Digilent Atlys Reference Manual - Page 3

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Atlys Reference Manual

unloaded. A programming file stored in the SPI ROM will remain until it is overwritten, regardless of

power-cycle events.

The FPGA can be programmed from a memory stick attached to the USB-HID port if the stick

contains a single .bit configuration file in the root directory, JP11 is loaded, and board power is cycled.

The FPGA will automatically reject any .bit files that are not built for the proper FPGA.

Adept offers a simplified programming interface and many additional features as described in the

following section. The Adept port is also compatible with Xilinx's iMPACT programming software,

provided the Adept-iMPACT plug-in software is installed on the host PC (the plug-in can be freely

downloaded from the Digilent website). The plug-in automatically translates iMPACT-generated JTAG

commands into formats compatible with the Digilent USB port, providing a seamless programming

experience without leaving the Xilinx tool environment. Once the plug-in is installed, the "third party"

programming option can be selected from with the iMPACT tools menu, and iMPACT will work as if a

Xilinx programming cable were being used. All Xilinx tools (iMPACT, ChipScope, EDK, etc.) can work

with the plug-in, and they can be used in conjunction with Adept tools (like the power supply monitor)

without interference.

Adept System

Digilent's Adept high-speed USB2 system can be used to program the FPGA and ROM, run

automated board tests, monitor the four main board power supplies, add PC-based virtual I/O

devices (like buttons, switches, and LEDs) to FPGA designs, and exchange register-based and

file-based data with the FPGA. Adept automatically recognizes the Atlys board and presents a

graphical interface with tabs for each of these applications. Adept also includes public APIs/DLLs so

that users can write applications to exchange data with the Atlys board at up to 38Mbytes/sec. The

Adept application, an SDK, and reference materials are freely downloadable from the Digilent website.

Programming Interface

To program the Atlys board using Adept, first

set up the board and initialize the software:

plug in and attach the power supply

•

plug in the USB cable to the PC and to

•

the USB port on the board

start the Adept software

•

turn ON Atlys' power switch

•

wait for the FPGA to be recognized.

•

Use the browse function to associate the

desired .bit file with the FPGA, and click on the

Program button. The configuration file will be

sent to the FPGA, and a dialog box will indicate

whether programming was successful. The

configuration "done" LED will light after the

FPGA has been successfully configured.

Before starting the programming sequence, Adept ensures that any selected configuration file

contains the correct FPGA ID code – this prevents incorrect .bit files from being sent to the FPGA.

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