Analog to Digital (ADC) converters are primarily used for converting analog signals to digital signals. This function is common on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
When it comes to the Artix-7 series, the role of the Artix 7 ADC expands beyond that. In this article, we are going to talk about the exact conversion process and why it matters.
Introducing XADC
The Xilinx Analog to Digital (XADC) converter is the dedicated ADC for Xilinx Artix-7 devices. Through the XADC Wizard, FPGA developers get to use both the DRP and JTAG interfaces to get access to both the control registers and status of the XADC for the Xilinx Artix-7 devices.
The XADC Wizard also enables the easy configuration of the on-chip analog to digital converter blocks in the Xilinx Artix-7 devices.
We want to point out that the Artix 7 XADC comprises 1 MSPS ADC based on a two 12-bit architecture. Another fact worth noting is that the Artix 7 ADC comes in handy both for the configuration of the on-chip sensors and the external, analog inputs.
Advantages of the Artix 7 ADC
If you are working with the Artix 7 ADC for signal conversion, here are some of the major upsides to doing so:
1. Automation
The process of converting from analog to digital signals is automated, giving you ample time to focus on other important configuration needs.
2. Customization
The XADC Wizard comes with a customizable GUI, thus, affording you the opportunity to model the signals the way you like.
We are not leaving out the fact that the customizable GUI generates an HDL wrapper that includes most of the customizable interfaces you need. With that readied, you can start almost immediately to integrate the XADC blocks into your HDL design.
3. Access to Reference Designs
The Artix 7 XADC Wizard has a variety of example of reference designs. You can take a look at those both to get an idea of the workflow and to choose an example design to start working with.
4. Multiple Configuration Parameters
In addition to the customizable GUI, the Artix 7 ADC also has a wide range of configurable parameters and modes. On the list are DRP interfaces, ADC conversion rates and calibration settings.
Each of those allow you to easily customize the signals across different facets.
5. Effective Voltage and Temperature Regulation
Keeping an eye on the voltage and temperature of an FPGA has never been as easy as the Artix 7 ADC makes it to be.
The XADC Wizard is equipped with the tools to select and deselect the alarm outputs. It can also set the desired alarm limits to help regulate the volage and temperature levels.
6. Third-Party Integrations
Artix 7 ADC also supports the integrations of third-parties, especially considering that it is a part of the broad Analog Mixed Signal (AMS).
It also supports the Zynq-7000 AP System-on-Chips (SoCs), which by the way, integrate a third-party interface called the PS-XADC Interface. The major designation of the interface is to effectively control the Xilinx Analog to Digital Converter (XADC).
Conclusion
Artix 7 ADC is not limited to the Xilinx-7 series, as it also supports the Xilinx Zynq-7000 AP SoCs, which combines a programmable logic and the ADC to provide solutions for a variety of monitoring and data acquisition requirements.
