Kintex offers the IP and design tools. Xilinx Kintex is a cost-effective solution for high-performance applications. These applications need high-end capabilities like 100G connectivity cores.
Xilinx is a rapidly-growing company that specializes in developing logic semiconductor devices. It also designs software design tools for these devices. Xilinx has always delivered the best. This company also offers field engineering, design services, and customer training.
Xilinx kintex is common in the automotive industry. This material is very useful in automotive applications that need high performance. In this article, we will talk about what you should know about Xilinx Kintex.
Xilinx kintex- What is it?
Xilinx kintex produced a lot of materials. This company invented the SoCs, FPGA, and the recent ACAP. Xilinx has contributed to rapid innovation in the technology industry. Its programmable silicon helped the industry to experience growth.
Offering the most dynamic processing technology, Xilinx allows rapid innovation in the industry.
Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA
This consumes 50 percent less power. It provides a better programmable alternative to ASICs and ASSPs. Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA has many features like AMS technology. This material meets the requirements of the automotive grade.
Xilinx offers the most advanced FPGAs and a great line of 3D ICs and SoCs. Xilinx alongside TSMC developed a process that meets the requirements of devices. Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA is one of the series by the company. This material helps engineers to design reconfigurable systems. Some products like R Series and PXI now feature Xilinx FPGA and SOC technology.
Vivado is the most recent compilation technology from Xilinx. Developers now prefer to use this technology because of its benefits. The TSM 28 nm HPL process technology features both power and performance savings. Some high-performance devices don’t need the extreme cost of higher power consumption. Xilinx concentrates on architecture innovation.
Some designs require strict power needs. Xilinx launched full-line scalable FPGAs. Artix 7 family, Virtex-7 family, and a Kintex-7 family are examples. The base FPGA is consistent across the 7 series. This makes it easier to change designs.
Furthermore, Xilinx designed the Virtex-7 3D ICs and the Zynq-7000 SoC. These devices are the first of their kind. They help to create a full line of FPGAs. These two devices have gotten several innovation awards. These awards are from industry associations and trade publications across the world.
More Facts About Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA
Xilinx kintex 7 FPGA is a state-of-the-art device. Kintex-7 features a perfect combination of FPGA fabric clock rate performance and reliability. This feature enables kintex to be suitable for high-performance applications like;
- Medical imaging
- Software-defined radio
- Signal intelligence
- Hardware-timed test sequencing
- Ultra-wide bandwidth communications and radar
- Custom triggering
- Real-time vision algorithms
- Big physics control
- Protocol-aware digital test
The recent Kintex-7 FPGAs are ideal for several products. For instance, products utilize reconfigurable architecture. Xilinx kintex 7 FPGA functions like previous high-performance FPGAs. There is a reduction in power consumption in this device. The reduction of power helps the devices in the long run.
This shows that devices can carry more than the digital signal processing capability for each device. Engineers can now use more complex algorithms with more real-time analysis. This helps to address the increasing I/O data rates.
Furthermore, this will also help find a solution to the complexity of some applications. Kintex 7 is a good blend of power savings and high performance. This device is suitable for applications like 3G and 4G wireless. Xilinx Vivado has several benefits. This makes it a perfect option for some applications.
Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA has an evaluation board. This offers a hardware environment for creating and evaluating designs for Kintex. KC705 evaluation board shares some common features with many processing systems. This board has a tri-mode Ethernet PHY, a DDR3 SODIMM memory, and a general-purpose I/O.
Xilinx Kintex 7-FPGA Evaluation Kit
This evaluation kit features the major components of hardware and design tools. It also includes pre-verified reference designs. There is a targeted design in the pre-verified reference designs. These designs allow advanced memory interfacing and serial connectivity. The benefits of Kintex 7-FPGA evaluation kit includes;
- Implementation of video display applications with HDMI
- Advanced memory interface
- Serial connectivity with UART, PCle Gen2x4
- Development of networking applications with GMII, SGMII, and RGMII
- Expansion of I/O with the FMC interface
- Support for embedded processing
What is an FPGA?
