Compiling an AI Engine Graph Application - 2022.1 English

Versal ACAP AI Engine Programming Environment User Guide (UG1076)

Document ID
UG1076
Release Date
2022-05-25
Version
2022.1 English

This chapter describes all the command line options passed to the AI Engine compiler (aiecompiler). It takes the code for the data flow graph, the code for individual kernels, and produces an image that can be run on various AI Engine target platforms such as simulators, emulators, and AI Engine devices. The AI Engine compiler statically compiles the graph, map and place the kernels in the AI Engines.

Tip: Unless otherwise specified, all the input file paths are with respect to the current directory, and all the output file paths are with respect to the Work directory.

The AI Engine graph and kernels can be compiled individually, or as a standalone application to run in the AI Engine processor array through emulation or hardware. The graph and kernels can also be used as part of a larger system design, that incorporates the AI Engine graph with ELF application running on the embedded processor of the Versal® device and programmable logic (PL) kernels running in the programmable logic of the device. The AI Engine compiler is used to compile the graph and kernels, whether in a standalone configuration or as part of a larger system.

As shown in Using the Vitis IDE, the Vitis™ IDE can be used to create and manage project build settings, and run the AI Engine compiler. Alternatively, you can build the project from the command line as discussed in Integrating the Application Using the Vitis Tools Flow, or in a script or Makefile. Either approach lets you perform simulation or emulation to verify the graph application or the integrated system design, debug the design in an interactive debug environment, and build your design to run and deploy on hardware. Whatever method you choose to work with the tools, start by setting up the environment.