Processing capabilities underwent a major increase as the Zynq-7000 SoC evolved to become the next-generation Zynq MPSoC, and the latest logic fabric was added. The table that follows provides a simple illustration based on implementing AES encryption. Central elements or algorithms can be accelerated using programmable logic, while the processing system benefits from Embedded Linux solutions.Ĭombining PS (processing system) and PL provides for a more responsive and deterministic solution.
#Serial processing operating system serial#
Data can thus be easily transferred to and from the processor system’s DDR memory.īecause it combines the processing system and programmable logic in this way, the Zynq-7000 series is an exceptional choice for applications such as image processing, robotics, and augmented reality that require both serial and parallel processing.īoth sides of this pairing can be adapted to improve connectivity and make use of the support offered to a broad range of frameworks and applications. This allows either the processor system or the programmable logic to initiate the transaction.
In such applications, performance can be noticeably improved by leveraging the SIMD unit.Īdvanced eXtensible Interfaces (AXI) are used to effect data transfer between the processing system and the programmable logic. multiply and add) repetitively, with little control code.
Image and audio processing benefit from this in particular, as do similar applications in which data sets need to be processed using simple instructions (e.g. Large data sets can be processed in parallel, thanks to the NEON engine, using a single instruction against multiple data (SIMD). The Cortex-A9 cores also include a floating-point unit and a NEON engine (or “MPE” Media Processing Engine) in order to support high-performance applications. Unsurprisingly, the processing system also provides peripherals that can be used for both volatile and non-volatile memory, as well as a number of interfaces such as Ethernet, UART and CAN. In architectural terms, the processor system initially boots in the manner of a traditional processor before subsequently configuring the programmable logic.įirst introduced in the Zynq-7000 SoC, Xilinx’s product combines programmable logic with dual or single-core 32-bit Arm Cortex-A9 processors. Devices from these lines offer genuinely heterogeneous processing systems on the same silicon. The Zynq-7000 SoC and Zynq MPSoC product families in the Xilinx range both offer embedded processors. Conclusion Embedded Processors in Xilinx.Soft-Core Processors – spoilt for choice!.This is not unusual and can be used to create a big.LITTLE system that enables time for essential tasks to be off-loaded. Consequently, the processors offer more configuration possibilities, but their performance is often negatively impacted.Īs we will discover, both solutions – heterogeneous SoC and soft-core embedded – offer a variety of use cases across several exciting applications.Īdditionally, it is possible to implement additional soft-core processors in the programmable logic of heterogeneous SoCs. Soft-Core Embedded Processors: Programmable logic resources such as flip flops (FF), look-up tables and BRAMs (Block RAM) are used to implement soft-core processors.This solution consequently offers outstanding performance but only limited configuration flexibility because of the processing solution. Heterogeneous System-on-Chip: Combining programmable logic with a processing system, the processing solution of these heterogeneous system-on-chip solutions is tough on the device’s silicon.Taking a broad view, we can define these in two discrete groups: Serial processing is also essential if we want to work with advanced open-source frameworks and languages such as TensorFlow, OpenCV and Python.Īided by programmable logic, there are several options open to us if we want to implement embedded processors with programmable logic devices. Situations in which this is the case include implementing communication protocols, graphical user interfaces or control, configuration, and status reporting of IP blocks. Although Programmable Logic (PL) is ideal for dealing with issues such as finite impulse response filters, image processing pipelines, and motor control algorithms, sometimes serial processing is necessary.
The programmable logic found in FPGAs is an excellent solution for implementing parallel processing structures. Now, let’s dig a little deeper and discover what makes an FPGA tick. In the first article in this series co-produced with Mouser Electronics, we explored the range of FPGA devices produced by Xilinx and discussed the benefits of adopting such a system for developers, engineers, and end-users alike.
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