Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a system. In various embodiments, values of identification codes are read from each of a plurality of electronic devices of the system. The values of the identification codes are used to generate a system identifier value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for managing configuration data for a system. In various embodiments, a chain description data set is generated to specify an order in a configuration chain of configurable devices in the system and identify configuration data sets associated with the configurable devices. A system identifier value is generated and associated with the chain description data set. An archive is generated including the configuration data sets, chain description data set, and system identifier value.

Abstract: A software architecture for facilitating communications between a computer or workstation and a programming apparatus used to program a PLD by minimizing the number of two-way communications on a standard download cable (e.g., RS232, USB) connected between the computer and the programming apparatus. A first component used to encode programming instructions and configuration data to form a first transmission stream that is transmitted to the programming apparatus in a single, long burst. The programming apparatus includes a second component of the software architecture that interprets the first transmission stream and programs the PLD using, for example, Boundary-Scan signals that are generated in response to the programming instructions and configuration data. A buffer memory stores data shifted out of the PLD during the programming operation, which is transmitted to the computer in a single, long burst after the first transmission stream is completed.

Abstract: A method for programming a series of in-system programmable devices that uses Boundary-Scan techniques to read device identification codes from each device of a system, and to automatically generate a board/device information file including a record for each device arranged in the order in which the devices are chained in the system. The device identification codes are then used to automatically retrieve device specifications from a central database. When no identification code is provided from the device, or the database fails to include specifications for a particular device, the user is prompted to enter minimum information or specifications necessary to carry out communications with the device. After device specifications are entered for each device, the user is prompted to enter configuration data, which is automatically matched to its associated device, and compared for consistency with the device specifications.

Abstract: Various approaches for converting configuration data for programmable circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first configuration bitstream is provided. The first configuration bitstream has a format compatible with a first protocol for communicating with and configuring the programmable circuit. A second protocol is selected for communicating with and configuring the programmable circuit, and the first configuration bitstream is converted to a second configuration bitstream. The second configuration bitstream has a format compatible with the second protocol. The programmable circuit is configured with the second configuration bitstream.

Abstract: A method for concurrently programming a series of in-system devices by grouping the devices into sequentially-programmed groups, wherein a best possible grouping of devices is determined that achieves a minimum total configuration time. When a system includes multiple devices, it is sometimes more efficient (i.e., requires less total configuration time) to program the devices in two or more groups, as compared to programming all of the devices at the same time (i.e., as a single group). The method utilizes device information to identify an optimal or best grouping by comparing the total configuration times of several possible groupings, and selecting the grouping having the lowest total configuration time. Once a best grouping is determined, programming is performed by selecting a first group from the grouping and programming the first group while bypassing devices all other groups. Once the first group is programmed, a next group is programmed, and so on.

Abstract: A method for programming a series of in-system programmable devices that uses Boundary-Scan techniques to read device identification codes from each device of a system, and to automatically generate a board/device information file including a record for each device arranged in the order in which the devices are chained in the system. The device identification codes are then used to automatically retrieve device specifications from a central database. When no identification code is provided from the device, or the database fails to include specifications for a particular device, the user is prompted to enter minimum information or specifications necessary to carry out communications with the device. After device specifications are entered for each device, the user is prompted to enter configuration data, which is automatically matched to its associated device, and compared for consistency with the device specifications.