SCFPGA AMD Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A35T FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This instruction manual provides comprehensive guidance for the SCFPGA AMD Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A35T FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU). It covers essential information regarding the board's components, features, setup procedures, operational guidelines, maintenance tips, troubleshooting steps, and detailed technical specifications. This document is intended to assist users in effectively utilizing the board for FPGA learning, prototyping, and educational projects.

2. Product Overview

The SCFPGA Artix-7 FPGA Development Board is a compact and powerful platform designed for FPGA development and education. It integrates an AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, DDR3 memory, QSPI Flash, and a variety of peripheral interfaces to support a wide range of applications.

Figure 2.1: Front view of the PA35T-EDU board, highlighting the Artix-7 FPGA, DDR3, 4-digit digital tubes, DIP switches, LEDs, user keys, HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card slot, USB to UART, and 5V input/JTAG ports.

Figure 2.2: Back view of the PA35T-EDU board, showing the 40P FPC connector for LCD screen expansion.

Key Components:

• Artix-7 FPGA: Central processing unit for programmable logic.
• DDR3 (1GB): High-speed memory for data storage and processing.
• QSPI Flash (256Mb): Non-volatile memory for configuration and data storage.
• EEPROM (64Kb): Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
• SD Card Slot: For external storage and data transfer.
• HDMI Output: For video and audio output.
• Gigabit Ethernet: High-speed network connectivity.
• USB-UART: Serial communication interface for debugging and data transfer.
• DIP Switches & User Keys: For user input and control.
• LEDs & Digital Tubes: For visual feedback and display.
• 40P FPC Connector: For connecting external LCD screens.

3. Features

• Powered by AMD Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA: Available in XC7A35T or XC7A100T models with up to 101440 logic cells and 240 DSP slices, suitable for entry-level to advanced FPGA development and education.
• Integrated DDR3 and Onboard Peripherals: Includes 1GB DDR3 memory, 256Mb QSPI Flash, 64Kb EEPROM, SD card slot, HDMI output, and USB-UART interface for comprehensive functional prototyping.
• Rich Interactive Interfaces: Features dual 8-bit DIP switches, 6 LEDs, 4 user keys, dual 4-digit digital tubes, and a reset key for hands-on logic design and verification.
• LCD Display & Expansion Ready: Includes a 40P FPC connector for LCD screen expansion (supports 5V 3.3A supply and 33 IOs), enabling visual outputs and broader project flexibility.
• Compact Industrial Design: PCB dimension is 90mm x 70mm with 5V/1A power input and a 200MHz differential crystal oscillator, ensuring stable and reliable operation for embedded learning kits.

4. What's in the Box

The following items are included with your SCFPGA Artix-7 FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU):

Figure 4.1: Shipment List for the PA35T-EDU, showing the FPGA board and accessories.

• 1 x FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU)
• 2 x Type C Cables
• 1 x 8GB SD Card
• 1 x SD Card Reader

5. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your FPGA development board:

1. Power Connection: Connect the provided 5V/1A power supply to the board's 5V input port. Ensure the power indicator LED illuminates.
2. USB-UART Connection: Connect one of the Type C cables from the board's USB-UART port to your computer. This enables serial communication for debugging and programming.
3. JTAG Connection: For programming the FPGA, connect the JTAG interface (often integrated with the 5V input USB port) to your computer. You will need appropriate FPGA development software (e.g., Xilinx Vivado) installed on your computer.
4. SD Card Insertion (Optional): If using an SD card for data storage or boot, insert the provided 8GB SD card into the SD card slot.
5. HDMI Connection (Optional): If using HDMI output, connect an HDMI cable from the board's HDMI port to a compatible display.
6. Ethernet Connection (Optional): For network connectivity, connect an Ethernet cable to the Gigabit Ethernet port.

6. Operating Instructions

Once the board is set up, you can begin operating it for your FPGA projects:

1. Software Environment: Install the necessary FPGA development suite (e.g., Xilinx Vivado) on your computer. This software is used to design, synthesize, implement, and program your FPGA designs.
2. Programming the FPGA: Use the JTAG interface and your development software to load your bitstream onto the Artix-7 FPGA. The download indicator LED may provide feedback during this process.
3. Interacting with Peripherals:
   • DIP Switches: Configure the dual 8-bit DIP switches to provide binary inputs to your FPGA design.
   • User Keys: Utilize the 4 user keys for momentary input signals.
   • LEDs: Observe the 6 onboard LEDs for visual output from your FPGA design.
   • Digital Tubes: Program the dual 4-digit digital tubes to display numerical or alphanumeric information.
4. Serial Communication: Use a terminal emulator (e.g., PuTTY, Tera Term) on your computer to communicate with the board via the USB-UART interface.
5. Reset Function: Press the Reset KEY to restart the FPGA configuration or your running design.

7. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliable operation of your FPGA development board:

• Cleaning: Keep the board clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: Store the board in a dry, cool environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use anti-static bags if storing for extended periods.
• Handling: Always handle the board by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components. Use anti-static precautions (e.g., anti-static wrist strap) when working with the board to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
• Power Supply: Only use the recommended 5V/1A power supply or a compatible alternative that meets the specified voltage and current requirements.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your FPGA development board, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• No Power: Ensure the 5V/1A power supply is correctly connected and plugged into a working outlet. Check the power indicator LED on the board.
• USB-UART Not Detected: Verify the Type C cable connection to both the board and your computer. Ensure the correct USB-UART drivers are installed on your operating system.
• JTAG Programming Errors: Check JTAG cable connections. Confirm that your FPGA development software (e.g., Vivado) is correctly configured to detect the board and that the bitstream is valid.
• Peripheral Malfunction: If a specific peripheral (e.g., LED, DIP switch, HDMI) is not working, review your FPGA design code to ensure it correctly interfaces with that peripheral. Check for any short circuits or physical damage.
• Board Overheating: Ensure adequate airflow around the board. If overheating persists, verify the power supply voltage and current are within specifications.
• Unexpected Behavior: Reset the board using the Reset KEY. Re-program the FPGA with a known working design to rule out software issues.

9. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the SCFPGA Artix-7 FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU):

Figure 9.1: Comparison of PA35T-EDU and PA100T-EDU specifications.

Figure 9.2: Form Factors and dimensions of the PA35T-EDU board.

10. Warranty Information

The guarantee period for this product is one year from the date of delivery. The warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use conditions.

The rights of guarantee are invalidated under the following circumstances:

• Unsuitable or unprofessional deployment.
• Wear and tear from normal use.
• Unsuitable storage conditions.
• Lack of care during utilization.
• Non-approved alterations to the goods made by the client or third parties.

11. Support

For further assistance, technical inquiries, or support regarding the SCFPGA Artix-7 FPGA Development Board (PA35T-EDU), please refer to the official SCFPGA website or contact their customer support channels. Ensure you have your product model number (PA35T-EDU) and any relevant purchase information ready when seeking support.