Design Planning Considerations for Dynamic Function eXchange - 2021.1 English

Versal ACAP Hardware, IP, and Platform Development Methodology Guide (UG1387)

Document ID
UG1387
Release Date
2021-07-26
Version
2021.1 English

Dynamic Function eXchange (DFX) requires special planning considerations for traditional and platform-based flows. In Versal ACAP, the recommended method for accessing DFX is to use block design containers (BDCs) on the IP integrator canvas. BDCs have a property that indicates whether the BDC is intended for use with DFX. If this property is set, the BDC becomes a reconfigurable partition (RP). Reconfigurable modules (RMs) can be added to the RP by associating additional block designs (BDs) with the BDC. Each BD represents a single RM. As with all DFX designs, determining the logical partition boundary and the correct design hierarchy is extremely important. After the BDCs are configured properly, the Vivado tools create the parent and child implementation runs to complete the compilation and generate the programming files.

Versal ACAP designs require special consideration if the NoC interconnect straddles a partition. To handle this situation, a NoC IP must be placed in the static portion of the design, and another instance of the NoC IP must be placed in the partition. Specialized interconnect called inter-NoC interconnect (INI) must be used to connect the two NoC IP. This ensures all RMs have a common set of physical interfaces but allows the RMs to have different addresses.

DFX floorplans must be designed for the unique architecture of Versal ACAP, including NoC resources, hardened IP locations, and clocking resources. For more information, see the Vivado Design Suite User Guide: Dynamic Function eXchange (UG909).