Design Checklist

The design files for this application note can be downloaded from:
https://secure.xilinx.com/webreg/clickthrough.do?cid=343344
The design checklist in Table 1-1 includes simulation, implementation, and hardware
details for the reference design.
Table 1-1: Design Checklist

Parameter Description
General
Developer Name Xilinx
Target devices Spartan-6 SLX150T FPGA
Source code provided Y
Source code format VHDL
Design uses code/IP from existing Xilinx application note/ N
reference designs, CORE Generator™ software, or third
party
Simulation
Functional simulation performed Y
Timing simulation performed Y
Testbench used for functional and timing simulations Y
Testbench format VHDL
Simulator software/version used ISE design suite 12.4
SPICE/IBIS simulations N
Implementation
Synthesis software tools/version used XST
Implementation software tools/versions used ISE design suite 12.4
Static timing analysis performed Y
Hardware Verification
Hardware verified N
Hardware platform used for verification N/A

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Installing Reference Design Files into Target Directories

These steps describe the process for installing the reference design files:
Note: It is best if the design files are unzipped onto a directory without any spaces in the path.
1. Copy XAPP1104.zip to the Windows desktop.
2. Double-click XAPP1104.zip and unzip the contents to the desired location.
3. The project files are placed in these directories:
\Xilinx_Design\buildscripts
\Xilinx_Design\ivt
\Xilinx_Design\planahead
\Xilinx_Design\results\
\Xilinx_Design\simulation\
\Xilinx_Design\source\
\Xilinx_Design\synthesis\
4. The readme.txt file describes how to use the files that come with XAPP1104.zip
and the process for using the build scripts.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 2
Synthesizing Modules for the

Isolation Design Flow
This chapter describes the steps that take the user through a bottom-up synthesis flow,
which is the flow used for SCC designs to maintain isolation. The top module
(SCC_LAB_TOP) is synthesized first, followed by each of the lower-level modules (aes,
aes_r, and compare) creating four separate ISE® tools HDL projects.
Synthesize the SCC_LAB_TOP Module

These steps describe how to synthesize the SCC_LAB_TOP module:
1. Start the ISE design suite 12.4:
Start → All Programs → Xilinx ISE Design Suite 12.4 → ISE Design Tools →
Project Navigator
2. Create a new ISE design suite 12.4 project:
File → New Project
3. Set the project location to ..\Xilinx_Design\synthesis.
4. Set the project name to SCC_LAB_TOP.
5. Click Next (see Figure 2-1).
Note: All requisite files were copied to a user-defined location by the instructions in Installing
Reference Design Files into Target Directories, page 12.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c2_01_102510
Figure 2-1: New Project Wizard (Create New Project)

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
6. Make the following selections for the target device (see Figure 2-2):
• Family: Spartan6
• Device: XC6SLX150T
• Package: FGG676
• Speed: -3
• Preferred Language: VHDL
X1104_c2_02_102510
Figure 2-2: New Project Wizard (Project Settings)

7. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
8. Click Finish (see Figure 2-3).

X1104_c2_03_102510
Figure 2-3: New Project Wizard (Project Summary)

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
9. Add source files to the project. There are two ways of doing this:
a. Select Project → Add Source.
b. Click the Add Source button on the left side of the Design window in the Project
Navigator of the ISE tool (see Figure 2-4).
X1104_c2_04_062411
Figure 2-4: Project Navigator Window (Add Existing Sources)

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
10. Navigate to the ..\Xilinx_Design\source\design directory, and add the

top_package.vhd and SCC_LAB_TOP.vhd files to the project by selecting a box
with the mouse such that both filenames are selected, and then click Open. Click OK
(see Figure 2-5).
X1104_c2_05_102510
Figure 2-5: Adding Source Files

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
The ISE Project Navigator window should look like Figure 2-6.
Note: The question marks (?) by all blocks that are not coded at the top level are expected because
only the top level is being synthesized at this time. All other blocks are out of context and are treated
as black boxes.
X1104_c2_06_062411
Figure 2-6: Project Navigator Window
11. Apply attributes to control I/O insertion:

To include I/O within isolated areas, the I/O buffers must be included at lower levels
of the design’s hierarchy. This is counter to the normal Xilinx flow that has all device
I/O at the top level. To fulfill the needs of the IDF, these two steps must be taken:
a. Force instantiation of I/O buffers at lower levels
b. Avoid creation of I/O buffers at the top level
Both are accomplished by attaching the buffer_type attribute to the signals in the lower
level modules. One exception to this rule is that clock networks are not required to be
isolated. As such, this attribute should not be applied to the CLK pin of the top-level
code.
For this design, open the SCC_LAB_TOP.vhd file and locate the buffer_type attributes:
attribute buffer_type: string;
attribute buffer_type of push_button : signal is "none"; -- Pin in AES1

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
attribute buffer_type of reset : signal is "none"; -- Pin inside AES1

--attribute buffer_type of clk : signal is "none"; -- Top Level Pin
attribute buffer_type of led : signal is "none"; -- Pin in Compare
All three signals go off-chip, and must therefore have the buffer_type attribute
assigned to direct the Xilinx Synthesis Tool (XST) to disable I/O insertion on these
ports. The buffer_type attribute is also needed to guarantee that I/Os are included in
the lower level modules, and therefore are part of the isolated regions. In
SCC_LAB_TOP.vhd, clk is driven to all modules, so no attribute is added and it is
therefore commented out. Simple rules for applying the buffer_type attribute are:
• Clock networks are not required to be isolated, and thus do not need this
attribute.
• Signals that are present within a single isolated region and get routed off-chip do
not get the attribute. (During synthesis, this appears to XST to be a top-level
design, and creating top-level I/O buffers is normal operation for XST.)
• Signals on the region’s top level that connect to other regions or to the upper level
of the design (and are thus not routed off-chip) are assigned the attribute. The
designer must manually make this assignment at the top level of the given design
region’s source code.
Refer to XAPP1145, Developing Fail-Safe Designs in the Spartan-6 Family Using the
Isolation Design Flow, for more details on IDF off-chip communication concepts.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
12. Select SCC_LAB_TOP - Behavioral in the Design Hierarchy window, right-click the
Synthesize-XST icon in the Processes window, and select Process Properties (see
Figure 2-7).
X1104_c2_07_102510
Figure 2-7: Process Properties (Synthesis Options)
13. Set the Property display level to Advanced, set Optimization Goal to Area, set
Optimization Effort to High, and click OK. Keep Hierarchy does not have to be set on
this module for this flow.
14. To run XST synthesis, either right-click the Synthesize-XST icon in the Processes
window and click Run, or double-click Synthesize-XST. After synthesis is complete,
close the SCC_LAB_TOP project.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Synthesize the aes Module

These steps describe how to synthesize the aes module:
Project Navigator
3. Set the project location to \Xilinx_Design\synthesis.
4. Set the Project Name to aes.
X1104_c2_08_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
• Package: FGG676
• Speed: -3
X1104_c2_09_102510
Figure 2-9: New Project Wizard (Device Properties)

7. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
8. Click Finish in the Project Summary window (see Figure 2-10).

