Step 1: Install Xilinx Vivado

Go to:

https://www.xilinx.com/support/download/index.html/content/xilinx/en/downloadNav/vivado-design-tools/archive.html

Select 2020.2,

Xilinx Unified Installer: Windows/Linux Self Extracting Web Installer

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Step 2: Create Xilinx Account

If you don’t have an account already, sign up one for free.

You can use your SUTD email account.

Once done, click Download.

Step 3: Open Installer

IGNORE the prompt to download latest version.

Simply click “continue”

Sign in at the Installer

You’ll be prompted to sign in again when opening the installer.

Login using your email address + password you created earlier in Step 2.

Select Click Vivado

Select Vivado and click next,

Then choose the WebPack Standard (this is the free one)

Select Vivado HL WebPACK

Install only the following software

• Vivado Design Suite
• DocNav
• Artix-7 (very important)
• Install Cable Drivers

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Space needed: 49.64GB

Agree to T&Cs

Tick everything

Choose your install directory

Check the overview and install

It will take about 60-120 minutes depending on your internet speed and your hardware.

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It requires in total of almost 50GB of free space.

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Sign in again if prompted

If your installer is stuck at a loop, it may be because of this issue: https://support.xilinx.com/s/article/68849?language=en_US

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Otherwise, installation should begin. Have some coffee while waiting for the installation to complete.

Step 4: Download and Install Java Development Kit

Java JDK installer: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/downloads/#jdk17-windows

(this is to run and develop Java) Afterwards, simply install it

Step 5: Download and Install Alchitry Lab IDE

Alchitry Lab IDE: https://alchitry.com/alchitry-labs

Windows Defender may try to block it. Please allow it to be opened. Afterwards, install alchitry lab.

Step 6: Open Alchitry Lab

Open Alchitry lab and you may update it the first time you opened it.

Create a new Project with IO element demo when prompted

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Select Board as Alchitry Au, and language as Lucid

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Set Vivado Location in Alchitry Lab

Step 7: Build a sample project

Click the build (hammer) button to build project. This is to BUILD the project using Vivado. Wait for a few minutes.

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Test Flash to Alchitry Au

After successful build, there will be a green message: Finished building.

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Connect your Alchitry Au via USB.

Then, click the solid arrow button to flash to the FPGA.

Test Flash to Alchitry Au

You should see your FPGA’s 7 segment get incremented. Try flicking the IO dip up (its small, so use a small pin gently) and see the IO_led light up.