Vivado Version History: 2019.2 to Latest – What’s Changed

A practical guide to Vivado’s evolution from HLx editions through ML editions, covering major features and migration considerations.

Understanding Vivado’s Evolution: Why Version History Matters

If you’ve been working with Xilinx FPGAs for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that Vivado versions aren’t just incremental bug fixes—each major release brings significant changes to the design flow, device support, and toolchain capabilities. Understanding these changes helps you make informed decisions about when to upgrade and which features are available in your current version.

From Xilinx Vivado 2019.2—the last of the classic HLx editions—through Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 (which introduced the ML branding) to the current 2024/2025 releases under AMD ownership, the tool has undergone substantial transformation. This guide walks through each major version, highlighting what changed and why it matters for your projects.

Vivado Version Timeline: Key Releases at a Glance

Xilinx Vivado 2019.2: The Final HLx Edition

Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 marked the end of an era—it was the last release under the HLx (High-Level Productivity) branding before Xilinx restructured the product line. For many engineers, this version remains a stable reference point, especially for projects that don’t require the newest device families.

Key Features in Vivado 2019.2

• UVM 1.2 Support: The integrated simulator (XSIM) gained Universal Verification Methodology support, enabling more sophisticated testbench development
• Vitis Platform Introduction: 2019.2 coincided with the launch of the Vitis unified software platform, though Vivado HLS was still the primary HLS tool
• RFSoC Expansion: Additional Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC devices (XCZU46DR through XCZU49DR) were enabled in the 2019.2.1 update
• Lab Edition: The standalone programming and debug tool matured, providing a lightweight option for lab environments

Many teams still run Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 for production designs targeting 7-Series and UltraScale devices, particularly when project stability is paramount and newer features aren’t required.

Vivado 2020.x: The Vitis HLS Transition

The 2020 releases marked a significant architectural shift in the Xilinx toolchain. The most notable change was the replacement of Vivado HLS with Vitis HLS, which moved to a separate installation folder at the same root level as Vivado.

What Changed in 2020.1 and 2020.2

• Vitis HLS Default: High-level synthesis moved from Vivado HLS to the new Vitis HLS tool, affecting existing HLS-based workflows
• Folder Structure Changes: The Vitis_HLS folder now sits at the same root location as Vivado, requiring updates to custom setup scripts
• 32-bit Support Dropped: Starting with 2020.1, 32-bit hardware server tools were no longer supported
• Accelerator Libraries: Over 600 FPGA-accelerated functions across 13 performance-optimized libraries became available

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Xilinx Vivado 2021.1: The ML Edition Revolution

June 2021 brought a major rebranding: Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 became ‘Vivado ML Edition,’ introducing machine learning-based optimization algorithms that promised faster compile times and improved quality of results.

Major Changes in Xilinx Vivado 2021.1

• ML-Based Optimization: Machine learning algorithms for logic optimization, delay estimation, and intelligent design runs
• Edition Restructuring: The product line simplified to just two editions—ML Standard (free) and ML Enterprise (licensed)
• Versal AI Core Support: Initial support for Versal AI Core Series devices (XCVC1902, XCVC1802)
• ChipScopy Python API: A Python interface for debug and analysis, enabling custom scripted workflows
• New License Server: FlexLM upgraded to version 11.17.2.0—older license servers need updating

Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 represented a fundamental shift in how the tool approaches synthesis and implementation. The ML algorithms particularly benefit complex designs with tight timing constraints.

Vivado 2022-2024: The AMD Era

AMD’s acquisition of Xilinx completed in February 2022, and subsequent releases reflect the combined company’s direction. The installer became the ‘AMD Unified Installer,’ and branding gradually shifted.

Highlights from Recent Versions

2022.x Releases: Intelligent Design Runs (IDR) became a standout feature, automatically exploring implementation strategies to improve timing closure. Abstract Shell support expanded for DFX (Dynamic Function eXchange) workflows.

2023.x Releases: QoR improvements averaged 8% for Versal and 13% for UltraScale+ using IDR. Power Design Manager (PDM) integration provided better power estimation. Compile times improved 1.4x for UltraScale+ with incremental compile.

2024.x Releases: MicroBlaze V (based on RISC-V ISA) reached general availability. A refreshed UI with light/dark themes modernized the interface. Advanced partition-based P&R flow enables parallel implementation for faster closure on complex designs.

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Migration Considerations: Moving Between Versions

When upgrading from older versions like Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 to Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 or later, consider these factors:

• License Server Updates: 2021.1+ requires FlexLM 11.17.2.0. Older servers won’t work.
• HLS Migration: Vivado HLS projects need conversion to Vitis HLS format.
• Script Updates: Custom Tcl scripts may need modifications for new folder structures and command changes.
• IP Regeneration: IP cores often need regeneration when moving between major versions.

Useful Resources for Vivado Version Information

1. Vivado What’s New Page: AMD Official What’s New
2. Vivado Downloads Archive: All Versions Download Page
3. Release Notes (UG973): Installation and Licensing Guide
4. AMD Support Community: Adaptive Support Forums
5. Xilinx Wiki Release Pages: Version-Specific Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions About Vivado Versions

1. Should I upgrade from Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 to the latest version?

It depends on your needs. If you’re targeting 7-Series or UltraScale devices and your current flow works, there’s no urgent need to upgrade. However, if you need Versal support, want ML-based optimization benefits, or require specific IP updates, upgrading to Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 or later makes sense. Always test thoroughly before migrating production designs.

2. What’s the biggest change between 2019.2 and 2021.1?

The ML-based optimization algorithms are the most significant difference. Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 introduced machine learning techniques for logic optimization and intelligent design runs that can significantly improve timing closure on difficult designs. The edition restructuring (Standard vs Enterprise) also simplified licensing.

3. Can I install multiple Vivado versions simultaneously?

Yes. Each version installs in its own directory (e.g., Vivado/2019.2 and Vivado/2021.1). This is recommended when maintaining legacy projects while developing new designs. Just source the appropriate settings script for the version you need.

4. Why did Vivado change from HLx to ML Edition?

The ML (Machine Learning) branding reflects the integration of AI-based algorithms into the synthesis and implementation flow. These algorithms learn from design patterns to make better optimization decisions, reducing compile times and improving quality of results. The change also coincided with Xilinx’s broader AI/ML strategy.

5. Is Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 still supported?

While Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 remains available for download from the archive, AMD focuses support on recent versions. Bug fixes and new device support only come in current releases. For production designs, consider the trade-off between stability and ongoing support when choosing your version.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Vivado Version

The evolution from Xilinx Vivado 2019.2 through Xilinx Vivado 2021.1 to current releases reflects both technical advancement and strategic shifts under AMD ownership. Each major version brought meaningful improvements—UVM support, Vitis HLS integration, ML optimization, and expanded device support.

For new projects, the latest stable version generally offers the best combination of features, performance, and support. For existing production designs, carefully evaluate migration effort against potential benefits. The ability to run multiple versions simultaneously gives you flexibility to maintain legacy projects while exploring new capabilities.

Whatever version you choose, understanding what changed between releases helps you leverage available features and avoid potential pitfalls during upgrades.