FPGA programmer’s third incarnation has 4X the memory

The Silicon Sculptor 3, an FPGA programming tool, delivers high data throughput and promotes ease of use while lowering the overall cost of ownership. Developed by Actel, the tool includes a high-speed USB 2.0 interface that allows a customer to connect as many as 12 programmers to a single PC. Furthermore, Silicon Sculptor 3 is compatible with adapter modules from Silicon Sculptor II, thereby preserving a customer's investment and enabling a seamless upgrade to this latest generation of the tool.

Leveraging an antifuse-based Axcelerator FPGA device at the heart of the system, the tool offers 4x the memory size compared with the previous generation programmer, as well as faster data processing. With 64 MB of internal memory, the Silicon Sculptor 3 allows for concurrent programming of highly dense parts that could only be programmed non-concurrently with prior programmers. Thus, higher throughput is now possible for the densest of parts.

The additional memory will also support the larger algorithms of planned future parts. With a USB 2.0 interface, Silicon Sculptor 3 systems can be connected to as many as 12 PCs through a series of nested high-speed USB 2.0 hubs. This will allow for dynamic assembly of an easily expandable, low-to-medium-volume production programming system.