First Silicon Solutions has introduced FPGAView, a software package for Tektronix TLA logic analyzers that enables real-time debugging of Altera field-programmable arrays (FPGAs). By using FPGAView, design engineers can quickly and easily measure signals inside their Altera FPGA design and select which group of internal signals to probe, without having to recompile the design, saving time and money.

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Installed on a Tektronix logic analyzer, the FPGAView software package is enabled by the logic analyzer interface feature introduced in Altera’s Quartus II design software version 5.1. The logic analyzer interface enables a large set of internal signals to be mapped to a small number of output pins via a user-configurable multiplexer. With the Tektronix logic analyzer connected to the FPGA through a JTAG port, FPGAView controls which internal FPGA signals are mapped to the output pins for real-time display and debug. Designers will find the combination of FPGAView, Altera’s logic analyzer interface feature and the Tektronix logic analyzer easier to use and less intrusive than other debug methodologies.

FPGAView is available for all Tektronix TLA logic analyzers. In addition, FPGAView works with the ByteBlaster and USB-Blaster programming cables from Altera, which eliminate the need to manually enter signal names into the logic analyzer. FPGAView will begin shipping this month. The price for a one-year use license with support is $1,695; the price for a perpetual-use license and three years of support is $4,950.