Most times people wonder what FPGAs are all about. For novices, this might be very confusing. FPGA refers to an Integrated Circuit. You can reconfigure the FPGA to carry out various tasks. For instance, engineers can reconfigure this board to work as a processor. Sometimes, it can also work as a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
This board can work according to how you reconfigure it. For instance, one can reprogram modern-day microcontrollers. These devices can function differently. One can reprogram FPGAs with various hardware designs. The function of FPGAs can change with the type of hardware design. You can make FPGAs work like Microcontrollers if you configure them.
FPGA means Field Programmable Gate Array. The field programmable means that designers can program FPGAs at the office and at home. Gate Array indicates that FPGAs have flip flops and logic gates. The flip flops and gates can be in Configurable Logic Blocks. FPGAs contain several CLBs. These things use programmable interconnect matrices.
FPGAs enable you to build your chip as you like. These boards are the framework for Digital Circuits. FPGAs feature programmable interconnects. You can rewire these interconnects programmatically. FPGAS utilizes Hardware Description Languages (HDL) to code some designs. SystemVerilog , Verilog, and VHDL are examples of HDL.
There are other languages like MATLAB, SystemC, and MyHDL. High-Level Synthesis is a popular method to program for FPGA. This method carries out the design in a subset of C. The compiler then changes the design into the right Verilog code.
Codes with languages are changed into proprietary interconnect descriptions. The synthesis tools help to achieve this. The bitstream refers to the output file that has the interconnect description. Designers program the bitstream to the FPGA.
Benefits of Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA
Good performance and efficiency
FPGAs can improve your system’s performance. This is because of the acceleration and off-loads functions of Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA. FPGAs are ideal for managing parallel execution. This makes them process various input channels of data. For instance, FPGAs help you to read 2 sensors while transmitting data. With this, FPGAs are more energy efficient.
They prevent energy from wasting while waiting to transmit data. Here, you can only process data when updates are available. It is better than microcontrollers in terms of processing speeds and dataflow. FPGAs are more efficient and faster.
Flexibility
FPGA features a flexible reprogrammable computing function. This integrated circuit allows the user to reprogram the device to use various logic functions. With this, you can make changes to the circuit. You can do this without any cost. Other hardware circuits already have fixed hardware functionalities.
Security
The flexibility of FPGA reduces the risk for harmful modifications. During programming or manufacturing, malicious changes can occur. FPGAs prevent this from occurring. Furthermore, different FPGA vendors provide users with security solutions. Bitstream encryption is an example of this security solution. This ensures that your security needs are met.
Long-term availability
Engineers who use FPGA are independent of component producers. This is because the functionality is in the configuration. They can program this in a way that won’t need any adjustments.
Software acceleration
Software implementations help to solve complex tasks. FPGA is a cost-effective option. It provides a reasonable speed advantage. Through adoption and parallelization, FPGAs are a better solution.
Short time-to-market
The utilization of FPGAs enhances the production of prototypes. This is because an aspect of the hardware development depends on the IP cores design. Therefore, it is possible to perform operations like troubleshooting as well as development.
Real-time applications
In critical systems, FPGAs have proved to be very ideal. FPGAs are very flexible. This makes it easy to carry out complex calculations within a very short time. With FPGAs, one can achieve deterministic behavior.
Functions of Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA
Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGAs can function as digital circuits if there are logic blocks. These blocks are enough to perform that circuit. Due to this reason, one can utilize FPGAs in different industries. These integrated circuits perform the following functions;
Digital signal processing: They process digital signals. This includes image processing and digital filtering.
Security systems: FPGAs are popular in security systems. They have proved to be effective in network security and cloud security.
Parallel processing: They help to process various input channels of data. FPGAs can sometimes control different channels at the same time.
Data centre: FPGAs are very ideal in storage applications for the cloud. These integrated circuits are useful for low-latency Servers and high-bandwidth.
Scientific and medical purposes: FPGAs are suitable for medical equipment for monitoring and therapy applications. They can also come in handy in diagnostic applications. For instance, ultrasound and X-Ray.
