Zynq-7000 is a unique combination of advanced microprocessors and field-programmable gate arrays. This new technology has transformed the field of embedded systems development, enabling developers to implement mixed-signal, high-performance applications in a cost-effective manner.

At its core, Zynq-7000 is a system-on-chip (SoC) technology that combines an ARM-based processing system with an FPGA fabric. This combination enables developers to create a wide range of applications, including video processing, software-defined radio, and automotive driver assistance systems.

Zynq-7000 also comes with a wide range of advanced peripherals and interfaces, including memory controllers, Ethernet interfaces, and USB controllers. These features make it an ideal platform for developing complex, high-performance applications.

Features and Architecture

The Zynq-7000 series includes a range of devices with varying numbers of logic cells and I/O pins, as well as different combinations of processor cores and other peripherals. The core of the device is the FPGA fabric, which can be programmed to implement custom digital logic circuits using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. The FPGA can also be configured to interface with a variety of standard and custom I/O interfaces, including high-speed serial interfaces such as USB, SATA, PCIe, and Gigabit Ethernet.

The ARM Cortex-A9 processor provides a dual-core 32-bit RISC architecture, with up to 1 GHz clock frequency and integrated memory controllers for DDR3 and DDR2 SDRAM. The processor can run a variety of operating systems, including Linux, Android, and other RTOS (Real-Time Operating Systems). The Zynq-7000 also includes a range of other peripherals, such as ADCs, DACs, PWM controllers, and timers, as well as specialized processing blocks for video and audio.

One of the most significant advantages of the Zynq-7000 is the integration of the FPGA and the ARM processor. This integration allows for a significant amount of flexibility in system design. The FPGA fabric can be used to implement custom logic functions or interfaces, while the ARM processor can be used to run software applications, communicate with other devices, or perform other tasks. The integration of the two components also provides a high degree of performance and power efficiency compared to using separate components.

Applications

Industrial Control

The Zynq-7000 SoC is well-suited for industrial automation due to its integration of a programmable logic fabric (FPGA) and a high-performance ARM Cortex-A9 processor. This dual-core architecture allows for:

• Real-time motor control and process automation via customizable FPGA interfaces

• High-speed data acquisition and custom signal processing such as filtering and noise reduction

• Flexible I/O for interfacing with sensors, actuators, and motors

The ARM Cortex-A9 processor complements the FPGA by running control software and interfacing with systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA using common protocols (Ethernet, CAN, USB). It supports languages like C/C++, Python, and Java, enabling versatile application development.

Communications and Networking

For telecom and networking applications, the Zynq-7000 offers:

• High-speed interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and PCIe for low-latency data handling

• Customizable networking protocols using the FPGA fabric (e.g., Ethernet switching, bespoke interfaces)

• Integrated Ethernet controllers for reliable and scalable network connectivity

The ARM processor allows developers to implement software for packet processing, data analysis, and network management, again supporting popular programming languages and standard communication stacks.

Automotive Systems

The Zynq-7000 excels in automotive environments, powering systems such as:

• ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Real-time image processing and machine learning on the FPGA

• Engine Control Units: Custom algorithms for efficient engine management

• Infotainment Systems: GPU-enabled graphics, support for multi-display setups, and connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB)

The processor handles high-level tasks like sensor communication, camera integration, and application-layer processing, all while maintaining real-time responsiveness.

Aerospace and Defense

Ideal for mission-critical systems, the Zynq-7000 supports:

• Avionics, radar, and electronic warfare applications

• Custom DSP functions implemented on the FPGA for filtering, modulation, and signal analysis

• Real-time decision-making and control via the ARM processor, which can manage system communication and data routing

This combination enables rugged, reliable solutions that meet the strict performance and customization demands of aerospace and defense.

Capabilities

The Zynq-7000 SoC stands out as a highly versatile and powerful platform, offering a blend of software flexibility and hardware customization ideal for embedded applications.

Multi-Operating System Support

The Zynq-7000 can run multiple operating systems concurrently, including Linux, Android, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). This makes it suitable for applications that demand both a responsive user interface and deterministic real-time performance.

Comprehensive Peripheral Interfaces

With built-in support for Ethernet, USB, CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART, the Zynq-7000 can easily connect to a broad range of external devices and sensors. These interfaces make system integration more straightforward and allow the platform to serve a wide variety of use cases.

Programmable Logic Fabric

At its core, the Zynq-7000 integrates a programmable logic fabric based on Xilinx FPGA technology. This reconfigurable hardware allows developers to create custom digital circuits, accelerators, and signal processing pipelines tailored to their application’s needs.

Custom Hardware Acceleration and DSP

The FPGA fabric can be leveraged to implement custom hardware accelerators and digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. This offloads compute-intensive tasks from the ARM processor, enabling faster and more efficient processing for demanding workloads.

Real-Time and High-Performance Processing

Thanks to its hybrid architecture, the Zynq-7000 is well-suited for both real-time processing and high-performance computing scenarios. Its flexibility allows it to meet tight timing requirements while handling complex data-intensive tasks.

Custom Interfaces and Protocol Integration

Designers can implement custom interfaces and protocols directly in the FPGA, making it possible to connect with specialized or legacy hardware not supported by standard interfaces. This adds significant adaptability to system design.

Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 Processing

Equipped with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, the Zynq-7000 delivers reliable processing power and supports a wide range of development environments. It handles software tasks efficiently and enables integration with broader system architectures.

Broad Software Development Ecosystem

The platform supports development in popular languages such as C/C++, Python, and Java, and is compatible with major operating systems. This makes application development more accessible and helps teams integrate the SoC into existing software ecosystems.

Unlocking Industrial Control Innovation

The Zynq-7000 is a robust and versatile platform that merges the flexibility of FPGA technology with the processing power of a dual-core ARM processor, making it exceptionally well-suited for industrial control applications. Its FPGA fabric enables the implementation of custom control algorithms and interfaces tailored to meet specific system requirements. Meanwhile, the ARM processor runs software that communicates with external devices and systems such as HMIs, PLCs, and SCADA networks, while also managing data processing and communication tasks.

By combining both hardware and software-based solutions, the Zynq-7000 enables the development of highly efficient, responsive, and scalable control systems. Developers can delegate real-time logic to the FPGA while leveraging the ARM cores for higher-level functions like diagnostics, logging, and user interaction, resulting in smarter and more integrated solutions than traditional software-only controllers. With its wide range of I/O interfaces and processing blocks, the Zynq-7000 can adapt to various use cases, including motor control, process automation, and complex system monitoring.

The Zynq-7000 delivers the performance, adaptability, and integration flexibility engineers need to push the boundaries of industrial control systems. Ready to design smarter, faster, and more efficient systems? Contact Microchip USA today to source the Zynq-7000 or speak with our team about integration support, component availability, and expert guidance tailored to your application.

Let Microchip USA help you turn your next control system concept into a high-performance reality!