AMD EK-U1-ZCU104-G

Overview

Ek-U1-ZCU104-G is the official Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Evaluation Kit, designed for rapid prototyping and development of heterogeneous embedded vision, AI inference, and reconfigurable system-on-chip applications. It integrates the XCZU7EV-FFVC1156 FPGA/ARM SoC, 4GB DDR4 SODIMM memory, dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, HDMI I/O, and pre-validated SDSoC™ toolchain support with OpenCV and live sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the EK-U1-ZCU104-G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, self-test procedures, power configuration requirements, SDSoC license redemption steps, and hardware validation workflows for reVISION-based embedded vision deployment.

Technical Context

The EK-U1-ZCU104-G implements a full Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platform with quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 (application processor), dual-core Cortex-R5F (real-time processor), Mali-400 GPU, and programmable logic fabric based on UltraScale+ architecture. It supports boot from QSPI flash (32-bit mode), JTAG debugging via USB-JTAG interface, and PCIe Gen2 x4 root port operation.

Hardware validation includes built-in self-test (BIST) covering clock integrity, PL-DDR4 memory, EEPROM, I²C peripherals, DIP switch inputs (SW13), pushbutton inputs (SW14–SW18), and PL GPIO LED outputs. Power sequencing is managed by integrated PMICs with monitored Power Good signals and VADJ control disabled by default.

Key Specifications

Availability

EK-U1-ZCU104-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded vision evaluation, AI accelerator prototyping, and reconfigurable H.264/H.265 video processing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term design support, and validated toolchain integration.

Supply support for EK-U1-ZCU104-G includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Xilinx (now part of AMD) is a semiconductor company specializing in adaptive computing platforms, including FPGAs, MPSoCs, and ACAPs for high-performance, low-latency, and power-efficient system design.

The ZCU104 Evaluation Kit belongs to Xilinx's reVISION™ platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate embedded vision and machine learning inference using tightly coupled ARM processors and programmable logic-enabling real-time sensor fusion, OpenCV acceleration, and hardware-software co-design.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EK-U1-ZCU104-G evaluation kit?

The EK-U1-ZCU104-G evaluation kit enables rapid development and validation of Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC-based systems, especially for embedded vision and AI applications. It provides pre-integrated hardware-including the XCZU7EV device, DDR4 memory, HDMI, Ethernet, and USB 3.0-and out-of-box SDSoC™ toolflow with OpenCV libraries and live sensor support. Engineers use the EK-U1-ZCU104-G to prototype, benchmark, and deploy reVISION-based designs without custom board development.

Does the EK-U1-ZCU104-G support H.264/H.265 video encoding and decoding?

Yes, the EK-U1-ZCU104-G supports H.264/H.265 video processing via the integrated Video Codec Unit (VCU) inside the XCZU7EV device. The VCU is accessible through LogiCORE IP (PG252) and validated reference designs included with the kit. Real-time 4K@30fps decode and encode are achievable when combined with the HDMI TX/RX interfaces and DDR4 bandwidth-making the EK-U1-ZCU104-G suitable for video analytics and streaming applications.

How do I run the built-in self-test (BIST) on the EK-U1-ZCU104-G?

To run the BIST on the EK-U1-ZCU104-G, set SW6 to QSPI32 mode (DIP switches 1–4 = ON/OFF/ON/ON), apply 12V power via J52, and verify green Power Good LEDs and DONE LED illumination. The BIST starts automatically after configuration. Tests include Clock, BRAM, PL-DDR4, EEPROM, I²C, DIP switch (SW13), and pushbutton (SW14–SW18) validation-with status indicated by PL GPIO LEDs. No host PC is required for basic BIST execution.

Is an SDSoC license included with the EK-U1-ZCU104-G, and how is it redeemed?

Yes, the EK-U1-ZCU104-G includes a node-locked, device-locked SDSoC development environment license voucher for the XCZU7EV device. To redeem it, visit www.xilinx.com/getlicense, enter the printed voucher code from the Quick Start Guide, and associate it with your Xilinx account. The license is valid for one year from purchase and generates an email-delivered license file. This enables full SDSoC compilation, profiling, and hardware/software co-simulation for the EK-U1-ZCU104-G platform.

What debug and programming interfaces does the EK-U1-ZCU104-G provide?

The EK-U1-ZCU104-G provides multiple debug and programming interfaces: Xilinx USB-JTAG (Virtual Cable) for PL and PS configuration, a standard 2×10-pin JTAG header for external debuggers, SWD for Cortex-R5F cores, and a UART-to-USB bridge for serial console access. These interfaces allow full visibility into both programmable logic and ARM subsystems during development-essential for firmware bring-up, kernel debugging, and hardware verification on the EK-U1-ZCU104-G.