This page is deprecated and only applies to old versions of tools. For the updated page, please see the CF Card Config "how to" guide

Formatting and Loading Systems on to a Compact Flash

Formatting the card

For CF-reconfiguration of the FPGA, the card MUST be formatted with FAT16 (though both FAT16 and FAT12 will work for using the CF as a filesystem with WARP). Windows machines that are of post Win2k can’t do this, which is why mkdosfs must be used. The following is the required procedure for formatting the flash:

1. Install mkdosfs to a directory that’s easy to navigate
2. Open DOS (start -> run.... -> “cmd”)
3. Navigate to the mkdosfs install directory (EG: cd c:\mkdosfs\)
4. Insert the flash card into the reader – and check it’s designated drive letter (see: My Computer)
5. Run the command: mkdosfs -v –F 16 X:
6. Replace X with drive letter of the CompactFlash card

Loading systems onto the card

This section assumes that you have successfully generated one or more systems in XPS. A completed bit-stream is required to load on the card.

1. Open the application iMPACT (under start -> Xilinx ISE -> accessories)
2. The “New” Wizard should open at program startup
3. Select “Create a New Project (.ipf)”
4. Select “Prepare a System ACE file”
5. Select “Expert Mode”
6. For “Size,” select “Generic” from the drop-down
7. For “Reserve Space,” keep at zero
8. Choose the name for the project and where it is to be located on your HD
9. Each SystemACE project can hold up to 8 separate systems
10. Check each box for each system you plan on loading onto the card
11. Provide short names for these systems
12. Finish the Wizard
13. A Pop up will appear explaining you are about to load a system file onto the first system slot (configuration address)
14. Browse to one of your XPS project folders -> Implementation folder and select the project’s download.bit file
15. Another pop-up will appear asking if you would like to apply another system file to the same configuration address. Select “no”
16. The same process will occur again but for the next configuration address. Find and add a download.bit from a different project
17. Again select “no” when the prompt appears for another bit file for the same config. Address.
18. Right click anywhere in the iMPACT project’s main-view window and select “Generate File…”
19. Ensure that the active collection is the one you have just built
20. iMPACT will render the System ACE file
21. Right-click again anywhere in the iMPACT project’s main-view window and select “Copy to Compact Flash…” Ensure that your freshly formatted flash card is attached to the computer and can be read
22. Select the project and click the “Add to CF=>” button
23. Select Copy then Verify
24. The flash card should now be ready to go for WARP
25. EJECT the disk in windows/USB remove devices first. Simply pulling out the flash card may result in a corrupt disk, which may then not work with WARP.

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