The Artix 7 FPGA family is one of the four FPGA families from top FPGA manufacturer, AMD (formerly Xilinx) with the other three being Kintex 7, Virtex 7, and Zynq 7000.

The Artix 7 FPGA family targets cost-sensitive and high-volume applications that require high performance and low power consumption. It consists of various devices, ranging from the smallest Artix 7 FPGA with 6K logic cells to the largest device with 1.6 million logic cells. The family also includes variants with integrated transceivers that can operate at up to 28.2 Gbps.

FPGAs

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device that allows designers to implement custom digital logic after manufacturing. Using programmable logic cells and interconnects, FPGAs can be tailored to specific performance, power, and functionality requirements. This flexibility makes them well suited for applications that demand high-speed processing, low latency, and the ability to adapt to changing design needs. As a result, FPGA families like Artix 7 are commonly used across industrial, communications, automotive, and embedded systems.

Learn More: FPGAs

Artix 7 Attributes

The Artix 7 FPGA family is built on 28 nm process technology, delivering an effective balance of performance, power consumption, and cost. This family features a unified architecture optimized for high-speed, low-power, and cost-sensitive applications. The architecture incorporates a range of advanced features, including high-performance logic fabric, high-speed transceivers, DSP slices, and integrated memory controllers.

High-Performance Logic Fabric

The high-performance logic fabric in the Artix 7 FPGA family is designed to support high-speed, low-latency applications. It consists of look-up tables (LUTs) and flip-flops, along with carry logic and dedicated arithmetic resources that enable the implementation of complex functions and algorithms.

LUTs are used to implement combinational logic functions, while flip-flops store sequential data. The carry logic allows arithmetic operations to be implemented efficiently, and the dedicated arithmetic resources support complex mathematical functions such as multiplication and division. Overall, the logic fabric is optimized for high-speed operation and low power consumption, making it well-suited for a wide range of applications.

High-Speed Transceivers

The Artix 7 FPGA family includes integrated high-speed transceivers capable of operating at speeds of up to 28.2 Gbps. These transceivers support multiple protocols, including PCIe Gen2, SATA, and 10G Ethernet.

Designed to enable high-speed data communication, these transceivers allow the Artix 7 FPGA to be used in demanding applications such as wireless communication and video processing. Additionally, the high-speed transceivers are optimized for both performance and low power consumption, making them suitable for a wide range of use cases.

DSP Slices

The Artix 7 FPGA family includes dedicated digital signal processing (DSP) slices that support complex DSP functions such as filtering, modulation, and demodulation.

These DSP slices integrate dedicated multipliers, adders, and accumulators, which can be configured to efficiently implement a variety of DSP functions. Like other architectural elements in the Artix 7 family, the DSP slices are optimized for high-speed operation and low power consumption, making them ideal for a broad range of applications.

Memory Controllers

The Artix 7 FPGA family includes hard IP blocks that support multiple memory interfaces, including DDR3, DDR4, and LPDDR3.

These memory controllers are designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency memory access, enabling the Artix 7 FPGA to be used in applications that require high-speed data processing and storage. The memory controllers are optimized for high-speed performance and low power consumption and include advanced features such as error correction codes (ECC) to help ensure data integrity.

Artix 7 Applications

The Artix 7 FPGA family is well-suited for a wide range of applications due to its combination of high-speed transceivers, DSP slices, memory controllers, and low power consumption. Key application areas include wireless communications, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, and video processing.

Wireless Communications

The Artix 7 FPGA is a versatile device for wireless communication applications, combining high-speed transceivers, digital signal processing (DSP) slices, and integrated memory controllers. The high-speed transceivers support multiple protocols, including Ethernet, PCIe, and Serial RapidIO, enabling a wide range of wireless communication systems such as cellular base stations, wireless backhaul, and wireless infrastructure.

The DSP slices in the Artix 7 FPGA are programmable and capable of performing complex signal processing functions, including filtering and modulation, making them well-suited for wireless systems that require high-performance signal processing. Additionally, the memory controllers enable efficient buffering and data storage, which is critical for wireless communication systems that handle large volumes of data.

Aerospace and Defense

The Artix 7 FPGA is widely used in aerospace and defense applications due to its high performance, low power consumption, and radiation tolerance.

