Export a Fixed Post-Synthesis Hardware Platform
Once the project has been built, the design must be exported from Vivado so that Vitis has access to information about the hardware that a software application is being developed for. This includes the set of IP connected to the processor, their drivers, their addresses, and more. Exporting hardware after the bitstream has been generated allows you to program your board directly from within Vitis.
To export the hardware design, click Export → Export Hardware in the File menu.
The wizard that pops up guides you through the options available for hardware export. The first screen allows you to select a Fixed or Expandable platform. In this case, choose a Fixed platform and click Next to continue.
This screen is not present in Vivado 2022.1, proceed to the next
The Output screen allows you to select whether only the hardware specification (Pre-synthesis) should be exported, or whether the bitstream should be included. Since the bitstream has already been generated, it should be included in the platform so that Vitis can automatically figure out where it is when programming a board. Select Include bitstream and click Next to continue.
The Files screen gives you the option to choose a name for the Xilinx Shell Architecture (XSA) file, and provide a path to a folder that the file will be placed within. Give your XSA file a name, and choose a memorable location to place it in. This file will later be imported into Vitis, so take a note of where it is placed and what it is called.
Important: Do not use spaces in the file name or export path. Underscores or camelCase are recommended instead.
Click Next to continue.
The final screen of the wizard summarizes the options you selected. Click Finish.
