The EK-K7-KC705-G or Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 by Xilinx is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) evaluation board. Described as a high-performance and versatile base platform, it offers several advantages and benefits to engineers and designers. The most significant of these is its ability to accelerate application development for different industries and markets. It is also power-efficient and capable of high-speed processing and communications.

KINETEX-7 FPGA by Xilinx
KINETEX-7 FPGA by Xilinx

Designed with a flexible framework, the Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 features advanced memory interfacing, industry-standard FMCs (FPGA Mezzanine Connectors), and pre-verified reference designs. It is ideal for higher-level systems requiring serial connectivity like PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, and DDR3.

The KC705 board has features that are similar to or common with most embedded processing systems.

Some of the industries and markets that benefit from the Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 include aerospace and defense (for radars), medical imaging, broadcasting, avionics, and wireless (baseband/radio).

What is an FPGA Evaluation Board? 

FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array, which are semiconductor devices or integrated hardware circuit that engineers and designers can program and use to create logical operations. They are configured or designed post-manufacturing, which is why it is called “field-programmable”. 

An FPGA is easy to reprogram and reconfigure so that it adheres to user-desired functionality requirements or applications. Thus, users are allowed to create their chip from scratch. It is also capable of performing more than one logical operation. 

It is possible to change the electrical functionality of an FPGA during the printed circuit board’s (PCB) assembly process. Additionally, it can perform simple logic gate (AND or OR) functions, as well as complex tasks similar to those in a central processing unit (CPU). 

Although they can be complicated, FPGAs are recommended because they are secure, flexible, and shortens the time to market. These are the reasons why they are the preferred option when it comes to prototyping purposes. 

Functions 

FPGAs have various functions, all of which are useful for many industries. In digital processing, they are used for image processing and digital filtering. In consumer electronics, FPGAs are vital components of smartphones, cameras, and other portable gadgets; as well as of digital television. FPGAs are also common in aerospace and defense, and are particularly used in waveform generation (for radars), image processing, and real-time signal processing. 

Security systems rely on FPGAs for network security and cloud security devices, while the medical and scientific fields use them for diagnostic, monitoring, and therapy equipment and applications. Data centers need them for efficient cloud storage applications and low-latency servers, among others.

An FPGA evaluation board, like Xilinx’s Kintex-7 FPGA KC705, is an important component of circuit designing. It is a reliable tool for developing powerful, high-performance, and efficient hardware-based processing solutions. 

Kintex-7 FPGA KC705 Features and Specifications

The following are the technical attributes and features of Kintex-7 FPGA KC705:

  • Full-seat ISE Design Suite Logic Edition
  • KC705 base board with the Kintex-7 XC7K325T2FFG900CES FPGA
  • Evaluation board – AMS 101
  • Northwest Logic PCI Express
  • Power supply, cables (USB and Ethernet)
  • Board design files
  • Device-locked for the XC7K325T-2FFG900CES FPGA
  • Node locked & Device-locked to the Kintex-7 XC7K325T FPGA
  • A detailed “Getting Started” guide
  • Sample designs and demonstrations for reference
  • PCIe x4 Gen2 PIO reference design
  • DDR3 memory interface reference design