[oc] Free Software

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Xilinx upgrades free software
http://www.eet.com/story/OEG20000814S0054



SAN JOSE, Calif. — Xilinx has upgraded its Webpack suite of free
CPLD design tools to a broader set of tools now called Webpack ISE
(Integrated Synthesis Environment). A derivation of the existing
Foundation ISE offering, Webpack ISE updates synthesis and simulation
tools and adds new tools for state-machine entry and testbench
generation.

Along with the Webfitter on-line device evaluation and design system,
Webpack ISE is available for free download. The tools work for all
Xilinx CPLDs, including the CoolRunner family and the XC9500 family.

Webpack ISE contains the latest version of Xilinx synthesis
technology, based on the company's prior acquisition of Minc
products. It includes a new 7.3 version of the Abel compiler
featuring HDL optimization. The latest version of the Model
Technology ModelSim VHDL simulator is also included.

New offerings are the StateCAD state-machine diagramming tool and the
HDL Bencher testbench generation tool, both from Visual Software
Solutions. The ECS schematic capture package has also been added. All
of the third-party tools are specific to Xilinx CPLDs, and users will
need to purchase the tools from the original vendors if they want
more generic versions.

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