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IBERT Example Firmware

Features

Based on the RDF0636 - VPK120 IBERT Example Design.

  • 9.5 Gbps NZR output.
  • IBERT test for (QSFP1), (QSPF2), (k-type connectors).
  • Drive INITMODE low and RESETL high for QSFP1 and QSFP2.

Compiling Firmware

It should be compiled with Vivado 2023.2, available on epldt002. The Vivado software requires a graphical user interface for most functionality.

The firmware source code is available on GitLab:

It is recommended to make a clone of the firmware on the local /scratch disk. Fast disk access is important when compiling firmware.

  1. Load the Vivado environment.
source /scratch/Xilinx/Vivado/2023.2/settings64.sh
  1. Open the firmware project.
vivado vpk120_ibert.xpr
  1. Click "PROGRAM AND DEBUG -> Generate Device Image" on the bottom of the left sidebar.

Generate Device Image

  1. The compiled firmware will be available under vpk120_ibert.runs/impl_1/versal_ibert_wrapper.pdi.

Changing Output Rate

The output data rate and protocol is controllable via the "Versal ACAPs Transceivers Bridge IP" IP block. There are five instances of the IP corresponding to the five quads. You can use the IP customization GUI to change properties of the transceiver.

  1. Open the block design view by clicking the the "IP INTEGRATOR -> Open Block Design" in the left sidebar. Open Block Design

  2. Double click on one of the IP instances (ie: bridge_refclkGTM_REFCLK_X0Y8) to open the IP customization GUI. bridge_refclkGTM_REFCLK_X0Y8

  3. Click on "Transceiver Configs" Re-customize IP

  4. Change the "Line Rate (Gb/s)" to the desired speed for both the TX_Configurations and RX_configurations. Make sure that both the Tx and Rx are set to the same value. You might need to scroll horizontally to see the Rx. Click OK to confirm. Transceiver Configs

  5. Repeat the procedure for all transceivers that you want to update.

  6. Compile firmware using the instructions above.