Getting started

This page explains how to get started with the PYNQ, in general. There may well be a course-specific page (see the menu on the left) that has different instructions, e.g. 5EWC0. Make sure that you only follow the instructions below if there are no specific instructions for your course.

To use the PYNQ, you need to have the right hardware and software.

⚠️ Warning

Please follow the steps carefully. If something goes wrong, it may take a lot of time to identify and fix the problem!

Prerequisites

1. Your laptop with an active internet connection.
2. A PYNQ-Z2 board.

3. An SD card of at least 8 GB.

   ℹ️ Information

   If you buy your own SD card, then make sure that it is a high-reliability SD card because it is heavily used by the board. Cheap SD cards quickly become corrupt and fail.

4. A USB-A to micro-USB cable to connect to the PYNQ.

   If your laptop has no USB-A connector then either use an adaptor (USB-A to USB-C) or use a micro-USB to USB-C cable. Ensure that the cable is compatible with your operating system.

5. An Ethernet cable to connect to the PYNQ.

   If your laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port, then you also need an Ethernet to USB-A/C cable. Ensure that the cable is compatible with your operating system.

6. Optional: A plugin module with a display as shown below:
   
   Whether you need this plugin module or not depends on the course you're using the PYNQ board for.

Set up the PYNQ

These steps need to be done only once per course.

1. If not given a pre-flashed SD card, download the PYNQ image and flash the SD card.
2. Before booting (i.e. starting) the PYNQ, configure the PYNQ board.

Use your PYNQ

Every time you wish to use your PYNQ board after setting it up, you'll need to:

1. Connect the PYNQ board to your laptop.
2. Write and run your own application.
3. Shut down and disconnect the PYNQ.