Why Xilinx for PCI
Xilinx
provides you with a complete solution for implementing your PCI system
on a single chip.
Generally, a fully compliant PCI design is a complex high-performance application, challenging to implement in any technology. Therefore, we've chosen to pre-define all critical paths in the LogiCORE PCI modules to ensure that performance requirements are always met. Techniques that we've used to solidify the implementation includes:
Because the implementation of the module is already defined, we can
fully test the module before we release it and you can focus your time
and resources on your system design and back-end functions. 
We've
internally used a combination of an industry leading PCI testbench from
Phoenix Technologies
and our own timing analyzer tools to verify the module. Furthermore, the
PCI modules have been designed in close cooperation with key beta customers
that currently have the module up and running in hardware, in full 33MHz
speed!
The result is cut development time by several months compared to a generic, synthesizable solution or reference design, and even longer time compared to designing from scratch.
The
LogiCORE PCI modules are designed for Xilinx XC4000-series FPGAs, fully PCI compliant
devices. You integrate the verified LogiCORE PCI interface together with
your own unique back-end functions to form a one-chip solution. The figure
shows the LogiCORE PCI Interface implemented in a XC4013E PQ208
which leaves about 5K gates free for your back-end design. See the PCI
Product Description (Data Sheet) for more information on specific devices
and available free logic. Because the FPGA is SRAM-based, you can immediately
download the design to silicon, and quickly make changes if necessary.
When going into high-volume production, we can provide you with an automatic migration path to a cost effective HardWire solution that is very price competitive with standard PCI chips available.
Our SW tools includes the right features to support core-based FPGA designs and gives you necessary control to implement a high-performance PCI system. Visit our Software section on our web to find out more about Xilinx SW tools.
The LogiCORE PCI modules are currently developed internally at Xilinx as a joint effort between the LogiCORE design team, our Application team, and our Hardware and Software teams. As a result, we have a solid knowledge about PCI and how to implement this high-performance interface in our FPGAs. We have dedicated PCI specialists on our hotline that can answers questions via e-mail or phone. The PCI cores, implementation tools and FPGAs come from the same vendor, Xilinx, so there will never be any questions on who is supporting what.
Xilinx is in the process of setting up a network of 3rd party PCI specialists, Design Centers, that have been trained on our LogiCORE products. These Design Centers are available for design services such as customization and integration of the cores.