AR# 3482: M1.4 LogiBLOX: How to constrain a 4KE/X LogiBLOX Counter
AR# 3482
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M1.4 LogiBLOX: How to constrain a 4KE/X LogiBLOX Counter
描述
Keywords: logiblox, counter, loc
Urgency: standard
Description:
How do you LOC a LogiBLOX counter to a region of the die?
The LogiBLOX counter for the 4000E/EX/XL can be LOC'd to a particular region of the FPGA via the RLOC_ORIGIN constraint. It is not advisable to use a LOC; this will be explained below.
The method by which we constrain the LogiBLOX will differ depending on how large the counter is. The main difference is that counters of more than 4 bits will use carry logic; counters with 4 or less bit will not. Remember that timespecs are still the best way of getting the best timing in most cases; use physical placement constraints only as a last resort.
解决方案
1
FOR COUNTERS WITH MORE THAN 4 BITS ==================================
The following is a visual representation of the LogiBLOX counter, assuming that most features are active (sync_ctrl, async_ctrl, enable, loadable):
4KE LogiBLOX counter (more than 4 bits)
You will notice that the flop names are FLOP0, FLOP1, FLOP2,... with FLOP0 being the register for the LSB (q_out<0>). The carry logic is similiarly named, except for the LSB bit. Also, there is one CY4 (carry logic module) per CLB (and two flops per CLB), so the carrys are named: carryINIT, carry2, carry4,..
In order to lock it down, you must use a RLOC_ORIGIN. In order for this to work correctly, you must attach a RLOC_ORIGIN to *all* the carry logic modules. The following is an example. Assume the instance name of the counter in schematic/HDL is $1I4:
##This is example for 8-bit counter with Terminal Count INST $1I4/carryINIT RLOC_ORIGIN=R10C10; INST $1I4/carry2 RLOC_ORIGIN=R9C10; INST $1I4/carry4 RLOC_ORIGIN=R8C10; INST $1I4/carry6 RLOC_ORIGIN=R7C10; INST $1I4/carry8 RLOC_ORIGIN=R6C10; ##only if using TC!!!
Remember, if you are using the Terminal Count, there is an additional carry logic module that must be RLOC_ORIGINed.
------------------------------------------------------- The following is an explanation of why RLOC_ORIGIN on all carry logic is necessary. -------------------------------------------------------
In order to place this on the die at a given location, we must use the RLOC_ORIGIN constraint. Note that all the carry logic as well as the FMAPs have RLOCs on them, but the FLOPs do not. RLOCs are usually used to create RPMs (Relationally Placed Macros), but in this case, the RLOC is solely used to pack specified logic into a CLB. In other words, the RLOC=R0C0 constraint on the FMAP0,1 and carryINIT blocks force these three items to be placed into a single CLB. It does not force it to be placed relative to the CLB above it, however. Why? Because each set of two FMAPs and its associated CY4 have its own HU_SET, which prevents their RLOCs from "communicating" with the other RLOCs in the module. But since carry logic is being used, it is forced into a column anyway(carry logic must be loaded or sourced by the CLB above or below it). So there is no need for a RPM for a LogiBLOX counter with more than 4 bits; carry logic takes care of it.
You could in theory try LOCing the FLOPs (since they do not have RLOCs, you can LOC them). However, this will typically cause MAP to seperate the FLOPs from the rest of the CLB, and you will get an inefficient mapping. Stick to RLOC_ORIGIN'ing the carry logic.
2
FOR COUNTERS WITH 4 BITS OR LESS ==================================
Counters that have 4 bits or less do not employ carry logic modules (CY4). Instead, it relies on regular LUTs to generate the carry. The reason for this is that the number of logic levels for the LUTs to make a carry is low (for 4 or less bits), and it thus faster than using CY4s (using the carry chain incurs some "overhead", and is best for larger counters). There is no mapping information or RLOCs present.
It is not advisable to attempt to create a RPM out of the smaller counters. Timing may actually suffer, since aligning the CLBs into a column is not necessarily the best placement for a given architecture. However, if LOCing the counter is still required, then the following will work.
The flops in the counter are one level of hierarchy beneath the LogiBLOX counter instance. The name of the intermediate hierarchy level is the same name as the counter instance or module name. If you invoke lbgui stand-alone, then the name will be the module name. If you invoke LogiBLOX from a front end tool (such as Viewlogic), then the name will be the instance name of the module that you instantiate into schematic. The underlying flop names are FLOP0, FLOP1, FLOP2, and FLOP3 (not all will be present if you generate less than 4 bits; FLOP0 is the LSB).
Example1: Invoke LogiBLOX from Viewlogic, name the module "mycounter" in the LogiBLOX GUI, and then name the instance "$1I4" in the schematic:
Example2: Invoke LogiBLOX from prompt(lbgui), name the module "mycounter" in the LogiBLOX GUI, and then name the instance "$1I4" in the a schematic tool: