FPGA Programming and Hardware Essentials

Preface

This book serves as a guide to understanding and implementing FPGA programming, with a practical focus on the MAX1000 development board and the VHDPlus development environment.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 What is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)?

A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit that can be configured by the user after manufacturing. It contains an array of programmable logic blocks and reconfigurable interconnects, allowing for flexible hardware design.

1.2 Some popular FPGA development boards

The landscape of FPGA development boards is diverse, offering various features and capabilities for learning and prototyping. This guide specifically utilizes the MAX1000 board.

Chapter 2: The MAX1000 FPGA Hardware

This chapter provides a detailed examination of the MAX1000 FPGA development board's hardware components and architecture.

2.1 Overview

A general overview of the MAX1000 board's features and purpose.

2.2 The MAX1000 Hardware

Detailed description of the MAX1000 hardware.

2.2.1 Board Indicator LEDs

Information regarding the LEDs present on the board for status indication.

2.2.2 Block Diagram

A visual representation of the MAX1000 board's internal architecture.

2.2.3 Clock Circuitry

Explanation of the clock generation and distribution mechanisms.

2.2.4 User LEDs

Details on the user-programmable LEDs for output visualization.

2.2.5 Push Buttons

Description of the integrated push button inputs.

2.2.6 Accelerometer

Information on the onboard accelerometer for motion detection.

2.2.7 Arduino Connectors

Details on the board's compatibility and connection options via Arduino headers.

2.2.8 Pmod Connector

Explanation of the Pmod interface for connecting expansion modules.

2.2.9 UART Communication

Description of the Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter (UART) for serial communication.

2.2.10 Power supply circuitry

Details on the power management and supply circuits of the board.

Chapter 3: Software Installation – VHDPlus IDE

This chapter guides users through the installation and setup process for the VHDPlus Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

3.1 Overview

An introduction to the VHDPlus IDE and its role in FPGA development.

3.2 Installing the VHDPlus IDE

Step-by-step instructions for installing the VHDPlus IDE on your system.

3.3 Your first program

A practical walkthrough of creating and running a simple initial program.

3.3.1 Downloading the compiled code to your FPGA

Instructions on how to transfer the compiled code from the IDE to the MAX1000 FPGA.

3.3.2 Installing packages and library files to VHDPlus

Guidance on managing project dependencies, including installing necessary packages and library files.

3.3.3 Simulating the program

How to utilize the IDE's simulation tools to test and verify program logic before hardware deployment.

Chapter 4: The VHDPlus Language

This section delves into the VHDPlus programming language, covering its syntax, data types, operators, and control flow statements.

4.1 Overview

An introduction to the VHDPlus language and its features.

4.2 Data types and operators

4.2.1 Data types

Description of the fundamental data types available in VHDPlus, such as integers and booleans.

4.2.2 Operators

Explanation of the various operators used for performing operations in VHDPlus.

4.3 Binary logical operators

4.3.1 Relational operators

Operators used for comparing values (e.g., ==, !=, <, >).

4.3.2 Arithmetic operators

Operators for mathematical calculations (e.g., +, -, *, /).

4.3.3 Concatenation operator

The operator used for joining signals or values together.

4.3.4 Shift operators

Operators for performing bitwise left and right shifts.

4.3.5 Type conversion

Methods and syntax for converting data from one type to another.

4.4 Declarations, assignments, and constants

4.4.1 Declarations

How to declare variables, signals, and other entities within VHDPlus.

4.4.2 Assignments

Rules and syntax for assigning values to declared entities.

4.4.3 Constants

Defining and utilizing constants in VHDPlus code for improved readability and maintainability.

4.5 VHDPlus program flow statements

4.5.1 If..Else..Elsif

Conditional execution structures based on boolean expressions.

4.5.2 Case and When

Multi-way branching statements for selecting code paths based on a value.

4.5.3 For

A loop construct for executing a block of code a predetermined number of times.

4.5.4 While

A loop construct that continues execution as long as a specified condition remains true.

4.5.5 Wait

Statements used to introduce delays or synchronize with specific events.

4.5.6 Step

Description of the 'Step' statement within the VHDPlus language.

4.6 VHDPlus program template

4.6.1 Main

The structure of the main program entry point.

4.6.2 Process

Explanation of process blocks for concurrent or sequential code execution.

4.6.3 Thread

Description of how threads are implemented and used in VHDPlus.

4.6.4 Function

Defining and using reusable functions within VHDPlus programs.

Chapter 5: Example VHDPlus Projects

This chapter presents a series of practical projects designed to help users apply their VHDPlus programming skills and understand FPGA capabilities.

5.1 Overview

An introduction to the collection of example projects.

5.2 Project 1 – Flashing LED

A fundamental project demonstrating basic LED control.

5.3 Project 2 – Two alternately flashing LEDs

A project involving synchronized flashing of multiple LEDs.

5.4 Project 3 – Using an external LED

Instructions for connecting and controlling an external LED.