X1104_c2_10_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
9. Add source files to the project by selecting Project → Add Source. Navigate to the
source\design directory, and add the aes.vhd, aes_package.vhd, and
key_expander.vhd files to the project. This is done by holding down the Ctrl key on
the keyboard and left-clicking each of the filenames once such that all filenames are
selected, then clicking Open. Click OK (see Figure 2-11).
X1104_c2_11_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
The ISE Project Navigator Window should look as shown in Figure 2-12.
Note: All blocks are defined. There should be no question marks (?) by any module. All
modules at this level and below are in context.
X1104_c2_12_062411

As in Synthesize the SCC_LAB_TOP Module, page 13, insertion of I/O buffers at this
level of hierarchy must be prevented for the top-level signals (such as CLK) within the
aes block that connect to the upper level of the design. Also, insertion of an I/O buffer
on a port (such as DONE) that is a direct connection to a port of another instance must
be prevented because no I/O buffer is needed if not going off-chip.
Open the aes.vhd file and locate the section containing the buffer_type attributes:
attribute buffer_type of clk : signal is "none"; -- Top level PIN
--attribute buffer_type of reset : signal is "none"; -- Hooked up to IBUF
--attribute buffer_type of push_button : signal is "none"; -- Hooked up to IBUF
attribute buffer_type of start : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of mode : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of load : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of key : signal is "none"; -- Port

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
attribute buffer_type of data_in : signal is "none"; -- Port

attribute buffer_type of reset_out : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of data_out : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of done : signal is "none"; -- Port
Note: The reset and push_button signals do not have an attribute associated with them and are
therefore commented out. They are a connection between the off-chip world and the aes module
only, i.e., they are “owned” by aes and therefore require an I/O to be inferred within the aes
module rather than within SCC_LAB_TOP. The clk I/O was inferred when SCC_LAB_TOP was
synthesized. The other signals cross the isolation barrier but remain internal to the FPGA;
therefore, they have the attribute signal is "none" applied.
11. Instantiate LUTs per the trusted routing rules:
In the aes.vhd source code file, LUT instantiation between reset and reset_out and on
done_aes1 are necessary for trusted routing rules. Trusted routing is a set of resources
that is selected automatically by the tools to facilitate communication between isolated
regions. These resources serve to prevent “shorted” nets between isolated regions and
also preserve one-to-one mapping of input and output ports of isolated regions. Refer
to XAPP1145, Developing Fail-Safe Designs in the Spartan-6 Family Using the Isolation
Design Flow, for more details on trusted routing rules. A section of the VHDL code for
the LUT instantiation is shown here:
-- Instantiate LUT buffers on nets that either drive two different regions
-- or are feedthrough's from one region to the next. This prevents a single
-- net being placed "shorting" three regions together.
lut_reset_out : LUT1
GENERIC MAP (INIT => X"2")
PORT MAP (I0 => reset, O => reset_out );
lut_done_aes1_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => done_d2, O => done );
12. Select aes - Behavioral in the Design Hierarchy window, right-click the Synthesize-
XST icon in the Processes window, and select Process Properties (see Figure 2-13).

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c2_13_102510

13. Set Optimization Goal to Area, and set Optimization Effort to High. Keep Hierarchy
does not have to be set.
14. Within the Process Properties window, click HDL Options in the column on the left,
and uncheck Resource Sharing. Click Xilinx Specific Options in the column on the
left, and uncheck Equivalent Register Removal.
15. Click OK.
window and select Run or double-click Synthesize-XST.
17. After synthesis is complete, close the aes project.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Synthesize the aes_r Module

These steps describe how to synthesize the aes_r module:
Project Navigator
3. Set the Project Location to \Xilinx_Design\synthesis.
4. Set the Project Name to aes_r.
X1104_c2_14_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
• Package: FGG676
• Speed: -3
X1104_c2_15_102510
7. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

X1104_c2_16_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
source\design directory and add the aes_r.vhd, aes_package.vhd, and
key_expander.vhd files to the project. This is done by holding down the Ctrl key on
the keyboard and left-clicking each of the filenames once such that all filenames are
selected, then clicking Open. Click OK (see Figure 2-17).
X1104_c2_17_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
The ISE Project Navigator Window should look like Figure 2-18.
Note: All blocks are defined. There should be no question marks (?) by any module. All modules at
this level and below are in context.
X1104_c2_18_062411

aes_r block that connect to the upper level of the design, or because the port is a
direct connection to a port of another instance.
Open the aes_r.vhd file and locate the section containing the buffer_type attributes:
attribute buffer_type of clk : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of reset : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of push_button : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of start : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of mode : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of load : signal is "none";

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
attribute buffer_type of key : signal is "none";

attribute buffer_type of data_in : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of data_out : signal is "none";
attribute buffer_type of done : signal is "none";
Note: The clk I/O is inferred when SCC_LAB_TOP is synthesized. All other ports are internal to
the FPGA; therefore, they have the attribute signal is "none" applied.
11. Instantiate LUTs per the Trusted Routing rules:
In the aes_r.vhd source code file, LUT instantiation on done_aes2 is necessary for
trusted routing rules. Trusted routing is a set of resources that is selected automatically
by the tools to facilitate communication between isolated regions. These resources
serve to prevent “shorted” nets between isolated regions and also preserve one-to-one
mapping of input and output ports of isolated regions. Refer to XAPP1145, Developing
Fail-Safe Designs in the Spartan-6 Family Using the Isolation Design Flow, for more details
on trusted routing rules. A section of the VHDL code for the LUT instantiation is
shown here:
lut_done_aes2_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => done_d2, O => done );

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
12. Right-click the Synthesize-XST icon in the Processes window and select Process
Properties (see Figure 2-19).
X1104_c2_19_102510
13. Set Optimization Goal to Area, and set Optimization Effort to High. Keep Hierarchy
does not have to be set.
14. Within the Process Properties window, click HDL Options in the column on the left,
left, and uncheck Equivalent Register Removal.
15. Click OK.
window and select Run, or double-click Synthesize-XST.
17. After synthesis is complete, close the aes_r project.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Synthesize the compare Module

These steps describe how to synthesize the compare module:
Project Navigator
3. Set the project location to \Xilinx_Design\synthesis.
4. Set the project name to compare.
X1104_c2_20_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
• Package: FGG676
• Speed: -3
X1104_c2_21_102510
7. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

X1104_c2_22_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
source\design directory, and add the compare.vhd by left-clicking once on the
filename such that it is selected, then clicking Open. Click OK (see Figure 2-23).
X1104_c2_23_102510

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
The ISE Project Navigator Window should look like Figure 2-24.
Note: All modules are defined. There should be no question marks (?) by any module. All modules
at this level and below are in context.
X1104_c2_24_062411

compare block that connect to the upper level of the design, or because the port is a
direct connection to a port of another instance.
Open the compare.vhd file and locate the buffer attributes:
--attribute buffer_type of led : signal is "none"; -- HOOKED UP TO OBUF
attribute buffer_type of clk : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of reset : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of reset_out : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of done1 : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of done2 : signal is "none"; -- Port

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
attribute buffer_type of start_aes1 : signal is "none"; -- Port

attribute buffer_type of start_aes2 : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of load_aes1 : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of load_aes2 : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of data_in1 : signal is "none"; -- Port
attribute buffer_type of data_in2 : signal is "none"; -- Port
Note: The led signal does not have an attribute associated with it because this signal is driven
directly by an output buffer from within the compare code and is therefore commented out. All
other ports are either those within the FPGA or have had their I/Os inferred at a different level;
therefore, they have the attribute signal is "none" applied.
11. In the compare.vhd source code file, LUT instantiation between certain inputs and
outputs is necessary for trusted routing rules. Refer to XAPP1145, Developing Fail-Safe
Designs in the Spartan-6 Family Using the Isolation Design Flow, for more details on
trusted routing rules. A section of the VHDL code for the LUT instantiation is shown
here:
lut_reset_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => reset_i, O => reset_out );
lut_start_aes1_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => start_i, O => start_aes1 );
lut_start_aes2_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => start_i, O => start_aes2 );
lut_load_aes1_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => load_i, O => load_aes1 );
lut_load_aes2_out : LUT1
PORT MAP (I0 => load_i, O => load_aes2 );

