Pynq with Ultra96

pynq is python so I'm not sure how that would help you.  However, if you build an image with the fpga manager it supports loading of bitstreams and linux devicetree overlays.  I haven't used SDSoC so can't say for sure this is what you  need but it sounds closer since it doesn't use python.

jeff

Thanks for the response. SDSoC actually builds a vivado project and I can get the tcl and bit stream that way unfortunately now I have a new problem where it seems something is wrong with the DMA SG channel.... giving an error on boot

ERROR: DMASG dma open failed -1

Always one problem after the other it seems... Thanks for the response!

Hi there,

While what you are asking is technically, probably possible, it is not a supported flow at this time.

As python has the ability to launch applications, you would need to ensure that all the proper hooks and drivers are in place through modifications of the operating system.  I am not familiar enough with PYNQ's architecture to say that it is even possible.  There might also be OS dependency issues as I believe that PYNQ is Ubuntu based and SDSoC uses PetaLinux for it's root fs.  Beyond that, if you go through UG1146, you will see that we actually end up installing a driver, which basically opens up a memory location for the SDSoC tools to be able to hook into the data movers, interrupts, clock controllers, etc. that are necessary for the actions of the unassociated clock domains of the processor to interact with the highly constrained clock domains of the PL and by extension the accelerator that you are trying to interact with.

Is there a reason you cannot just use the SDSoC flow as it is?  To launch a PetaLinux based elf, you just run the command from the console.  As long as you are not changing the PL during development, you do not even have to change the PL (generally speaking), just the elf, which can be done over SFTP, and then re-executed from the console.  Please note that buyer beware if you change something that DOES change the PL, you will need a way to reload the PL or modify the boot.bin and reboot the system.

--Dan

Hi Dan,

Thank you for the response. So it does seem like PetaLinux may be the way to go. The reason I used Pynq was because it already booted up as a server, and I could change the PL pretty easily with their scripts provided.

All I simply want to do is simply have one u96 as a server the other as a client and they are hooked up via ethernet. I believe when I tried doing this with petalinux I had some issues driving data out of an usb3 to ethernet adaptor. I will try again. Maybe I need additional packages?

Do you know what work is required to do this? I thought it would be as easy as opening a socket and writing to it. 

Tried petalinux and when I plug in usb ethernet adaptor it recognizes the device and some stuff pops up in the terminal. Run ifconfig and only local host shows. Any one have additional ideas?

Hi there,

While I do not have additional feedback, I can only say that the USB ethernet adapter you use might matter.  Just because "stuff" popped up on the terminal, doesn't mean it is good stuff.

You'll want to track down a compatible ethernet adapter.  It is also possible you need to go into the kernel and add a driver.  I know on some of our other products you have to do that.

You can try searching around, that might result in a compatible adapter.

I don't actually have a list as I do not use that, and I do not really have any instructions about adding drivers as we support the WiFi option.

--Dan

Hi Dan,

Thanks! that is more helpful than you think. my colleague is able to connect with his usb to ethernet so it seems that mine is on the list of perhaps not compatible.

Now to find some more like his. Thanks for the help!

Hi Eric,

Where do you have the other end of the Ethernet cable connected?  Directly to the host PC, or to a router/switch?  If directly to a PC (and if the PC is not running a DHCP server) you will need to configure the host and target with static IP addresses.  If connected to a router then, like Dan says, you may have a USB-Ethernet adapter that doesn't play nice with the OS image.  One adapter that we know works is the TRENDnet TU3-ETG.  You can buy it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Ethernet-Chromebook-Specific-TU3-ETG/dp/B00FFJ0RKE/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=tu3-etg&qid=…

I hope this helps.

--Tom

Thanks, Tom

Will have to buy this because yes, it seems mine is not playing nice.

Do you perhaps know the speed of this? I was reading here: Ultra96 Accessories

and noticed that each is performing differently.

I have been able to achieve ~740Mbps with the TU3-ETG adapter on my Ultra96-V2 board:

This test was with the DisplayPort monitor connected, other USB ports idle, and WiFi inactive.  The iperf3 server was running on my Ubuntu host.  The USB-Ethernet adapter was connected to my GbE switch.

--Tom