Vicilogic 2.0: Online Learning and Prototyping of Digital Systems Using PYNQ-Z1/-Z2 SoC

This paper presents viciLogic 2.0, a scalable, distributed online learning, hardware prototyping, client application and course creator platform for System on Chip (SoC)-based digital systems. User applications transparently link to a device in an array of Xilinx PYNQ-Zl or-Z2 SoC hardware in the cloud. The viciLogic prototype builder toolsuite (which integrates with the Xilinx Vivado industry-standard EDA tools) automates online (and local) SoC digital logic hardware prototyping, with integrated viciLogic user interface. The platform supports real-time user hardware input signal control and automated signal control, and probes the state of all user design internal and output signals. This enables the creation of responsive client applications and smart browser-based courses. Online course functions include guided lessons, SoC signal state monitoring for automatic course progression, knowledge checks, and user sandbox. The prototype builder uses source VHDL or Verilog projects created, simulated and synthesised in Vivado. The builder parses and modifies the HDL model to provide signal observability, integrates SoC resources (ARM, AXI interconnect, peripherals and viciLogic IP), and (using Vivado) generates the SoC hardware configuration bitstream and design metadata. The paper describes the viciLogic 2.0 server architecture, SoC prototype builder tool flow, client application creator, and online course creator. Two demonstration applications are presented, a counter course lesson step and a client application (16-bit single cycle computer, with IDE).