NGD File – What is .ngd file and how to open it?
NGD File Extension
Xilinx Netlist File – file format by Xilinx
NGD (Xilinx Netlist File) is a file format used by Xilinx’s FPGA design tools to store netlists, which are representations of the logical connections between components in an FPGA design. NGD files are created during the synthesis stage of the FPGA design flow and are used as input to the place and route (PAR) tools.
Overview of NGD Files
A NGD file, or Xilinx Netlist File, serves as a hardware description language (HDL) netlist generated by Xilinx FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) design tools. It is an intermediate representation of the FPGA design that captures the design’s logical structure and connectivity. The NGD file provides a comprehensive description of the design’s components, including logic gates, registers, and their interconnections. This allows downstream tools to analyze, optimize, and perform place-and-route operations on the design.
Applications of NGD Files
NGD files play a critical role in the FPGA design flow. They serve as input to Xilinx implementation tools, such as the Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) and Vivado Design Suite. These tools leverage the information contained in the NGD file to perform mapping, placement, and routing of the design onto the FPGA fabric. Additionally, NGD files can be used for design verification, timing analysis, and power estimation. By providing a detailed representation of the design’s connectivity, NGD files facilitate the development of complex and efficient FPGA implementations. Overall, NGD files are essential for the successful synthesis and implementation of FPGA designs using Xilinx tools.
Opening NGD Files
An NGD file (Xilinx Netlist File) stores a netlist representation of a digital design created using Xilinx ISE software. It contains a hierarchical description of the design, including components, interconnections, and constraints. NGD files are used as an intermediate format during the design process and serve as input to place-and-route tools.
To open an NGD file, you can use the following steps:
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Install Xilinx ISE Software: Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) is a suite of tools used for designing and implementing digital circuits using Xilinx FPGAs. Download and install the latest version of Xilinx ISE from the Xilinx website.
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Import the NGD File: Once Xilinx ISE is installed, launch the application. Go to the “File” menu and select “Import” to open a file browser. Navigate to the location of the NGD file and select it. The design will be imported into Xilinx ISE.
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View the Netlist: After importing the NGD file, you can view the netlist representation of the design. Go to the “View” menu and select “Netlist” to open the netlist viewer. The netlist viewer will display the hierarchical structure of the design, including components, interconnections, and constraints.
NGD File Format
A Netlist Generator Description (NGD) file is an ASCII text file that describes the design hierarchy and the interconnections between modules in a Xilinx FPGA design. It is generated by the Xilinx Synthesis Tool (XST) and serves as input to the Xilinx Place and Route Tool (PAR) for placement and routing of the design on the target FPGA.
The NGD file contains information about the design’s modules, their ports, and the connections between ports. It also includes information about the clock frequency, reset polarity, and other design-specific parameters. PAR uses this information to create a physical implementation of the design, which is represented in a bitstream file that can be programmed into the FPGA.
NGD files play a crucial role in the Xilinx FPGA design flow, enabling the seamless transfer of design data between synthesis and place and route tools. They provide a comprehensive representation of the design’s structure and connectivity, allowing PAR to optimize placement and routing while meeting design constraints.