Xilinx Artix UltraScale+ FPGA development platform released

Opal Kelly has released the official development platform for the Artix UltraScale+ FPGA, part of the Xilinx’s smaller and thinner cost-optimized portfolio. The XEM8320-AU25P FPGA development platform features Opal Kelly’s FrontPanel SDK for building high-performance, software-connected FPGA applications. It also leverages the SYZYGY modular connectivity for rapid prototyping and expansion.

The FPGA development platform features the Xilinx Artix UltraScale+ XCAU25P-2FFVB676E FPGA and USB 3.0 Type C SuperSpeed interface. It also includes 11 high-speed gigabit transceiver lanes via Artix UltraScale+ transceivers, which support serial standards such as 10 GbE, JESD-204B, DisplayPort, PCI Express, SATA, HD-SDI, XAUI, and Aurora.

XEM8320 development board for Xilinx Artix UltraScale+ FPGA. Click for a larger image. (Source: Opal Kelly)

In addition to the FPGA and USB Type C SuperSpeed connector, the XEM8320 includes 1-GB DDR4 memory, 48 MB total serial flash, three low-jitter fixed-frequency clock oscillators, and switching power supplies to power the entire board. The platform also comes with several SYZYGY connectors (four standard ports and two transceiver ports) for expansion and system development.

XEM8320 block diagram. Click for a larger image. (Source: Opal Kelly)

System integrators can use the XEM8320 boards with the Artix UltraScale+ FPGAs to build a fully operational proof-of-concept for a range of markets including industrial automation, machine vision, health-care sciences, networking and communication, test and measurement, broadcast, consumer, transportation, and AI-enabled applications.

Opal Kelly plans to release a system-on-module (SOM) in the second quarter of 2022 to provide a path from XEM8320 development to system production with full FrontPanel SDK support, which supplies firmware, software, and gateware. This connects software applications, FPGA gateware, and external hardware via the platform’s USB Type C SuperSpeed interface.

For modular expansion, the XEM8320 features SYZYGY, an open standard of low-cost peripherals and compact connectors that handle high-bandwidth requirements for data acquisition, instrumentation, sensing, and networking devices. SYZYGY peripherals are available from Opal Kelly and other manufacturers. In addition, system integrators can develop custom peripherals with design resources and source code available from Opal Kelly.

 The XEM8320-AU25P is available now via Opal Kelly’s online web store. It is priced at $1,349.95 each.