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Embedded System Design with Xilinx Microblaze and SDK

Kumar Khandagle

A faster Reconfigurable system makes FPGA a prominent choice for a large set of applications, but Hardware alone is incomplete without smart software synchronizing all the events fruitfully to achieve the desired Application. This course covers fundamentals of Popular Xilinx drivers viz. The course also illustrates the usage of the AXI interrupt controller for handling Interrupts. Also to felicitate incorporation of  Hardware accelerators with Microblaze based design few examples on building Custom AXI Peripherals are also included. Software and Hardware Debugging, Profiling fundamentals are demonstrated with Microblaze to felicitate performance measurement.

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A faster Reconfigurable system makes FPGA a prominent choice for a large set of applications, but Hardware alone is incomplete without smart software synchronizing all the events fruitfully to achieve the desired Application. This course covers fundamentals of Popular Xilinx drivers viz. The course also illustrates the usage of the AXI interrupt controller for handling Interrupts. Also to felicitate incorporation of  Hardware accelerators with Microblaze based design few examples on building Custom AXI Peripherals are also included. Software and Hardware Debugging, Profiling fundamentals are demonstrated with Microblaze to felicitate performance measurement.

The Microblaze is an FPGA-based Soft Processor capable of executing single instruction per cycle with few exceptions. The MicroBlaze interconnect is reconfigurable capable of communicating with a large set of peripherals to fit most of the medium-scale applications. It allows configuration of cache size, pipeline depth, peripherals, memory management unit, and bus interface suitable to fit different application requirements. As systems complexities are growing day by day, Microblaze will play central role in the non-Zynq based FPGA families whereas it will be the best light-weight alternative working in tandem with the Zynq hard processor for Zynq and Ultrascale based FPGA families.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Embedded system design flow using microblaze soft processor
  • Development of c applications for microblaze devices
  • Software and hardware debugging
  • Handling interrupts in microblaze based designs
  • Understanding xilinx drivers
  • Profiling

Syllabus

Installing Vivado
Recommendation
Agenda
Installation Part 1
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Installation Part 2
Xilinx LIC File
Adding Licencse
Digilent Board Files (Download before proceeding)
Adding Digilent Boards and Hardware Connection
Toolchain Configuration
Configuring Toolchain for Development P1
Configuring Toolchain for Development P2
C Code
Fundamental P1 : Project Types
Fundamentals P2 : Flow Navigator
Useful files in Project Directory
How to Use TCL Script for BD automation
Fundamentals of SDK P1
Fundamentals of SDK P2
Different Reporting Mechanism
Understanding Simple Peripherals
Fundamentals of XIL Drivers P1
Fundamentals of XIL Drivers P2
Fundamentals of XIL Drivers P3
Writing DATA to LED's P1
Writing DATA to LED's P2
Code
Reading Data from Peripherals P1
Reading Data from Peripherals P2
Understanding Byte Addressable and Word Addressable
Multiple GPIO Instances P1
Multiple GPIO Instances P2
Using Multiple Channels P1
Using Multiple Channels P2
Using AXI BRAM P1
Intermediate Peripherals
Sending data with AXI Uartlite P1
Sending data with AXI Uartlite P2
Receiving data with AXI Uartlite
Using AXI BRAM P2 : Pointers
Multiple Uartlite Instance P1
Multiple Uartlite Instance P2
Using UART16550
Using AXI BRAM P3 : XIL_IO Drives
Complex Peripherals
Using AXI Timer P1
Using AXI Timer P2
Using AXI Timer P3
Checking Count Value
Code : Pointer
Operating Timer in Auto-Reload Mode
Code : Using Auto-Reload Option
Code : Using Reset API
Working with WDT P1
Working with WDT P2
Profiling
Profiling with AXI Timer P1
Profiling with AXI Timer P2
Code : XIL_IO
SDK Profiling P1
SDK Profiling P2
Memory resources
Using external DDR
Hardware and Software Debugging
Adding ILA in Design P1
Adding ILA in Design P2
Debugging with Serial Terminal
Breakpoint and Memory Viewer usage
Xilinx Software Command line Tool (XSCT) usage
Interrupts
Fundamentals
Using Interrupts with GPIO P1
Using Interrupts with GPIO P2
Using Interrupt with AXI Timer P1
Using Interrupt with AXI Timer P2
Working with Watchdog Timer Interrupt
Custom AXI Peripherals