Military and Aerospace: In the military system, FPGAs are useful in signal processing and image processing. They are also ideal for the generation of waveforms in radars.
Consumer application: FPGAs are ideal for image processing in cameras and TVs. There are chances that you might have come across a product utilizing FPGA.
Limitations of Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA
Xilinx kintex 7 FPGA has its own limitations. These limitations are discussed below;
FPGA programming requires verilog/VHDL programming languages. It also needs digital system fundamentals. This programming is a bit complex. Engineers need to know how to use simulation tools.
This integrated circuit is ideal for low quantity production and prototyping. The cost for each product increases when FPGAs’ quantity to be produced increases. But, this is different with ASIC implementation.
FPGA consumes more power. Programmers have no control over power utilization in FPGA. This is much different in ASIC.
Programmers have to use the available resources on the FPGA IC. This happens when you select a particular FPGA and use it in the design. With this, there will be limitations to the features and size of the design. You can avoid this by choosing the right FPGA.
How to Program Xilinx FPGA
- One can program the Xilinx FPGA by doing the following;
- Choose Xilinx tools and go to Program FPGA. You can then click the Program FPGA
- Specify the BMM and bitstream files to configure the device.
- SDK will then determine the processors in the system. It displays them in a table at the window’s bottom. You can choose the executable file to start the reset. This program will begin to execute when it is out of reset. You can then choose BootLoop.
- Click program
Kintex 7 Evaluation Board
The Kintex board delivers a hardware environment that helps in the evaluation and development of designs that target the xilinx kintex 7 FPGA. This board offers features that can be found in many processing systems that are embedded. This includes a PCI Express (8 lanes), and a DDR3 SODIMM memory, Ethernet PHY with three modes, UART interface and an I/O for general purposes.
You can add other features by making use of FMCs – FPGA Mezzanine Cards, which are attached to one of the two FPGA mezzanine connectors, which are given in the board. Provided here is LPC – low pin count and HPC – high pin count FMCs.
Board Features of the xilinx kintex 7 FPGA Evaluation Board
The xilinx kintex 7 FPGA Evaluation board comes with some great features. These include:
- USB JTAG through Diligent module
- SD – Secure Digital connector
- Clock generation
- 128 MB BPI flash memory (Linear)
- 128 MB BPI flash memory (Quad)
- I GB memory SODIMM
- Kintex-7 XC7K325T-2FFG900C FPGA
- GTX transceivers – These include the FMC LPC connector and FMC HPC connector, PCI Express, SMA connectors and more.
- SFP+ Connector
- PCI endpoint connectivity
- Status LEDs – This includes FPGA INIT, power good, Ethernet status, FPGA DONE
- USB-to-UART Bridge
- 12C bus – This includes 12C mux, HDMI codec, SFP+ connector, 12C EEPROM, and more.
- User I/O – This includes the user pushbuttons, USER LEDs, CPU pushbutton for reset, User DIP switch, LCD character display, etc
- Status LEDs
- XADC header
- Power management – This includes PMBus current and voltage monitoring through TI power controller
- XADC header
- Switches – This includes the power off/on slide switch
- The FPGA_PROG_B switch
- Configuration options – This includes BPI flash memory (Linear), SPI flash memory (Quad), JTAG configuration port for USB
Electrostatic Discharge Caution
Note that ESD could cause damage to electronic components anytime they are not handled properly. This could even result into intermittent or complete failures. Always work with procedures that ensure ESD-prevention anytime you are replacing and removing components.
Do the following to avoid ESD damage:
- Utilize an ankle strap or an ESD wrist, ensuring that there’s skin contact. Get the strap’s equipment end connected to a metal surface that is unpainted on the chassis.
- Don’t touch the adapter against whatever you are putting on. The components are only protected by the wrist strap from ESD coming to the body alone.
- Only hold the adapter by its edges or bracket alone. Don’t touch the connectors or printed circuit boards.
- Place the adapter only on surfaces that are anti-static like the bag included in your kit.
