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What's the difference between xilinx zynq ultrascale mp soc zcu104 evaluation kit​ and zynq xc7z020?

Time: 2025-05-16 11:25:23View:

Here’s a detailed comparison between the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU104 Evaluation Kit and the Zynq-7000 SoC XC7Z020, focusing on architecture, performance, use cases, and development tools.

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1. Architecture and Processing Capabilities

FeatureZynq UltraScale+ MPSoC (ZCU104)Zynq-7000 XC7Z020
SeriesUltraScale+ MPSoCZynq-7000 (legacy)
Processor CoreQuad-core ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit) + Dual-core Cortex-R5 + optional Mali-400 GPUDual-core ARM Cortex-A9 (32-bit)
FPGA FabricProgrammable logic based on UltraScale+ architectureProgrammable logic based on Artix-7 FPGA
PerformanceMuch higher (targeting advanced embedded applications, vision, AI)Moderate (entry-level embedded systems)
Memory ArchitectureSeparate DDR4 for PS and PL, high-speed interconnectsShared DDR3 for PS and PL


2. Memory and Storage

FeatureZCU104XC7Z020
On-board DDR Memory4 GB DDR4Typically 512 MB or less DDR3 (depends on board)
PL RAM ResourcesMore Block RAM and UltraRAMLimited Block RAM
External Storage SupporteMMC, microSD, SATA, USB 3.0microSD, USB 2.0
CacheLarger L1, L2 cachesSmaller L1, no L2 in PL


3. I/O and Peripherals

FeatureZCU104 Evaluation KitXC7Z020 (e.g., on ZedBoard)
Video InterfacesHDMI Input/Output, DisplayPortVGA (optional), limited video
NetworkDual Gigabit EthernetSingle 10/100/1000 Ethernet
USBUSB 3.0, micro-USB, USB-UARTUSB 2.0 only
Expansion InterfacesFMC+ (high-speed I/O), PmodPmod only
PCIe SupportGen2 x4 (MPSoC PL)Limited PCIe (optional on high-end boards)



4. Development Tools & Ecosystem

FeatureZCU104XC7Z020
Design ToolVivado Design Suite (with PetaLinux for full OS)Vivado Design Suite
Operating System SupportFull Linux (PetaLinux), RTOS, bare-metal, hypervisorsBare-metal, PetaLinux, FreeRTOS
Acceleration SupportAI Engine, Vitis AI supportNot supported
Board Support PackageZCU104 has complete BSP and reference designs for AI, vision, etc.Basic BSP, fewer reference designs

5. Use Case Focus

Use CaseZCU104XC7Z020
AI/ML AccelerationYes, Vitis AI supportedNot supported
Embedded VisionYes (HDMI, DisplayPort, GPU)Limited
Automotive, AerospaceSuitable for ADAS, safety-critical systemsSuitable for basic prototyping
Prototyping for High-end SystemsIdealBasic level only

6. Cost & Complexity

CategoryZCU104XC7Z020
Board Cost~$1,000+~$100–$300 (e.g., ZedBoard, Zybo)
Learning CurveSteep (suitable for intermediate to advanced users)Beginner-friendly
Power ConsumptionHigherLower

Summary

✅ Choose ZCU104 (Zynq UltraScale+) if:

  • You are building high-performance embedded systems, AI/ML workloads, or real-time processing.

  • You need rich peripherals, HD video, PCIe, and multi-core 64-bit processing.

  • You are working in fields like automotive, aerospace, or industrial IoT.

✅ Choose XC7Z020 (Zynq-7000) if:

  • You are learning FPGA/SoC development or doing simpler embedded control projects.

  • Your application doesn't require high-speed processing, large RAM, or AI acceleration.

  • You want a cost-effective platform with solid community support (e.g., ZedBoard, Zybo).