This is a starting resource for the SmartLynq+ Module and it does not replace the official documentation of the SmartLynq+ Module that is on Xilinx.com 

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The SmartLynq+ Module is a high-speed debug and trace module, primarily targeting Versal Adaptive SoC. It drastically improves configuration and trace speed. For the trace capture, SmartLynq+ module is capable of speeds up to 10Gb/s via its high-speed debug port (HSDP), that's 100 times faster than standard JTAG. Faster iterations and repetitive downloads increase development productivity and reduce the design cycle.

Features:

• Super-fast download speed, maximize development productivity for faster iterations

• High-speed trace with enhanced visibility, up to 14GB of trace memory for execution history

• Full visibility for heterogeneous architectures, in-depth debug for Hard IP and Engines in Versal Adaptive SoC

• Cohesive and time-related debug of all subsystems

• Flexible and smart debug platform with features like smart filtering and software programmable built-in debugger

• Sharable debug platform with unified view for remote, multi-user environment

What's Inside

SmartLynq+ module offers high-bandwidth connectivity to allow heterogenous system debug and trace of Versal-based applications. It provides all the desired connections for programming, debug and trace. JTAG can be a direct connection with PC4 connector, MICTOR-38 connector, or via USB-C when used along with HSDP.

The SmartLynq+ Module Kit includes a power supply, USB and ethernet cables, micro SD card, JTAG and flying lead cables.  

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Please note - The pinout of the Smartlynq+ Module and Smartlynq Data Cable GPIO connector are not the same. As such, the GPIO flying leads cable that ships with SmartLynq+ Module is not compatible with the Smartlynq Data Cable and Xilinx evaluation boards. Furthermore, the GPIO flying leads cable that ships with Smartlynq Data Cable and Xilinx evaluation boards must not be used with Smartlynq+ Module

Physical Description

The SmartLynq+ Module circuitry is housed in a plastic enclosure with an OLED display. The enclosure and heat sink assembly attenuates internally generated emissions and protects against susceptibility to radiated emissions.

Caution: The SmartLynq+ Module is designed to operate in the temperature range of 10°C to 26°C (50°F to 80°F). Operating outside of this range might cause malfunction or permanent damage to the device

Host and Target Side Interfaces

The SmartLynq+ Module comes with a variety of Host and Target Interfaces, let's have a look at them:

Host Side Interfaces

The DC power barrel jack connector, Host USB 3.0 and Gigabit ethernet port are located on the left side of the SmartLynq+ Module. These interfaces are used to connect to a Host system or to a network for remote debugging or setting up a multi-user environment for debug/trace

Target Side Interfaces

The GPIO, JTAG, HSDP and MICTOR are located on the right side of the SmartLynq+ Module

• High-speed Debug Port (HSDP) for faster programming and debug, high-speed serial trace

• Basic JTAG (PC4 header) that offers up to 100 MHz speed

• 8-bit general purpose I/O (GPIO) port for a variety of basic input/output operations on the target board

• MICTOR-38 connector for parallel trace (reserved for future use)

Bottom side switches and micro SD card slot

The reset pin, mode selector switch and microSD card slot are located at the bottom of the SmartLynq+ module.

When the mode selector switch is on the left side (towards reset), it is set in eMMC boot mode. When the mode selector switch is on the right side (towards the microSD card slot), it is set in SD boot mode

Downloading and Installing SW Tools

The SmartLynq+ Module is shipped with a blank micro SD card inside the kit. Users should download the latest micro SD card image, follow basic steps to setup the module and then blaze through their development with Versal Adaptive SoC.

To install the latest version of the tools, refer to the following steps:

1. Download the latest microSD card Image (current image version 2023.2)

2. Download the SmartLynq+ Application Package (current version 2023.2)

3. On windows, use the utility Win32 Disk Imager or the Balena Etcher to write the image to the microSD card

4. Unzip the SmartLynq+ Application Package

5. Copy the installer-installer.zip file from the unzipped SmartLynq+ Application Package to the microSD card

6. Eject the microSD card from the computer/host system

Once the microSD card is prepared, do the following steps on the SmartLynq+ Module:

1. Insert the microSD card into the SD slot and set the boot switch to the SD card boot position.

2. Cycle power on the SmartLynq+ module.

3. As the SmartLynq+ module boots for the first time, the system will complete the installation of the smartlynq+ application package.

                     →

Note: This process will take about 2 minutes to complete, do not unpower the SmartLynq+ during the installation.

          b. During this initialization phase the module will automatically reboot as it resizes the image to fit the SD card. During this reboot you will notice the "Xilinx" logo.

                     Once the system is fully up, the screen will show the cable’s IP settings, something like:

4. The final step is to write the SD card image to the eMMC. To complete this do the following:

5. At this point you can power off the module, remove microSD card, move the switch to eMMC mode and power on.  

6. During this first boot the application package will be installed in eMMC image. The install process will look exactly like the install process for microSD card.

7. At the end of installation, the module will automatically reboot as it resizes the image to fit the eMMC. 

Note :  Do not unpower the SmartLynq+ Module during the installation. It is recommended to use Vivado Design Suite 2020.2 version or later

Connection to Versal Evaluation Boards (VCK190 / VMK180)

The following diagram shows how to connect the SmartLynq+ Module to a Versal Evaluation board. 

• Connect the USB-C cable provided in the kit between the HSDP port (target interface) on the SmartLynq+ Module to the JTAG/UART connector on the board

• Connect the Ethernet and USB 3.0 cables from the Host side of the SmartLynq+ Module to your Host System and Network adaptor.

Once the power supply is connected to the SmartLynq+ Module and turned ON, a green power status LED should glow to indicate successful power-on and then followed by Boot

Embedded Design Tutorial

A System Design Example for High-Speed Debug Port with SmartLynq+ Module is available for users to get started,  The EDT guides users through building a system based on Versal devices that utilizes both the SmartLynq+ Module and High-Speed Debug Port (HSDP). It also demonstrates the steps to setup the SmartLynq+ Module and download a Linux image using either JTAG or High-Speed Debug Port.

Versal EDT - https://xilinx.github.io/Embedded-Design-Tutorials/docs/2022.2/build/html/docs/Introduction/Versal-EDT/Versal-EDT.html

SmartLynq+ Module EDT - https://xilinx.github.io/Embedded-Design-Tutorials/docs/2022.2/build/html/docs/Introduction/Versal-EDT/docs/6-system-design-example-HSDP.html

This EDT section builds on chapter 6 and walks through the basic steps to:

1. Enable HSDP

2. Connect SmartLynq+

3. Use SL+ serial terminal

4. Boot Linux over HSDP.

Known Issues

No issues found

Appendix A - Micro SD card image release history

Related Links

SmartLynq+ Module product page - https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/smartlynq-plus

VCK190 Evaluation Kit product page - https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/vck190

VMK180 Evaluation Kit product page - https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/vmk180