Amiga One X 1000 and Xena/Xorro

[jaokim]

No, all Xena memory is internal to the chip, and the only way in is through I/O of some sort.. JTAG is for loading code or debugging, localbus is normally for communication between AmigaOS and Xena tasks..but the I/O is so damned fast that the best way to get high bandwidth in and out is by using chip I/O.

If I don't want to have any extra hardware connected to my X1000, how can I make use of Xena?

Assume I create a simple Xena/XC program (using XTools on Mac/PC) that, for instance, flips all bits of some data. Would it be possible for me to, from AmigaOS, send the bits "000111" and then get "111000" back?

I've looked at the examples from wiki.amigaos.net, but they both require some extra hardware. What I basically want is some simple data processor that sits and wait for data to process, and then returns it. I understand that the power of Xena is when using it with custom hardware, but the step to wiring your own hardware is a bit steep for me -- and I really don't know what kind of hardware I want/need.

Oh, and while I'm at it: how do I transfer programs to Xena, and how do I start it? I kind of get that it might be a stupid question , but I really don't know where to start; it should be possible from AmigaOS, right?

[jaokim]

In my own opinion, Xenas greatest strength is the ability to stream data very quickly.

Ok. Thanks for answers (I realise you have answered many of them before).

This fast streaming, how can that be utilised by AmigaOS? Do you need some custom hardware for that?
I'm thinking something like: AmigaOS reads data from hard drive, puts the data at some place, and then Xena reads this, performs some processing and puts it back where AmigaOS can read it -- perhaps with some localbus communication (but I'm thinking that Xena should be able to do the processing in realtime, with AmigaOS only needing to wait a constant number of ticks.)
Do you need like a simple Xorro-card that connects the Xorro-port to Xena's data ports to accomplish this?

[jaokim]

Hmm. The Xorro project board seem to have PCIe x1 slot, besides the Xorro port. I'm assuming this could then be used to transfer data from AmigaOS to the Xorro board; given one has it correctly wired, and configured, and necessary drivers on AmigaOS.
Don't get me wrong here, but if one only has the localbus to communicate with Xena, it seems we might as well only have had an external Xmos startkit, with the proper drivers and tools on AmigaOS of course. I've browsed through some projects at xcore.com, and some seem rather cool. But what I'd really like to see is something that only AmigaOS and the Xorro/Xena combination could pull off, where AmigaOS has an integral role.

Might actually buy that project board, if only for a few blinking led's.

[jaokim]

Sure, if you have the knowledge to design and build a PCIe interface, then write AmigaOS drivers for it.. Should be a walk in the the park!:rofl:
Seriously though, building a PCIe interface might be dead easy, I have no idea.

Now I didn't say I would do it, did I?

Quick googling lead me nowhere besides a few pricey experiment boards, and a PCI sig membership.

So, yeah, no, this won't come from me. But the idea is free, if anyone wants to do it!