How to update FPGA firmware

Gather input files

• Find the project's .ncd and .mbb files
• Place (copy) them in your workspace/firmware/<project> directory
• Commit the project to svn when satisfied

Generate .bit file

• The following will build the .bit file in your workspace/build/firmware<project> area (along with other files)

  cd workspace/firmware/<project>
  ../bin/mkbit/ ../../build/bootstrap/bin/ppc-rtems-<platform>-opt/bootLoader.elf <project>
  

• There is no need to version control the .bit file

Generate/update the .mcs file

• Run iMPACT from the build/firmware/<project> directory

  cd workspace/build/firmware/<project>
  impact
  

  • Xilinx Flash/PROM: Click green arrow
  • Select Platform Flash for PROM Family
  • Select xcf32p 32 M for Device (bits)
  • Add Storage Device
  • Click green arrow
  • Enter Output File Name (e.g v4-dpm.mcs)
  • Select Output File Location
  • File Format: MCS
  • Enable Revisioning: No
  • Enable Compression: No
  • Click OK
  • Pop-up: OK
  • Pop-up: Select .bit file: OK
  • Would you like to add another device to Revision: 0 : No
  • Pop-up: OK
  • Right click "Generate File..." (Deselect devices first by clicking on background)
• There is no need to version control the .mcs file

Load to PROM device

• Ensure the JTAG dongle is connected to your board
• Verify the esn of the dongle
• Log into the computer to which the dongle's USB cable is connected
• Run iMPACT from the build/firmware/<project> directory
  • Load the project of interest or bail out of any pop-ups
  • Select Output -> Cable Setup...
  • Ensure the JTAG dongle with your esn is selected
  • Click OK
  • Select the Boundary Scan window
  • Right click on PROM device -> Assign New Configuration File
  • Select .mcs file -> Open
  • PROM device now has file name instead of 'bypass'
  • Right click on PROM device -> Program
• After completion, cycle board (or payload) power to reload the FPGA

Load to FPGA

• This method of loading the FPGA is not persistent
• Once the FPGA is loaded, the firmware persists until a power cycle
• Using XMD, do:

  stop
  rst -processor
  fpga -f <file> -debugdevice devicenr <N>