System Migration - 2020.2 English

Versal ACAP Design Guide (UG1273)

Document ID
UG1273
Release Date
2021-03-26
Version
2020.2 English

When you migrate designs to Versal™ ACAP from the UltraScale™ architecture, the Xilinx® tools can only automatically migrate some of the PL primitives and integrated IP blocks due to the functional and connectivity differences. Partial migration is possible but generally leads to sub-optimal hardware and application performance. Therefore, Xilinx recommends using the following steps instead:

  • Rearchitect any high-bandwidth connections between major blocks to use the NoC instead of the PL-based AXI Interconnect or similar IP.
  • Reduce PL logic by leveraging all new integrated blocks, such as the integrated memory controller, DMA, and AI Engine.
  • Replace instantiated PL primitives from previous architectures with the equivalent RTL descriptions or XPMs (e.g., memory blocks, DSPs, carry logic, multiplexers, etc.).
  • Regenerate or recreate all IP blocks.
  • Resynthesize the complete design instead of migrating netlists created for previous architectures.

Any portion of the design that is automatically migrated must be carefully reviewed to ensure that the application's performance, resource, and power will be met. For designs migrated from Zynq® UltraScale+™ MPSoCs, Xilinx recommends recreating the PS functions and connectivity by instantiating the CIPS IP in a new design instead of attempting migration via tools automation.

The following table shows the blocks and functionality for which automatic migration is available.

Table 1. Block and Functionality Migration Support
Block Automated
Configurable logic block (CLB) Yes
On-chip memory (OCM) resources (block RAM and UltraRAM) Most
DSP Yes
Clocking Some
I/O Some
Soft memory controllers No
AXI Interconnect No
GT No
PCIe subsystems Some
MRMAC No
Processor and peripherals No
System debug No
System monitor (SYSMON) No
Power and error handling No
Security No
Boot and configuration No
PL configuration and JTAG No
Important: If your existing design contains blocks that are discontinued in Versal ACAP, you must manually migrate these blocks to a corresponding Versal ACAP block. For details, see the appropriate Versal ACAP architecture manual.

For designs migrating from Kintex® UltraScale™ or Virtex® UltraScale™ devices, the CIPS IP must be added to enable essential functionality, such as device configuration and hardware debug features, even if the PS features are not used. Other designs migrating from Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs are expected to already have a PS block. For more information about the CIPS IP, see the Control, Interface and Processing System LogiCORE IP Product Guide (PG352).