I'm new in FPGA/CPLD. I want to begin with Xilinx CLPD and later to work with FPGA. I want to ask you a question: what cable I've to use to connect PC to the prototype board? That is: is it possible to debug VHDL code directly to the prototype board or I can test the code only by software on PC? If yes, What cable I need to do that? Is it possible to set breakpoint like in ucontroller programmig?
If you want to debug the design in Xilinx FPGA/CPLD what you need is
Xilinx programing JTAG cable. This cable serves dual purpose...
1. Programing or downloading the bit file to ur FPGA/CPLD
2. Debug interface port.
Generally this cable is connected to PC printer port or USB port.
To debug the design inside FPGA/CPLD you need another software
like ChipScope / identyfy dedbugger from syniplify. Since here we deal with
hardware breakpoint methedology wont work here. We need to check wavefroms
for hardware debug. The above mensined sofware tools helps us to get those.
Best way is to simulate ur design throughly before you dowload it to FPGA/CPLD.
It depends on which development board you choose. I use the Parallel Cable IV, and do all my FPGA debugging in ModelSim. I've never had the urge to use ChipScope or any in-circuit debugging.
**broken link removed**
If you don't have a specific requirement for CPLD, I suggest skipping it and going directly to FPGA. They are much more fun!