Not open source, but there are three acceptable free solutions:
- Xilinx Webpack: nice GUI, but only XST as VHDL compiler.
Easy to operate, long to download, but includes a nice simulator and can be handled also by beginners
- Lattice software: for more experienced users, Synplify (Pro) included, also good simulator.
- Altera software: I used it just in the old version now, and only for CPLDs, so I can't say much on this solution.
I use both regularily, and with Xilinx being in this business for longer time I must say that Lattice is also doing already a good job for the short time they offer FPGAs now.
I prefer for political reasons Lattice, if possible. They simply have the more human contact, the better support and tend to listen to small customers with much more care than competitors.
Michael