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers the fundamentals of Xilinx drivers, which are essential for embedded systems development using Xilinx FPGAs
Illustrates the use of the AXI interrupt controller, which is crucial for handling interrupts in Microblaze-based designs
Includes examples on building custom AXI peripherals, which facilitates the incorporation of hardware accelerators with Microblaze designs
Demonstrates software and hardware debugging and profiling fundamentals with Microblaze, which helps measure performance
Requires installing Vivado, which may necessitate a paid license depending on the features needed for development
Focuses on Xilinx Microblaze and SDK, which may not be transferable to other FPGA platforms or embedded systems

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Embedded System Design with Xilinx Microblaze and SDK with these activities:
Review Digital Logic Fundamentals
Reviewing digital logic fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for understanding the hardware aspects of embedded system design, particularly when working with FPGAs and Microblaze.
Browse courses on Digital Logic
Show steps
  • Study combinational and sequential logic circuits.
  • Review Boolean algebra and logic gate operations.
  • Practice designing simple digital circuits.
Brush Up on C Programming
Sharpening C programming skills is crucial for developing applications for Microblaze devices and interacting with Xilinx drivers.
Browse courses on C Programming
Show steps
  • Review C syntax, data types, and control structures.
  • Practice writing C programs for embedded systems.
  • Study memory management and pointers in C.
Explore Xilinx SDK Tutorials
Following Xilinx SDK tutorials will provide hands-on experience with the tools and workflows used in embedded system design with Microblaze.
Show steps
  • Find official Xilinx SDK tutorials online.
  • Follow tutorials on creating and debugging Microblaze applications.
  • Experiment with different peripherals and drivers.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Implement Basic Peripheral Drivers
Practicing implementing basic peripheral drivers will reinforce understanding of Xilinx drivers and hardware interaction.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple peripheral, such as a GPIO or UART.
  • Write a C driver to control the peripheral.
  • Test the driver on a Microblaze-based system.
Read "Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive Approach"
Reading this book will provide a broader understanding of embedded systems architecture and design principles.
View Embedded Systems Architecture on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Take notes and summarize key concepts.
Develop a Simple Embedded System Project
Starting a small project will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience in embedded system design.
Show steps
  • Define a simple embedded system project, such as a temperature sensor or a motor controller.
  • Design the hardware and software components of the system.
  • Implement and test the system on a Microblaze-based platform.
Contribute to a Microblaze Open Source Project
Contributing to an open-source project will provide valuable experience in collaborative development and expose you to real-world embedded system design practices.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project related to Microblaze or embedded systems.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Contribute code, documentation, or testing to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Embedded System Design with Xilinx Microblaze and SDK will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An embedded systems engineer designs, develops, and tests the software and hardware that goes into embedded systems. This course on embedded system design, focusing on Xilinx Microblaze and SDK, directly prepares one for this role by teaching how to develop C applications for Microblaze devices, which are often the core of these systems. The course also provides knowledge of practical debugging techniques using software and hardware, which are critical for an embedded systems engineer. The course's emphasis on handling interrupts, using Xilinx drivers, and implementing custom AXI peripherals enhances understanding of how to create integrated, hardware-software systems that are typical in the field. Furthermore, the exposure to profiling tools will help improve code performance, a crucial skill for an effective embedded systems engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
Firmware Engineer
A firmware engineer creates the low-level software that allows hardware to function in an embedded system. This course is directly relevant to a firmware engineer since it covers the development of C applications for Microblaze devices, a common platform for firmware development. The course specifically covers software and hardware debugging, a crucial part of a firmware engineer's daily tasks. The course's modules on Xilinx drivers and handling interrupts are foundational elements for firmware engineers who need to interact closely with hardware components. By learning to profile and integrate hardware accelerators, one will be better prepared to optimize system performance, which is a key responsibility of a firmware engineer. This course provides the specific skills and knowledge that firmware engineers need to succeed.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
