Traditional Design Flow for Hardware-Only Systems - Traditional Design Flow for Hardware-Only Systems - 2026.1 English - UG1387

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

Document ID
UG1387
Release Date
2026-07-22
Version
2026.1 English

If your design consists of PL components only (RTL and IP only), you can use the AMD Vivado™ tools to generate a programmable device image (PDI) to program the Versal device. As with previous architectures, you add design sources to the Vivado tools. Then, you compile them through the Vivado implementation flow.

Important: The CIPS/PS Wizard IP incorporates the platform management controller (PMC) and must be configured for the Versal device to boot properly. Therefore, all Versal device designs must include CIPS/PS Wizard IP. For VP1902 designs, the tool automatically adds a PS Wizard IP instance to the design when it is missing.

Following are additional important considerations:

  • The hardened DDR memory controllers and HBM controllers are only accessible through the NoC IP. To use the DDR memory controller or HBM controllers, your design must include NoC IP.
  • Hardware debug cores connect through the CIPS/PS Wizard IP by default. JTAG is still available but no longer the preferred flow. You must be familiar with changes to the hardware debug connectivity and flow.

Use the Vivado IP integrator to instantiate, configure, and connect the following IP blocks:

  • CIPS/PS Wizard IP
  • NoC/DDR memory controller IP
  • Hardware debug IP

By using the IP blocks, you take advantage of block design automation when iterating through design changes. Vivado IP integrator supports GT IP and connectivity IP (such as MRMAC IP), simplifying GT-based design creation and I/O planning.

You can integrate the complete design with the Vivado IP integrator. Use a custom packaged IP, RTL module referenced blocks, and other IP available through the IP catalog. Alternatively, use the Vivado IP integrator to configure and connect critical Versal adaptive SoC IP. For example, the CIPS/PS Wizard IP and the NoC/DDR IP. Then, instantiate the resulting block design in the RTL design.

For more information, refer to this link in the Vivado Design Suite User Guide: Designing IP Subsystems Using IP Integrator (UG994).

Note: The Vivado IP integrator works in Project Mode only.
Important: This design flow does not support programming of the AI Engine cores and is only suitable for Versal Prime, Versal Premium, and Versal HBM devices.