Why and how to use Efinix FPGAs for AI/ML imaging – Part 1: getting started
As the newest family, the Titanium devices offer the most advanced features for the developer (Figure 2). Along with the XLR core, they provide multi-gigabit serial links which operate at either 16 gigabits per second (Gbps) or 25.8 Gbps, depending on the device selected. These multi-gigabit links are crucial
Modern FPGAs also require closely coupled, high-bandwidth memory, which is used to store image frames for image processing applications, sample data for signal processing, and of course, to run operating systems and software for processors implemented within the FPGA. The Titanium range of devices provides the ability to interface with dynamic data rate four (DDR4) and low-power DDR4(x) (LPDDR4(x)). Depending on the exact Titanium device selected, the bus width support is x32 (J) or x16 (M), while some devices have no LPDDR4 support (L). Titanium FPGAs are SRAM based and require a configuration memory, with the device configuration performed by either master/slave Serial Peripheral Interconnect (SPI) or JTAG. To ensure this configuration method is secure, the Titanium FPGA uses AES GCM encryption of the bitstream, along with AES GCM and RSA-4096 to provide bitstream authentication. Strong security like this is required since FPGAs
are deployed at the edge where malicious actors could access and manipulate their behavior.
Figure 4. The Ti180 M484 development kit is shown with its versatile range of expansion options based on QSE and FMC connectors. Image source: Adam Taylor The ability to reprogram and debug live on the board during development is critical and requires a JTAG connection, which is provided on-board via a USB-C interface. Also provided is non- volatile memory in the form of two, 256-Mbit NOR flash devices that can be used to demonstrate the configuration solution. The board is powered from a 12- volt universal power adaptor that is included in the box. Also included is an FMC-to-QSE break out, along with QSE-based expansion cards for HDMI, Ethernet, MIPI, and LVDS.
Development board introduction
Development boards form a critical element of the FPGA evaluation process since they can be used to explore the capabilities of a device and prototype applications, thereby helping to reduce overall risk. The first development board available to evaluate Titanium FPGAs and begin prototyping applications is the Ti180 M484 (Figure 3). The board features an FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) connector and four Samtec QSE connectors. The Ti180 FPGA fitted to this development board provides 172K XLR cells, 32 global clocks, 640 digital signal processing (DSP) elements, and 13 megabits (Mbits) of embedded RAM. The DSP elements provide the ability to implement fixed point 18 x 19 multiplications and 48-bit multiplications. This DSP can also be optimized for single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) operations running in either a dual or quad configuration. DSP elements can also be configured to perform floating point operations.
for enabling high-speed data transfer on and off the chip.
Titanium devices also provide a wide range of input/output (I/O) interfacing capabilities that can be grouped as general purpose I/O (GPIO), and that can support single- ended I/O standards such as low- voltage CMOS (LVCMOS) at 3.3, 2.5, and 1.8 volts. For high-speed and differential interfacing, the Titanium devices provide high-speed I/O (HSIO) which supports single-ended I/O standards such as LVCMOS at 1.2, 1.5 volts, and SSTL and HSTL. Differential I/O standards supported by HSIO include low- voltage differential signalling (LVDS), differential SSTL, and HSTL.
applications. In addition, the development board provides a range of clocking options at 25, 33.33, 50, and 74.25 megahertz (MHz), which can be used with the device phase lock loop (PLL) to generate different internal frequencies.
Like most development boards, the Ti180 development board provides simple LEDs and buttons. Its real power, however, comes in its interfacing capabilities. The Ti180 development board provides a low-pin-count FMC connector that enables a wide range of peripherals to be connected. As it’s a widely used standard, there are many FMC cards that enable interfacing of high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC), digital-to-analog converter (DAC), networking, and memory/storage solutions. In addition to the FMC connection, the board provides four Samtec QSE connectors which enable the developer to add expansion cards. These QSE connectors are used to provide MIPI inputs and outputs, with each QSE connector providing either a MIPI input or output. The Ti180 board also provides 256 Mbits of LPDDR4 to support the high-performance memory required in image or signal processing
Figure 5. Within Efinity, new projects are created targeting the selected device. Image source: Adam Taylor
Figure 3. Along with a Titanium FPGA, the Ti180 M484 development kit features an FMC connector and four Samtec QSE connectors. Image source: Adam Taylor
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