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
12. Right-click the Synthesize-XST icon in the Processes window and select Process
Properties (see Figure 2-25).
X1104_c2_25_102510
13. Set the Optimization Goal to Area and the Optimization Effort to High. Keep
Hierarchy does not have to be set.
14. Within the Process Properties window, click HDL Options in the column on the left
left and uncheck Equivalent Register Removal.
15. Click OK.
window and select Run, or double-click Synthesize-XST.
17. After synthesis is complete, close the compare project.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Isolation Design Flow Progress

The Module Synthesis block of the isolation design flow diagram is complete, as shown in
Figure 2-26.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File
X1104_c2_26_110110
Figure 2-26: Isolation Design Flow with Module Synthesis Block Complete

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 3
Floorplanning the System

Project Entry in PlanAhead Tool
Launch the PlanAhead Tool

To launch the 12.4 version of the PlanAhead™ tool, select:
Start → All Programs → Xilinx ISE Design Suite 12.4 → PlanAhead →
PlanAhead
PlanAhead Project Creation

The PlanAhead tool works with any synthesized netlist (XST, Synplify, etc.). The regular
guidelines are followed to generate a new project and import the netlist into the
PlanAhead tool to create a floorplan for the design.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
1. Set up a new PlanAhead tool project (see Figure 3-1):

X1104_c3_01_102510
Figure 3-1: New Project
2. Click Next and enter:

• Project name: For this lab, the FloorPlan_SCC project name is used.
• Project location: ..\Xilinx_Design\PlanAhead
3. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. Select Import a synthesized (EDIF or NGC) netlist (see Figure 3-2) because the
modules have already been synthesized. Click Next.
Note: The Spartan-6 FPGA does not support partial reconfiguration, so do not select the Set
PR Project option.
X1104_c3_02_102510
Figure 3-2: New Project (Design Source)

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
5. Import the previously generated top-level netlist (see Figure 3-3).

X1104_c3_03_102510
Figure 3-3: New Project (Import Netlist)

6. Designate the top-level netlist and library directories. The netlist directories should
include the static logic SCC_LAB_TOP.ngc and only one “version” of each isolated
(ISO) module.
Netlist File:
..\Xilinx_Design\synthesis\SCC_LAB_TOP\SCC_LAB_TOP.ngc
Netlist Directories:
..\Xilinx_Design\synthesis\aes
..\Xilinx_Design\synthesis\aes_r
..\Xilinx_Design\synthesis\compare
7. Click Next.
8. This lab creates the final user constraints file (UCF) from the beginning. Thus, no UCF
files needs to be imported. Click Next.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
9. Select the product, family, and sub-family for the default part (see Figure 3-4). For this
lab, make the following selections:
a. Product: General Purpose
b. Family: Spartan6
c. Sub-Family: Spartan6 LXT
X1104_c3_04_102510
Figure 3-4: New Project (Product Family)
10. Select the device specifics:

a. Package: FGG676
b. Speed grade: -3
c. Temperature grade: C
d. Device: xc6slx150tfgg676-3
11. Click Next and Finish.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
12. The PlanAhead tool project is created. Figure 3-5 shows the PlanAhead tool Project
Manager window and the Open Netlist Manager window for the FloorPlan_SCC
project.
X1104_c3_05_062411
Figure 3-5: PlanAhead Tool Project Manger (Open Netlist Design)
13. To open the netlist design in the PlanAhead tool, under the Project Manager pane on
the left, select Netlist Design → Open Netlist Design....
14. Set the design name to SCC_LAB_1. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
15. The floor plan of the FPGA device appears, as shown in Figure 3-6.
X1104_c3_06_062711
Figure 3-6: PlanAhead Design Planner View
As stated in step 4, the Spartan-6 FPGA does not support partial reconfiguration.
Therefore, the File → Set PR Project option is grayed out and not selectable.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Placing I/Os and DCMs with the PlanAhead Tool

When placing I/O buffers or pins, it is imperative to consider the physical location of I/Os
in relation to the logic regions they interface with. While the clock input can be placed on
any clock-capable pin because it does not have to be isolated, the led pin is part of the
compare logic, so it does need to be physically placed within that region. Similarly, the
reset and push_button pins are owned by the aes logic, so they need to be physically
placed inside the aes region. All available resources should be included, even if the logic is
not used, because excluding them also excludes using their respective routing resources.
This includes clock components such as DCMs, PLLs, and BUFGs, even though such
components are instantiated (logically owned) at the top level.
To place the PlanAhead tool in Site Constraint mode:
1. Select the symbol shown in Figure 3-7 that is on the vertical shortcut bar between the
Netlist Design window and the Device Planner window.
X1104_c3_07_102510
Figure 3-7: Select Site Constraint Mode Symbol

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
2. To specify the I/O pin for the clk, select Edit → Find (shortcut: Ctrl-F). A Find window
appears, as shown in Figure 3-8.
X1104_c3_08_102510
Figure 3-8: Find
3. Select Sites from the Find pull-down menu.

4. Select Name and matches from the two pull-down menus under Criteria.
5. Type U25 in the remaining field box and click OK.
The search results appear on a tab in the Find Results section at the bottom left of the
PlanAhead tool window.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
6. Select the find result and press F9 to zoom to the current selection, as shown in
Figure 3-9. Alternatively, select View → Fit Selection from the top menu bar to
perform the same task.
X1104_c3_09_062411
Figure 3-9: Find Results

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
7. To place clk on pin U25, select Edit → Find (shortcut: Ctrl-F). A Find window
appears, as shown in Figure 3-10.
X1104_c3_10_102510
Figure 3-10: Find
8. Select I/O Ports from the Find pull-down menu.

10. Type clk in the field box, and click OK. The search results appear on a tab in the Find
Results section at the bottom left of the PlanAhead tool window.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
11. Click and drag the result clk to the site identified in step 2 through step 6, as shown in
Figure 3-11.
X1104_c3_11_062411
Figure 3-11: Drag clk

12. Repeat step 2 to step 11 to place reset at M19.
13. Repeat step 2 to step 11 to place push_button at H20.
14. Repeat step 2 to step 11 to place led at L24.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
15. Select Edit → Find (shortcut: Ctrl-F).

16. Select Sites from the Find pull-down menu.
18. Type DCM_X0Y5 in the field box, and click OK. The search results appear on a tab in the
Find Results section at the bottom left of the PlanAhead tool window. Select the result
and press F9 to zoom to the current selection, as shown in Figure 3-12.
X1104_c3_12_062411
Figure 3-12: Search Results for DCM_X0Y5

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
19. In the Netlist window, expand Primitives, and then drag TOP_DCM_SP to the
DCM_X0Y5 box, as shown in Figure 3-13.
X1104_c3_13_062411
Figure 3-13: Placing DCM_X0Y5
20. Repeat step 15 to step 19 to place TOP_CLK0_BUFG at BUFGMUX_X3Y16.