FPGA Engineer
An FPGA engineer designs and implements digital circuits and systems on Field Programmable Gate Arrays. This course is highly applicable to the role of an FPGA engineer, as it uses Xilinx FPGAs and the Microblaze soft processor as a central theme. This course covers the design and configuration of the Microblaze processor and its peripherals, which is essential knowledge for an FPGA engineer. By studying the implementation and debugging of both hardware and software aspects of these systems, students will gain a crucial perspective for designing and integrating complex FPGA systems. Topics like building custom AXI peripherals and profiling are particularly useful for an FPGA engineer aiming to create high performance and specialized hardware solutions. The course helps an aspiring FPGA engineer build a strong foundation.
See salaries and explore the career path for FPGA Engineer
Hardware Engineer
A hardware engineer works on the design, development, and testing of physical components and systems. While this course is not strictly focused on pure hardware design, knowledge of embedded systems bridges the gap between hardware and software, which is increasingly important for modern hardware engineers. The course's content on hardware debugging, custom AXI peripherals, and the integration of hardware accelerators make it useful for those in hardware roles who need to work closely with embedded systems. This course helps one understand the software aspects of hardware interaction, which is essential for debugging and optimizing overall system performance. A hardware engineer can use the knowledge of Xilinx drivers and AXI protocols to interact with and test custom hardware designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Robotics Engineer
A robotics engineer designs, builds, and programs robots and robotic systems. This course is useful for a robotics engineer because of the strong emphasis on embedded systems and real time control. Since most robots have an embedded control system, an understanding of Microblaze soft processors, Xilinx drivers, and AXI protocols is quite valuable. The course's focus on interrupt handling and hardware/software debugging can help with designing robust robot control systems. The ability to build custom AXI peripherals enhances one’s ability to integrate sensors, actuators, and other custom hardware with a robot’s control system. This course may be particularly helpful for those working on robots that use FPGA-based systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
System Integration Engineer
A system integration engineer ensures that all components of a system work together effectively. This course provides strong insights into hardware and software integration, making it valuable for this role. The course’s emphasis on Microblaze systems and developing C code helps one understand how software interacts with hardware, which is crucial for integration. An understanding of handling interrupts, using drivers, and implementing custom peripherals greatly assists in integrating different parts effectively. Debugging and profiling capabilities that this course provides are essential for optimizing system performance and diagnosing problems. The course aids in preparing one to handle diverse integration challenges.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Integration Engineer
Automation Engineer
An automation engineer designs and implements automated systems in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and energy. This course helps an automation engineer by providing a good foundation in embedded systems, which are often the backbone of automated machinery. By learning how to develop C applications for Microblaze, handle interrupts, use drivers, and create custom peripherals, one can better approach the automated control systems they will encounter. The debugging and profiling techniques can contribute to the efficiency and reliability of automated systems. A familiarity with AXI protocols also prepares an automation engineer for integrating different hardware components that are at the heart of today’s automated production systems. This course may be useful for an automation engineer working closely with hardware.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer
Research Scientist
A research scientist in fields related to embedded systems or hardware may find this course helpful. This role often requires working with FPGAs and custom hardware for experimental setups, and this course provides useful practical experience with Xilinx Microblaze systems. The course's content on custom peripherals and hardware accelerators is useful for creating specialized instruments. The course also helps a research scientist develop systems that need to be reliable and well integrated. The course, therefore, may be useful for a research scientist working with hardware and embedded systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Test Engineer
A test engineer designs and executes tests to ensure that products meet specifications and function correctly. This course may be helpful for a test engineer when they are working on embedded systems that use an FPGA platform such as Xilinx. Skills such as hardware and software debugging techniques taught in this course give a test engineer helpful tools for verifying system functionality. This course's focus on profiling also teaches skills useful for performance testing of embedded systems. A test engineer may find the course's focus on Microblaze systems to be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer
