Flashing kasli

Manex

Hi, I recently got two new Kasli modules from Technosystem, with a lot of other modules to use with. But when looking the UART log of this Kaslis I notice they are configured as Satellite devices (INFO(satman): ARTIQ satellite manager starting...).

This made me think that a reflashing of the devices is needed. But I couldn't find information to how to flash a standard kasli, so I ask you a few questions.

Firstly, I want to make sure flashing is the only options. If it is inevitable, I will do it, but I don't like it much.
Also, if flash is needed, how do I obtain the binaries? Is there a command to do so? Do I need the device_db or system description json to create the binaries?
Once I have the binaries, how to I install them in kasli? From UART port or from SFP port? Do I need to use artiq_flash for this?
-If device_db is needed for the binaries, each time we install a new module a new flashing is required?

Thanks for all and sorry for my inexperience.

dpn

I'm not a representative of either of the companies you may have bought the hardware from, so their support may be able to assist, but in short:

Yes, reflashing the firmware/gateware is the only option to choose the DRTIO role (master/satellite) as well as to configure the Kasli for the connected hardware devices.

The system description JSON is what's relevant to build the firmware/gateware; the device_db is strictly for later runtime use of the host-side programs connecting to the Kasli. You can generate it quite easily if you have a Linux box with Vivado set up; see the ARTIQ documentation.

You can easily flash the new binaries using artiq_flash and the UART connection. Newer ARTIQ revisions do support flashing via artiq_coremgmt (and as such, across Ethernet connections and down a DRTIO tree over SFP), but this doesn't help you if you don't have a DRTIO master in the system.

-If device_db is needed for the binaries, each time we install a new module a new flashing is required?

As mentioned, the device_db doesn't influence the firmware/gateware (the connection is the other way round: it needs to match the settings they were built with), but yes, you'll need to rebuild/-flash the gateware every time you modify the EEM modules used.

Guest

Thank you very much, all clear.