Best Zynq UltraScale+ Development Boards Compared (2024)

Choosing the right Zynq UltraScale+ development board has become increasingly complex as the ecosystem has expanded. With options ranging from $159 entry-level boards to $3,000+ professional evaluation kits, engineers need a clear comparison to make informed decisions.

Having worked with most of these platforms over the past few years, I’ve assembled this comprehensive guide to help you select the Zynq UltraScale+ development board that matches your requirements—whether you’re learning Xilinx FPGA development, prototyping vision AI applications, or evaluating devices for production.

Understanding the Zynq UltraScale+ Device Lineup

Before comparing boards, understanding the MPSoC device variants helps clarify why certain boards suit specific applications.

Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC Device Comparison

The “CG” suffix indicates cost-optimized devices, “EG” denotes general-purpose, and “EV” includes the hardware video codec unit for H.264/H.265 encoding and decoding.

Budget-Friendly Zynq UltraScale+ Development Boards

For engineers entering the MPSoC ecosystem or working on cost-sensitive projects, several affordable options provide excellent value.

ZUBoard 1CG: The Entry Point at $159

The ZUBoard 1CG represents the most affordable path into Zynq UltraScale+ development. Based on the ZU1CG device, it’s designed for engineers who want to learn the architecture without significant investment.

ZUBoard 1CG Specifications

The ZUBoard 1CG excels as a learning platform because it exposes all key MPSoC concepts—processing system, programmable logic, PS-PL interfacing—at minimal cost. The SYZYGY expansion connectors provide high-speed I/O expansion for prototyping, while Click Board compatibility enables rapid sensor integration.

For engineers transitioning from Zynq-7000 or pure FPGA development, the ZUBoard 1CG provides an accessible introduction to the MPSoC architecture differences: separate APU and RPU domains, UltraScale+ PL fabric, and the enhanced interconnect.

ZUBoard 1CG Best For

Kria KV260: Vision AI Focus at $249

The Kria KV260 combines a production-ready K26 SOM with a vision-focused carrier card. At $249, it provides more resources than the ZUBoard 1CG while maintaining accessibility.

KV260 vs ZUBoard 1CG Comparison

The KV260’s pre-built accelerated applications mean you can run vision AI demos within an hour—without writing any FPGA code. This makes it ideal for AI developers without hardware expertise.

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Best Zynq UltraScale+ Development Boards Compared (2024)

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Mid-Range Zynq UltraScale+ Development Boards

For more demanding prototyping and development, mid-range boards provide additional resources and interfaces.

Ultra96-V2: Wireless Connectivity at $313

The Ultra96-V2 targets wireless IoT applications with built-in WiFi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.0—interfaces missing from most Zynq UltraScale+ development board options.

Ultra96-V2 Specifications

The 96Boards compatibility provides access to standardized expansion mezzanines, though the programmable logic capabilities are what distinguish Ultra96-V2 from other 96Boards entries.

Genesys ZU: Multimedia Focus at $999-$1,995

Digilent’s Genesys ZU targets Linux-based multimedia applications with comprehensive connectivity options.

Genesys ZU Variants

The 5EV variant’s video codec and GTH transceivers enable 4K video processing and 10G networking—capabilities essential for professional video and network applications.

PYNQ-ZU: Python-First Development at $199

The TUL PYNQ-ZU is designed specifically for the PYNQ framework, enabling Python-based FPGA development.

PYNQ-ZU Specifications

For engineers more comfortable with Python than Verilog, PYNQ-ZU provides an excellent introduction to hardware acceleration through Jupyter notebooks. The extensive expansion options support diverse prototyping requirements.

Professional Zynq UltraScale+ Evaluation Boards

AMD’s official evaluation kits provide comprehensive resources for production-ready development.

ZCU102: The Reference Platform at $2,995

The ZCU102 serves as AMD’s flagship Zynq UltraScale+ development board, providing maximum resources and interface coverage.

ZCU102 Specifications

The ZCU102’s extensive interface coverage makes it suitable for virtually any MPSoC application evaluation. The dual FMC+ sites enable connection to high-speed analog, networking, or storage expansion cards.

