So you need help with the Actel tools? Can't seem to back-annotate anything?

Student Contributed Documentation

This is a guide to writing VHDL for synthesis on Actel FPGAs, as well as a tutorial on the Actel synthesis software suite (Actmap, Designer and edn2vhdl). In addition, information on how to use Mentor Graphics QHSIM with these tools is integrated into the tutorial. (Mike and Ishfaqur)

In order to help people to get through all those CAD tools quickly, a short tutorial providing a step-by-step procedure from using Design Architect, Actmapw to Designer is given. Check out the title page for links to bugs and their workarounds and some useful VHDL code. (Cheong and Norman)

Small tutorial on how to run Actmapw and tips describing what bad code writing produces which errors and how to fix them. Includes lots of code examples, especially clocks and counters. Also includes tips on hooking up external 7-segment LED displays. (Ka Wing and Norah)

Tips on using Actgen and writing code which back-annotates better. Also inlcudes a few tips on starting out your project. (Dale and Ronald)

Can't figure out that unknown identifier error? Try this. (Raewadee and David)

Some tips on module minimization and a completely incomplete FAQ. The battery charger guys present: Penultimate CAD tool documentation. (Dave)

Need some advice from someone who couldn't back annotate anything? These guys switched to Xilinx and got it to work. Includes mostly Design Architect and Xilinx stuff. (Quentin and Aaron)

Other Documentation

Actel FPGA Data Book including applications notes. This can be found in the Cameron reserve under TK 7895 A38 B67 1996.

The Actel home page may be of some use or check out the Act1 product family (in PDF format) for more specific information. (Postscript version)

If you would like to work on your project at home on your own PC check out the CAD tools for PC's.