Software tools extend support for Actel's new nano FPGAs

The folks at Actel have announced the availability of Libero Integrated Design Environment (IDE) version 8.5. This comprehensive suite of software design tools extends support for the recently announced nano versions of Actel's IGLOO and ProASIC3 FPGAs (see also article #211600737).

Libero IDE version 8.5 also introduces support for instantiation and configuration of embedded mathblocks for use in Actel's new radiation tolerant RTAX-DSP family.

Actel nano FPGAs provide designers an efficient means to develop portable systems based on (what Actel claim to be) the lowest power and smallest footprint FPGAs. Libero IDE 8.5 adds design support for 16 distinct IGLOO nano FPGAs in six different package types; and six distinct ProASIC3 nano FPGAs in three different packages. Actel nano FPGAs range from 10 k to 250 k system gates with select package offerings of the 30 k, 60 k, 125 k and 250 k nano devices available for immediate production.

Libero IDE version 8.5 support for RTAX-DSP FPGAs enables DSP development for the first time on the RTAX family with the implementation of an 18 bit x 18 bit mathblock. The mathblock is available in the Libero IDE catalog macro cell library and can easily be implemented with SmartDesign or user HDL.

The mathblocks can be managed through Libero's standard synthesis, simulation, and layout flows. The embedded radiation-tolerant DSP mathblock supports simple signed 18x18 multiply, dual signed 9x9 multiply, multiply plus accumulate and cascaded multiply applications, enabling efficient implementation of DSP structures such as finite impulse response (FIR), infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters, fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and inverse Fourier transforms (IFT), discrete cosine transforms (DCT), correlators, and digital IF up/down converters.

RTAX-DSP offers high performance at densities of up to four million equivalent system gates and 840 user I/Os for space-based applications. The RTAX-DSP family features up to 120 mathblocks, each capable of operating at 125 MHz over the full military temperature range (–55 degrees C to +125 degrees C) for a total throughput of 15 billion multiply/accumulates per second (15 GMACS).

Pricing and availability
Libero IDE can be downloaded and installed directly from Actel's website. The Actel Libero IDE Gold edition is available on Windows free of charge. The Actel Libero IDE 8.5 Platinum edition is available on Windows and Linux platforms for $2495. All editions are one-year renewable licenses.