UPDATE: If you have Multisim 13.0.1 (or later) you don't need to install these configuration files since this version comes with built in support for the Digilent Nexys 3. Click here for more information.
Overview
The Programmable Logic Device (PLD) Schematic in NI Multisim enables students to easily learn digital concepts by using familar digital gate logic to translate boolean logic to symbols/simulation. The PLD schematic can also export and translate digital logic into raw VHDL that can be used to program field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology used extensively in laboratories to reinforce this theory.
Digilent offers a wide array of FPGA boards used by educational institutions to help reinforce such theory. Included in this document are instructions and specially developed configuration files that will take digital logic from Multisim and have the raw VHDL work on these Digilent targets. The configuration file takes primarily ensures that setup in each PLD schematic has the appropriate I/O connections based upon the format of each Digilent board.
This document contains the necessary PLD configuration files and instructions to program the Digilent Nexys 3 FPGA Board using the Multisim PLD Schematic.
Additional Resources on the Programmable Logic Device Schematic
To understand how the PLD schematic can be used to teach digital logic theory, please review the following documents that show how the default configuration file can program a Xilinx target on the NI Digital Electronics FPGA Board. As mentioned above, the configuration files listed in this document will allow you to target the Digilent Nexys 3 FPGA Board instead.
Teaching Digital Logic and Fundamentals
Export Digital Logic to Xilinx FPGAs With NI Multisim
Teach Digital Concepts with the PLD Schematic in NI Multisim
Software Requirements
Installation Instructions
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\Circuit Design Suite 12.0\pldconfig
Feedback
As this is on NI Labs, please keep in mind that this is not a fully released product. For any feedback regarding these files, including request for other hardware support, please post on Comments section below.