Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • Replies 37 replies
  • Subscribers 573 subscribers
  • Views 5561 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

In Preparation for the AVNET MiniZed (Xilinx Zynq XC7Z007S SoC) RoadTest. What Do You Need?

rscasny

We will be roadtesting the AVNET MiniZed FPGA SoC development board in September. I find this to be an exicting prospect and can't wait to let it loose on the element14 community.

 

In brief, the MiniZedTm is a single-core Zynq 7Z007S development board. This board targets entry-level Zynq developers with a low-cost prototyping platform.image

 

The Minized's compact design features on-board connectivity through USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Peripherals can be plugged into dual Pmod-compatible connectors, the Arduino-compatible shield interface or the USB 2.0 host interface. JTAG circuitry is incorporated onto the MiniZed base board, so with a single micro-USB cable to your laptop you are already up and running. User LED’s, a button and a switch allow for a physical board interface.

 

Micron memory solutions are presented for QSPI flash, DDR3L memory and on-board eMMC instead of an external SD card. The Murata Type 1DX wireless solution incorporates 802.11b/g /n Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth 4.1, which provides both Bluetooth Classic and Low Energy (BLE). The integrated power supply from Dialog generates all on-board voltages, while an auxiliary supply input can be used to power designs that require additional current. From ST Micro there is an on-board motion and temperature sensor, as well as a digital microphone.

 

MiniZed provides for an efficient hardware reference design, while it is also an inexpensive board that can be used to run workshops and tutorials. The board aims to showcase the power of Zynq, where the Cortex A9 processor core integrates seamlessly with the 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.

 

Feel free to download the attached pdf to learn more about the Minized.

 

In preparation of roadtesting the Minized, what do you feel you need?

 

  • Technical Information?
  • Tutorials?
  • Example Projects?
  • Other?

 

Please leave your comments below. I will try to get any additional information and post it to both the RoadTest and the FPGA groups.

 

Sincerely,

 

Randall Scasny

RoadTest Program Manager

Attachments:
image5239-PB-XC7Z007S-1CLG225C-V11a.pdf
Parents

  • I placed a purchase of one of these when they first came out and just received it yesterday but have not had the time to open it up yet.  I was looking to learn more about the Zynq SoC and Vivado and was not looking to spend $200 for a board, so this was perfectly priced.  Also, the built-in WiFi and BLE option was a huge plus considering I am looking at this for something like a IoT Gateway or Edge device.  I also wanted to learn about AMP, but since this board only has a single core ARM processor I'm not sure if that is possible.

     

    I think was would be needed is a bit of understanding of how the ARM and FPGA features can leverage from each other and how these two features can be implemented.  A quick tour of Vivado would be nice, although there are some training material on the Xilinx site and Udemy.

  • in reply to jomoenginer

    Hello Jon,

     

    A quick tour through Viavado is a bit like a quick tour through Africa - too much to take in.

     

    I attended a 1 day workshop event put on by Avnet/Xilinx based on the Arty board. That was useful but should only be considered as a very basic flash through using the tool. I've been working with it for about 9 months now and there is still a lot I don't know !

     

    Xilinx do publish a lot of good material and there is some useful stuff about ARM/FPGA interaction, but it's a minority interest requiring in depth understanding of the processor, designing with FPGA and the tools.

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    I've read through everyone's comments, especially yours on training.

     

    I'm wondering if it will be worthwhile to set up an Live Q&A Call with a FAE who can answer questions about programming the MINIZED, Zynq programming, etc.

     

    I'd set it up as a tele-conference where the attendees could talk live to the FAE, with myself moderating?

     

    If this sounds like something you and everyone who has responded would be interested in, I'll set up the event.

     

    Thoughts (to anyone)

     

    Randall

  • in reply to rscasny

    Randall,

    As usual, you are the man of the great ideas! IMHO this is a great opportunity and better than a webinar where space for Q&A is always reduced and strictly related to the webinar slides / discussion.

     

    I am just worried to have the time and good sources to read some documentation before this event.

     

    If I can say, my answer is please, do it !


    Enrico

Reply
  • in reply to rscasny

    Randall,

    As usual, you are the man of the great ideas! IMHO this is a great opportunity and better than a webinar where space for Q&A is always reduced and strictly related to the webinar slides / discussion.

     

    I am just worried to have the time and good sources to read some documentation before this event.

     

    If I can say, my answer is please, do it !


    Enrico

Children
No Data