Mastering Xilinx DMA IP cores

AXI DMA, Scatter-Gather DMA, CDMA and VDMA on Embedded Linux

Learn how to build complete DMA-based data-transfer solutions for Zynq-7000 and Zynq UltraScale+ platforms.

This hands-on workshop covers the complete workflow — from Linux deployment and DMA memory management to low-level C drivers and Python integration — using four major Xilinx DMA IP cores: AXI DMA, Scatter-Gather AXI DMA, CDMA and VDMA.

What You'll Learn

DMA Architecture

Understand how AXI DMA, Scatter-Gather DMA, CDMA and VDMA move data between DDR memory, AXI4-Stream interfaces and programmable logic.

Embedded Linux Integration

Build and deploy Linux for Zynq-7000 and Zynq UltraScale+ using Buildroot, Vivado and Vitis, including boot components and device-tree configuration.

DMA Memory Management

Work with both reserved memory and dynamic CMA allocation with u-dma-buf, and map DMA buffers into Linux user space.

C Drivers to Python

Implement register-level DMA control in C and expose the drivers to Python applications using SWIG.

Course Structure

  • Explore the complete workshop repository, build scripts, Linux configuration, Vivado projects, drivers and test applications.

  • Build the Linux environment with Buildroot, generate boot components and configure memory for reliable DMA operation on Zynq platforms.

  • Implement memory-to-stream and stream-to-memory transfers using both Simple Mode and Scatter-Gather Mode, including descriptor chains and multi-buffer transfers.

  • Use Central DMA for memory-to-memory transfers and Video DMA for frame-oriented, two-dimensional streaming applications.

  • Wrap the C DMA drivers with SWIG and control DMA transfers directly from Python applications.

Platforms and Tools

Hardware: Any board with Zynq-7000 or Zynq UltraScale+
Development: Vivado · Vitis · Buildroot
Software: Embedded Linux · C · Python · SWIG
DMA IP: AXI DMA · AXI DMA Scatter-Gather · CDMA · VDMA

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