The Vitis Unified IDE uses x86 simulation for software emulation of both Data Center accelerator cards, and Embedded Processor platforms. For embedded systems, simulating on x86 processors is known as the PS on X86 method. This requires all the elements of the system to be compiled for x86 targets.
This means the libadf.a file that is
included in the v++ --link command line must be
compiled for the x86sim target as explained in Compiling and Simulating AI Engine Components.
Because C synthesis for HLS components creates a Vitis kernel (.xo) file for hardware
emulation and hardware design flows, the Vitis IDE
must separately compile each HLS component for use in software emulation using the
v++ -c command. This extra compilation step for HLS
components is specifically for software emulation builds.