Its high-performance capabilities make it ideal for radar systems, which require fast signal processing and high-speed data transfer. Low power consumption is especially critical in aerospace and defense environments, as power efficiency directly impacts overall system performance. Additionally, the Artix 7 FPGA’s radiation tolerance provides a significant advantage, as electronic systems in these environments are exposed to radiation that can disrupt or degrade system functionality.

Learn More: FPGAs for Space Applications

Industrial Automation

The Artix 7 FPGA is well-suited for industrial automation applications due to its high-speed, low-latency logic fabricand integrated memory controllers. These capabilities enable efficient real-time control and monitoring, which are essential requirements for industrial automation systems.

In factory automation environments, the Artix 7 FPGA can be used to control machinery and robotics, including conveyor belts, robotic arms, and other automated equipment. It is also commonly used in process control systems, where it monitors and controls parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates. The FPGA’s high-speed and low-latency logic fabric makes it possible to implement highly accurate and precise feedback control systems, ensuring reliable and responsive operation.

Video Processing

The Artix 7 FPGA’s combination of high-speed transceivers, DSP slices, and memory controllers makes it an excellent choice for video processing applications. The FPGA can implement a variety of video processing functions, including encoding, decoding, and transcoding.

The high-speed transceivers support high-bandwidth video streams, enabling the efficient transmission and reception of high-quality video data. The DSP slices perform complex signal processing functions such as image enhancement, which is essential for advanced video processing. Additionally, the Artix 7 memory controllers provide efficient buffering and storage of video data, supporting applications that manage large volumes of video content.

As a result, the Artix 7 FPGA is commonly used in video cameras, video switchers, video displays, and other video processing systems.

Artix 7 Development Tools

To support development for the Artix 7 FPGA family, AMD provides a comprehensive suite of development tools designed to streamline FPGA and embedded system design. These tools cover hardware design, software development, system integration, and performance optimization.

Vivado Design Suite

The Vivado Design Suite is a complete design environment that offers a comprehensive set of tools for designing AMD FPGA-based systems. It includes capabilities for synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and simulation, enabling designers to manage the full FPGA development lifecycle within a single environment.

Vivado also includes advanced design features such as high-level synthesis, IP integration, and system-level design. Designed to support all Xilinx FPGA families, including Artix 7, Vivado is known for delivering high-quality results through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. Overall, Vivado enables designers to create high-performance, low-power FPGA designs quickly and efficiently.

Learn More: AMD Vivado Design Suite - Redefining FPGA and SoC Development

Vivado HLS

Vivado HLS (High-Level Synthesis) allows designers to create FPGA designs using C, C++, or SystemC instead of traditional RTL. With Vivado HLS, high-level design descriptions are automatically converted into RTL code, significantly reducing development time while improving overall design quality.

This tool also enables designers to quickly explore and compare different design options, making it easier to optimize performance and resource utilization. By simplifying the design process, Vivado HLS helps designers achieve the best possible performance for their Artix 7 FPGA designs.

PetaLinux

PetaLinux is a Linux distribution designed for Xilinx embedded systems, including Zynq 7000 and Artix 7 devices. It provides a complete development environment for embedded software, supporting device drivers, user applications, and boot loaders.

PetaLinux is designed for ease of use and includes a wide range of pre-built components, allowing designers to get started quickly. In addition, it provides tools for debugging and profiling, enabling developers to optimize the performance of their embedded systems.

Xilinx SDK

The Xilinx Software Development Kit (SDK) is an integrated development environment (IDE) for developing software on AMD/Xilinx embedded platforms such as Zynq 7000 and Artix 7. It supports C, C++, and assembly languages and includes tools for debugging, profiling, and performance analysis.

Xilinx SDK also provides a range of pre-built components, including drivers and libraries, making initial development faster and more accessible. Additionally, it supports system-level design, enabling seamless integration between software and hardware components.

Additional Resources

In addition to development tools, AMD offers a wide range of IP cores, reference designs, and development boards for the Artix 7 FPGA family. The IP cores include various digital signal processing (DSP) functions, memory controllers, and high-speed transceivers.

Reference designs provide practical examples for implementing specific functions and algorithms on the Artix 7 FPGA, while development boards offer a ready-made platform for prototyping and testing. These boards typically include multiple peripherals such as Ethernet, USB, and HDMI interfaces, making them ideal for rapid development and validation.

