XAPP168 (v1.1) February 8, 2000
1
1-800-255-7778
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Summary
This application note provides a quick introduction to the MultiLINX cable hardware. Topics
covered are a description of the cable, how to order a MultiLINX system, a list of features, what
the cable may be used for, the current software support, and how to integrate cable access into
a users’ board. For more information on the MultiLINX cable and other hardware products from
Xilinx, please refer to the Hardware User’s Guide.
Introduction
The MultiLINX Cable, shown in
, is a new peripheral hardware product released by
Xilinx in 1999. This cable is primarily used for the purpose of downloading configuration and
programming data to Xilinx FPGAs and CPLDs, in a users’ target system, from a host
computer.
The MultiLINX cable supports a USB interface which increases communication speeds up to
12 Mbits/s, thus reducing download times by a factor of 120X compared to previous cable
products. The MultiLINX Cable is also outfitted with all the appropriate flying leads for multiple
configuration mode support, as well as supporting multiple readback modes such as
verification, Capture, and the Virtex SelectMAP interface. This allows for quick and easy
functional verification of applications that use Programmable Logic.
Additionally, the MultiLINX cables’ internal hardware is upgraded via software. This allows for
future expansion of cable features and software support. Upgrades are completely seamless
and invisible to the user.
Application Note: HW-MultiLINX
XAPP168 (v1.1) February 8, 2000
Getting Started With the MultiLINX™
Cable
Author: Carl Carmichael
R
