1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Q-BAIHE ALTERA FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 Minimum System Development Board. The board features an on-board EP2C5T144 chip and a configuration EPROM chip using EPCS4 with a size of 4Mbit. It operates with a 5V power supply and includes a panel power indicator and reset switch. Three SMD LEDs are integrated for testing and experimentation. All I/O ports and clock pins are exposed via pin leads for easy expansion with memory and peripherals. The board incorporates high-quality tantalum capacitors for power supply filtering and supports the development of NiosII embedded CPU applications. Its compact size of 6cm x 8cm makes it suitable for various embedded systems.
Figure 1: Top-down view of the Q-BAIHE ALTERA FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 Development Board, showing the main FPGA chip and pin headers.
2. Hardware Configuration and Setup
2.1. Power Supply
The development board requires a single 5V power supply. This can be provided via the dedicated power electrical outlet on the board or through the row array pins. Ensure the power supply is stable and within the specified voltage range to prevent damage to the components.
2.2. Initial Inspection
Before connecting power, visually inspect the board for any physical damage or loose components. Locate the panel power indicator and reset switch. The three SMD LEDs are available for initial testing.
Figure 2: Angled view of the development board, showing the 5V power input jack and pin headers for I/O expansion.
2.3. Connecting Peripherals
All I/O ports and clock pins are routed to pin headers, allowing for easy connection to external memory, sensors, and other peripheral devices. Refer to the board's schematic for detailed pin assignments.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. FPGA Programming
The ALTERA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 FPGA can be programmed using Altera's Quartus II software. It is important to note that newer versions of Quartus II may not support the Cyclone II family. Users typically need to use an older version, such as Quartus II 13.0sp1, which is available for download from Intel's website. Programming is typically done via a JTAG programmer connected to the board's JTAG interface.
3.2. Initial Test with On-board LEDs
The board includes three SMD LEDs that can be used for simple test programs. After successfully programming the FPGA with a basic LED blinking or sequence program, observe the LEDs to confirm functionality. This is a good first step to verify the programming setup.
3.3. NiosII Embedded CPU Development
The board supports the development of NiosII embedded CPU applications. This allows for more complex logic control, data acquisition, signal processing, and mathematical calculations. Refer to Altera's NiosII Embedded Design Suite (EDS) documentation for detailed instructions on setting up and developing with NiosII.
4. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Q-BAIHE |
| Model Name | ALTERA FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 System Development Board |
| Model Number | DF-EP2C5T144 |
| FPGA Chip | ALTERA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 |
| Configuration EPROM | EPCS4 (4Mbit) |
| Power Supply | 5V (via electrical outlet or row array) |
| On-board Components | Panel power indicator, reset switch, 3 SMD LEDs, 50M active SMD crystal |
| I/O Ports | All I/O ports and clock pins led out via pin headers |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.36"L x 3.15"W x 3.5"H (6cm x 8cm) |
| Operating System Support | NIOS II Embedded Design Suite (EDS) RTOS |
| Included Components | Altera FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 Development Board, 3 SMD LEDs, Power Supply |
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your development board, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Keep it Clean: Regularly clean the board with a soft, dry brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
- Handle with Care: Always handle the board by its edges to avoid touching components, especially the FPGA chip, which can be sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Use an ESD-safe workstation if possible.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store the board in an anti-static bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Power Off Before Connecting/Disconnecting: Always disconnect the power supply before connecting or disconnecting any peripherals or programming cables to prevent short circuits or damage.
- Inspect Connections: Periodically check all pin header connections and cables to ensure they are secure and free from damage.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Q-BAIHE ALTERA FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 Development Board, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Power Indicator:
- Ensure the 5V power supply is correctly connected and functional.
- Check the power cable for any damage.
- FPGA Not Programming:
- Verify that the JTAG programmer is correctly connected to the board and the PC.
- Confirm that the correct version of Altera Quartus II (e.g., 13.0sp1) is installed and configured. Newer versions may not support Cyclone II FPGAs.
- Check the programming file (.sof or .pof) for errors.
- Ensure the board is powered on during programming.
- Unexpected Behavior from I/O:
- Double-check your HDL code for logic errors.
- Verify external connections to peripherals are correct and secure.
- Ensure proper voltage levels (e.g., 3.3V for I/O) are maintained for connected devices.
- If using on-board buttons, ensure the input pin is correctly assigned as a weak pull-up in your design.
- Software/Driver Issues:
- Reinstall the drivers for your JTAG programmer.
- Consult Altera's documentation and community forums for specific software-related issues.
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support regarding your Q-BAIHE ALTERA FPGA Cyclone II EP2C5T144 Development Board, please refer to the official Q-BAIHE website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.