The PYNQ-Z1 board is designed to be used with the PYNQ open-source framework that enables embedded programmers to program the onboard SoC with Python. It is designed around the Xilinx Zynq^®-7000 SoC, which combines the programmable logic of an FPGA with a dual-core ARM Cortex^™-A9 processor.

Hardware-wise, the PYNQ-Z1 is flexible and ready-to-use. It is similar in form factor and features to Digilent’s Arty Z7, featuring popular Arduino™ headers, Pmod ports, onboard I/O, HDMI in/out, audio out, and USB and Ethernet connectivity. This makes the PYNQ-Z1 a versatile and easily customizable SoC development platform for applications such as computer vision, industrial control, IoT, encryption, and embedded computing acceleration.