In Review: Xilinx SDSoC and Levels of Abstraction

The SDSoC development environment from Xilinx provides engineers and developers using Zynq SoC and MPSoC with a familiar C/C++ design environment, including a straightforward Eclipse IDE, expanded library, board, and design services ecosystem support.

In a recent article posted on the Xilinx blog, Part 196 of Adam Taylor's MicroZed Chronicles takes a good look at what SDSoC is, how it works and the benefits gained from using it.

Adam Taylor’s MicroZed Chronicles, Part 196: SDSoC and Levels of Abstraction

Originally posted by Xilinx Employee sleibso ‎05-22-2017 09:40 AM - edited ‎05-22-2017 10:28 AM 
Re-posted with permission.

We have looked at SDSoC several times throughout this series, however I recently organized and presented at the NMI FPGA Machine Vision event and during the coffee breaks and lunch, attendees showed considerable interest in SDSoC - not only for its use in the Xilinx reVISION acceleration stack but also its use in a range of over developments. As such, I thought it would be worth some time looking at what SDSoC is and the benefits we have previously gained using it. I also want to discuss a new use case.

SDSoC Development Environment

SDSoC is an Eclipse-based, system-optimizing compiler that allows us to develop our Zynq SoC or Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC design in its entirety using C or C++. We can then profile the application to find aspects that cause performance bottlenecks and move then into the Zynq device’s Programmable Logic (PL). SDSoC does this using HLS (High Level Synthesis) and a connectivity framework that’s transparent to the user. What this means is that we are able develop at a higher level of abstraction and hence reduce the time to market of the product or demonstration.

To do this, SDSoC needs a hardware platform, which can be pre-defined or custom. Typically, these platforms within the PL provide the basics: I/O interfaces and DMA transfers to and from Zynq device’s PS’ (Processing System’s) DDR SDRAM. This frees up most the PL resources and PL/PS interconnects to be used by SDSoC when it accelerates functions.

This ability to develop at a higher level and accelerate performance by moving functions into the PL enables us to produce very flexible and responsive systems. This blog has previously looked at acceleration examples including AES encryption, matrix multiplication, and FIR Filters. The reduction in execution time has been significant in these cases. Here’s a table of these previously discussed examples:

For more information on Xilinx Zynq MPSoC based hardware, the SDSoC environment or embedded computing in general please get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Sarsen Technology - info@sarsen.net

3rd DAVIng Event - Learn, Discuss, Eat, Repeat!

Last week Nigel and Christos made the short hop across the continent to spend a couple of days with the DAVE Embedded Systems team in Porcia, Italy.

Following the success of last year's DAVing event the distribution network once again got together to meet and take part in a number of active training sessions as well as share their thoughts and ideas on how they can help DAVE Embedded Systems develop the business over the next 12 months. Sarsen Technology participated alongside Cynetis Embedded, Smart Embedded Systems DAVE Embedded Systems Germany and Digimax S.r.l.

As we know, all work and no play makes one very dull, so although the event was packed with training and interactive discussions there was still a little time for some sightseeing. Pordenone is a town about 15 minutes from the DAVE Embedded Systems offices, and the team enjoyed a tour of the town followed by a beautiful meal at La Ferrata.

Thanks to Eleonora and everyone at DAVE Embedded Systems for organising such an informative and motivating event! We're looking forward to working on some exciting new projects with you all this year.

App Note: Dual Gigabit Ethernet support on Xilinx Zynq EVB

DAVE Embedded Systems has a whole library of interesting and useful application notes and white papers,  the latest of which centres around how to integrate a second Ethernet port on their Xilinx Zynq-based BORA EVB.

BORA EVB

BORA is a dual Cortex-A9 + FPGA CPU module based on the recent Xilinx "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 application processor. For evaluation purposes DAVE has designed a development kit, which includes the BORA EVB - a carrier board designed to host the BORA module. The aim of the app note is to describe how to integrate a second Ethernet port on the BORA EVB.

