Arty Z7 Reference Manual
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5
Software Support
The Arty Z7 is fully compatible with Xilinx’s high-performance Vivado Design Suite. This
toolset melds FPGA logic design and embedded ARM software development into an easy to
use, intuitive design flow. It can be used for designing systems of any complexity, from a
complete operating system running multiple server applications in tandem, down to a simple
bare-metal program that controls some LEDs. It is also possible to treat the Zynq AP SoC as a
standalone FPGA for those not interested in using the processor in their design. As of Vivado
release 2015.4, the Logic Analyzer and High-level Synthesis features of Vivado are free to
use for all WebPACK targets, which includes the Arty Z7. The Logic Analyzer assists with
debugging logic, and the HLS tool allows you to compile C code directly into HDL.
Zynq platforms are well-suited to be embedded Linux targets, and Arty Z7 is no exception. To
help you get started, Digilent provides a Petalinux project that will get you up and running
with a Linux system quickly. For more information, see the
Arty Z7 Resource Center
.
The Arty Z7 can also be used in Xilinx's SDSoC environment, which allows you to design
FPGA accelerated programs and video pipelines with ease in an entirely C/C++ environment.
For more information on SDSoC, see the
Xilinx SDSoC Site
. Digilent will be releasing a
Video capable platform with Linux support in time for the SDSoC 2017.1 release. Note that
due to the smaller FPGA in the Arty Z7-10, only very basic video processing demos are
included with that platform. Digilent recommends the Arty Z7-20 for those interested in video
processing.
Those familiar with the older Xilinx ISE/EDK toolsets from before Vivado was released can
also choose to use the Arty Z7 in that toolset. Digilent does not have many materials to
support this, but you can always ask for help on the
Digilent Forum
.
1 Power Supplies
The Arty Z7 can be powered from the Digilent USB-JTAG-UART port (J14) or from some
other type of power source such as a battery or external power supply. Jumper JP5 (near the
power switch) determines which power source is used.
A USB 2.0 port can deliver maximum 0.5A of current according to the specifications. This
should provide enough power for lower complexity designs. More demanding applications,
including any that drive multiple peripheral boards or other USB devices, might require more
power than the USB port can provide. In this case, power consumption will increase until it’s
limited by the USB host. This limit varies a lot between manufacturers of host computers and
depends on many factors. When in current limit, once the voltage rails dip below their
nominal value, the Zynq is reset by the Power-on Reset signal and power consumption returns
to its idle value. Also, some applications may need to run without being connected to a PC’s
USB port. In these instances an external power supply or battery can be used.
