I bought NX4 non DDR version, i want to know what other software tools I need

[LDS]

Hi I have bought a NEXYS 4 cell memory version.  I have downloaded Vivado webpack.  I see Diligent offers some software for instrument tools, such as NI Multisim & NI Ultiboard (NI Circuit Design Suite) it says $40 but it says academic.  Can non students purchase this software?  Will any of the software listed on this page help me?  I am wondering now if i should of bought the Baysys 3 as i found out that the Vivado a locked in version comes bundled with it.  What does a locked version entail?  I am very much a novice  in this venture.  I need any kind of tool that is a available for the process.  Unfortunately, I can't get any funding till i can prove the concept.   This means i can't afford buying high dollar software.  I know Xilinix got rid of the Statecad and Simulator in ISE 11,  in what version of ISE did they eliminate schematics or did they?  The only reason I want ISE is Schematic capability and ISE 10 can't work on a Win 7 machine.  I have an XP one also so I can use 10 there. 

Thanks

Rex

[rp-prew]

Dear LDS,

I will try and answer as many of your questions as possible. If you would like to take a look at our wiki page for the NEXYS 4 DDR it will provide a substantial amount of information about the NEXYS 4 along with some helpful projects and demos to follow along to. https://reference.digilentinc.com/nexys4-ddr:start

One page you should look at is the getting started page. https://reference.digilentinc.com/nexys4-ddr:gsg This page shows a great look into how to use Vivado and some of the capabilities you can do. Also the bottom of the NEXYS 4 DDR product page has some support documents you should look at.

Alright, on to some answers now. The software bundle NI Multisim and NI Ultiboard (NI Circuit Design Suite) that we sell is only for academic use. You can look at pricing options over at National Instruments Multisim page http://www.ni.com/multisim/ .

As for what software will help you, this will require more information. It depends on the project you are trying to do and how you want to accomplish said project. If you provide us with more info I'm sure we could point you in the right direction.

If you were to purchase the Basys 3 there is an option where you could order a locked-in version of Vivado Design Edition for 10$. The locked-in version of Vivado will only be able to be used with our Basys 3 board.

Xilinx still has an ISE a simulation component. You can see all of what the ISE webPACK has to offer on this page. http://www.xilinx.com/products/design-tools/ise-design-suite/ise-webpack.html

check out Xilinx's Vivado Design Suite page for information on that software. http://www.xilinx.com/products/design-tools/vivado.html

I hope that I was able to provide some help to what you were looking for. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

Robert