Why processors are needed with fpga?

[milan_mian]

Hi,

I am very novice in digital design, currently I am working on Zynq. I came across processor cores like ARM, microblaze, picoblaze, etc. The question is very basic too(I believe). I don't know why processors(soft or hard) are used with fpga. Could some body explain the advantages, increase in performance, ease, etc with addition of processor core? This question puzzled me as how the sequential machine like CPU helps to increase performance of parallel machine/hardware as in fpga fabric.Though, the question is basic, please somebody answer with some examples and or some good resources for further explanation.

I would be very grateful for the answer.

[yenigal · Accepted solution]

Hi

Check below links

http://www.xilinx.com/training/zynq/why-zynq.htm

http://forums.xilinx.com/t5/PicoBlaze/About-benefits-of-soft-processors/td-p/196318

Refer the documents in the right side of below link

http://www.xilinx.com/tools/microblaze.htm

[umamahe]

The below are some advantages of built in processor solutions

--The Zynq™-7000 family of devices combines the software programmability of a Processor with the hardware programmability of an FPGA,resulting in unrivaled levels of system performance, flexibility, scalability while providing system benefits in terms of power reduction, lower cost with fast time to market.

-- Unlike traditional SOC processing solutions, the flexible programmable logic of the Zynq-7000 devices enables optimization and differentiation, allowing designers to add peripherals and accelerators to adapt to a broad base of applications.

--The Processor (ARM) and programmable hardware (FPGA) combined in one chip. So the board space will be saved because of reducing chip counts, reducing external buses  & signals

--The Processor (ARM) to programmable hardware (FPGA) interface signals are in on chip. So Signal Integrity (SI) problems reduces. Also Power saving willl be there.

--Users can develop Software Applications with an Extensible Virtual Platform. The  benefits of this discussed  in the following link document http://www.xilinx.com/products/zynq-7000/extensible-virtual-platform.htm