The JTAG-HS1 cable and JTAG-SMT1 module are compact, complete and fully self-contained programming solutions for Xilinx FPGAs. All JTAG signals use high speed, 24mA, three-state buffers that allow signal voltages from 1.8V to 5V and bus speeds of up to 30MBit/sec. Both are fully compatible with all Xilinx tools, including iMPACT, Chipscope, and EDK.  There is no need for users who have ISE 13.2 or newer to download the Digilent Plug-in or Adept.  You can just check the install cable drivers option during the installation of ISE. It is necessary for users with ISE 11 and 12 to download and install a plug-in. This solution is a direct replacement for Digilent’s XUP-JTAG-USB cable and Xilinx’s Platform USB Cable II, at a fraction of the cost.

The JTAG-SMT1 module can be loaded directly onto a target board and reflowed like any other component. The JTAG-SMT1 uses a 3.3V main power supply and a separate Vref supply to drive the JTAG signals.

These will be released in June 2011 as part of Xilinx’s release of 13.2. Suggested retail price is 50 USD.