The Zynq Book Tutorials for Zybo and ZedBoard
This book comprises a set of five tutorials, and provides a practical introduction to working with Zynq-7000 All Programmable System on Chip, the family of devices from Xilinx that combines an application-grade ARM Cortex-A9 processor with traditional FPGA logic fabric. It is a companion text for 'The Zynq Book' (ISBN-13: 978-0992978709). The tutorials target two popular Zynq development boards: the ZedBoard, and the lower cost Zybo. Working through, the reader will take first steps with the Vivado integrated development environment and Software Developers Kit (SDK), and be introduced to the methodology of developing embedded systems based on Zynq. Different methods of creating Intellectual Property (IP) cores are demonstrated, including the use of Vivado High Level Synthesis (HLS), and these IPs are later combined to form a complete audio-based embedded system. These tutorials are set at the introductory level, and are suitable for undergraduate / postgraduate teaching, as well as self-learning by researchers, professional engineers, and hobbyists. Example and support files can be downloaded from the book's companion website.
Why Read This Book
You will get short, hands-on tutorials that take you from a blank Vivado project to a working PS/PL system on the Zybo and ZedBoard. The book focuses on practical skills — creating block designs, making custom IP (including Vivado HLS), and building software with the Xilinx SDK — so you can apply the workflows immediately to your Zynq projects.
Who Will Benefit
Embedded engineers, students, and makers with some C and digital-design background who want a concise, project-driven introduction to using the Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC on Zybo or ZedBoard.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic C/C++ programming, familiarity with digital logic/HDL concepts (Verilog/VHDL helpful), and basic Linux/command-line experience for SDK and toolchain use.
Key Takeaways
- Create and configure a Zynq PS+PL system in Vivado using block designs and IP integrator.
- Develop and integrate custom AXI peripherals and connect them to the PS.
- Use Vivado HLS to convert C/C++ kernels into reusable hardware IP.
- Build, deploy, and debug bare-metal and SDK-based applications for the ARM Cortex‑A9.
- Use Zybo/ZedBoard peripherals (UART, GPIO, timers, Ethernet) in hardware-software examples.
- Apply basic debugging and verification techniques using SDK tools and on-board instrumentation.
Topics Covered
- 1. Introduction and Overview of Zynq-7000 Architecture
- 2. Getting Started with Zybo and ZedBoard
- 3. Installing and Using Xilinx Vivado and SDK
- 4. Creating Zynq PS Block and Basic PS Configuration
- 5. Building PL Logic: Block Design and IP Integration
- 6. Creating Custom IP Cores (RTL) and Integrating via AXI
- 7. Vivado High Level Synthesis (HLS) Tutorial
- 8. Software Development with Xilinx SDK (bare-metal and BSPs)
- 9. Booting Options and Basic Linux/PetaLinux Notes
- 10. Debugging, Testing, and Example Projects
- 11. Appendices: Board Pinouts, Constraints, and Reference Files
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
More hands-on and board-focused than the companion 'The Zynq Book' (which is broader); provides a gentler, project-based path compared with Xilinx's official documentation that is more reference-oriented.
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