JTAG-Controlled Test of Gigahertz Clocks on Zynq Ultrascale+ RFSoC Devices

Testonica updated the frequency measurement instrument to support gigahertz clocks on Zynq Ultrascale+ RFSoC devices as a part of its Quick Instruments portfolio.

Zynq Utrascale+ RFSoC is the latest adaptable radio platform from Xilinx, which combines FPGA reconfigurable logic, high-performance CPU cores, and multi-gigasample RF data converters modules inside a single chip. This RFSoC platform is used for building 5G wireless stations, radar-on-a-chip solutions, satellite applications, etc.

The distinguishing feature of the device are the embedded high-performance ADC/DAC blocks that can deliver more than 6 GSPS conversion rate each. For the proper operation, an ADC/DAC block requires a high-speed differential reference clock source to be attached to the corresponded pin of the device. The frequency of the reference clock could be up to 6.4GHz. Having a good-quality clock source is crucial for ADC/DAC to function correctly.

QI Frequency Measurement instrument is now capable to check the frequencies of RF reference clock inputs on ZynqU+ RFSoCs. The whole range of frequencies is supported. Of course, we can also measure other clock sources attached to the pins of ZynqU+ RFSoC, including the reference clocks of multi-gigabit transceivers.

Quick Instruments is an Embedded Functional Test and Measurement Platform that converts a programmable device such as an FPGA into an embedded tester. The technology helps customers screening defects fast and early. Thanks to the patented embedded instrumentation technology, large in-house Test & Measurement IP library and fully automated test synthesis cloud, QI platform helped numerous businesses in over 20 countries taking care of everyday testing needs as well as challenging quality issues. Find out more on Quick Instruments