Hardware Development Kit (HDK)

Have a look inside

The Hardware Development Kit (HDK) development tool gives users access to unallocated Xilinx, Inc. FPGA resources on Abaco boards. The HDK uses specific features in the new Xilinx Vivado ML Editions tool suite which allow users to implement custom intellectual property (IP) while maintaining the overall integrity of the Abaco IP.

Using a familiar environment in a new way

Building on the capability of the Xilinx Dynamic Function eXchange (DFX) feature, Abaco develops a static design comprised of their proprietary IP, while making room in the FPGA for a dynamically programmable region, for their user’s custom designs. During the development process, Abstract Shells are used to only compile the dynamic region, thus accelerating compile times and protecting Abaco’s IP. At runtime, DFX is used to swap designs in and out of the dynamic region.  The HDK includes a static partition bitstream, Vivado ML reprogrammable partition example design, and build scripts for implementing the abstraction layer interfaces. 

Versatile by design

Use cases for HDK include enhanced security, digital signal processing and other custom algorithms. Developing these unallocated resources could reduce or eliminate additional hardware, further simplifying designs and optimizing size, weight and power (SWaP).