21. Repeat step 15 to step 19 to place TOP_CLKDEV_BUFG at BUFGMUX_X2Y12.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Setting Up Timing Constraints with the PlanAhead Tool

This section shows that timing constraints can be applied to each module and the top-level
design easily with the PlanAhead tool.
1. Select the Timing Constraints tab in the Netlist Design window, and click the Create
New Constraint button located at the top of the netlist/constraints window (see
Figure 3-14).
X1104_c3_14_062411
Figure 3-14: Create New Constraint

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
2. Add a Basic period constraint of 20 ns to the design by entering the value, as shown
in Figure 3-15.
X1104_c3_15_102510
Figure 3-15: New Timing Constraint - Basic Period
3. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. Create a new timing constraint for Input pad to clk offset. For Data arrival, select
Before clock, check the Delay value box, and add a global input constraint of 6 ns to
the design by entering the value, as shown in Figure 3-16.
X1104_c3_16_102510
Figure 3-16: New Timing Constraint - Input Pad to Clk Offset
5. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
6. Create a new timing constraint for Clk to output pad offset. For Data arrival, select
After clock, check the Delay value box, and add a global output constraint of 6 ns to
the design by entering the value, as shown in Figure 3-17.
X1104_c3_17_102510
Figure 3-17: New Timing Constraint - Clk to Output Pad Offset
7. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Defining ISO Partitions with the PlanAhead Tool
Defining ISO Partitions with the PlanAhead Tool

Each partition must be turned into an ISO partition:
1. Select and right-click U1_AES (aes) in the Netlist tab and select Set Partition from the
pull-down menu (see Figure 3-18).
X1104_c3_18_062411
Figure 3-18: Set Partition
2. Repeat step 1 for the U2_AES2 (aes_r) partition.

3. Repeat step 1 for the U3_Comp (compare) partition.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. A new Pblock must be created for each block. In the Netlist tab, select the U1_AES1
(aes) partition, and right-click to select New Pblock from the menu (see Figure 3-19).
Keep the default name, pblock_U1_AES1, and click OK.
X1104_c3_19_062411
Figure 3-19: New Pblock
5. Repeat step 4 for the U2_AES2 (aes_r) partition while keeping the default name,
pblock_U2_AES2.
6. Repeat step 4 for the U3_Comp (compare) partition while keeping the default name,
pblock_U3_Comp.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Defining Attributes for Each ISO Partition with the PlanAhead Tool
IDF rules have many additional constraint rules as opposed to a traditional partial
reconfiguration flow. It is necessary to define several attributes for each partition as
follows:
1. Under the Netlist tab, select the U1_AES1 (aes) partition, right-click the selection, and
click Instance Properties in the resulting menu.
2. Click the Attributes tab of the Instance Properties window, and click the Add Pre-
defined Attributes button (a green “+” symbol).
3. Click the SCC_ ISOLATED general attribute to select it, and click OK (see Figure 3-20).
X1104_c3_20_102510
Figure 3-20: Add Pre-Defined Attribute

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. Select the checkbox for SCC_ ISOLATED in the general attributes list in the Instance
Properties window, and click Apply (see Figure 3-21).
X1104_c3_21_102510
Figure 3-21: Instance Properties
5. Repeat step 1 to step 4 for the U2_AES2 (aes_r) partition.

6. Repeat step 1 to step 4 for the U3_Comp (compare) partition.
The PRIVATE attribute needs to be set for each pblock in the PlanAhead tool GUI as
follows:
7. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select the pblock_U1_AES pblock, right-click the
selection, and click Pblock Properties in the resulting menu.
8. Click the Attributes tab of the Pblock Properties window, and click the Add Pre-

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
9. Click the PRIVATE attribute to select it, and click OK (see Figure 3-22).
X1104_c3_22_102510
Figure 3-22: Adding PRIVATE Attribute

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
10. Select the attribute PRIVATE in the general attributes list in the Pblock Properties
window, and select NONE (see Figure 3-23).
X1104_c3_23_102510
Figure 3-23: Setting PRIVATE Attribute to NONE
11. Click Apply.

12. Repeat step 7 to step 11 for pblock_U2_AES2, and set the attribute PRIVATE to NONE.
13. Repeat step 7 to step 11 for pblock_U3_Comp, and set the attribute PRIVATE to NONE.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Set Up the Area Groups for the ISO Regions with the PlanAhead Tool
Set Up the Area Groups for the ISO Regions with the
PlanAhead Tool
Area groups constrain FPGA resources. Their size can be changed by the user with the
PlanAhead tool. For the purpose of this exercise, the dimensions for the area groups are
made known and are presented. However, a general method of configuring an area group
for an arbitrary ISO region is demonstrated in this section:
1. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select the block pblock_U1_AES1 (aes).
2. Right-click pblock_U1_AES1 (aes) and select Set Pblock Size from the pull-down
menu.
3. Draw a rectangle in the upper-right area of the Design Planner window, as shown in
Figure 3-24. (The rectangle does not have to be 100% accurate—it will be resized
shortly.)
X1104_c3_24_062411
Figure 3-24: pblock_U1_AES1 Pblock Layout (Set Pblock)
4. A dialog box (shown in Figure 3-24) appears with various attributes and associated
checkboxes. All boxes must be checked, including (if listed) DCM_ADV, PLL_ADV,
BUFGCTRL, BUFR, and BUFIO. Even though most of these blocks are not used in the
design, it is important to select them to take advantage of their routing resources.
Failure to do so, while not an error, might produce designs that are unnecessarily

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
difficult to route. Naturally, all used components must be included. The only exception
is the Memory Controller Block (MCB) box, which should not be checked for this lab.
Note: Trusted routing requires that all clocking components be assigned to the AREA GROUP
that physically contains the component, even though the component is not logically instantiated
in the HDL of that module.
5. Click OK.
6. In the Choose LOC mode dialog box, select Leave all location constraints in their
current position.
7. Click OK.
8. Ensure that pblock_U1_AES1 (aes) is selected in the Physical Constraints pane.
9. Select the Rectangles tab in the Pblock Properties window (see Figure 3-25).
X1104_c3_25_102510
Figure 3-25: Pblock Properties
10. After the preliminary U1_AES1 (aes) block is drawn, adjust the rectangle graphically
as necessary to match these coordinates:
• X Lo = 88
• Y Lo = 0
• X Hi = 169
• Y Hi = 43
The final Pblock should look like Figure 3-26.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c3_26_102510
Figure 3-26: pblock_U1_AES1 Pblock Layout
11. Alternately, the Pblock rectangle (of the size specified in step 10) can be added to the
design by entering this command string into the Tcl command line in the PlanAhead
tool:
resize_pblock pblock_U1_AES1 -add {SLICE_X68Y152:SLICE_X127Y191
BUFDS_X2Y4:BUFDS_X2Y5 BUFH_X0Y320:BUFH_X3Y383
BUFIO2_X1Y26:BUFIO2_X4Y29 BUFIO2FB_X1Y26:BUFIO2FB_X4Y29
BUFPLL_X1Y4:BUFPLL_X2Y5 BUFPLL_MCB_X1Y9:BUFPLL_MCB_X2Y9
DCM_X0Y10:DCM_X0Y11 DSP48_X2Y38:DSP48_X3Y47
GTPA1_DUAL_X1Y1:GTPA1_DUAL_X1Y1 ILOGIC_X19Y136:ILOGIC_X35Y175
IODELAY_X19Y136:IODELAY_X35Y175 IPAD_X1Y8:IPAD_X1Y15
OLOGIC_X19Y136:OLOGIC_X35Y175 OPAD_X1Y4:OPAD_X1Y7
PLL_ADV_X0Y5:PLL_ADV_X0Y5 RAMB16_X3Y76:RAMB16_X5Y94
RAMB8_X3Y76:RAMB8_X5Y95} -locs keep_all -replace
12. The second rectangle is drawn to complete pblock_U1_AES1. Under the Physical
Constraints tab, select the block pblock_U1_AES1.
13. Right-click pblock_U1_AES1 and select Add Pblock Rectangle from the pull-down
menu.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
14. Draw a new rectangle below and to the far left side of the first rectangle to make a
resultant L-shaped area, as shown in Figure 3-27. (The second rectangle does not have
to be 100% accurate—it will be resized shortly.)
X1104_c3_27_102510
Figure 3-27: pblock_U1_AES1 Pblock Layout - Add Pblock Rectangle
15. A dialog box pops up with various attributes and associated checkboxes. All boxes
must be checked, including (if listed) DCM_ADV, PLL_ADV, BUFGCTRL, BUFR, and
BUFIO. Even though most of these blocks are not used in the design, it is important to
select them to take advantage of their routing resources. Failure to do so, while not an
error, might produce designs that are unnecessarily difficult to route. Naturally, all
used components must be included. The only exception is the MCB box, which should
not be checked for this lab.
16. Click OK.
17. Ensure that pblock_U1_AES1 is selected in the Physical Constraints pane.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
18. Select the Rectangles tab in the Pblock Properties window to view all of the rectangles
created for this Pblock (see Figure 3-28).
X1104_c3_28_102510

