FTDI's FT245BM USB FIFO and FT2232C UART/FIFO devices are
the ideal companions for USB enabled FPGA designs. A simple state
machine interface inside the FPGA is all that is required for the FPGA
to communicate over USB. In many cases, the FPGA can also be programmed
over the same USB interface giving ultimate flexibility to the design
engineer. In the case of the FT2232C, one of the available channels can
be used to program the FPGA and the other can be used to communicate at
run-time. This section highlights such FT2232C and FT245BM based FPGA
development kits using Altera,
Lattice and
Xilinx based FPGAs.
DLP Design - DLP-FPGA Xilinx Spartan 3E Development Board
The new DLP-FPGA Module is a low-cost, compact
prototyping module that can be used for rapid proof of concept
or for educational environments. The module is based on
the Xilinx Spartan 3E and Future Technology Devices
International’s
FT2232D Dual-Channel USB IC. Used by itself or
with the optional 200-page training manual, the DLP-FPGA
provides both the beginner as well as the experienced engineer
with a rapid path to developing FPGA-based designs. When
combined with the free WebPACK™ Tools from Xilinx, this module
is more than sufficient for creating anything from basic logical
functions to a highly complex system controller.
As a bonus feature, one channel of the dual-channel USB
interface is used to load user bit files directly to the SPI
Flash - no external programmer is required.
The FTDI Morph-IC module combines the flexibility of
the FT2232C interface together with an Altera ACEX 1K series FPGA in
a compact ready to use module. The power and IO pins of the module
are brought out onto 2 x 20-pin, 0.1in pitch headers on the
underside of its PCB, allowing easy connection to the pins. The
module can also be plugged into a PCB using readily available mating
connectors (two supplied).
Morph-IC uses the Multi Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE)
interface of the FT2232C to program/reprogram the FPGA over USB in a
fraction of a second. No external FPGA programmer or serial EEPROM
devices are required to use Morph-IC. The module is powered
directly from the USB port and so does not require an external power
supply.
Morph-IC comes complete with a CD containing USB drivers, a Windows
interface DLL with example code in several different programming
languages. A full demo project is included demonstrating how to use
and interface to the module. VHDL source code and application
software code (in Delphi) is included. Linux drivers and a Linux
loader program are also included for those who are interested in
alternative operating systems.
The package also includes a Quartus II Software Starter Suite CD
courtesy of Altera, which contains software for simulation and
synthesis of the on-board FPGA, so no other software is required for
FPGA development.
The
Celeritous FPGA Development Board provides a
low cost-of-entry hardware platform for learning purposes as
well as an advanced low-cost, off-the-shelf module for use in
sophisticated product and instrument design. The board is
designed to accommodate a user designed daughter card and fit
into an optional standard extruded enclosure.
There are no other “hidden” accessories or
programmers required to instantly make use of this board.
It is powered by and programmed through your computer’s USB port
or through a powered USB hub. No separate JTAG or other
programmers are required as all JTAG functions, including
programming of the FPGA, PROM and even user devices are
accessible through the USB port. When programmed, the USB
port may also be used as an interface to the programmed FPGA.
The dual channel FT2232C provides separate
interfaces between the JTAG programming chain and the FPGA.
The FPGA interface may now be implemented as a parallel or
serial interface.
Standalone software is provided for programming the device from
the PC over the USB port as well as royalty free USB and
programming DLLs for inclusion in your software. The
latest development software and updates are always available for
download directly from Xilinx. Royalty free example code
is provided to get you started and exhibit some of the advanced
features of the board and devices.
Kolter
Electronics GmbH- Lattice Logic Based Boards
The USB Proto 2 development board from
Kolter
Electronics GmbH provides an industrial strength development platform
for interfacing Lattice Logic Devices to USB. The product description
and website are in German though an English
translation is planned.
