Saving Block RAM (BRAM) Contents with SaveData

In a normal reconfiguration process, BRAM contents are overwritten by the bitstream. This behavior is the default for Partial Reconfiguration, but can be changed through the use of the SaveData feature. SaveData mode prevents BRAM data from being overwritten during device reconfiguration.

Use the following procedure to create a SaveData bitstream:

Open the design in FPGA Editor and use the List window to sort the components by type (see the following figure).

Figure 5-13: List Window

Select and double-click on a RAMB to open it in the block viewer (see the Selected Block figure below).

Note: You can turn off “Routes” to make it easier to view the BRAMs.

Figure 5-14: Selected Block

Click on the “Begin Editing” Button (see the following figure).
Set the SaveData bit to “yes”.
Click on the “Saves Changes and Closes Window” Button.

Figure 5-15: Edit Screen

6.  Exit FPGA Editor.

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