Note: The PlanAhead tool might resize the rectangle to many different combinations of smaller
rectangles. Make sure that all of the resources (such as block RAMs and DCMs) inside the area
group are fully enclosed.
19. The format of multiple rectangles makes it more difficult to resize the second rectangle.
Alternately, the second Pblock rectangle can be added to the design by entering the
following command strings into the Tcl command line in the PlanAhead tool:
BUFH_X0Y256:BUFH_X3Y319 DCM_X0Y8:DCM_X0Y9 DSP48_X2Y32:DSP48_X2Y37
RAMB16_X3Y64:RAMB16_X3Y74 RAMB8_X3Y64:RAMB8_X3Y75} -locs keep_all
resize_pblock pblock_U1_AES1 -add {DCM_X0Y10:DCM_X0Y11

PLL_ADV_X0Y4:PLL_ADV_X0Y5} -remove {DCM_X0Y10:DCM_X0Y11
PLL_ADV_X0Y5:PLL_ADV_X0Y5} -locs keep_all

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
20. The completed Pblock for pblock_U1_AES1 is shown in Figure 3-29.

X1104_c3_29_102510
Figure 3-29: Completed pblock_U1_AES1 Pblock Layout
21. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select the block pblock_U2_AES2.
22. Right-click pblock_U2_AES2 to select Set Pblock Size from the pull-down menu.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
23. Draw a rectangle in the center right area of the Design Planner window, as shown in
Figure 3-30. (The rectangle does not have to be 100% accurate—it will be resized
shortly.)
X1104_c3_30_062411
Figure 3-30: pblock_U2_AES2 Pblock Layout (Set Pblock)
BUFGCTRL, BUFR, and BUFIO. Even though most of these blocks are not in the
is the MCB box, which should not be checked for this lab.
25. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c3_31_102510
28. After the preliminary U2_AES2 block is drawn, adjust the rectangle graphically as
necessary to match these coordinates:
• X Lo = 88
• Y Lo = 96
• X Hi = 169
• Y Hi = 138
The Pblock area should look like Figure 3-32.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c3_32_102510
29. Alternately, the Pblock rectangle (of the size specified in step 28) can be added to the
design by entering the following command string into the Tcl command line in the
PlanAhead tools:
BUFGMUX_X2Y1:BUFGMUX_X3Y16 BUFH_X0Y128:BUFH_X3Y191
BUFIO2_X1Y8:BUFIO2_X4Y23 BUFIO2FB_X1Y8:BUFIO2FB_X4Y23
BUFPLL_X1Y2:BUFPLL_X2Y3 BUFPLL_MCB_X1Y5:BUFPLL_MCB_X2Y5
DCM_X0Y4:DCM_X0Y5 DSP48_X2Y16:DSP48_X3Y25 ILOGIC_X19Y60:ILOGIC_X35Y101
IODELAY_X19Y60:IODELAY_X35Y101 OLOGIC_X19Y60:OLOGIC_X35Y101
PCILOGIC_X1Y0:PCILOGIC_X1Y0 PLL_ADV_X0Y2:PLL_ADV_X0Y2
RAMB16_X3Y32:RAMB16_X5Y50 RAMB8_X3Y32:RAMB8_X5Y51} -locs keep_all -
replace
Note: The fence between the AES1 and AES2 isolated partitions contains DSP tiles. Fence rules
dictate that there must be two adjacent vertical DSP tiles in a horizontal fence to provide the required
isolation.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
30. The next rectangle for pblock_U2_AES2 is drawn up to, but not including, the DSP tile
column. To complete the area needed for pblock_U2_AES2, multiple rectangles should
be drawn to exclude the two DSP fence tiles. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select
the block pblock_U2_AES2.
31. Right-click pblock_U2_AES2 and select Add Pblock Rectangle from the pull-down
menu.
32. Draw a new rectangle above and to the far left side of the first rectangle to make a
resultant L-shape area, as shown in Figure 3-33. (The second rectangle does not have to
be 100% accurate—it will be resized shortly.)
Note: Remember to leave one fence tile of isolation between the AES1 and AES2 partitions.
X1104_c3_33_062411

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
33. A dialog box appears with various attributes and associated checkboxes. All boxes
must be checked, including (if listed) DCM_ADV, PLL_ADV, BUFGCTRL, BUFR, and
BUFIO. Even though most of these blocks are not in the design, it is important to select
them to take advantage of their routing resources. Failure to do so, while not an error,
might produce designs that are unnecessarily difficult to route. Naturally, all used
components must be included. The only exception is the MCB box, which should not
be checked for this lab.
34. Click OK.
35. Use the Add Pblock Rectangle option to draw the remaining two rectangles needed
to complete the pblock_U2_AES2 area group. One rectangle should include the DSP
tiles in this area group, and the last rectangle should include the remaining CLB tiles
needed for this area group.
37. Select the Rectangles tab in the Pblock Properties window to view all of the rectangles
created for this pblock (see Figure 3-34).
X1104_c3_34_062711

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
rectangles. Make sure that all of the resources (such as block RAMs and DCMs) inside the area
group are fully enclosed. The user should ensure that there is a fence of one configurable logic
block (CLB) tile, one BRAM tile, and two DSP tiles separation between the pblocks AES1, AES2,
and Comp.
38. The completed pblock for pblock_U2_AES2 (aes_r) is shown in Figure 3-35.
X1104_c3_35_062411
Figure 3-35: Completed pblock_U2_AES2 Pblock Layout

