Running SYCL Binaries With ASE Troubleshooting UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY

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When working with co-simulation using the Intel FPGA Academic Software Environment (ASE) and SYCL, a common question arises regarding the correct binary to execute. This article dives deep into resolving the UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY issue encountered when running SYCL binaries with ASE, offering a step-by-step guide and best practices.

Understanding the Challenge of Running SYCL Binaries with ASE

When utilizing ASE for co-simulation with a SYCL-based FPGA application, determining the appropriate binary to execute can be challenging. The error UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY often surfaces when the directly compiled *.fpga binary is executed. This is typically encountered when using the oneAPI Base Toolkit and attempting to run the hardware-compiled binary directly within the ASE environment. The complexity arises from the interaction between the SYCL runtime, the ASE simulation environment, and the compiled FPGA binaries.

Let’s illustrate this with a scenario where you've successfully initiated the ASE hardware-side simulator using the run-ase.sh script:

$ ./ase/run-ase.sh /hls-samples/Tutorials/Features/ac_int ofs_my_board
:::
To compile manually:
/opt/Altera/oneAPI/2025.0/compiler/2025.0/bin/icpx -I../../../../../hls-samples/include -fintelfpga -Wall -qactypes -DFPGA_HARDWARE -c ../../../../../hls-samples/Tutorials/Features/ac_int/src/ac_int.cpp -o CMakeFiles/fpga.dir/src/ac_int.cpp.o

To link manually:
/opt/Altera/oneAPI/2025.0/compiler/2025.0/bin/icpx -fintelfpga -qactypes -Xshardware -Xstarget=xxx:ofs_my_board -Xsno-env-check -reuse-exe=xxx/ase_sim-my_board-6t1pa9/kernel/ofs_my_board/ac_int.fpga -o ac_int.fpga CMakeFiles/fpga.dir/src/ac_int.cpp.o
:::
 [SIM] ASE lock file .ase_ready.pid written in work directory
 [SIM] ** ATTENTION : BEFORE running the software application **
 [SIM] Set env(ASE_WORKDIR) in terminal where application will run (copy-and-paste) =>
 [SIM] $SHELL | Run:
 [SIM] ---------+---------------------------------------------------
 [SIM] bash/zsh | export ASE_WORKDIR=xxx
 [SIM] tcsh/csh | setenv ASE_WORKDIR xxx
 [SIM] For any other $SHELL, consult your Linux administrator
 [SIM]
 [SIM] Ready for simulation...
 [SIM] Press CTRL-C to close simulator...

Given that the SYCL compiler (oneAPI Base Toolkit 2025.0) employs the -Xsno-env-check flag during ASE compilation, it's natural to assume that the *.fpga binary can be executed directly. However, attempting to do so might lead to the following SYCL host exception:

$ cd ase_sim-my_board-6t1pa9/kernel/ofs_my_board
$ export ASE_WORKDIR=xxx
$ export CL_CONTEXT_MPSIM_DEVICE_INTELFPGA=1
$ export INTELFPGA_SIM_DEVICE_SPEC_DIR=ac_int.fpga.prj
$ ./ac_int.fpga
Running on device: SimulatorDevice : Multi-process Simulator (aclmsim0)
Caught a SYCL host exception:
Native API failed. Native API returns: 7 (UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY)
terminate called after throwing an instance of 'sycl::_V1::exception'
 what(): Native API failed. Native API returns: 7 (UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY)

This error indicates that the binary being executed is not the one expected by the SYCL runtime within the ASE environment. The UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY error suggests that the FPGA binary is either corrupted, not correctly linked for the simulation environment, or is being invoked improperly.

Root Cause Analysis: Why UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY Occurs

To effectively address the UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY error, it’s crucial to understand its underlying causes. This error typically arises due to a mismatch between the expected binary format and the actual binary being executed within the ASE simulation environment. Key reasons for this include:

  1. Incorrect Binary Type: The *.fpga binary generated by the SYCL compiler is intended for hardware execution, not direct execution within the ASE simulation environment. ASE requires a host-side binary that interfaces with the simulation environment.
  2. Missing Environment Setup: The ASE simulation environment requires specific environment variables to be set correctly. If variables such as ASE_WORKDIR, CL_CONTEXT_MPSIM_DEVICE_INTELFPGA, and INTELFPGA_SIM_DEVICE_SPEC_DIR are not properly configured, the runtime might fail to locate or initialize the simulation environment, leading to the error.
  3. Incompatible Toolchain Versions: Discrepancies between the versions of the oneAPI toolkit, the FPGA SDK, and the ASE tools can result in binary incompatibility. Ensuring that all tools are aligned and compatible is essential.
  4. Linking Issues: The binary might not be correctly linked for the simulation environment. ASE often requires specific libraries and simulation models to be linked with the host application, ensuring proper communication between the host code and the simulated FPGA kernel.

Understanding these potential causes is the first step in effectively troubleshooting and resolving the UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY error.

