Programmable Devices IV:
Hard and Soft Processors in Programmable Logic
The element14 ESSENTIALS of Hard and Soft Processors in Programmable Logic covers the differences between hard and soft processors, including their benefits, types, and development flows. To extend the knowledge covered in the main module, this supplementary guide discusses the types of development boards used for prototyping or product development.
Evaluation/Starter Kit
The AES-A7MB-7A35T-G is an Artix-7 35T FPGA Arty evaluation kit. It is a customizable development kit for embedded designers looking for a flexible, low power FPGA platform. The peripherals and expansion interfaces make the kit ideal for a wide variety of applications. From experimenting with Arduino shields that integrate multiple sensors to running a Linux-based web server, the Artix-7 35T FPGA evaluation board can help you validate your design idea. Typical applications include embedded controllers, general purpose prototyping, networking and communications, I/O expansion, sensor fusion and Arduino expansion.
The EK-U1-KCU116-G is a Kintex UltraScale+ FPGA KCU116 evaluation kit. This EV kit is ideal for evaluating Kintex UltraScale+ features such as 28Gbps transceiver performance. Based on the UltraScale architecture, UltraScale+ FPGA family have increased performance and on-chip ultraRAM memory, providing the ideal mix of high performance peripherals and cost effective system implementation. In addition, Kintex UltraScale+ FPGAs have numerous power options that deliver the optimal balance between the required system performance and the smallest power envelope.
4x zSFP+ cages to support 28Gbps GTY evaluation PCIe Gen3 x8 compliant and Gen4 capable General purpose prototyping elements including FMC, HDMI, PMODs |
The AES-ZU3EG-1-SK-G is an UltraZed-EG system-on-module. UltraZed-EG SOM is a highly flexible System On Module (SOM) based on the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC. Designed in a small form factor, the UltraZed-EG SOM packages all the necessary functions such as system memory, Ethernet, USB and configuration memory needed for an embedded processing system. The UltraZed-EG provides easy access to 180 user I/O pins, 26 PS MIO pins and 4 high-speed PS GTR transceivers along with 4 GTR reference clock inputs through three I/O connectors on the backside of the module. Available with the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC XCZU3EG-SFVA625 device, the UltraZed-EG SOM enables designers to build high-performance systems with confidence and ease.
The EK-K7-KC705-G is a Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 evaluation kit. This highly flexible EV kit accelerates development of applications for a broad range of markets that demand power efficient high speed communications and processing. Time-and cost-saving features include on-board PCI Express, Agile Mixed Signal, HDMI video output and FPGA mezzanine card connectors. The EV kit provides a flexible framework for designing higher-level systems that require DDR3, Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express and other serial connectivity.
Development Board
The Ultra96-V2 is an Arm-based, Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC development board based on the Linaro 96Boards Consumer Edition (CE) specification. Ultra96-V2 will be available in more countries around the world as it has been designed with a certified radio module from Microchip. Additionally, all components are updated to allow industrial temperature grade options. Additional power control and monitoring will be possible with the included Infineon Pmics. Ultra96-V2 provides four user-controllable LEDs. Engineers may also interact with the board through the 96Boards-compatible low-speed and high-speed expansion connectors by adding peripheral accessories such as those included in the MikroE Click Mezzanine for 96Boards (available as an accessory).
The AES-MINIZED-7Z007-G is a MiniZed single core Zynq 7Z007S development board. It targets entry level Zynq developers. This compact design features on-board connectivity through USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Peripherals can be plugged into dual Pmod compatible connectors or the Arduino compatible shield interface/USB 2.0 host interface. JTAG circuitry is incorporated onto the MiniZed base board, so with a single microUSB cable to your laptop you are already up and running. MiniZed provides for an efficient hardware reference design, while it is also an inexpensive board that can be used to run workshops and tutorials. It aims to showcase the power of Zynq, where a Cortex-A9 processor core integrates seamlessly with programmable fabric to provide signal processing and control solutions. The on-board digital microphone serves as an input for a variety of illustrations of how to implement FIR filters, FFT's and direct memory access.
Micron 512MB DDR3L, Micron 128Mb QSPI flash, Micron 8GB eMMC mass storage On-board USB to JTAG and debug UART circuit Murata "Type 1DX" wireless module with 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 plus EDR and BLE Dialog Semiconductor DA9062 PMIC (Power Management IC) generates all on-board voltages Auxiliary supply input can be used to power designs that require additional current |
Arduino compatible shield interface, 2 x Pmod compatible interfaces STMicro LIS2DS12LIS2DS12 accelerometer and temperature sensor, STMicro MP34DT05 digital MEMS microphone Reset button, user button, user switch, 2 x user bi-element LEDs Microchip low power precision CMOS oscillators User LED's, button and switch allow for a physical board interface |
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