I am fairly new to the FPGA world. I've been using Actel parts (Axcelerator family) at work but I would like to migrate to the Xilinx family for the next generation design for an existing project. I would like to take advantage of the in-cricuit reprogrammablility and the high speed parts (either Virtex II or Virtex 4). I've downloaded the free WebPack from Xilinx and have purchased the Spartan 3 Starter kit. I've done a little checking into the costs of development tools for home use for embedded processors.
According to the Xilinx home page advertising the EDK, the package cost is about $495. This is for a one-year license. Does this mean I would have to pay $495 every year I wanted to use this package? Is this the only way to get support for embedded processors like Microblaze and PowerPC? Are there any alternatives (less expensive) for home use? I would like to develop code for FPGAs (fairly high speed devices... > 300MHz) at home then employ the designs at work (where a separate license with annual renewal) would be established.
Is the EDK to only way to get generation support for Macro models?
Is there a better route to development that anyone could suggest?
Thanks.
Dave