- Make sure the adapter is placed back into the anti-static bag once you have decided to return the adapter to the Product Support of Xilinx
Kintex-7 FPGA Configuration
Note that the Kintex-7 XC7K325T-2FFG900C FPGA populates the KC705 board. Let’s quickly consider the FPGA configuration.
The xilinx kintex 7 FPGA board accepts three out of the five configuration modes of the 7 series FPGA. These include:
- Master flash memory (BPI), making use of the onboard linear flash memory (BPI)
- Master flash memory (SPI), making use of the onboard Quad flash memory (SPI)
- JTAG makes use of a USB cable to connect the host computer to the configuration port of the Kintex board.
Each of the xilinx kintex 7 FPGA configuration’s interface works with one or different bus widths and configuration modes.
PCI Express Edge Connector
PCI Express edge connectors function by transferring data and 2.5 GT/s rate for Gen1 applications, while for Gen2 applications, it is 5.0 GT/s. The PCIe, helps in the transmission and receiving of datapaths having an impedance of about 85Ω ± 10%. The FPGAs GTX (7 series) transceivers are usually utilized for serial surfaces at multi GT/s.
The Kintex 7 325t coupled with the board of the Xilinx kc705 supports around eight times of Gen2.
Kintex UltraScale
The Kintex UltraScale device offers the best watt/performance/price at 20nm. It also has the highest bandwidth for signal processing in a device of mid-range, packaging of low cost, and next-generation transceivers for a perfect blend of cost and capability effectiveness.
This family is great for any packet processing in data centre applications and 100G networking, couples with the DSP-intensive processing that is required in the medical imaging of the next generation, diverse wireless infrastructure, an d 8K4K video.
Values and Deliverables of the Kintex UltraScale
The values of the xilinx kintex 7 FPGA UltraScale includes
- Rise in system performance
- Programmable system integration
- Cost reduction of the BOM
- Complete Power Reduction
Rise in system performance
- Improvement of about two speed-grade, coupled with high utilization
- 2400 Mb/s DDR4 that ensures robust operation over different PVT
- 16G transceivers that are backplane capable. They can be up to 64 for each device.
- DSP computing performance of about 8.2 TeraMACs
Programmable System Integration
- Multiple integrated Gen3 cores
- About 1.5M logic cells that leverages second generation 3D IC
Cost Reduction of the BOM
- The system integration helps in the reduction of the cost of applying BOM by about 60%
- VCXO integration helps in reducing the cost of the clocking component
- 12.5 Gb per second transceivers that function with the slowest speed
- 2,400 Megabytes per second DDR4 in a grade of mid-speed
Complete Power Reduction
- About 40% reduced power compared to the previous generation
- Enhances system packing that helps in reducing dynamic power
- Granular clock gating that has UltraScale devices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xilinx different from FPGA?
The FPGA was invented by Xilinx. The FPGA offers the best dynamic process technology. The Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA is one of the series of Xilinx. This integrated circuit is ideal in several applications. Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA offers a lot of benefits to users. Engineers can program this IC for various algorithms after production.
How much is Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA?
The price of Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA varies. There are several factors that determine the price of this integrated circuit. Maximum clock speed, Flip-Flop, number of LUTs, and BRAM size are examples of these factors. FPGAs price ranges between $1 and $100,000.
How many times can I reprogram FPGAs?
You can reprogram FPGAs as many times as possible. There is no restriction as regards the number of times to reprogram this device. Reprogramming can only stop when this device is damaged by voltage or temperature. Engineers or designers should read the FPGA datasheet carefully for accurate details.
What is FPGA IP core?
FPGA IP Core is useful in the design of FPGA hardware. IP cores add certain functionality to the design. When it comes to hardware designing, IP cores are the same. Sometimes, there could be HDMI IP core, LED blinking, and CPU IP core.
Conclusion
By now, you should have gained vast knowledge about the Xilinx Kintex 7 FPGA. The xilinx kintex 7 FPGA offers your design with the best watt, performance and price, coupled with giving you cost-effective packaging, high DSP ratios and more. The family of Kintex 7 is perfect for applications like 4G and 3G wireless, displays of flat panel, and more. The xilinx kintex 7 FPGA surely offers you the best possible benefits.
