ZYNQ 7000 SERIES

DESIGN AND STUDY OF FPGA BOARDS

SEMINAR REPORT
Submitted by

SUBASRI U [211422106431]

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

in

ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

PANIMALAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

(An Autonomous Institution, Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)

APRIL 2025

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGE NO

1. 3

INTRODUCTION

2. OVERVIEW 4

3. ARCHITECTURE OF ZYNQ 7000 5

4. APPLICATION PROCESSING UNIT 6

5. PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC 7

6. FEATURES OF ZYNQ 7000 8

7. DESIGN FLOW AND IMPLMENTATION OF ZYNQ 7000 9

8. APPLICATIONS 10

1.INTRODUCTION
The ZYNQ 7000 series from Xilinx is a family of System on Chip device that tightly integrate a dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processing system with Xilinx 7-series FPGA

programmable logic. This hybrid architecture combines the flexiblity and ease of software programming with the high-performance capabilities of hardware acceleration,

enabling a broad range of applicatiosn in embedded systems.

The processing system includes standardcomponents like DDR memory controllers, high-speed interfaces (USB, Ethernet, etc.,) and peripherals, while the programmable

logic allows for custom hardware implementations such as digital signal processing, machine learning, or specialized I/O control. This unique combinations helps reduce

board size, power consumption and overall system cost by integrating what would traditionally require multiples chips into a single device.

ZYNQ 7000 series devices are available in a variety of configurations to suit different performance and logic resource requirements. The are built on 28nm process

technology, which balances performance, power efficiency and integration. This tight coupling of PS and PL drastically reduces latency and simplifies system design by

minimizing the need for external components, making ZYNQ-7000 a highly efficient and versatile platform for embedded development.

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 2.Overview

 Before the invention of the Zynq, processors were coupled with a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) which made communication between the Programmable Logic

(PL) and Processing System (PS) complicated.

 The Zynq architecture, as the latest generation of Xilix’s all-programmable Systemon-Chip (SoC) families, combines a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 with a traditional

(FPGA).

 The interface between the different elements within the Zynq architecture is based on the Advanced eXtensible Interface (AXI) standard, which provides for high

bandwidth and low latency connections.

 Before implementing the ARM processor inside the Zynq device, users were using a soft core processor such as Xilinx’s Microblaze.

 The main advantage of using Microblaze was, and remains, the flexibility of the processor instances within a design.

 On the other hand, the inclusion of hard processor in Zynq delivers significant performance improvements.

 Also, by simplifying the system to a single chip, the overall cost and physical size of the device are reduced.

3. ARCHITECTURE OF ZYNQ BOARDS

It consists of two main parts, 1. Processing system (PS) and 2. Programmable logic (PL), connected through high-throughput data paths.

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The PS consists of an
 Application Processor Unit (APU),
 Synchronous Dynamic RAM Controller (SDRAMC),
 Booting ROM
 Peripherals Such As Timers And Transceivers.

4. APPLICATION PROCESSING UNIT(APU)

The APU contains two ARM cortex-A9 processor units each of which generally includes NEON unit, floating point unit (FPU), memory management unit (MMU) and L1

caches. In addition, the APU also consists of snoop control and L2 caches. Fig. 3, shows the structure of the APU.

 NEON: The Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) is provided by this unit which brings major acceleration of DSP and media algorithms to the main ARM processor.

 FPU: This unit provides the acceleration for the floating point operations.

 Level 1 cache: Each processor has its own instruction and data caches for storing the instructions and data.

 MMU: It is responsible for translation of the virtual memory addresses to the physical memory addresses.

 Snoop control Unit (SCU): The interfacing task among processors, L1 and L2 caches is one of the main tasks of the SCU.

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 L2 cache: It is shared between the two processors that enables them to access the newest update of a variable.

5.PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC

PL is the configurable part of the chip. In addition to standard configurable logic blocks it includes specialized resources such as RAM, fixed-point arithmetic operators,
serial transceivers and two analog-to-digital converters.
Just like other FPGAs, the programmable logic portion of the Zynq SoC consists of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) which contains two slices. Each slice contains four
look-up tables (LUTs), eight Flip-flops (FFs), and an accompanying switch matrix. Moreover, there are Block RAMs and DSP slices as well. Fig. 4, shows the structure of
the PL.
• Slice: Each slice consists of resources to implement the combinatorial and sequential circuits.
• Look-up Table (LUT): To implement a logic function of up to six inputs, RAM, ROM or shift registers, the LUTs are used.
• Flip-flop (FF): For implementation of 1-bit register with reset functionality, this sequential element is used.
• Switch Matrix: It provides the connections among the different parts within and between the CLBs, as well as other parts of the PL.

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 6.FEATURES OF ZYNQ 7000 SERIES

The Zynq 7000 family offers the flexibility and scalability of an FPGA, while providing performance, power, and ease of use typically associated with ASIC and ASSPs.

The range of devices in the Zynq 7000 SoC family enables designers to target cost-sensitive as well as high-performance applications from a single platform using industry-

standard tools.

