FPGA Configuration & AM3505 Reference Design

Sascha Hrastnik

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AM3505

Dear All,

I am planning to use the AM3505 processor to configure a Cyclone IV FPGA. The FPGA configuration scheme is PS. The FPGA's firmware is stored on a NAND flash or SD card connencted to the AM3505. The file format is a raw binary file (.rbf).

I thought that I can use some of the GPIO's to configure the FPGA. I need a clock output (f<100MHz), data output and some control and status bits.

Do you think this is feasible?

Is there any application note for FPGA configuration using AM3505?

Do you know where to find a reference design, preferable schematic, using the AM3505.

Thanks!

over 13 years ago

0 Renjith Thomas over 13 years ago

Guru 31670 points

I'm not very familiar with FPGA architectures. Why do you need an external host to load the FPGA firmware? The FPGA should be supporting loading from external serial flash etc etc.?

Can you be more clear on the data output( number of bits) and control/status bits? Instead of using GPIO's have you explored the option of using GPMC on AM3505?

0 Sascha Hrastnik over 13 years ago in reply to Renjith Thomas

Prodigy 90 points

I need an external host because I would like remotely update the FPGA's firmware. All the firmware files are stored in the NAND or SD card connencted to the AM3505.

Somewhere on the forum I read something about using the GPMC to upload the FPGA's firmware but so far I concerned nobody tried it so far.

0 Renjith Thomas over 13 years ago in reply to Sascha Hrastnik

Guru 31670 points

You can have a serial flash which can be shared between the host and the FPGA. While updating the firmware, you can write using SPI/I2C. Then FPGA will read the firmware automatically when it boots up next time.

0 Sascha Hrastnik over 13 years ago in reply to Renjith Thomas

Prodigy 90 points

Thanks thats a good idea.

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FPGA Configuration & AM3505 Reference Design