 Ethernet is becoming essential in many different business areas, thanks to the flexibility of Ethernet interfaces. Home automation applications use dual Ethernet where the multimedia data must be processed and transmitted through the building's networks for lighting control, IP video door, thermoregulation and safety. Industrial automation and factory-based systems have also adopted Ethernet where Industrial Process Control (IPC) is required; many motor drives within their inverters are used and all of them require control and supervision.

The availability of a second Ethernet port on the same product provides several of advantages. Dual Ethernet permits the handling of data exchange between different subnets.  The development of real-time industrial protocols in the last decade, like EtherCAT and AMP (Asymmetric Multi Processing) solutions, together with the availability of two Ethernet interfaces on the same SoC enables customers to have Real Time controllers, HMI supervision systems and data logging all on the same CPU.

Find out more by downloading the White Paper: Enabling dual Gigabit Ethernet support on Xilinx Zynq EVB.

DAVE Embedded Systems is a Certified Member of Xilinx Alliance Program

Xilinx Alliance Program Members are qualified companies worldwide that have a proven track record of delivering products and services on Xilinx programmable platforms. Members have to demonstrate qualified expertise on the latest Xilinx devices and implementation techniques and consistently deliver high quality products and services on Xilinx programmable platforms.

DAVE Embedded Systems has been certified as a member of the Xilinx Alliance Program, following their success with the new Xilinx Zynq-based BORA and BORA Express modules.

Certified Members have invested in passing a comprehensive 320-point review of their technical, business, quality, and support processes and have committed engineers to passing the same rigorous training used by Xilinx Field Application Engineers worldwide. Certified Member engineers annually refresh Certification training to ensure they have updated expertise on the latest products and technologies from Xilinx.

For more information about DAVE Embedded Systems and the Xilinx Member Alliance Program please contact the Sarsen Team on 01672 511166, or email us with your question.

Did You Meet DAVE at the Embedded Design Show 2014?

Author - Laura Biddiscombe

We had a great time at the Embedded Design Show last week, and were lucky enough to meet some really interesting people. The show gave us a platform to introduce DAVE Embedded Systems to the UK market, and I think the reception was fantastic.

The biggest crowd pleaser was, by far, the BORA. This little board is a Dual Cortex-A9 + FPGA CPU module based on the recent Xilinx "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 application processor. At just 85mm x 50mm the BORA helps customers save time and resources by providing a compact solution that includes both a CPU and an FPGA, avoiding complexities on the carrier PCB.

The BORA is suitable for high-end applications such as medical instrumentation, advanced communication systems, critical real-time operations and safety applications.

DOWNLOAD DATASHEET

Not only is the BORA a great platform to design your system around, DAVE makes it even easier to start your development by offering the the Bora Embedded Linux Kit (BELK for short), which provides all the necessary components required to start developing your application.  

The Bora Embedded Linux Kit contains everything you need to start developing your application, including all source trees (FPGA project, U-Boot and Linux kernel), which are provided as git repositories.

Contact Sarsen Technology to request a free information pack or to find out more!

Embedded Systems 'R' Us!

Here at Sarsen embedded systems are just what we do. They are our core business, and we’ve got a crack team of manufacturing partners that enable us to help you, the lovely customer, find solutions for your embedded computing requirements. It can be a challenge, so we offer a wide range of high quality, high reliability products that support a lot of different market sectors.

One of our newest additions to the product line, Dave, has risen to the challenge of embedded product development by designing and manufacturing complete devices, including both software and hardware. The result is a complete line of CPU modules, covering x86, ARM and PowerPC architectures, with high-end and entry level models.

Dave’s aim is to help customers save development time and engineering costs, which is why each CPU is available with its own evaluation board and development kit, so you can easily test all the features on the module.

