AMD HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G

Overview

HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G is the Xilinx ML405 Evaluation Platform - a fully assembled, production-grade hardware development board built around the Virtex-4 FX20 FPGA (XC4VFX20-FF672-10). It integrates DDR SDRAM, tri-speed Ethernet PHY, USB 2.0 host/peripheral controller, VGA output with 330-MHz DAC, AC97 audio codec, PS/2 ports, and dual SMA differential clock I/O for high-speed signal validation and FPGA prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this platform serves as a reference design vehicle for PowerPC 405 soft-core integration, high-speed serial interface evaluation (SATA, RocketIO MGT), DDR memory controller development, and embedded system bring-up using Xilinx EDK and SDK toolchains.

Technical Context

The HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G implements a complete Virtex-4-based system-on-board with on-board configuration sources including JTAG, System ACE CompactFlash, Platform Flash (XCF32P), and linear flash + CPLD boot path. Its FPGA is pre-configured to support MicroBlaze and PowerPC 405 reference designs, enabling immediate software-hardware co-development.

Hardware resources include 128 MB DDR SDRAM (32-bit, 400-MHz data rate), 9 Mb ZBT SRAM, 8 MB Intel StrataFlash, stereo AC97 audio with line-in/mic/headphone jacks, RS-232 UART, and 16×2 LCD with contrast/brightness control - all directly interfaced to the XC4VFX20 via dedicated I/O banks with configurable VCCIO (2.5V/3.3V).

Key Specifications

Availability

HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA prototyping, embedded processor development, high-speed serial interface validation, and academic/research lab deployment requiring stable component supply and long-term hardware reference continuity.

Supply support for HW-V4-ML405-UNI-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 pioneer in programmable logic and adaptive computing solutions, delivering FPGAs, SoCs, and ACAPs for aerospace, automotive, data center, and communications applications.

The ML405 platform belongs to Xilinx's Virtex-4 evaluation board family, designed specifically to accelerate adoption of the Virtex-4 FX series - emphasizing embedded PowerPC 405 integration, high-speed serial I/O (RocketIO, SATA, SFP), and DDR memory subsystem validation.

FAQ

What is the primary FPGA on the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G evaluation platform?

The HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G features the Xilinx XC4VFX20-FF672-10 FPGA - a Virtex-4 FX20 device with 20,000 logic cells, integrated PowerPC 405 RISC processor core, two RocketIO multi-gigabit transceivers, and support for DDR, SRAM, and flash-based memory interfaces. This FPGA is soldered and fully functional on the board.

Does the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G support both JTAG and non-JTAG configuration methods?

Yes, the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G supports multiple configuration modes: JTAG (via Parallel Cable IV or Platform USB), Master Serial (using XCF32P Platform Flash), Slave Serial, Master SelectMAP, and Slave SelectMAP (via linear flash + XC95144XL CPLD). System ACE CompactFlash is also supported for bitstream and software loading.

Can the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G be used for high-speed serial interface development?

Yes, the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G provides direct hardware access to Virtex-4 RocketIO transceivers via SMA connectors (for differential clocking), an SFP cage, and two SATA host connectors. It also includes LVDS-capable expansion headers (J5) and MGT clocking circuitry optimized for 75/150/250 MHz operation - enabling SATA, SGMII, and custom serial protocol validation.

What memory interfaces are available on the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G?

The HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G includes a 32-bit DDR SDRAM interface (128 MB, up to 400-MHz data rate), a 32-bit ZBT SRAM interface (9 Mb with parity), 8 MB linear flash (Intel StrataFlash-compatible), and 4 Kb I²C EEPROM. All are directly connected to the XC4VFX20 and accessible via standard Xilinx MIG and EDK IP cores.

Is the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G compatible with Xilinx EDK and SDK toolchains?

Yes, the HW-V4-ML405-UNI-G is fully supported by Xilinx Embedded Development Kit (EDK) 9.x and Software Development Kit (SDK) for PowerPC 405 and MicroBlaze soft processors. Reference designs, BSPs, and hardware definition files (MHS/PAO) are provided in UG210 and the Xilinx ML405 resource portal.