Choosing The Software Is As Important As Choosing The Silicon

Abstract

Advances in programmable logic are moving these devices from the category of "specialty devices" to "standard devices" that are used in almost every digital design. As the devices have become more complex, the design software needed to design with them has become more complex, the design software needed to design with them has become more sophisticated. In fact, in many cases choosing the right design software is as important as choosing the devices themselves. Many engineers would even argue that choosing the right software is more important than the silicon since the software can be the factor which limits the usefulness of the silicon and quality of the design.