How to compile Verilog code and upload to FPGA using free tools only

[ivanperez-keera]

I'd love to have a workflow that allows us to compile the Verilog produced by bluespec (when using the copilot-bluespec backend) and upload it to a board.

Right now we are using Vivado, which takes a lot to install.

If we can use free and open source software only, that will likely make for an easier installation process and slimmer workflow.

[ivanperez-keera]

The following may help: https://github.com/openxc7

[RyanGlScott]

I don't think there is a single answer to this question, as the exact choice of tools will likely depend on what FPGA you are targeting. That being said, I think you are on the right track: I would find an open-source toolchain that supports the FPGA that you want and proceed from there. In the past, I think we've used Project Trellis, which is built on top of the open-source nextpnr place-and-routing tool. The nextpnr README has a list of toolchains that are built on top of it. (I haven't heard of openXC7 before, but it appears to also be based on nextpnr.)