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Note: The fence between the COMPARE isolated partition and AES1 and AES2 also contains DSP
tiles. There must also be two adjacent vertical DSP tiles in these horizontal fences to provide the
required isolation. Therefore, multiple rectangles are needed to define this pblock region to
accommodate the DSP fence tiles.
39. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select the block pblock_U3_Comp.
40. Right-click pblock_U3_Comp to select Set Pblock Size from the pull-down menu.
41. Draw the first rectangle between the AES1 and AES2 blocks up to, but not including,
the DSP column, as shown in Figure 3-36. (The rectangle does not have to be 100%
accurate—it will be resized shortly.)
X1104_c3_36_062411
Figure 3-36: pblock_U3_Comp Pblock Layout (Set Pblock)
BUFGCTRL, BUFR, and BUFIO. Even though most of these blocks are not used in the
is the MCB box, which should not be checked for this lab.
43. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
44. In the Choose LOC Mode dialog box, select Leave all location constraints in their
current position.
45. Click OK.
46. Use the Add Pblock Rectangle option to draw the remaining two rectangles needed
to complete the pblock_U3_Comp area group. One rectangle should include the DSP
tiles in this area group, and the last rectangle should include the remaining CLB tiles
needed for this area group.
47. Ensure that pblock_U3_Comp is selected in the Physical Constraints pane.
X1104_c3_37_062711

rectangles. The user should ensure that there is a fence of one CLB tile, one BRAM tile, and two
DSP tiles separation between the pblocks AES1, AES2, and Comp.
49. After the preliminary U3_Comp block is drawn, adjust the rectangle graphically as
necessary to match these coordinates:
• X Lo = 134
• Y Lo = 46
• X Hi = 166
• Y Hi = 93

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
50. The completed pblock for pblock_U3_Comp (aes_r) is shown in Figure 3-38.
X1104_c3_38_062411
Figure 3-38: pblock_U3_Comp Pblock Layout
For the Spartan-6 FPGA, the pad ranges need to be set manually for the I/O blocks (IOBs)
or pads used in the design to include them in each ISO partition with I/O pins. The pad
range attribute (RANGE_PADXXX) can be set for each pblock in the PlanAhead tool GUI
as follows:
51. Under the Physical Constraints tab, select the pblock pblock_U1_AES.
52. Right-click pblock_U1_AES and click Pblock Properties in the pull-down menu.
53. Click the Attributes tab of the Pblock Properties window, and click the Add Pre-
54. Click the RANGE_PADXXX general attribute to select it, and click OK (see
Figure 3-39).

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
X1104_c3_39_102510
Figure 3-39: Adding New RANGE_PADXXX Attribute
55. Select the attribute RANGE_PADXXX in the general attributes list in the Pblock
Properties window, and enter the pad range of PAD133,PAD158 for pblock_U1_AES.
Note: Do not insert a space between pads when entering the pad ranges into the Pblock
Properties window.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
56. Click Apply (see Figure 3-40).

X1104_c3_40_102510
Figure 3-40: Setting New RANGE_PADXXX Attribute
57. Repeat step 51 to step 56 for pblock_U2_AES2 and set the attribute
RANGE_PADXXX to PAD217.
58. Repeat step 51 to step 56 for pblock_U3_Comp and set the attribute
RANGE_PADXXX to PAD190.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
59. The final layout is shown in Figure 3-41. Each block is separated by one user tile
(except the DSP tile which is two tiles for a horizontal fence) to ensure IDF isolation. A
CLB, block RAM, DSP, IOB, or any other site type that contains a global switch (GSM),
can be used for this isolation.
X1104_c3_41_062411
Figure 3-41: Final Layout

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

The System Floorplanning block of the isolation design flow diagram is complete, as
shown in Figure 3-42.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File
X1104_c3_42_102710
Figure 3-42: Isolation Design Flow with System Floorplanning Block Complete

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Running Report Timing with the PlanAhead Tool

This section tests the timing constraints that were set up in Setting Up Timing Constraints
with the PlanAhead Tool, page 59.
1. Select Tools → Report Timing and click OK to run report timing (see Figure 3-43).
X1104_c3_43_102510
Figure 3-43: Report Timing Dialog Box
2. A new tab, Timing Results - Report Timing, appears at the bottom with a sub-tab
named as specified in the Run Report Timing window (results_1 in this case). As
specified when launched, TimeAhead reports the 10 paths closest to missing timing.
Note: The timing analysis performed through the PlanAhead tool is just a timing estimate and
not a timing design sign-off step. The Xilinx® trce tool needs to be run after implementation to
obtain the actual timing results.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

The Timing Analysis block of the isolation design flow diagram is complete, as shown in
Figure 3-44.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File

X1104_c3_44_102710
Figure 3-44: Isolation Design Flow with Timing Analysis Block Complete
Exporting the Design

At this stage, the design can be exported. The user can export either the combined netlist in
EDIF form, the top-level UCF, or both, if desired. For this lab, only the UCF need be
exported for checking by the Isolation Verification Tool.
1. To export the netlist, select File → Export Netlist.
2. Browse to the ..\Xilinx_Design\PlanAhead directory and keep the default
filename FloorPlan_SCC.edf.
3. Click OK.
4. To export the constraints file, select File → Export Constraints and browse to the
desired location or choose the default location and specify the UCF:
..\Xilinx_Design\PlanAhead\FloorPlan_SCC\SCC_LAB_TOP.ucf.
5. Click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 4
Running the Isolation Verification Tool

Against the UCF
The Xilinx® Isolation Verification Tool (IVT) software verifies that an FPGA design that has
been partitioned into isolated modules meets the stringent standards for a fail-safe design.
IVT is a batch application with a command line and file-based user interface. While there is
a graphical output, there is no graphical user interface.
While not required, it is highly recommended that the user run IVT on the UCF. This can
catch pin and area group isolation faults early in the design when changes are more easily
integrated. The steps in this chapter guide the reader through the process. After
implementation, the IVT native circuit description (NCD) test (required for IDF designs) is
run against the routed design.
Creating the File Used to Run the IVT UCF Test

These steps describe how to create the file used to run the IVT UCF test:
1. Open the directory ..\Xilinx_Design\ivt.
2. The ivt.zip file posted on the Isolation Design Flow page contains the files needed
for IVT:
• ivt.exe – the IVT executables for these systems: nt, nt64, lin, and lin64
• IVT_End_User_License_Agreement.pdf – the IVT user license
• IVT User Guide and Release Note documentation (both in PDF format)
3. Create a new text file and name the file SCC_LAB_TOP_ucf.ivt with these contents:
-device xc6slx150t -package fgg676
# Groups Isolation Group Area Group

# ------- -------------------- ---------------------
-group AES pblock_U1_AES1
-group AES_r pblock_U2_AES2
-group COMPARE pblock_U3_Comp
# Pin Isolation Groups

-pig SCC_LAB_TOP.pig
# User Constraint File

..\PlanAhead\Floorplan_SCC\SCC_LAB_TOP.ucf
# Output file
-output SCC_LAB_TOP_ucf.rpt

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. Note the instructions placed in the IVT command file:

a. The first line sets the target device and package for IVT to compare against.
b. Three isolation groups are assigned: AES, AES_r, and COMPARE.
Note: These names are arbitrary. If desired, they can be named the same to denote RED
and BLACK groups.
c. Three area groups are assigned: pblock_U1_AES1, pblock_U2_AES2, and
pblock_U3_Comp.
Note: These names must match the area groups in the UCF.
d. IVT points to the pin isolation group (PIG) file.
e. IVT points to the UCF.
f. IVT is told where to place the output file and its associated name.
5. Save and close the IVT command file.
Creating the Pin Isolation Group File

The pin isolation group (PIG) file is an IVT command file that defines which pins are
associated with what isolation groups. These steps describe the process for creating a PIG
file:
1. Open the directory ..\Xilinx_Design\ivt.
2. Create or modify a text file and name the file SCC_LAB_TOP.pig with these contents:
# Place all Global (top level) signals here (each commented out)
# NET "clk" LOC = U25;
ISOLATION_GROUP AES BEGIN

