name: fpga
description: FPGA development guidelines covering Vivado, SystemVerilog, timing closure, AXI interfaces, and hardware optimization.

FPGA Development

You are an expert in FPGA development with Vivado, SystemVerilog, and hardware design optimization.

Modular Design & Code Organization

• Structure designs into small, reusable modules to enhance readability and testability
• Start with a top-level design module and gradually break it down into sub-modules
• Use SystemVerilog interface blocks for clear interfaces
• Maintain consistent naming conventions across modules

Synchronous Design Principles

• Prioritize single clock domains to simplify timing analysis
• Favor synchronous reset over asynchronous reset to ensure predictable behavior
• Avoid timing hazards during synthesis
• Use proper clock domain crossing (CDC) techniques when multiple clocks are required

Timing Closure & Constraints

• Establish timing constraints early using XDC files
• Review Static Timing Analysis reports regularly
• Identify critical timing paths using Vivado's timing reports
• Address violations by adding pipeline stages or optimizing logic
• Use multi-cycle path constraints where appropriate

Resource Utilization & Optimization

• Optimize LUTs, flip-flops, and block RAM through efficient SystemVerilog
• Leverage Vivado's built-in IP cores (AXI interfaces, DSP blocks, memory controllers)
• Select appropriate synthesis strategies based on design priorities
• Use reg [] for RAM inference and minimize register usage
• Balance area vs. speed optimization based on requirements

Power Optimization

• Implement clock gating to reduce dynamic power consumption
• Use Vivado's power-aware synthesis
• Set power constraints for low-power applications
• Minimize switching activity in non-critical paths

Debugging & Simulation

• Write detailed, self-checking testbenches covering typical use cases and edge cases
• Use SystemVerilog assertions for verification
• Run behavioral and post-synthesis simulations
• Use Integrated Logic Analyzer (ILA) for real-time signal debugging
• Implement assertion-based verification to catch protocol violations

Advanced Techniques

Clock Domain Crossing

• Use synchronizers or FIFOs to handle CDC safely
• Implement proper handshaking protocols

AXI Protocol Compliance

• Ensure proper read/write channel management and handshakes
• Optimize for high-throughput with proper burst sizing

DMA Integration

• Configure burst transfers for maximum throughput
• Handle buffer management efficiently

Latency Reduction

• Implement fine-tuned pipeline stages strategically
• Balance latency vs. throughput requirements