A Novel Code Update Method for FPGA Based on PCIe Slots

The code update of the FPGA board in real-time simulator on the market mostly utilizes JTAG cables. Due to the large size of binary files and slow download speed, updating codes on multiple boards take a lot of time with frequent insertion and removal of JTAG connector, which is not conducive to later maintenance. This article proposes a method for updating FPGA codes based on PCIe slots, which can achieve a parallel process of code update in multiple FPGA boards through the PCIe interface of the real-time HIL simulator, without the need of redundant devices. Firstly, the paper establishes the receiving and flashing mechanism of the binary update file based on XDMA IP core. Secondly, accomplishes the function of scanning PCIe devices and controlling the code update process separately based on Qt software. Finally, the experiment captures the waveform and verifies the correctness of the method by comparing the downloaded file with the read back file. The method proposed in this article improves the download speed of the update file, reduces the difficulty of operation, and does not require additional chips, thereby saving development costs.