FPGAs 101

6.3. Synthesis Phase Tools

The tools needed for the synthesis phase are a synthesis tool, or synthesizer, and an editor to modify the original design if necessary. Because an HDL text editor is included with many synthesis tools, you could use this for HDL editing. My personal preference is my original text editor, but for small changes, such as correcting synthesis or syntax errors, I generally use the synthesis editor. If you decided to switch between the two editors, make sure that the changes have been applied to both copies of the design. Synthesis tools are available as standalone or part of a complete package. Some of the advantages and disadvantages to standalone tools versus complete package tools are listed in Tables 6-1 and 6-2