Tektronix, Altera and First Silicon Solutions (FS2) announced FPGAView, a software package from FS2 for Tektronix TLA logic analyzers that enables real-time debugging of Altera FPGAs. Using FPGAView, design engineers can measure signals inside their Altera FPGA design and select which group of internal signals to probe without having to recompile their design.

Installed onto a Tektronix logic analyzer, the FPGAView software package is enabled by the logic analyzer interface feature introduced in Altera’s Quartus II design software version 5.1. The logic analyzer interface feature allows for a large set of internal signals to be mapped to a small number of output pins via a user-configurable multiplexer. With the Tektronix logic analyzer connected to the FPGA through a JTAG port, FPGAView controls which internal FPGA signals are mapped to the output pins for real-time display and debug. Designers will find the combination of FPGAView, Altera’s logic analyzer interface feature and the Tektronix logic analyzer easier to use and less intrusive than other debug methodologies.

FPGAView is available for all Tektronix TLA logic analyzers. In addition, FPGAView works with the ByteBlaster and USB-Blaster programming cables from Altera which eliminate the need to manually enter signal names into the logic analyzer.

Pricing and Availability

FS2’s FPGAView will begin shipping in December 2005. Pricing for a one-year use license with support is US$1,695. Pricing for a perpetual-use license and three years of support is US$4,950.