Capabilities

The Artix 7 FPGA family is recognized for its high-performance capabilities, low power consumption, high-level integration, design flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. These characteristics make it an attractive option for designers who require high-performance FPGA solutions at a reasonable cost.

The family includes a wide range of devices with varying capabilities, such as high-speed transceivers, dedicated digital signal processing (DSP) slices, integrated memory controllers, PCIe interfaces, and Ethernet interfaces, among others. Together, these features make the Artix 7 FPGA family suitable for diverse applications, including wireless communication, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, and video processing.

High Performance

The high-performance capabilities of the Artix 7 FPGA family make it well-suited for applications that require high-speed data processing and transfer. The family includes devices equipped with high-speed transceivers capable of operating at speeds of up to 28.2 Gbps, enabling use in high-speed data transfer applications such as wireless communication and high-speed networking.

In addition, the Artix 7 FPGA family provides dedicated DSP slices that enable efficient implementation of complex DSP functions. With support for up to 740 DSP slices per device, these FPGAs are well-suited for high-performance DSP applications, including digital signal processing and image processing.

Low Power Consumption

The Artix 7 FPGA family is designed to deliver high performance while maintaining low power consumption, making it ideal for power-sensitive applications. Built on 28 nm process technology, these devices achieve a high level of integration while minimizing power usage.

To further reduce power consumption, the devices incorporate advanced power-saving features such as power gating, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, and clock gating. These features help optimize energy efficiency without sacrificing performance.

High-Level Integration

The Artix 7 FPGA family offers high-level integration capabilities, enabling designers to rapidly develop highly integrated systems that communicate efficiently with other devices or systems. The family includes devices with integrated memory controllers, PCIe interfaces, and Ethernet interfaces, reducing the need for external components and simplifying system design.

Flexibility

The Artix 7 FPGA family provides a high degree of design and implementation flexibility. The devices include a wide range of configurable logic, memory, and DSP blocks, allowing designers to create highly customized solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

Additionally, the family supports multiple design methodologies, including RTL, high-level synthesis (HLS), and SystemVerilog, making it easy for designers to work within their preferred development framework.

Cost-Effective

The Artix 7 FPGA family delivers a cost-effective solution across a wide range of applications by balancing performance and affordability. These devices are designed to provide high performance at a reasonable price point, making them suitable for cost-sensitive designs.

Furthermore, the devices are known for their high reliability and long operational lifespan, which helps reduce the total cost of ownership over the entire product lifecycle.

Design Flow for the Artix 7 FPGA Family

The design flow for the Artix 7 FPGA family consists of several key stages, including design entry, simulation, synthesis, implementation, and verification. Each step plays a critical role in ensuring that the final FPGA design meets functional, timing, and performance requirements.

Design Entry

The first step in the Artix 7 FPGA design flow is design entry. This stage involves creating the design using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The HDL code defines the behavior of the desired circuit and allows designers to specify logic functions, timing constraints, and other critical design parameters.

Design entry can be performed using a variety of tools, including Vivado, ISE, and third-party development tools, giving designers flexibility in how they create and manage their designs.

Simulation

The second step in the design flow is simulation, which focuses on verifying the functionality of the design before hardware implementation. During simulation, the HDL code is converted into a model that can be executed on a computer.

A simulation tool applies a set of test vectors to the model to confirm that the design behaves as expected. Simulation can be performed using the same tool used for design entry or with a third-party simulation tool. This step is critical, as it allows designers to identify and correct errors early, reducing the risk of costly hardware revisions.

Synthesis

The third step in the Artix 7 FPGA design flow is synthesis. Synthesis converts the HDL code into a gate-level netlist, representing the logical connections between individual logic cells within the FPGA.

The synthesis tool analyzes the HDL code and generates a netlist that defines how the design will be implemented in hardware. Synthesis can be performed using tools such as Vivado or Synopsys Design Compiler, depending on the designer’s workflow and requirements.

Implementation

The fourth step in the design flow is implementation, which involves placing and routing the synthesized netlist onto the Artix 7 FPGA device. During this stage, the netlist is mapped onto the FPGA’s programmable logic blocks and interconnect resources.

The implementation tool then performs the physical layout of the design and generates a bitstream that can be loaded onto the FPGA. Implementation can be completed using Vivado or other third-party implementation tools.