6.1. Features of APU

 2.5 DMIPS/MHz per CPU

 CPU frequency: Up to 1 GHz

 Coherent multiprocessor support

 Caches

 32 KB Level 1 4-way set-associative instruction and data caches (independent for each CPU)

 512 KB 8-way set-associative Level 2 cache(shared between the CPUs)

 1GB of address space using single rank of 8-, 16-, or 32-bit-wide memorie  8-bit SRAM data bus with up to 64 MB support

 8-Channel DMA Controller

 Two 10/100/1000 tri-speed Ethernet MAC peripherals with IEEE Std 802.3 and IEEE Std 1588 revision 2.0 support

 High-bandwidth connectivity within PS and between PS and PL

3.2. Features of PL Programmable Logic (PL)Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB)

• Look-up tables (LUT)

• Flip-flops

• Cascadeable adders 36 Kb Block RAM True Dual-Port

• Up to 72 bits wide

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• Configurable as dual 18 Kb block RAM DSP Blocks

• 18 x 25 signed multiply

• 48-bit adder/accumulator

• 25-bit pre-adder Programmable I/O Blocks

• Supports LVCMOS, LVDS, and SSTL

• 1.2V to 3.3V I/O JTAG Boundary-Scan

• IEEE Std 1149.1 Compatible Test Interface Serial Transceivers

• Up to 16 receivers and transmitters

• Supports up to 12.5 Gb/s data rates Two 12-Bit Analog-to-Digital Converters

• On-chip voltage and temperature sensing

• Up to 17 external differential input channels

• One million samples per second maximum conversion rate

7.DESIGN FLOW OF ZYNQ 7000

 The design flow for the Zynq architecture has some steps in common with a regular FPGA. Fig. 2 shows the Zynq SoC design flow.

 The first stage is to define the specifications and requirements of the system.

 Next, during the system design stage, the different tasks (functions) are assigned to implementation in either PL or PS which is called task partitioning. This stage is

important because the performance of the overall system will depend on tasks/functions being assigned for implementation in the most appropriate technology: hardware or

software.

 Next, the hardware and software development and testing should be done. Regarding the PL, the task is to identify the required functional blocks to achieve the design

characteristics and also assemble them as IPs and make the appropriate connections between them.

 Likewise, the software activity is to develop code to run on the PS. Consequently, system integration and testing is required to wrap up the design.

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Implementation and Testing of Xilinx Zynq in the design process

Various procedures are involved while implementing and testing designs on the Xilinx Zynq platform. Following is the summary of the procedure: Simulation: The first

stage uses a hardware description language such as VHDL or Verilog to design and simulate the system. This stage entails thoroughly describing the system’s functioning

and behavior and simulating it to ensure it fits the design specifications. 61 Synthesis: The design is then synthesized into a gate-level netlist using a tool like Xilinx Vivado.

The high-level RTL description translates into a low-level gate-level implementation that we can write onto the Zynq platform. Implementation: The next step is to use the

Vivado implementation tool to implement the idea on the Zynq platform. This stage entails inserting and routing the design onto the target device and creating programming

files for the Zynq platform. Testing: Once the design is implemented on the Zynq platform, one must test it to ensure it satisfies the specifications. This process entails

executing a series of tests to ensure the system’s operation and identify any flaws or mistakes to address. Debugging: one must debug the design if any faults or defects are

discovered during testing. This stage entails employing debugging tools and techniques to discover and resolve faults preventing the system from working correctly.

Deployment: After extensively testing and debugging the design, it may eventually go to the target environment. The final design files help program the Zynq platform,

which integrates into the target system.

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6. Applications

Due to its adaptability and flexibility, the Xilinx Zynq SoC is appropriate for various applications across numerous industries. Here are some of the uses for the Xilinx Zynq

SoC:

 Aerospace and Defense: The aerospace and defense industries use Xilinx technology extensively because of its high performance, low power consumption, and capacity

for challenging data processing tasks. Avionics, radar and electronic warfare, satellite communications, cyber security, unmanned systems, and decision-making processes

are a few examples.

 Automotive: Because of its excellent performance capabilities, low power consumption, and capacity to handle complicated data processing tasks, Xilinx technology is

frequently helpful in the automotive industry. ADAS, autonomous vehicles, infotainment systems, vehicle networking, power train control, and more are a few examples.

 Consumer Electronics: A strong and adaptable platform, the Xilinx Zynq system-on-chip (SoC) can be helpful in various applications, including consumer electronics.

The following are some possible uses of the Zynq in consumer electronics: Zynq is available in smart home appliances like security cameras, smart speakers, and home

automation systems. The SoC is perfect for various applications thanks to its processing capability and low power consumption.

 Gaming Consoles

 Set-Top Boxes

 Wearable Technology

 Drones

 Custom hardware accelerators can be implemented in each application using Zynq’s programmable logic, boosting performance and consuming less power. Overall, the

Xilinx Zynq is a robust and adaptable platform. It may be helpful in a variety of applications for consumer electronics.

 Industrial automation The Xilinx Zynq system-on-chip (SoC) is a versatile and powerful platform suitable for various industrial automation applications. These are

some applications for Xilinx Zynq in industrial automation:

 Control systems for industry

 Industrial communication systems

 Industrial IoT systems

 Robotics and automation systems

 The Zynq SoC may be helpful in various test and measurement devices, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and data-collecting systems. Thanks to its processing

capability and programmable logic, it can handle real-time data collecting and processing and execute numerous signal processing methods.

 Communications Zynq is used to construct wireless communication systems such as LTE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and other protocols. Designers may leverage the customizable

FPGA fabric to construct bespoke wireless protocols or algorithms. On the other hand, the high-performance ARM Cortex-A9 CPU can execute communication software

stacks. Overall, Xilinx Zynq is an adaptable platform that may be helpful in various communication applications. Because of its high-performance CPU and programmable

FPGA, it is an excellent candidate for creating unique communication services or supporting established communication protocols.

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