1. What does it mean by write a summary of the overall process?
Just write a short summary of what steps are required for
using Xilinx, like the steps needed to create a circuit and
then test it. Also write a sentence or two on how you would
avoid common mistakes in Xilinx. (READ that section, you'd
be surprised at how many mistakes you will make, Xilinx is very
picky!) Note, this is NOT a summary of the tutorials. We do NOT want
to read "Tutorial 1 was good. Tutorial 2 was helpeful. Tutorial 3
was harder to read, etc." 40 words should be enough to write a simple
and short discription of how you would run through Xilinx. For example,
if I were to write a short summary on the overall process of watching TV,
I would write "First sit down on sofa. Then find the remote.
After that, turn on the television. Flip through channels until you
find something good to watch. Watch and enjoy."
2. The tutorials are confusing! Rawr!
Yeah but just bear with it, refer back to them and always
check with the tutors! Emailing them helps too. This faq is also a
good resource! If you are having trouble more so with using Xilinx
rather than the actual material, it is a good idea to check
with the lab tutors.
3. Should I turn in a 20 page thesis on this lab?
No, just do what the lab says and you will be fine. No brownie points
will be given to people that write a stylized essay about the usefulness
of the full adder. Make sure your report has all that is asked for, is organized,
neat and well labeled, and is correct, and you will be given full credit. :-)
4. For part 2, what does it mean 'demonstrate the worst delay of the circuit?'
Think about this, when you add two numbers in binary, there might be some carry
bits. Think about what two numbers you add will result in the worst delay of
the circuit. For example, 0 + 1 = 1 and in binary, there is no carry bit for that
addition example. Thus there is marginal delay. However, if you add other
numbers, there will be a larger delay. Come up with the two numbers that give you
the worst delay possible in a 4 bit adder. Also don't forget, your 4 bit adder
also has a carry in, so you might want to think about that too in determining your
worst case delay!
5. I don't understand what it means by 'timing delay!'
First of all, read the tutorial, (#5, section b). It gives a run down on
timing simulations and what the timing delay should
look like. Then read the timing tutorial. If that still doesn't
answer your question, please see a tutor or talk to the professor!
6. How should I print out the schematics and timing diagrams?
Generally there are two ways you can go about this. You can do a screen capture
and paste the image in Word or crop it using a graphical editor. Or you can print
the schematic / timing diagram directly from Xilinx. Whichever you choose, make
sure it is well labeled and that we know wat we are looking at!
7. Okay so I built my circuit. I don't know what to do for the timing diagrams!
Just show that your circuit (ie. adder or whatever) works and demonstrate the
timing delay of your circuit as well. As for what two numbers to subtract (as in the
case of the subtractor) or add, or whatever, pick two yourself that you think fully
demonstrate that your circuit works. So a BAD suggestion would be to pick 0 and 0.
It's up to you to pick a good example to show that you have a working design.
8. So what exactly should my report have?
Well read the lab carefully and make sure you have what it asks for, schematics and timing
diagrams. Also, clearly label what you are showing and what you are doing. For example, if
you are adding 0011 and 1100 with your 4-bit adder, please tell us that that is what you are
adding. Also, it is helpful if you label your timing diagrams with 0s and 1s. Just make
sure that you tell us what you are doing and you will be fine.
9. I still am having trouble!
E-mail or see the tutors! They are there for your benefit! Seriously. You will save alot
of time if you just see them or e-mail them your questions. Your friends are probably in the
same boat you are so asking them would probably be a waste of time. So think of tutors as your friends,
except they actually know the answers! You could spend 8 hours messing around with Xilinx
(it really is a pretty tricky program at first, it takes a while to get used to it) or 2 or 3 hours
with guidance and help from one of the tutors. Think about that!
10. This FAQ (along with the timing tutorial) is awesome!
Yeah thanks! Last quarter didn't get either so be thankful! :-)