Connecting and Disconnecting the Ribbon Cable

Alveo Programming Cable User Guide (UG1377)

Document ID
UG1377
Release Date
2023-03-01
Revision
1.4 English

A 2x15 ribbon cable is required to connect between the Alveo data center accelerator card and the programming module. See Programming Cable.

Connecting the Ribbon Cable

When connecting the ribbon cable and programming module, align the cable key with the spacing on the maintenance connector. The cable key is shown in the following image.

Figure 1. Ribbon Cable Key
Important: The ribbon length you use can vary depending on your system setup. For ribbon cable lengths greater than six inches, the JTAG transfer frequency used by the Vivado® hardware manager to program the card must be reduced from 15 MHz to 10 MHz. Complete details are discussed in Programming the Alveo Data Center Accelerator Card.
Important: The U25 card can only be programmed using the 6-inch cable. Longer cables are not supported.

Debug-port enabled Alveo data center accelerator cards have a maintenance connector that attaches to the corresponding connector on the programming module through the ribbon cable. The corresponding connector on the programming module is shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the ribbon cable attaching to the 2x15-pin maintenance connector of the Alveo U50 data center accelerator card.

Figure 2. Connecting Ribbon Cable to Debug Connector
Figure 3. Attaching the Ribbon Cable to Alveo Maintenance Connector Port

When attaching the cable, apply gentle pressure and ensure the cable has a tight connection.

Important: Do not apply excessive force when connecting the ribbon cable as the connector pins can be damaged or bent.

The Alveo U25 card requires the adapter card (shown in the following image) to convert the U25 debug edge connector to the 2x15-pin connector format. Prior to connecting the adapter to the debug port of the U25 card, attach the six-inch ribbon cable to the adapter card.

Figure 4. Adapter Card

With the ribbon cable attached to the adapter card, gently connect the adapter card to the U25 debug port, found at the top of the card as shown in the following figure.

Figure 5. U25 Adapter Connected to the Alveo U25 Card
Important: Do not apply excessive force when connecting the ribbon cable as the connector pins can be damaged or bent.

Disconnecting the Ribbon Cable

When removing the ribbon from the Alveo card, adapter card, or the programming module, firmly hold the ribbon connector and pull the cable out in a straight line. Twisting or rotating the connector will damage the connector pins on the Alveo data center accelerator card or the programming module.