Downloads

This page has links to downloadable components related to the VL2 project, including the vlab and vlabif Python modules, vlabifhw and the debugging component, and the mini Linux distribution for the FX12 mini module. All of these components are free software (using the FSF definition of that term). VL2 does have some non-free components which are not distributed.

vlab module

The vlab module implements a client for VL2 services. It is written in Python. It has at least two additional dependencies:

  • Twisted Python version 8.1 or higher, with the Conch package. This is needed because the vlab module uses the Twisted framework for asynchronous programming. Conch is used to make SSH connections.
  • The Conch package requires the pycrypto module.
  • On Windows, there is an additional (hidden) dependence on the Python Win32 Extensions module. Some of the required features do not work without this.

You can download the vlab module here:

  • vlab-0.3.tar.gz
    Python distutils installer; requires installation as root/administrator. This component is released under the GPLv2 licence.
  • vlab.zip
    Standalone version; no installation required. This component is released under the GPLv2 licence.

FX12 mini Linux distribution

The FX12 FPGA mini module is used in VL2 as a board server. The FX12 FPGA runs PPC Linux which boots from Flash memory. All of the software is free, with the exception of the VL2 board server program which runs entirely in user space. (This is not included in any of the downloads.)

The software and hardware designs are not specific to VL2. They can be used for any Linux project on the Avnet FX12 mini module (Avnet's site) but they may also work on other types of FPGA, particularly those with the Xilinx tri-mode Ethernet MAC. Here is the source code:

  • fx12-linux-hardware.zip - FX12 Mini Module Hardware Project for Xilinx EDK version 10.1 service pack 3. See the hardware documentation for more information.
  • ihex_boot.c - PowerPC boot loader (boots from Flash or Intel Hex records received via serial connection). This is GPLv2 licensed.
  • fx12-linux-software.zip - Linux kernel, buildroot and build scripts to match the hardware project. This component is (mostly) released under the GPLv2 licence. (Some of the buildroot components have other free software licences, e.g. zlib.) The upstream Linux kernel was taken from http://git.xilinx.com/, a good source for Linux kernels with Xilinx drivers. See the software documentation for more information.

Some binaries are also available for testing purposes (the usual GPL warnings about "no warranty" apply here):

  • fx12.bit.zip - Demonstration bit file.
  • zImage.hex.zip - compiled kernel and root file system in Intel Hex record form. Use a serial terminal to send this file in ASCII mode to the serial port after the boot loader (in ROM) has executed.

vlabif/vlabifhw

The vlabifhw device provides a way to multiplex many connections to a hardware device within an FPGA, and includes a debugging device for resolving problems. These components are controlled by drivers in the vlabif module. All of these components are independent of VL2; a local serial port can be used in addition to a VL2 connection.

  • vlabif.zip - contains vlabif, vlabifhw, and the debugging device.
    Standalone version - no installation required. This component is released under the GPLv3 licence.
  • vlab-0.3.tar.gz
    Python distutils installer; requires installation as root/administrator.