Step-by-Step Solution: Running SYCL Binaries Correctly with ASE

To successfully run SYCL binaries with ASE, follow these detailed steps to ensure the correct execution and environment setup:

Step 1: Identify the Correct Host Binary

Instead of directly running the *.fpga binary, you need to execute the host application that loads and interacts with the FPGA kernel. This host application is typically a C++ executable compiled alongside your SYCL code.

  • Locate the Host Application: Look for an executable file (e.g., ac_int) in your project's build directory. This executable contains the host-side code that manages data transfer and kernel invocation on the FPGA.

Step 2: Set Up the ASE Environment Variables

Proper environment setup is critical for ASE to function correctly. Ensure the following variables are set in your terminal:

  • ASE_WORKDIR: This variable must point to the ASE working directory. As indicated in the output of run-ase.sh, set this variable using the provided path:

    export ASE_WORKDIR=xxx

    Replace xxx with the actual path from the run-ase.sh output.

  • CL_CONTEXT_MPSIM_DEVICE_INTELFPGA: This variable tells the SYCL runtime to use the Multi-Process Simulator (MPSim) device, which is essential for ASE.

    export CL_CONTEXT_MPSIM_DEVICE_INTELFPGA=1

  • INTELFPGA_SIM_DEVICE_SPEC_DIR: This variable specifies the directory containing the device specification files required for simulation. It should point to the project directory where your *.fpga and *.prj files are located.

    export INTELFPGA_SIM_DEVICE_SPEC_DIR=ac_int.fpga.prj

Step 3: Execute the Host Application

With the environment variables set, you can now run the host application. Navigate to the directory containing the executable and run it:

cd <path_to_host_executable>
./ac_int

Replace <path_to_host_executable> with the actual path to your executable (e.g., ase_sim-my_board-6t1pa9/kernel/ofs_my_board).

Step 4: Verify the Execution

If everything is set up correctly, the host application should execute, interact with the ASE simulation environment, and produce the expected output. Monitor the console output for any error messages or unexpected behavior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the correct steps, issues can still arise. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  1. Missing or Incorrect Environment Variables:

    • Problem: The application fails to start or throws errors related to device initialization.
    • Solution: Double-check that all required environment variables (ASE_WORKDIR, CL_CONTEXT_MPSIM_DEVICE_INTELFPGA, INTELFPGA_SIM_DEVICE_SPEC_DIR) are set correctly. Use echo $VARIABLE_NAME to verify their values.

  2. Binary Compatibility Issues:

    • Problem: The application throws UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY or similar errors related to binary incompatibility.
    • Solution: Ensure that the oneAPI toolkit, FPGA SDK, and ASE tools are compatible versions. Recompile the application if necessary, using the correct toolchain and flags for ASE co-simulation.

  3. Simulation Environment Not Ready:

    • Problem: The application hangs or fails to connect to the ASE simulation environment.
    • Solution: Verify that the ASE simulator is running correctly. Check the run-ase.sh output for any error messages. Ensure that the lock file (.ase_ready.pid) is present in the ASE working directory.

  4. Incorrect Working Directory:

    • Problem: The application fails to locate necessary files or libraries.
    • Solution: Ensure that the application is run from the correct working directory, typically the directory containing the host executable. The ASE_WORKDIR variable should point to this location.

Best Practices for SYCL and ASE Co-Simulation

To ensure a smooth co-simulation experience with SYCL and ASE, consider these best practices:

  • Consistent Toolchain: Use a consistent and compatible toolchain for compiling both the host application and the FPGA kernel. This includes the oneAPI toolkit, FPGA SDK, and ASE tools.
  • Proper Environment Setup: Always verify that the necessary environment variables are correctly set before running the application. Create a script to set these variables to avoid manual errors.
  • Clean Build Process: Before running co-simulation, perform a clean build of your application to ensure that all binaries are up-to-date and compatible.
  • Detailed Logging: Implement detailed logging in your host application to help diagnose issues during co-simulation. Log key events, data transfers, and kernel execution status.
  • Incremental Development: Develop and test your SYCL application in small, incremental steps. This makes it easier to identify and fix issues as they arise.

Conclusion: Mastering SYCL Binary Execution with ASE

Running SYCL binaries with ASE for co-simulation requires a clear understanding of the execution flow and environment setup. The UR_RESULT_ERROR_INVALID_BINARY error is a common hurdle, but by identifying the correct host binary, setting up the environment variables, and following best practices, you can effectively run your SYCL applications within the ASE environment.

By adhering to the steps and troubleshooting tips outlined in this guide, developers can ensure a seamless co-simulation experience, accelerating FPGA development and validation. Remember, the key is to execute the host application, not the *.fpga binary directly, and to ensure that all environment variables are correctly configured before running the simulation.

This comprehensive approach will help you navigate the complexities of SYCL and ASE co-simulation, enabling you to build and validate high-performance FPGA applications with confidence.