Signal probing added

diff --git a/trb3/DS_ProbingSignals.tex b/trb3/DS_ProbingSignals.tex
new file mode 100644 (file)
index 0000000..d808e44
--- /dev/null
+++ b/trb3/DS_ProbingSignals.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+\subsection{Probing internal signals}
+
+For logic analyzer connection, there are several ways of providing access
+to internal nodes inside the FPGA.
+
+\subsubsection{Simple, but ineffective ways}
+
+The Lattice way (using Reveal over JTAG) is not an option, as loads of changes
+need to be made to the designs to get the Reveal logic inserted.
+
+The "old man's way" is to include debug ports in any VHDL module, and taking care
+to route debug signals to the top level entity. This is possible, but may need a lot 
+of debug ports in entities, and especially for entities embedded in other entities, 
+the work load is not appropriate.
+
+Synplify allows to short cut this procedure by assigning signals inside an entity
+the attribute \texttt{syn{\_}probe}. Synplify will route this signal to the top level entity 
+and (automatically) assign I/O pins to the signals.
+
+Unfortunately the last two ways strongly influence the way the test signals are routed, 
+and including test pins into the inital PAR process can lead to bad timing closure,
+especially if timing sensitive signals (like SerDes control/status signals) are to be 
+monitored.
+
+\subsubsection{Post routing}
+
+Using the EPIC editor, a completely routed (and timing controlled design) can simply 
+be extended by routing internal nodes to test pins without altering the design.
+
+Steps needed:
+
+\begin{itemize*}
+  \item Decide which internal nodes you need later, and make sure that these nodes
+  are not optimized away. Apply the \texttt{syn{\_}keep} and \texttt{syn{\_}preserve}
+  attributes to the signals you want to be accessible.\newline
+  Depending on the nature of the signal one of the two attributes will fit.
+  \item Remove the test pins you want to use in the top level entity (e.g. \texttt{HDR{\_}IO}).
+  \item Compile your design as usual, and make sure that timing closure is met.
+  \item Make a backup of the NCD and PRF file, both are needed for post-routing.
+  \item Start the EPIC editor, load the NCD design.
+  \item Open the "Design" -- "Signal Probing" menu.
+  \item Find the I/O pin you want to use for a signal in the right list.
+  \item Use the wild card filter to narrow down the signal you want to assign.\newline
+  Tip: do not use the asterix, but only part of the name. It seems to be much faster.
+  \item Drag and drop the signal to the pin, and wait for the PIO attribute window to appear.
+  \item Check the status row of the signal you just assigned. It should show "Routed".
+  \item You can alter the I/O cells by right mouse button, or remove already routed signals.
+  \item When finished, export the setting as text file, so you can import it in case the design
+  gets recompiled.
+  \item Dismiss the dialogue, and save the NCD file.
+  \item Regenerate the bit file by \texttt{compile.pl -b}.
+\end{itemize*}

diff --git a/trb3/DS_SignalDescription.tex b/trb3/DS_SignalDescription.tex
index c21132f701e3766bebd5ed9b3f0f650494abfc31..80a9a7862f5dbc4fe06ea911701d176ac0eccafd 100644 (file)
--- a/trb3/DS_SignalDescription.tex
+++ b/trb3/DS_SignalDescription.tex
@@ -11,7 +11,9 @@ to include TX channel serializer synchronization and RX channel WordAlignment.
 
 \begin{itemize*}
   \item \texttt{RX{\_}DLM{\_}OUT} -- DLM komma received, per channel.\newline
-        Signal is set for one clock cycle of \texttt{RXI{\_}CLK}. 
+        Signal is set for one clock cycle of \texttt{RXI{\_}CLK}.\newline
+        This signal has a delay of two clock cycles, it appears synchronous to \texttt{RX\_K}
+        on the output of the SerDes.
   \item \texttt{RX{\_}DLM{\_}WORD{\_}OUT} -- DLM data byte received, per channel. 
   \item \texttt{TX{\_}DLM{\_}IN} -- send one DLM komma.\newline
         Data byte must be valid when this signal is set for one clock cycle

diff --git a/trb3/main.tex b/trb3/main.tex
index 2a406dbb7eac5707e26f5da28c8a78e821d79a39..3bf324384ba401ceae20f18461bcf8d82f3df87c 100644 (file)
--- a/trb3/main.tex
+++ b/trb3/main.tex
@@ -291,6 +291,7 @@
   \section{Technical details}
     \input{DS_SignalDescription}
     \input{DS_PLLandCDR}
+    \input{DS_ProbingSignals}
     
 \cleardoublepage
 \part{Appendix}