Configure boot from QSPI, no DDR memory, no OS

[Cal-linux]

I'm designing a custom board with the Zynq XC7Z014S-CLG400.  In the first iteration, I'm not including any external DDR memory  (we may not need it at all).

I'm looking at a ZedBoard boot guide document, albeit a somewhat dated document from 2012  (https://forums.xilinx.com/xlnx/attachments/xlnx/ELINUX/8461/1/ZedBoard_boot_guide_IDS14_1_v1_1.pdf?_ga=2.138205241.825991591.1592256165-1149471542.1579973347).  They talk about copying the boot image from the SD card into DDR memory, and then from memory to the QSPI flash.

Is that a requirement for this to work?   Can you confirm whether it is possible to set up a custom board to boot from QSPI (in baremetal/OS-less mode) if the board does not have DDR external memory or an SD card?

Thanks,
Cal-linux

[savula · Accepted solution]

Hi @Cal-linux ,

Yes, It is possible. we have XIP (execute in place) method to boot from QSPI flash when there is no DDR memory.  we have Wiki page which demonstrating the XIP, Please refer the following:  https://xilinx-wiki.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/A/pages/18842377/Zynq-7000+AP+SoC+Boot+-+Booting+and+Running+Without+External+Memory+Tech+Tip

also:

https://wiki.trenz-electronic.de/display/PD/DDR+less+ZYNQ+Design

Best Regards,
Srikanth
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[Cal-linux]

The wiki page says nothing about encryption (encrypting the contents of the QSPI).  But as I understand, with this XIP mode, the QSPI has to contain the direct / plaintext version of the program, so no possibility of encrypting the image?