Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

1. Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems Jonah Weber May 2, 2006

2. Overview • Basics of embedded processors • Design process • Design examples • Demo immediately following this talk Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

3. Types of Embedded Processors • Hard Core • Embedded processor is a dedicated physical component of the chip, separate from the programmable logic • E.g. Xilinx Virtex families w/ PowerPC 405 • Soft Core • Embedded processor is built out of the programmable logic on the chip • E.g. Xilinx MicroBlaze, Altera NIOS Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

4. Hard Core vs. Soft Core(Xilinx FPGAs) Hard Core Soft Core Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

5. Hard Core vs. Soft CoreConsiderations • Both cores utilize about the same % of total chip resources • Hard core performance = 3-4x faster than fastest soft cores • FPGAs with hard cores are more expensive • Soft cores more flexible • Multiple cores can be used in a single chip • Can be used in a chip with a hard core Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

6. FPGA Internal Bus Custom Peripherals I/O Pins Analog I/O I/F Embedded Processor Dig I/O I/F Standard Peripherals Ethernet I/F External Memory I/F Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

7. Internal Bus Custom Peripherals I/O Pins Analog I/O I/F Embedded Processor Dig I/O I/F Standard Peripherals Ethernet I/F External Memory I/F Custom Board Ethernet Phy Digital I/O FPGA Analog I/O External Memory ADC DAC Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

8. Ethernet Phy Digital I/O FPGA Analog I/O External Memory ADC DAC System Ethernet Network Custom Board Instrument 1 I/O I/O Instrument 2 I/O Instrument 3 Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

9. Advantages of FPGA Embedded Processor Systems • Merge CPU and I/O functions onto a single board • Flexible design template – optimize power, data, and form factor to match application and I/O requirements • Tightly coupled high speed logic and control system interface on a single chip – versatile tradeoff between hardware and software tasks • Advanced tools bridge software and logic development, provide BSP generation for Linux, VxWorks Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

10. Design Process • Step 1: Choose an evaluation board • Supported by development software • Closely matches I/O and peripheral requirements • There are at least 30 unique evaluation boards supported by Xilinx development tools! • Alternatively, select an FPGA • Step 2: Construct printed-circuit board design based on evaluation board or FPGA • Step 3: Create embedded design project Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

11. Xilinx Embedded Design Flow Software Design Hardware Design Base System Builder Create Custom Peripherals Configure Software Platform Populate and Connect Design Develop & Debug Software Applications Build Hardware Generate Complete Hardware/Software System Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

12. Design Examples • PEP-II TFB • Old system: 8 bit fixed delay on large power hungry boards • New system: 12-bit 2-tap programmable delay, extensive diagnostics • ALS Bunch Cleaning • Zero crossing method increases excitation of parasite bunches, eliminates need for scrapers • ALS Mini IOC • Booster ramp control for ALS top off operation • Flexible design for potential future applications Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

13. PEP-II TFB Xilinx ML300 CPU Board • Started with Xilinx ML300 evaluation board set • Used supplied CAD design files (PADS and DxDesigner) to modify design of ML300 CPU board • Used ML300 Power I/O board as is PEP-II TFB CPU Board Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

14. ALS Bunch Cleaning • Used Xilinx ML403 evaluation board as is • Customized FPGA firmware • Added external components: connectorized mixer and signal source Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

15. ALS Mini IOC Mini Module on evaluation base board • Started with Avnet/Memec Mini Module • Designed custom baseboard • Use Mini Module as is ALS Mini IOC base board Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

16. Conclusion • FPGAs with embedded processors can simplify design of instrument interfaces • Starting with an evaluation board decreases development time • Flexible physical implementation • Use evaluation board as is • Modify design files • Build custom design around selected FPGA Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems

17. Demo • Avnet/Memec Mini Module evaluation board • FPGA = Xilinx Virtex-4 • Embedded Processor = PPC-405 hard core • Mini Module is running EPICS on VxWorks with channels corresponding to LEDs and DIP switches on the base board • Control and monitor the channels over Ethernet using Winprobe on a laptop Using FPGAs with Embedded Processors for Complete Hardware and Software Systems