NET "reset" LOC = M19;
NET "push_button" LOC = H20;
END ISOLATION_GROUP
ISOLATION_GROUP AES_r BEGIN

# There are no pins in AES_r
END ISOLATION_GROUP
ISOLATION_GROUP COMPARE BEGIN

NET "led" LOC = L24;
END ISOLATION_GROUP
3. Note the instructions placed in the IVT PIG file:
a. The clock pin, clk, is commented out because it is not required to be isolated.
b. The three isolation groups that were created in the IVT UCF command file have
their associated pins assigned to them.
4. The isolation group definitions must match the isolation group definitions from the
IVT command created in Creating the File Used to Run the IVT UCF Test, page 91.
Hint: The IVT PIG file uses UCF syntax for each pin definition. It is useful to copy the
pins from the UCF and place them in the PIG file as a starting point. From there, the
user can either comment out the lines at the top level or add isolation group definitions
around the remaining pins to assign them to their specific isolation group.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Running the IVT UCF Test
Running the IVT UCF Test

These steps describe how to run the IVT UCF test:
1. Open a DOS command prompt (Start → Run → cmd).
2. To set up the Xilinx environment variables for this command shell, run the system32
(settings32.bat) or system64 (settings64.bat) batch file from the ISE software
installation directory (...\Xilinx\12.4\ISE_DS).
3. Navigate to the ..\Xilinx_Design\ivt directory (where all of the IVT-related files
should ultimately reside for the project).
4. Rename the IVT executable to ivt.exe.
5. Run the UCF test by typing the following at the command prompt:
ivt -f SCC_LAB_TOP_ucf.ivt
6. The output for a successful UCF test run is “SUCCESS!”.
7. For more detailed messages from IVT, add the -verbose switch to the IVT command
file or at the command line.
Hint: It is useful to add this command line to a file with the name run_ivt_ucf.bat
so that it can be double-clicked from a Windows Explorer window. A sample of this file
can be found in the ../ivt directory.
Examining the Output from the IVT UCF Test

The output report has three key sections:
1. Area Range Constraints
2. Package Pins, I/O Buffers, and I/O Banks
Pin(col, row) Bank I/O Buffer Isolation Group Net
--------------- ---- --------------- --------------- -------
M19( 7, 14) 5 PAD158 AES reset
H20( 6, 18) 5 PAD133 AES push_button
L24( 2, 15) 1 PAD190 COMPARE led
3. Isolation Verification Summary
I/O Isolation
I/O Buffer Isolation Violations: 0
Package Pin Isolation Violations: 0
Bank Isolation Violations: 0
Area Group Isolation
Area Group Isolation Violations: 0
UCF Isolation Verification Summary
Total Isolation Violations: 0
Isolation analysis completed.
Elapsed time: 0:00:12

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
IVT SVG Output File for UCF Mode

The SVG file SCC_LAB_TOP_ucf.svg created by IVT for UCF mode gives a graphical
view of the Spartan-6 device with colored tiles denoting the ownership of the tiles by each
isolated region. The SVG file also visually highlights that there is a proper fence isolating
each of the regions (uncolored tiles). Figure 4-1 shows the SVG UCF mode output for the
Spartan-6 FPGA design used in the SCC lab.
X1104_c4_01_062411
Figure 4-1: SVG UCF Mode Output

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

The IVT on UCF File block of the isolation design flow diagram is complete, as shown in
Figure 4-2.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File

X1104_c4_02_062711
Figure 4-2: Isolation Design Flow with IVT on UCF File Block Complete

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 5
Implementing the Design with the

PlanAhead Tool
Generating and Running an Implementation
These steps describe how to generate and run a design implementation:
1. Click the bright green triangle on the Project Manager pane to implement the design.
2. A new tab named Design Runs is created and a single entry named impl_1 is generated
as specified in the Run Implementation window. Implement immediately starts the
run: NGDBUILD → MAP → Place and Route.
3. The combined and routed design is placed in this directory:
..\Xilinx_Design\PlanAhead\FloorPlan_SCC\FloorPlan_SCC.runs\impl_1

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
4. Alternately, from the Project Manager pane in the PlanAhead™ tool:

a. Select Implement, click the downward facing arrow to the right of the green
Implement triangle, and select Implementation Settings... (see Figure 5-1).
X1104_c5_01_062411
Figure 5-1: Implement Design (Implementation Settings)

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
b. An Implementation Settings dialog box appears (see Figure 5-2). To launch a run,
change or accept the defaults and click Run.
X1104_c5_02_102510
Figure 5-2: Implementation Settings
5. A new tab named Design Runs is created, and a single entry named impl_1 is
generated. It immediately starts the run: NGDBUILD → MAP → Place and Route.
6. An Implementation Completed dialog box appears after the design run is completed.
Select the Open Implemented Design option and click OK.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
7. The Device tab in the Design Planner pane shows the placed, routed, and partitioned
design (see Figure 5-3).
X1104_c5_03_062711
Figure 5-3: Implemented and Floorplanned Design

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
8. The file name for the combined and routed design is SCC_LAB_TOP_routed.ncd,
and its view in FPGA Editor is shown in Figure 5-4.
X1104_c5_04_070711
Figure 5-4: FPGA Editor View

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

The Design Implementation block of the isolation design flow diagram is complete, as
shown in Figure 5-5.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File

X1104_c5_05_110210
Figure 5-5: Isolation Design Flow with Design Implementation Block Complete

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 6
Verifying the Design with the NCD

Isolation Verification Tool
Creating the File Used to Run the IVT NCD Test
These steps describe how to create an example file used to run the IVT NCD test:
1. Open the directory \Xilinx_Design\ivt\.
2. Create a new text file in the \Xilinx_Design\ivt\ directory:
SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.ivt
3. Open the text file SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.ivt in a text editor.
4. Add these lines to the SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.ivt text test file.
# comment the next line for reduced detail in the report file.
-verbose
# Groups Isolation Group Instance Name in Final NCD
# -------- ---------------- --------------------------
-group AES U1_AES1
-group AES_r U2_AES2
-group COMPARE U3_Comp
# Combined design
..\PlanAhead\FloorPlan_SCC\FloorPlan_SCC.runs\impl_1\
SCC_LAB_TOP_routed.ncd
# Output Report File

-output SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.rpt
The NCD IVT command file sets these options:
• Enables the verbose IVT switch
• Assigns three area groups to the three NCD files making up the project
• Points the IVT tool to the combined NCD file
• Tells IVT what to name the output report file and where to put the file
Note: The Isolation Group names are arbitrary, but the instance name must match the actual
design.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Chapter 6: Verifying the Design with the NCD Isolation Verification Tool
Running the IVT NCD Test

These steps describe how to run the IVT NCD test:
1. Open a command prompt (Start → Run → cmd).
2. Navigate to the \Xilinx_Design\ivt\ directory.
3. Rename the IVT executable to ivt.exe or replace ivt in the command line with the
name of the IVT executable.
4. To run the IVT NCD test, type the following at the command prompt:
ivt -f SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.ivt
5. The output for a successful NCD test run is “SUCCESS!”.
Examining the Output from the IVT NCD Test

IVT creates two types of output files. The standard RPT file is a text report file. The SVG
output file is a graphical view of the Spartan®-6 device with colored tiles denoting the
ownership of the tiles by each isolated or PR area.
IVT RPT Output File

