Question

How do we map the VHDL code into the Basys3 board? Please elaborate in 1 paragraph.

Answer 1

FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Let's analyze the term:

1. Field-Programmable: An FPGA is manufactured to be easily reconfigured by developers, designers or customers. To program an FPGA as a specific configuration, Verilog HDL or VHDL (Hardware Description Language) is used as the standard language for FPGA programming.

2. Gate-Array: An FPGA consists of an array of programmable logic gates/ blocks such as AND, OR, XOR, NOT, memory elements, DSP components, etc., and reconfigurable interconnects which are to connect logic gates together for performing a specific function.

Thus, FPGAs are nothing, but logic blocks and interconnects that can be programmable by Hardware Description Languages (Verilog HDL/ VHDL) to perform different complex functions.

In fact, FPGAs can be used to implement almost any DSP algorithm. Some FPGAs also obtain embedded soft-core processors such as Xilinx's MicroBlaze, Altera's Nios II, etc. so that we can use C, C++, etc. to program the processor like what we do with a microcontroller. Besides, the soft processors can communicate with hardware accelerators to speed up complex DSP operations so that we can obtain a better flexible embedded system for niche applications. Thank you!!!

Answer 2

Mapping VHDL code into the Basys3 board involves several steps. First, the VHDL code needs to be synthesized using a synthesis tool to convert it into a hardware description language (HDL) netlist. The netlist represents the hardware components and connections described in the VHDL code. Next, a constraint file (XDC file) is created to specify the physical mapping of the signals and components in the netlist to specific pins and resources on the Basys3 FPGA. The constraint file ensures proper timing and functionality during implementation. Then, the HDL netlist and constraint file are used as inputs for the implementation process, where the FPGA design is physically generated, placing and routing the components on the Basys3 board's programmable logic resources. Finally, the generated bitstream is programmed onto the FPGA, enabling it to function according to the VHDL design on the Basys3 board.