Application Engineer
An application engineer works with customers to tailor technology to meet specific needs. This course may be helpful because many applications will use a system with an FPGA at the heart. This course provides a good foundation of hands on skills with Microblaze systems and Xilinx SDK. By learning how to develop C applications, handle interrupts, and integrate different hardware components, an application engineer is better prepared to meet diverse requirements. Understanding profiling and debugging may be helpful for demonstrating the capability of a system. This course may provide one with the tools helpful for discussing the technical requirements of their customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Engineer
Technical Consultant
A technical consultant provides expert advice on technology solutions. The role involves understanding complex technical systems and communicating their applications. This course may be useful as it develops skills in hands on embedded systems and FPGA based design using Xilinx. While a technical consultant may not be directly involved in the implementation of embedded systems, the course provides domain knowledge that is helpful for providing support to clients who need it. This technical consultant is often an expert in their domain and knowledge of software and hardware debugging is useful for troubleshooting. This course may be useful for a technical consultant working in a domain that uses embedded systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Consultant
Product Manager
A product manager guides the development and marketing of technical products. This course may be useful because it develops skills in understanding the technical aspects of FPGA based embedded systems using Xilinx. A product manager benefits from familiarity with the hardware and software development process in order to make sound decisions about a product’s viability. This course may provide enough background information to make decisions about product strategy. This course may be useful for a product manager in a domain using FPGA based embedded systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Computer Architect
A computer architect designs and improves computer systems. While this course is not on the design of general purpose computers, the knowledge of Microblaze soft processors may be helpful. The course's focus on system integration and hardware acceleration may be useful for a computer architect who also does work on embedded systems. The focus on profiling and performance measurement may also provide value for a computer architect working on optimizing system performance, and the course may be useful for them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Architect
Data Scientist
A data scientist analyzes data to glean insights and develop models. This course may be useful for data scientists who work with embedded systems. The topics of software and hardware debugging are useful for those who use hardware to gather their data. The course provides exposure to the use of custom peripherals and hardware accelerators, and that may be helpful for those processing data from those systems. Therefore, a data scientist working with embedded systems may find this course useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist provides technical assistance to users. This course may be useful for IT support specialists who also work with embedded systems or industrial automation equipment. While this course focuses on a specific platform, the basic skills in troubleshooting hardware and software may be applicable to general IT support. The techniques for profiling and using debugging tools may be useful for finding and resolving problems. However, the applicability of this course to an IT support specialist is limited.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Embedded System Design with Xilinx Microblaze and SDK.
Cover image
Embedded Systems Architecture
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems architecture, covering hardware, software, and system-level design considerations. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying principles of embedded systems and how they are designed. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Embedded Systems Architecture
Paperback
Check
Embedded Systems Architecture
Kindle Edition
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Effort
7.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Kumar Khandagle
Language
English
Good to know
Covers the fundamentals of Xilinx drivers, which are essential for embedded systems development using Xilinx FPGAs
Illustrates the use of the AXI interrupt controller, which is crucial for handling interrupts in Microblaze-based designs
Includes examples on building custom AXI peripherals, which facilitates the incorporation of hardware accelerators with Microblaze designs
Demonstrates software and hardware debugging and profiling fundamentals with Microblaze, which helps measure performance
Requires installing Vivado, which may necessitate a paid license depending on the features needed for development
Focuses on Xilinx Microblaze and SDK, which may not be transferable to other FPGA platforms or embedded systems
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