A beginner user seeks guidance on using the integrated RF-DAC tiles on a ZCU111 development board to generate analog square waves. The discussion highlights that unlike standard digital I/O, these DACs require the configuration of specific Xilinx IP cores and external clocking rather than simple constraints file entries.
- RF-DAC functionality on Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC requires the Zynq UltraScale+ RF Data Converter IP core.
- Users cannot directly map DAC outputs in a standard XDC constraints file as they are dedicated hard IP pins.
- Starting with DC or sine wave generation is recommended over square waves to better identify signal distortion and mapping errors.
- Proper implementation requires studying the board user manual, schematics, and the PG269 Logicore IP documentation.
Hello Forum! ,
I am a beginner with FPGA's. I want to implement an analog square wave generator using a ZCU111 Dev Board, but experiences with other boards can help too.
I do not understand how to send output values (say, +/- 0.1V) to the DAC tiles in order to get the wave generated. What I have done so far:
I have created a working binary train pulse generator. I expect to replace the output from a LED in the board to a DAC tile. The problem is that I do not find the tiles in the constraints file, what means that I am missing a point.
Has anyone implemented analog signals like this with FPGA's?
Thank you very much,
Nicolas
There are different ways a square wave could be implemented using FPGA. From your mail it seems you are interested in using the RF DAC built in the FPGA. This method involves using Xilinx IP for RF-DAC. There is little bit of reading to do, please go through the board user manual, schematics and logicore IP and XDC constraints. The board has all the external clocks and connections for the RF-DAC function.
Quick method is, you could use your binary pulse train and use an external driver if available.
Hello!
Thanks for the quick answer. I certainly want to use RF DAC built in the FPGA. Regarding documentation, do you refer to this doc? It is indeed complex in learning, but I am trying my best.
Sorry, can't resist asking - what sort of square waves do you need that you are using an $8k+ dev board to generate them ?
MK
Hi!
It's just a short term goal I wanted to pursue so as to learn how to use the DACs and ADCs. The board, I don't get to choose it. If you can help, I'll appreciate!
I don't have any application for the RFSoc parts so no useful help to offer. (Hence the apology at the start of my post :-)
For what it's worth I usually start of my FPGA/DAC testing with DC and then progress to sine waves. It's easier to spot wrong things on a sine wave (than on a square) by measuring the distortion - you'll need a spectrum analyser rather than my usual favorite which is a Neutrik Audio Analyser.
MK