These steps describe how to read the output file from the IVT NCD test:
1. Open the IVT NCD test output file:
\Xilinx_Design\ivt\SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.rpt
All the groups are listed in the Isolated Modules section:
Isolated Modules
Group AES module: U1_AES1

Group AES_r module: U2_AES2
Group COMPARE module: U3_Comp
2. Ensure that Clocks and Resets are listed in the Uncategorized User Global Nets section.
For SCC Trusted Routing designs, signals shared between isolated regions are
expected and intended and appear here. An example of global signals are the
following Global Clock signals, which are expected to be shared outside of an isolated
region:
Uncategorized User Global Nets
The nets below are found in multiple isolation groups, therefore it is

incumbent upon the user to prove these signals do not violate data
isolation requirements. Only power, ground, global clocks, trusted
inter-region signals, or explicitly permitted control signals may be
global.
clk_ibufg
clk0_buf
clkdev_buf
3. In the Categorized Nets section, ensure that all remaining Clocks are listed in the Nets
Driven by Global Clock Sources section:
The nets listed below present lesser risk than uncategorized nets due to
their physical extents or signal sources.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Examining the Output from the IVT NCD Test
Nets Driven by Global Clock Sources (BUFG, DCM, PLL, and PMCD)
clk_fb_i
clk_i
4. Ensure that only trusted bus macros are listed in the Trusted Bus Macro section.
Package Pins, I/O Buffers, and I/O Banks

Note: It is incumbent on the user to verify that pins connected to ignored networks are correct.
For example, pins must not be directly connected to bus macros, but pins can be connected to
clocks, power, and global resets.
Pin(col, row) Bank I/O Buffer Isolation Group Network
------------- ---- ---------- --------------- -------
M19( 7, 14) 5 PAD158 AES U1_AES1/reset_IBUF
L24( 5, 14) 1 PAD190 COMPARE U3_Comp/led_OBUF
H20( 6, 18) 5 PAD133 AES U1_AES1/push_button_IBUF
U25( 1, 9) 1 PAD217 ignored clk
The following output in the NCD report indicates that there are no faults in the NCD
and lists the time it took to run the test:
Isolation Verification Summary
Tile Adjacency
Net Adjacency Violations: 0

Logic Adjacency Violations: 0
Tile Content
Net Content Violations: 0

Logic Content Violations: 0
Inter-region Signals
Inter-region Net PIP Violations: 0

Inter-region Load Violations: 0
Special Fence Rules
DSP Violations: 0
I/O Isolation
I/O Buffer Isolation Violations: 0

Package Pin Isolation Violations: 0
Bank Isolation Violations: 0
NCD Isolation Verification Summary
Total isolation violations: 0

Unrouted nets: 0
Isolation analysis completed.
Elapsed time: 0:00:53

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
IVT SVG Output File for NCD Mode

The SVG file SCC_LAB_TOP_ncd.svg created by IVT gives a graphical view of the
Spartan-6 device with colored tiles denoting the ownership of the tiles by each isolated
region. The SVG file also visually highlights that there is a proper fence isolating each of
the regions (uncolored tiles). Figure 6-1 shows the SVG output for the Spartan-6 FPGA
design used in the SCC lab.
X1104_c6_01_062411
Figure 6-1: IVT SVG File Graphical Output

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

The SCC lab is complete with the IVT on NCD File block of the flow diagram, as shown in
Figure 6-2.
Module Synthesis
Timing Analysis
IVT on UCF File
IVT on NCD File

X1104_c6_02_101210
Figure 6-2: Isolation Design Flow with IVT on NCD File Block Complete

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Appendix A
Tactical Patch Needed for

ISE Tools 12.3 and 12.4
Due to a software issue in XST, a tactical patch must be used for ISE® Design Suite 12.3 and
12.4. The XST synthesis tool can intermittently remove the buffer on an I/O pin causing the
backend implementation tools to optimize out (remove) the apparently unused pin.
Tactical Patch for ISE Tools 12.3 or 12.4 for Windows PC

This section describes how to apply the tactical patch for the ISE tools 12.3 or 12.4 for the
Windows PC:
1. Obtain the tactical patch ZIP file for the ISE tools 12.3 or 12.4 at the Isolation Design
Flow page on Xilinx.com.
2. Unzip and place the tactical patch in the ISE tools installation path location as shown
in the following example (the example shows the installation on the C: drive of a
Windows PC):
C:\Xilinx\TacticalPatch_12.4
3. To point to the proper location for the patch, set the MYXILINX environment variable
in the Systems Properties/Environment Variables window to point to the appropriate
path where the patch resides, as in this example:
Variable name: MYXILINX
Variable value: C:\Xilinx\TacticalPatch_12.4\rtf
4. When the ISE software is invoked, the updated patch for XST runs automatically.
Tactical Patch for ISE Tools 12.3 or 12.4 for the Linux Server
This section describes how to apply the tactical patch for the ISE tools 12.3 or 12.4 for the
Linux server:
1. Obtain the tactical patch ZIP file for the ISE tools 12.3 or 12.4 at the Isolation Design
Flow page on Xilinx.com.
2. Unzip and place the tactical patch in a known location, as shown in the following
example (the example shows the installation on a Linux server):
$ setenv MYXILINX <install_path>/TacticalPatch_12.4/rtf
3. When the ISE software is invoked, the updated patch for XST runs automatically.

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013
Appendix A: Tactical Patch Needed for ISE Tools 12.3 and 12.4

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

Xapp1104 S6FailSafe Design

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Implementation of a

Fail-Safe Design in the

XAPP1104 (v1.0.1) June 19, 2013

Date Version Revision

Preface: About This Guide

Chapter 1: Single Chip Crypto Design Overview

Chapter 2: Synthesizing Modules for the Isolation Design Flow

Chapter 3: Floorplanning the System

Chapter 4: Running the Isolation Verification Tool Against the UCF

Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4 www.xilinx.com 3

Chapter 5: Implementing the Design with the PlanAhead Tool

Chapter 6: Verifying the Design with the NCD Isolation Verification

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About This Guide

Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4 www.xilinx.com 5

Convention Meaning or Use Example

Convention Meaning or Use Example

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Single Chip Crypto Design Overview

Lab Design Overview

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X-Ref Target - Figure 1-1

AES COMPARE AES_R

Figure 1-1: VHDL Design Hierarchical Block Diagram

IVT on UCF File

IVT on NCD File

Figure 1-2: Isolation Design Flow

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Figure 1-3: Die View: Partition and I/O Map of XC6SLX150T-3FGG676

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X-Ref Target - Figure 1-4

Figure 1-4: FPGA Editor View: Implementation of the SCC Design

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Reference Design Files

Reference Design Checklist

Table 1-1: Design Checklist

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Installing Reference Design Files into Target Directories

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Synthesizing Modules for the

Synthesize the SCC_LAB_TOP Module

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X-Ref Target - Figure 2-1

Figure 2-1: New Project Wizard (Create New Project)

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Figure 2-2: New Project Wizard (Project Settings)

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8. Click Finish (see Figure 2-3).

Figure 2-3: New Project Wizard (Project Summary)

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Figure 2-4: Project Navigator Window (Add Existing Sources)

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10. Navigate to the ..\Xilinx_Design\source\design directory, and add the

Figure 2-5: Adding Source Files

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Figure 2-6: Project Navigator Window

11. Apply attributes to control I/O insertion:

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attribute buffer_type of reset : signal is "none"; -- Pin inside AES1

20 www.xilinx.com Fail-Safe Design in Spartan-6 Family with ISE 12.4