Digilent Basys 3 Artix-7 FPGA Trainer Board User Manual

Introduction

The Digilent Basys 3 is an entry-level Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development board designed for students and beginners. It is built around a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, providing a comprehensive platform for learning and implementing digital logic designs. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your Basys 3 board.

Figure 1: Digilent Basys 3 Artix-7 FPGA Trainer Board and its retail packaging.

Product Overview

The Basys 3 board is a complete and ready-to-use digital circuit development platform. It integrates various user interfaces and expansion capabilities to facilitate a wide range of designs without requiring additional hardware.

Key Features:

• Features the Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, compatible with Vivado Design Suite WebPACK Edition (free download available from Xilinx).
• On-board user interfaces include 16 user switches, 16 LEDs, 5 user pushbuttons, and a 4-digit 7-segment display.
• Expansion opportunities with four Pmod ports, including 3 standard 12-pin Pmod ports and 1 dual Pmod port.
• Designed for students and beginners to understand Digital Logic and FPGA fundamentals.

Figure 2: Top view of the Basys 3 board, highlighting the FPGA, switches, LEDs, pushbuttons, and Pmod connectors.

Board Components:

The Basys 3 board includes several components crucial for FPGA development:

• Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA: The central processing unit for your digital designs.
• USB Port: For power and programming the FPGA. Note: A micro USB cable is not included.
• Pmod Ports: Four ports for connecting peripheral modules (Pmods) to extend functionality.
• Switches and LEDs: 16 user switches and 16 LEDs for basic input/output and debugging.
• Pushbuttons: 5 user pushbuttons for interactive input.
• 7-Segment Display: A 4-digit display for numerical or character output.
• VGA Connector: For video output.

Setup Instructions

1. Software Installation:

   Download and install the Xilinx Vivado Design Suite WebPACK Edition from the official Xilinx website. Ensure your operating system meets the software requirements. The Basys 3 is designed exclusively for Vivado.

2. Connect Power and Data:

   Connect the Basys 3 board to your computer using a micro USB cable (not included). The USB connection provides power to the board and establishes a data link for programming and communication.

   

   Figure 3: Basys 3 board with USB connection point visible.

3. Driver Installation:

   Upon connecting the board, your operating system may automatically install necessary USB drivers. If not, refer to the Digilent Resource Center for specific driver installation instructions.

4. Verify Connection:

   Open Vivado Design Suite. The Basys 3 board should be detected as a connected hardware device. Refer to Vivado documentation for device detection procedures.

Operating Instructions

Operating the Basys 3 board involves designing your digital circuits in Vivado, synthesizing, implementing, and then programming the FPGA.

1. Create a New Project in Vivado:

   Launch Vivado and create a new project. Select the Artix-7 FPGA device corresponding to the Basys 3 board (e.g., xc7a35tcpg236-1).
2. Design Your Circuit:

   Write your hardware description language (HDL) code (VHDL or Verilog) for your digital circuit. This could be a simple LED blinker, a counter, or a more complex processor.

3. Synthesize and Implement:

   Use Vivado to synthesize your HDL code into a netlist and then implement it onto the FPGA fabric. This process includes mapping, placing, and routing your design.

4. Generate Bitstream:

   After successful implementation, generate a bitstream file (.bit). This file contains the configuration data for the FPGA.
5. Program the FPGA:

   Connect to the Basys 3 board using the Vivado Hardware Manager. Load the generated bitstream file onto the FPGA. Your design will then be active on the board.

6. Test and Debug:

   Utilize the on-board switches, LEDs, pushbuttons, and Pmod peripherals to test and debug your design. Vivado also offers on-chip debugging tools like ILA (Integrated Logic Analyzer).

Figure 4: Close-up of the Basys 3 board's user interfaces, including switches, LEDs, and the 7-segment display.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliable operation of your Basys 3 board.

• Handling: Always handle the board by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components, which can be damaged by static electricity or oils from your skin.
• Storage: Store the board in an anti-static bag when not in use, in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the board with a soft, dry, anti-static brush or compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials.
• Power Supply: Use only the recommended power source (via USB or external power supply if applicable and specified by Digilent) to prevent damage.

Figure 5: Bottom view of the Basys 3 board, illustrating the robust construction and component layout.

Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter while using the Basys 3 board.

• Board Not Detected by Vivado:
  • Ensure the micro USB cable is securely connected to both the board and your computer.
  • Verify that the necessary USB drivers are installed. Check your computer's Device Manager.
  • Restart Vivado and/or your computer.
  • Try a different USB port or cable.
• Power LED Not Illuminating:
  • Check the USB connection.
  • Ensure your computer's USB port is providing sufficient power.
  • Try connecting to a powered USB hub or a different computer.
• Design Not Functioning as Expected:
  • Review your HDL code for logical errors.
  • Check your pin assignments (XDC constraints file) to ensure they match the Basys 3 board's I/O.
  • Use Vivado's simulation tools to verify your design's behavior before programming the FPGA.
  • Utilize Vivado's on-chip debugging features (e.g., ILA) to observe internal signals on the FPGA.
• Vivado Software Issues:
  • Ensure your Vivado installation is complete and up-to-date.
  • Consult Xilinx documentation and forums for specific software error messages.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the official Digilent website or the documentation included with your purchase. Digilent provides extensive resources for product support.

• Online Resources: Visit the Digilent Resource Center for tutorials, reference manuals, example projects, and community forums.
• Technical Support: For technical assistance, contact Digilent support through their official website.