You may have heard the term Versal ACAP. Now, there’s Versal Adaptive SoC. What are they? What’s the difference? Let us explain.
What is the Versal ACAP?
In 2018, AMD Xilinx introduced the first adaptive compute acceleration platform, commonly known as an ACAP. The ACAP provides the robust functionality of an FPGA with adaptable programming for any application. According to AMD Xilinx, “ The Versal ACAP [is] a fully software-programmable, heterogeneous compute platform that combines Scalar Engines, Adaptable Engines, and Intelligent Engines to achieve dramatic performance improvements of up to 20X over today’s fastest FPGA implementations and over 100X over today’s fastest CPU implementations—for Data Center, wired network, 5G wireless, and automotive driver assist applications.” Essentially, it’s a comprehensive system-on-chip (SoC) that is fully software programmable and significantly faster than current FPGA implementations.
Features of the Versal ACAP include:
- Dual Arm Cortex-A72
- Dual Arm Cortex-R5F
- 7nm Programmable Logic
- DSP and AI Engines
- Programmable Network on Chip
Read more about the Versal ACAP on our blog here or from AMD Xilinx here.
What is the Versal Adaptive SoC (ASoC)?
The Versal Adaptive SoC (ASoC) is the new name for the Versal ACAP. AMD Xilinx has rebranded the devices under this moniker. More information will be coming soon from AMD Xilinx about the name change and the reasoning behind it. While we could speculate as to the reasons, we’ll leave it for AMD Xilinx to explain.
Other AMD Xilinx devices are included in the adaptive SoCs category, including the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC.
What is the difference between the Versal ACAP and the Versal Adaptive SoC?
Absolutely nothing. They are the same, except for the updated name. For now, the Versal Adaptive SoC includes all the same robust features that it did under the previous name.
To check out more on the AMD Xilinx Versal Adaptive SoC, go here: https://www.xilinx.com/products/silicon-devices/soc.html
Will Vitis and Vivado be used for the Versal Adaptive SoC?
Yes, AMD Xilinx Vitis and Vivado will both continue to be used for designing on ACAPs, now known as Adaptive SoCs (ASoC).
Common Questions:
What does Adaptive SoC stand for?
Adaptive system-on-chip.
Who makes Versal Adaptive SoCs?
They are made by AMD Xilinx.
Can I use AMD Xilinx Vivado to design on the Versal Adaptive SoC?
Yes.
Can I take classes on the Versal Adaptive SoC?
Yes. BLT offers several classes. For now, please search under ACAP classes.