SPIDER Automation Digilent Cora Z7 Zynq-7000 ARM/FPGA SoC Development Board | 512MB DDR3 & Ethernet
Description
SPIDER Automation Digilent Cora Z7 is a remarkably cost-optimized development board that harnesses the power and flexibility of Xilinx’s Zynq-7000 SoC family. By combining an ARM Cortex-A9 processor with traditional FPGA hardware programmability on a single chip, the Cora Z7 delivers exceptional performance-per-dollar for advanced embedded engineering, custom industrial controllers, and real-time processing systems.
Despite its small form factor and convenient mounting holes, the Cora Z7 packs a robust hardware feature set, including 512MB of high-speed DDR3 RAM, 1Gbps Ethernet data streaming, an onboard analog-to-digital converter (XADC), and standard Arduino shield connectors alongside Pmod expansion ports. It can be easily programmed and booted via JTAG or microSD card, making it an ideal, self-contained platform for developers transitioning into Zynq-based design ecosystems using Vivado and Vitis toolchains.
Key Features
- Zynq-7000 SoC Core: Features a single-core 667 MHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor tightly coupled with high-performance Xilinx programmable logic fabric.
- High-Speed System Memory: Integrated 512MB DDR3 RAM supporting heavy operating systems and complex application software.
- Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity: Onboard 1Gbps Ethernet physical layer transceiver for high-speed network communication and IoT experiments.
- Standardized Expansion Shields: Equipped with Arduino shield connectors and multi-pin Pmod ports for effortless sensor and module integration.
- Analog Signal Acquisition: Built-in analog-to-digital converter (XADC) channels for monitoring external analog voltages and sensors.
- Flexible Storage & Boot Options: Onboard microSD card slot supporting direct system booting, data logging, and PetaLinux image deployment.
- Compact Form Factor: Small footprint designed with integrated mounting holes for secure enclosure installation.
Benefits
- Seamless Hardware-Software Co-Design: Execute custom software routines on the ARM core while accelerating intensive mathematical tasks directly on the FPGA fabric.
- Industry-Standard Ecosystem: Fully supported by Xilinx Vivado Design Suite (WebPACK edition) and the Vitis Unified Software Platform.
- Rapid Prototyping Layout: Arduino and Pmod header compatibility allows you to plug in hundreds of off-the-shelf breakout boards instantly.
Applications
- Embedded Linux Systems: Running customized lightweight PetaLinux distributions for smart gateway and edge-computing applications.
- Industrial Automation Controllers: Building high-speed custom communication protocols, motor control units, and real-time data acquisition nodes.
- Digital Signal Processing: Implementing high-bandwidth hardware filters and video pipelines managed by an operating system host.
- Advanced Engineering Education: Comprehensive platform for university courses teaching mixed hardware-software SoC architecture.
Package Includes
- 1 x Digilent Cora Z7 Zynq-7000 ARM/FPGA SoC Development Board
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation / Digilent Cora Series |
| Item Type | ARM/FPGA SoC Development Board |
| Model Order Code / SKU | Cora Z7 / SKU-SPIDER-CORA-Z7-07S |
| SoC Architecture | Xilinx Zynq-7000 SoC (XC7Z007S / Single-Core Variant) |
| Processing System (PS) | 667 MHz Single-Core ARM Cortex-A9 Processor |
| System RAM Memory | 512 MB DDR3 RAM |
| Wired Network Interface | 1Gbps Ethernet Port |
| Expansion Connectors | Arduino Shield Headers & Pmod Ports |
| External Storage & Boot | microSD Card Slot (Yes) |
| Programming & Debug | JTAG & microSD Card Configuration Support |
| Software Toolchains | Xilinx Vivado Design Suite (WebPACK), Vitis, & PetaLinux Tools |
| Package Shipping Weight | 0.065 kg (65 g) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 12 cm × 7 cm × 3 cm |
