How to boot Linux on a Xilinx FPGA?

Booting Linux on a Xilinx FPGA involves using a SoC-based FPGA platform like the Zynq-7000 or Versal, which integrates both programmable logic (PL) and a processor system (PS, typically ARM Cortex-A9/A53). Here's a step-by-step overview:

Booting Linux on a Xilinx FPGA (e.g., Zynq-7000)

1. Use the Right Hardware

You need a Zynq-based FPGA development board, such as:

• ZedBoard

• PYNQ-Z1/Z2

• ZCU102 (for Zynq UltraScale+)

• Ultra96

These boards contain:

• ARM processor (PS) to run Linux

• Programmable logic (PL) for custom hardware

2. Toolchain Setup

Install:

• Xilinx Vitis / Vivado (design and build hardware)

• PetaLinux (builds Linux OS for Xilinx hardware)

• Serial terminal (e.g., PuTTY, minicom)

3. Build the Hardware Design (Vivado)

Design your Zynq processing system in Vivado:

1. Open Vivado → Create Block Design

2. Add ZYNQ7 Processing System

3. Run Block Automation

4. Optionally add custom IP blocks (e.g., GPIO, AXI)

5. Generate bitstream

 Export the design:

4. Create a PetaLinux Project

Customize kernel, device tree, and rootfs:

5. Build the Linux Image

This generates:

• BOOT.BIN (bootloader + FPGA bitstream + FSBL)

• image.ub (kernel + device tree + rootfs)

• boot.scr (U-Boot script)

6. Prepare SD Card

Format an SD card with FAT32 and copy:

• BOOT.BIN

• image.ub

• Optionally: boot.scr

Insert into the Zynq board’s SD slot.

7. Connect and Boot

• Open serial terminal (115200 baud)

• Power on board

• You’ll see U-Boot, then Linux booting on the serial console

You should see a Linux prompt like:

 Optional: Use Prebuilt Linux (PYNQ)

Boards like PYNQ-Z1 can boot Linux using the official PYNQ image:

• Download .img

• Flash to SD card

• Boot into Linux with Jupyter, Python, and hardware libraries

 Summary of Required Files

 Bonus: What Happens During Boot?

1. FSBL (First Stage Boot Loader): Sets up clocks, loads bitstream

2. U-Boot: Loads and runs Linux kernel

3. Kernel: Initializes drivers, mounts rootfs

4. Linux Shell: User interface (via UART or network)