| 1 | = Formatting and Loading Systems on to a Compact Flash = |
| 2 | |
| 3 | == Formatting the card == |
| 4 | |
| 5 | For CF-reconfiguration of the FPGA, the card MUST be formatted with '''FAT16''' (though both FAT16 and FAT12 will work for using the CF as a filesystem with WARP). Windows machines that are of post Win2k can’t do this, which is why mkdosfs must be used. The following is the required procedure for formatting the flash: [[BR]] |
| 6 | |
| 7 | 1. Install mkdosfs to a directory that’s easy to navigate |
| 8 | 1. Open DOS (start -> run.... -> “cmd”) |
| 9 | 1. Navigate to the mkdosfs install directory (EG: cd c:\mkdosfs\) |
| 10 | 1. Insert the flash card into the reader – and check it’s designated drive letter (see: My Computer) |
| 11 | 1. Run the command: '''mkdosfs -v –F 16 X:''' |
| 12 | 1. Replace '''X''' with drive letter of the CompactFlash card |
| 13 | |
| 14 | == Loading systems onto the card == |
| 15 | |
| 16 | This section assumes that you have successfully generated one or more systems in XPS. A completed bit-stream is required to load on the card. |
| 17 | [[BR]] |
| 18 | 1. Open the application iMPACT (under start -> Xilinx ISE -> accessories) |
| 19 | 1. The “New” Wizard should open at program startup |
| 20 | 1. Select “Create a New Project (.ipf)” |
| 21 | 1. Select “Prepare a System ACE file” |
| 22 | 1. Select “Expert Mode” |
| 23 | 1. For “Size,” select “Generic” from the drop-down |
| 24 | 1. For “Reserve Space,” keep at zero |
| 25 | 1. Choose the name for the project and where it is to be located on your HD |
| 26 | 1. Each SystemACE project can hold up to '''8''' separate systems |
| 27 | 1. Check each box for each system you plan on loading onto the card |
| 28 | 1. Provide short names for these systems |
| 29 | 1. Finish the Wizard |
| 30 | 1. A Pop up will appear explaining you are about to load a system file onto the first system slot (configuration address) |
| 31 | 1. Browse to one of your XPS project folders -> Implementation folder and select the project’s '''download.bit''' file |
| 32 | 1. Another pop-up will appear asking if you would like to apply another system file to the same configuration address. Select '''“no”''' |
| 33 | 1. The same process will occur again but for the next configuration address. Find and add a download.bit from a different project |
| 34 | 1. Again select “no” when the prompt appears for another bit file for the same config. Address. |
| 35 | 1. Right click anywhere in the iMPACT project’s main-view window and select '''“Generate File…”''' |
| 36 | 1. Ensure that the active collection is the one you have just built |
| 37 | 1. iMPACT will render the System ACE file |
| 38 | 1. Right-click again anywhere in the iMPACT project’s main-view window and select '''“Copy to Compact Flash…”''' Ensure that your freshly formatted flash card is attached to the computer and can be read |
| 39 | 1. Select the project and click the “Add to CF=>” button |
| 40 | 1. Select Copy then Verify |
| 41 | 1. The flash card should now be ready to go for WARP |
| 42 | 1. EJECT the disk in windows/USB remove devices first. Simply pulling out the flash card may result in a corrupt disk, which may then not work with WARP. |