ZyboZ7-20 with MicroBlaze - GettingStarted

[rzsmi]

I am following the steps outlined in https://reference.digilentinc.com/vivado/getting-started-with-ipi/start

I am using a zybo-Z7-20 board and specifying VHDL. I have successfully completed the design and can modify the 'C' code in the xilinx SDK using the zynq processor. I am having trouble attempting to complete the same feat using a MicroBlaze processor.

The fatal problem occurs in step 5.3 when generating the Bitstream. In various attempts the errors center around 2 unassigned ports. Here is the latest.

[DRC NSTD-1] Unspecified I/O Standard: 2 out of 11 logical ports use I/O standard (IOSTANDARD) value 'DEFAULT', instead of a user assigned specific value.

[DRC UCIO-1] Unconstrained Logical Port: 2 out of 11 logical ports have no user assigned specific location constraint (LOC).

I have attached the full error and block design.

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I wish to add a couple of comments regarding Vivado. In my installation on two different computers; in step 5.2 when defining the Top Module, the 5.2 recipe does not work for me on these two Windows installations. However, if one exits Vivado and restarts Vivado, the top module magically appears. However, if one starts Vivado from its desktop icon, Vivado get confused as to what is its project name. If one starts Vivado at this point from the file name in the project directory (ProjectName.xpr) the problem goes away. (See attachment VivadoProjName.JPG, project name is GettingStarted_3)

GettingStarted_error.txt

[jpeyron]

Hi @rzsmi,

Using the Microblaze soft core processor on a ZYNQ fpga is not trivial. The ZYNQ processor is tied to certain components as showing in the attached image below.

Is there a reason you are trying to using the Microblaze processor on a ZYNQ fpga instead of the ZYNQ processor?

I have not used Microblaze in a ZYNQ design as of yet. Here is a non-digilent tutorial Hello World on Microblaze UART on PS in Zynq Processor that might be helpful.

thank you,

Jon

[rzsmi]

To be frank, I wanted to try the MicroBlaze on my Zybo Z7 only because the getting started web page said it could be done and thought it would be instructive. The real goal is to implement the Microblaze on a Cmod-A7.

I must agree the Zybo MicroBlaze is not trivial... Having said that, there is a recipe on the a fore mentioned Getting Started web page that says it can be done and here's how to do it. I mention this because as an unsuspecting newbie I tried for a few days to get it to work.

Many thanks for your answer confirming the Microblaze configuration task is best left to non-zynq boards.

Cheers.

[JColvin]

Hi @rzsmi,

Could you clarify which getting started guide led you to believe that you could readily use MicroBlaze on a Zybo-Z7? We would like to be able to correct that language if it is on one of our tutorials; the IPI tutorial you linked to (from what I can tell) separates between the Zynq and Microblaze processes.

Thank you,
JColvin

[rzsmi]

https://reference.digilentinc.com/vivado/getting-started-with-ipi/start

Step 1.5 clearly shows the procedure was leveled at a zybo.

Step 4.2 the reader is given a choice between a Zynq or Microblaze.

In my attempts at the procedure, I was able to successfully use the Zynq recipe, but was unable to get the Microblaze to work.

 

Cheers,

[kwilber]

In the instructions for 4.2, it says only use the microblaze for boards without a zynq.