Department
Physics and Engineering
Location
Bethel University
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
2-25-2026 4:00 PM
End Date
2-25-2026 5:00 PM
Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of a MicroBlaze‑based embedded system developed using the AMD/Xilinx VIVADO Design Suite to control programmable LED patterns on an Artix‑7 FPGA development board via push‑button inputs. The MicroBlaze, a 32/64‑bit RISC Harvard‑architecture soft‑core processor, provides a flexible and configurable platform that enables integration of customized peripheral, memory, and interface components within a single FPGA. The proposed system employs two GPIO controllers—one interfacing with sixteen LEDs and the other with five push buttons—connected to the MicroBlaze processor through an AXI interconnect to support efficient on‑chip communication. LED functionality is managed through a software application developed in the Software Development Kit (SDK), demonstrating seamless hardware–software co‑design. Experimental results validate the system architecture and confirm reliable real‑time control of LED patterns. The design methodology is generalizable and can be extended to a wide range of embedded applications in industrial automation, automotive electronics, healthcare devices, consumer systems, and communication platforms.
Recommended Citation
Tang, Shensheng, "Design and Implementation of a MicroBlaze‑Based Embedded System for Programmable LED Control on an Artix‑7 FPGA" (2026). Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 14.
https://spark.bethel.edu/dayofscholarship/spring2026/spr2026/14
Included in
Design and Implementation of a MicroBlaze‑Based Embedded System for Programmable LED Control on an Artix‑7 FPGA
Bethel University
This paper presents the design and implementation of a MicroBlaze‑based embedded system developed using the AMD/Xilinx VIVADO Design Suite to control programmable LED patterns on an Artix‑7 FPGA development board via push‑button inputs. The MicroBlaze, a 32/64‑bit RISC Harvard‑architecture soft‑core processor, provides a flexible and configurable platform that enables integration of customized peripheral, memory, and interface components within a single FPGA. The proposed system employs two GPIO controllers—one interfacing with sixteen LEDs and the other with five push buttons—connected to the MicroBlaze processor through an AXI interconnect to support efficient on‑chip communication. LED functionality is managed through a software application developed in the Software Development Kit (SDK), demonstrating seamless hardware–software co‑design. Experimental results validate the system architecture and confirm reliable real‑time control of LED patterns. The design methodology is generalizable and can be extended to a wide range of embedded applications in industrial automation, automotive electronics, healthcare devices, consumer systems, and communication platforms.