Block RAM- Controller vs Stand Alone

[dgottesm]

Hi

I am using Vivado 2016.4 and I am am trying to use the Block RAM IP.

There are two options in choosing the mode: BRAM controller and Stand Alone.

What is the technical difference between these two? I want to be able to choose the memory width, so should I choose stand alone? Is there any downside?

[BogdanVanca]

Hello @dgottesm,

If you select the BRAM controller all the parameters except the ‘memory type” are greyed out as they are generated from the master (you can find more information in here: https://www.xilinx.com/support/documentation/ip_documentation/blk_mem_gen/v8_4/pg058-blk-mem-gen.pdf). If you chose the Stand Alone Mode, you get more access, and you are also capable to modify the available parameters. In your case if you want to modify the memory-width, yes, you should select the stand alone mode.

Best Regards,

Bogdan Vanca