How to create mcs file for Microblaze software

[gentleoyink]

Hello,

I am trying to implement a system that saves the FPGA configuration data to 2 FLAsh PROMs (xcf04s) connected in Master Serial Mode to the FPGA (Spartan 3E 1200).

What I have done so far

1. I have designed a simple test VHDL entity, verified its working.
2. I have configured the PROM with the bit stream by creating a .mcs file using Impact.
3. Turned OFF power, connected the Mode pins and turned the power ON.
Result: The FPGA was configured successfully.

Problem
1. The real system I am going to implement uses software. I implemented the system using the SDK and EDK for software.
2. How do I convert this software to a form that it can be stored in the PROM along with the hardware configuration, so that I can power up the FPGA and it will load these configuration

I have read the documentations XAPP501, XAPP138 and XAPP482 and the more I get confused.

What I am thinking is that I will convert a .elf file to .bit file and then use impact to convert it to .mcs file before configuring the PROM with it.

If I am correct above, does the .elf file contain all my project information (hardware and software) or just software.

Please let me know the best way to go about this.

Thank you

 

[Port Map]

did you tired converting the .bit file created with SDK. I think it's stored in ../system directory.

 

[gentleoyink]

Yes I did, but the board did not responde to my inputs.

There are two .bit files. One is system.bit and the other is download.bit. I tried the download.bit.

 

[aruipksni]

Yes I did, but the board did not responde to my inputs.

There are two .bit files. One is system.bit and the other is download.bit. I tried the download.bit.

1. you need to "update your bit stream" (using elf file ) before "generate bit stream" - thats how your code is embedded inside BRAM that is inculuded in bit file.
2. you also need to make sure that in your design you mapped a memory for the region that mb start to boot from.
3. and also that your linker script knows it need to get a code from this memory.
4. also if your program is too big to fit to brams - you will need to store it on external memory (flash)
and built a boot loader (or use existing one) that will load the flash to RAM space.

 

[gentleoyink]

1. you need to "update your bit stream" (using elf file ) before "generate bit stream" - thats how your code is embedded inside BRAM that is inculuded in bit file.
2. you also need to make sure that in your design you mapped a memory for the region that mb start to boot from.
3. and also that your linker script knows it need to get a code from this memory.
4. also if your program is too big to fit to brams - you will need to store it on external memory (flash)
and built a boot loader (or use existing one) that will load the flash to RAM space.

Thank you for your response. I will do as you have said in two hours (not near my computer) and post my result here.

 

[gentleoyink]

Hello aruipksni, I have done step 1. Can you pls give me hints on how to do step 2 and 3.

Thank you.

 

[aruipksni]

Hello aruipksni, I have done step 1. Can you pls give me hints on how to do step 2 and 3.

Thank you.

Actually it was suppose to be the last stage.
Stepp 2 is quite easy. Since mb is reset af
Address 0 you must have a memory mapped from this
Address on.
So check your system.mhs gui for correct address
Map.