Sci-Compiler

Overview

Sci(entific)-Compiler is an innovative software tool to program the Open FPGA of CAEN boards. It makes use of block diagrams instead of VHDL/Verilog firmware programming language to generate and compile a custom firmware, thus allowing to accelerate custom designs, even for non-expert FPGA users. Sci-Compiler is an automatic firmware generator that, starting from a graphical diagram, generates a firmware code that implements the required function. Moreover, Sci-Compiler is able to generate C++/Python example software code to be used in Windows and Linux for DAQ software implementation.

Sci-Compiler uses a prebuilt library set containing more than 100 blocks that implement complex function (MCA, Oscilloscope, Digitizer, TDC) commonly used in Physics applications.
You can download the Sci-Compiler software here: https://www.sci-compiler.com

What is Sci-Compiler
The increasing use of programmable logic devices in trigger and data acquisition systems makes clear that having a general purpose platform and technicians dedicated to the firmware development is becoming more and more important. The advantage of employing programmable logic devices with respect to standard logic modules (like NIM logic modules) is remarkable: a single programmable logic device includes the potentiality of hundreds of thousands of standard logic modules. For the technicians, who usually work with standard logic modules, the use of specific languages like VHDL or Verilog for the firmware development could represent a limitation in the spread of these powerful devices.

We introduce an innovative method to simplify the firmware development. This method is based on a graphical programming interface consisting of blocks specifically developed for nuclear physics applications. For instance, any trigger logic could be implemented by connecting specific blocks in the graphical interface, as easily as physically connecting NIM modules in a rack.

The Sci-Compiler software allows to develop both purely digital applications, exploiting blocks like scaler, counter, pattern matching, logic Analyzer and state machine, and analog processing applications, such as custom multichannel Analyzer using charge integration, trapezoidal filter, spectrum and oscilloscope blocks. In addition, the Sci-Compiler software provides the function to read and test the ASICs, enabling the user to develop a sequencer for the ASIC control.

The Sci-Compiler software focuses the attention only on the functional blocks of the application to be implemented and does not require a deep knowledge of the device in use, enabling the employment of programmable logic devices also to users who are not experts in firmware development.

For Beginners
Sci-Compiler SMART is a hardware + software kit for non-expert users who are approaching the open FPGA programming. The kit is provided to people not skilled with FPGA coding, with the exact purpose of evaluating SCI-Compiler capabilities and learn how to design custom firmware using the block-diagram method. It includes:

• 1x DT1260, 2 Channel, 65 MS/s, 12 bit ADC unit with Open FPGA.
• 1x Sci-Compiler license working with the DT1260 unit only.

The combination of Sci-Compiler + basic hardware allows not only to learn FPGA coding with block-diagram method, but also to test the functionalities of the firmware on a real device.

Advanced Hardware
Sci-compiler has been designed to generate code for some particular hardware platform designed by CAEN. Presently, Sci-Compiler PRO license supports the following CAEN products:

• DT5495 – V2495 Programmable Logic Units
• DT5550 DAQ System with User Programmable FPGA and sequencer
• DT5550W Weeroc ASICs Development system
• R5560 128-channel Open FPGA Digitizer with differential inputs
• R5560SE 128-channel Open FPGA Digitizer with single-ended inputs
• DT5560SE 32-channel Open FPGA Digitizer
• 2740–2745 Digitizer Families

 

OS	Windows Framework required	Supported CAEN Board	Local Compiler option (*)	Remote Customization Service
Windows 10 – 64 bit	4.0 or higher	V2495 – DT5495	18.0 or higher	COMING SOON
		DT5550 – DT5550W – DT5560SE– R5560 – R5560SE	2017.4	AVAILABLE
		2740–2745	N/A	AVAILABLE
		SMART kit	2020.2	AVAILABLE

(*) Not required if using Sci-Compiler remote customization service.
Developed in collaboration with