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Zynq-7000 AP SoC - Implementing a Host PC GUI for Communication with Zynq Tech Tip

Zynq-7000 AP SoC - Implementing a Host PC GUI for Communication with Zynq Tech Tip

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Last updated: Sept 27, 2018 by Ben Levinsky (Unlicensed)Version comment

Zynq-7000 AP SoC - Implementing a Host PC GUI for Communication with Zynq Tech Tip


Document History

Date
 Version
 Author
 Description of Revisions
29th April 2014
 0.1
 Upender Cherukupally
 Initial version







Summary


The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a software application on a host PC used to communicate with an embedded system. The GUI provides the user with interactive commands inputs and graphical representation of the results data from the target embedded system. The GUI will be interfaced to the target system using the communication protocols like UART, USB or Ethernet. This techtip explains the step by step procedure to create a simple GUI using the Visual C# to interface and communicate with the Zynq-7000 AP SoC development kit with the UART as medium of communication to the host PC


Implementation

Implementation Details
Design Type
 PS Only
SW Type
 Standalone, Visula C# on windows PC
CPUs
 1 ARM Cortex-A9
PS Features
  • DDR3
  • Cache
  • L1 and L2 Cache
  • OCM
PL Cores
Boards/Tools
 One ZC702 or One ZC706, UART, USB & Power cables
Xilinx Tools Version
 Vivado 2013.4 or latest
Other Details

Files Provided
Zynq7000AP_SoC_GUI_Ref_design.zip
 Archived file contains:
1. C# project for GUI on host PC
2. ReadyToTest Images
3. Source code of application running on Zynq-7000 AP SoC


Block Diagram


This design example uses the UART protocol to communicate data between the GUI on host PC and Zynq-7000 AP SoC. The GUI example reference design will have the following components:

On Windows Visual C# GUI

  • Display the UART ports available on the host PC
  • Two text boxes
    • one for the input from the user and
    • display the processed data from the Zynq-7000 AP SoC of the user input
Application running on Zynq-7000 AP SoC

  • Receives the input string from user through the GUI
  • Reserves the input string and sends back the reversed sting to the GUI

When user initiates the UART connection by selecting the corresponding UART port, GUI will enable the input text box for the user inputs. The user inputs will be transferred to the Zynq-7000 AP SoC and will be processed (reversed) and sends back the processed data back to the GUI through the UART port.
Figure 1: GUI Example Block Diagram


Step by Step Instructions

  1. Launch Vivado IDE Design Tool:
    1. On Windows 7, select Start > All Programs > Xilinx Design Tools > Vivado 2013.4 > Vivado 2013.4
    2. On Linux, enter Vivado at the command prompt