Verification

The final step in the Artix 7 FPGA design flow is verification. This stage ensures that the implemented design meets all functional and application requirements.

Verification can be performed through simulation or hardware testing, using either the same simulation tools from earlier stages or by testing the design on the actual FPGA hardware. This step is essential for confirming that the design operates as intended and is ready for deployment in its target application.

Artix 7 FPGAs Advantages

Artix 7 FPGAs offer several advantages over other types of electronic devices, such as microcontrollers and ASICs. These benefits make them a strong choice for designers seeking high performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency across a wide range of applications

High Performance with Low Power Consumption

Artix 7 FPGAs are built using 28 nm process technology, delivering high logic density and fast clock speeds while maintaining low power consumption. This combination supports the development of designs that require significant computational performance while operating within strict power budgets.

As a result, Artix-7 FPGAs are well-suited for applications such as portable medical equipment, industrial monitoring systems, and automotive electronics, where efficient power usage is critical.

Cost-Effective Solution

Artix 7 FPGAs provide a cost-effective alternative to custom ASICs and high-end FPGAs. By eliminating non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs, they support rapid prototyping and production, helping reduce time-to-market and overall design costs.

In addition, their ability to integrate multiple functions - including control logic, signal processing, and interface bridging into a single device reduces component count and simplifies PCB design, further lowering total system costs.

Flexible and Reconfigurable

Artix 7 FPGAs are reprogrammable even after deployment, allowing hardware logic to be updated in the field. This flexibility enables designers to add new features, apply bug fixes, or adapt to evolving standards without replacing hardware.

This capability is particularly valuable in applications such as telecommunications and industrial automation, where requirements may change over time and long product lifecycles are common.

Rich Connectivity Options

Artix 7 FPGAs include a wide range of integrated connectivity resources, such as high-speed serial transceivers, abundant I/O pins, and support for standard interfaces including PCI Express, Ethernet, and LVDS. These features simplify the integration of sensors, processors, and communication modules into a single system.

Depending on the device, the high-speed transceivers support data rates of up to 6.6 Gbps, enabling efficient data transfer in applications such as machine vision, industrial networking, and video processing.

Scalable for Diverse Applications

The Artix 7 FPGA family offers a broad range of device densities and package options, allowing designers to scale solutions to meet varying performance and cost requirements. This scalability supports applications such as industrial motor control, automotive driver-assistance systems, wireless communications, robotics, and consumer electronics.

Consistent design tools and reusable IP cores across the family further simplify development, maintenance, and upgrades as product requirements evolve.

Powering Innovation with Artix 7

Artix 7 FPGAs are powerful and versatile devices that deliver a wide range of capabilities and benefits. They are well-suited for applications across multiple industries, from communication systems to aerospace and defense. In addition to their performance and versatility, Artix 7 FPGAs are cost-effective and energy-efficient, making them an attractive option for designers implementing custom logic functions and interfaces.

One of the most significant advantages of Artix 7 FPGAs is their flexibility, which allows designers to implement highly customized logic functions and interfaces. This adaptability makes them ideal for applications with widely varying or evolving requirements. Artix 7 FPGAs are also designed for ease of use and rapid prototyping, enabling designers to quickly test and validate designs before transitioning to full production.

Another key advantage is their low power consumption, which makes Artix 7 FPGAs especially valuable in power-sensitive applications. Reduced power usage also minimizes heat generation, improving reliability in harsh or demanding environments. Additionally, Artix 7 FPGAs offer a low-cost alternative to other electronic solutions such as ASICs, helping designers balance performance, flexibility, and budget constraints.

Overall, Artix 7 FPGAs are versatile and high-performance devices that offer a compelling combination of customization, low power consumption, cost efficiency, and long-term reliability. These advantages make them an essential component in a wide range of electronic systems today and well into the future.

Source Artix 7 FPGAs with Confidence

When sourcing Artix 7 FPGAs, quality and reliability matter. Microchip USA supports FPGA programs with rigorous quality standards and trusted AS6081 & AS6496 lab partners to help reduce supply chain risk.

Our global sourcing expertise and verification processes ensure that Artix 7 FPGAs meet your project requirements for performance, traceability, and authenticity, whether you’re supporting new designs or existing systems.

Request a quote today to discuss Artix 7 FPGA availability and secure components you can trust.