ZCU104: Video-Focused at $1,899

The ZCU104 targets embedded vision applications with the ZU7EV’s hardware video codec.

ZCU104 vs ZCU102 Comparison

For vision applications, the ZCU104’s video codec offloads compression from the FPGA fabric, leaving more resources for DPU acceleration.

ZCU106: Interface Evaluation at $3,570

The ZCU106 provides the most comprehensive interface coverage for system architects evaluating multiple connectivity options.

ZCU106 Key Features

The SDI and AES3 interfaces make ZCU106 particularly relevant for broadcast video applications.

Comparison Matrix: All Zynq UltraScale+ Development Boards

Quick Reference Comparison

Application-Based Selection Guide

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Development Tools and Software Support

All Zynq UltraScale+ development board options share the same development ecosystem.

Software Tools

The ZU1CG, ZU2CG, ZU3EG, and ZU5EV devices are supported by Vivado ML Standard Edition (free), while larger devices require Vivado ML Enterprise Edition.

Board Support Packages

Most boards ship with PetaLinux BSPs and Vivado board definition files, enabling rapid project creation. The ZUBoard 1CG provides additional circuit design examples for power, memory, and connectivity—valuable references for custom board development.

Essential Resources

Official Documentation

Community Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Zynq UltraScale+ development board for beginners?

The ZUBoard 1CG at $159 provides the most cost-effective entry point for learning Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC development. It includes all essential MPSoC features—dual Cortex-A53 cores, dual Cortex-R5F cores, and 81K logic cells—while supporting the same Vivado/Vitis toolchain used on larger devices. For beginners specifically interested in Python-based development, the PYNQ-ZU at $199 offers the PYNQ framework for hardware acceleration without requiring HDL expertise.

How does the ZUBoard 1CG compare to the Ultra96-V2?

The ZUBoard 1CG costs roughly half the price of the Ultra96-V2 ($159 vs $313) but uses a smaller device (ZU1CG vs ZU3EG). The Ultra96-V2 provides built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, quad-core A53 (vs dual-core), and 2 GB memory (vs 1 GB). Choose the ZUBoard 1CG for learning and cost-sensitive prototyping; choose Ultra96-V2 when wireless connectivity or additional processing resources are required.

Which Zynq UltraScale+ development board is best for AI and machine learning?

For AI/ML development, the Kria KV260 at $249 offers the best value with pre-built Vitis AI accelerated applications, 4 GB memory, and a clear path to production deployment via the K26 SOM. The ZCU104 at $1,899 provides more FPGA resources (504K vs 256K logic cells) for larger DPU configurations when maximum AI performance is required.

Do I need the hardware video codec (EV devices)?

The H.264/H.265 video codec in EV devices (ZU5EV, ZU7EV) is essential if your application involves video compression or decompression. The hardware codec handles 4K60 encode/decode without consuming FPGA resources. For applications not involving video streaming, surveillance, or video conferencing, the EG devices provide equivalent FPGA resources at lower cost.

Can I use ZUBoard 1CG for production designs?

The ZUBoard 1CG is designed as a development platform, not a production module. However, Avnet provides detailed circuit and layout examples for ZU1CG power, LPDDR4, Ethernet, and USB designs that accelerate custom board development. For production requiring a pre-built module, the Kria K26 SOM (compatible with KV260) provides commercial and industrial temperature grades with 10-year availability.

Making Your Selection

The Zynq UltraScale+ development board landscape offers options for every budget and application. For pure learning, the ZUBoard 1CG provides unbeatable value. For production-focused development, the Kria KV260 combines accessibility with a clear deployment path. For maximum flexibility and interface coverage, the ZCU102 remains the definitive evaluation platform.

Key Selection Criteria

When evaluating any Zynq UltraScale+ development board, consider these factors:

Expansion and Accessories

Don’t overlook accessory costs when budgeting:

Development Environment Setup

All boards require the same basic toolchain installation:

Plan for significant disk space and a capable development workstation—16 GB RAM minimum, 32 GB recommended for larger designs.

Practical Recommendations by Experience Level

Consider your primary objectives: learning the architecture, prototyping specific applications, or evaluating for production deployment. Match those objectives against the boards’ strengths, and you’ll identify the right platform for your development needs.