The BORA is the newest high performance CPU module from DAVE, powered by the Dual Cortex-A9 with the FPGA "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 application processor from Xilinx. The BoraEVB-Lite is a carrier board designed to host the Bora system-on-module.
Features Include -

• 10/100/1000 Ethernet
• 1x USB OTG
• Serial port (RS232)
• 1x MicroSD
• External DDR3 SDRAM bank
• +12V power connector
• JTAG
• 2.54mm-pitch pin-strip connectors for Bora PS and PL configurable peripherals (MIO and EMIO interfaces, GPIOs, custom IPs ..)

For more information about the development kits from Dave, or evaluations for any of our products, please get in touch with our wonderful sales team on +44 1672 511166, or email us – info@sarsen.net

Have a great weekend!

Introducing the BORA from Dave

So, we have some exciting news for you today....

Our newest addition to the product line, Dave, has released their newest product - the Bora.

This is very exciting, because it could save you development time, resources and physical space, as well as give you increased flexibility, improved performance and a diverse set of peripherals.

The Bora is based on the recent Xilinx "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 Dual Cortex-A9 + Artix-7 FPGA application processor. Customers will benefit from using a compact solution that includes both a CPU and an FPGA, avoiding complexities on the carrier PCB. The Artix-7 FPGA integrated on-chip means you can develop your embedded system without sacrificing performance. The industrial temperature operation also enables designers to create rugged products suitable for harsh mechanical and thermal environments.

The BORA is suitable for a variety of high-end applications such as:

• Medical instrumentation
• Advanced communication systems
• Critical real-time operations
• Safety/Security applications

If you have any questions, or you'd like to know more about the new Bora from Dave, please give us a call on +44 1672 511166, or email us: info@sarsen.net

A Visit from Dave

July is nearly upon us, and with it comes a visit from our newest addition to the product line.

Manuele Papais from Dave S.R.L

Manuele Papais from Dave will be joining the sales team next week to visit some new and existing customers, and to meet with the Sarsen Team for a spot of product training.

Dave designs and manufactures rugged embedded CPU modules, Computer-On-Modules and systems based on ARM and PowerPC architectures, on very small form factors. DAVE modules are suitable for applications in the industrial, transportation, home automation, medical, networking, smart grid and telecom markets.

DAVE provides complete products, including both software and hardware, in order to help customers save development time and engineering costs. Each DAVE CPU module has its own development kit, so customers can evaluate all the features offered by the product.

The latest board from Dave is the Bora, a top-class Dual Cortex-A9 + FPGA CPU module based on the recent Xilinx "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 application processor. Bora offers great computational power, thanks to the extensive set of peripherals, the Dual Cortex-A9 and the Artix7 FPGA. It is available for both commercial and industrial temperature operation, and provides multiple interfaces on a very small form factor.

For more information please give us a call on +44 1672 511166, or email us!

Everyone knows a ' Dave '..... But do you know THIS Dave?

Drum roll please……

Sarsen Technology has been named as the exclusive UK distributor for Dave S.R.L embedded modules!

Exciting times!!

Dave was founded in 1998 as an engineering services company, and has since established itself as one of the leading European companies for embedded solutions. This expands our already pretty extensive product portfolio, to include ARM-based CPU Modules and Turnkey Systems to customers across the UK and Ireland.

The latest product in the Dave line up is the Bora – A dual Cortex-A9 + FPGA CPU module, based on the recent Xilinx "Zynq" XC7Z010 / XC7Z020 application processor. Bora offers great computational power thanks to the rich set of peripherals, the Dual Cortex-A9 and the Artix7 FPGA inside.

We are looking forward to getting stuck in to some new opportunities – targeted towards low cost, high volume projects, Dave will allow us to boldly go where we may not have been able to go before...

A final word from the boss –
“We are excited to work with DAVE. We believe that the wide range of embedded modules from DAVE coupled with our market development expertise will mean that the DAVE embedded solutions will be a great success in the UK and Ireland. DAVE’s innovative ARM CPU modules and Zynq FPGA modules cut project development costs and improve time- to- market for our OEM customers in industrial, transportation, home automation, medical, networking, smart grid and telecom markets.”

For more information about the new relationship, or any of the Dave products please give us a call on +44 1672 511166, or drop us an email.