5.5 Project 4 – Chasing LEDs

Creating a sequential lighting effect with a series of LEDs.

5.6 Project 5 – Binary counter with LEDs

Implementing a binary counter whose output is displayed on LEDs.

5.7 Project 6 - LED with button control

Controlling an LED's state based on a push button input.

5.8 Project 7 - LED with External Button Control

Utilizing an external button to control an LED.

5.9 Project 8 – Event counter

A project designed to count external events.

5.10 Project 9 – Full adder

Implementation of a digital full adder circuit.

5.11 Project 10 – Multiplexer

Building a multiplexer circuit using VHDPlus.

5.12 Project 11 – BCD to seven-segment display decoder

Project to decode Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) values for seven-segment displays.

5.12.1 Connecting a 7-segment display to the FPGA

Instructions for wiring a seven-segment display to the FPGA.

5.13 Project 12 – BCD to seven-segment display decoder counter with Arduino Uno R4

A project combining BCD decoding with an Arduino Uno R4.

5.14 Project 13 – 4-bit counter

Implementation of a 4-bit digital counter.

5.15 Project 14 – 8-bit serial-in parallel-out shift register

Building an 8-bit shift register.

5.16 Project 15 – Edge triggered D-type flip-flop

Implementation of an edge-triggered D-type flip-flop.

5.17 Project 16 – Demultiplexer

Building a demultiplexer circuit.

5.18 Project 17 – Multiplexed 4-digit 7-segment LED

Project involving a multiplexed 4-digit seven-segment display.

5.19 Project 18 – Multiplexed 4-digit 7-segment LED event counter

An event counter using a multiplexed 4-digit seven-segment display.

5.20 Project 19 – Multiplexed 4-digit 7-segment LED seconds counter

A seconds counter using a multiplexed 4-digit seven-segment display.

5.21 Project 20 – Switch contact debouncing

Implementing switch debouncing logic.

Chapter 6: Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

6.1 Overview

Introduction to Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and their application.

6.2 MAX1000 analog inputs

Details on the analog input capabilities of the MAX1000 board.

6.3 Project 1 – Voltmeter

A project to build a voltmeter using the ADC.

6.3.1 Extending the input range

Methods for extending the measurement range of the voltmeter.

6.4 Project 2 – Temperature sensor

Using the ADC to read temperature sensor data.

6.5 Project 3 – Light dependent resistor (LDR)

Interfacing with a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) using the ADC.

Chapter 7: Serial Communication

7.1 Overview

Introduction to serial communication protocols.

7.2 MAX1000 FPGA serial port

Information on the serial port capabilities of the MAX1000 FPGA.

7.3 Project 1 – Controlling the on-board LEDs with serial communication

A project to control LEDs via serial communication.

Chapter 8: Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

8.1 Overview

Introduction to Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).

8.2 Basic theory of the pulse width modulation

Explanation of the fundamental principles of PWM.

8.3 Project 1 – PWM waveform with a fixed-duty cycle

Generating a PWM signal with a constant duty cycle.

8.4 Project 2 – Mosquito repeller

A project demonstrating a mosquito repeller circuit using PWM.

8.5 Project 3 – Variable duty cycle – Dimming an LED

Controlling LED brightness by varying the PWM duty cycle.

Chapter 9: Ultrasonic Sensor

9.1 Overview

Introduction to ultrasonic sensors and their applications.

9.2 Project 1 – Ultrasonic distance measurement

A project to measure distance using an ultrasonic sensor.

Chapter 10: The I2C Bus

10.1 Overview

Introduction to the Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus protocol.

10.2 The I2C bus

Detailed explanation of the I2C bus.

10.3 The I3C bus

Information on the I3C bus, a successor to I2C.

10.4 Differences between the I2C and I3C

A comparison highlighting the distinctions between I2C and I3C.

10.5 Project 1 – Port expander using the I2C bus on MAX1000 FPGA

Implementing a port expander using the I2C bus with the MAX1000 FPGA.

Chapter 11: The SPI Bus

11.1 Overview

Introduction to the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) bus.

11.2 Project 1 – SPI Port expander

Implementing a port expander using the SPI bus.

Chapter 12: Using LCD

12.1 Overview

Introduction to using Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs).

12.2 HD44780 LCD module

Details on the HD44780 LCD controller module.

12.3 Project 1 – Displaying text on LCD

A project to display text on an LCD screen.

Chapter 13: Programming in VHDL

13.1 Overview

Introduction to programming FPGAs using VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language).

13.2 Project 1 – Flashing LED

Implementing an LED flashing program in VHDL.

13.3 Project 2 – Button and LED

A project to control an LED with a button input using VHDL.

13.4 VHDPlus to VHDL conversion

Information on converting VHDPlus code to VHDL.

Chapter 14: MAX1000 FPGA Python Programming

14.1 Overview

Introduction to programming the MAX1000 FPGA using Python.

14.2 Python programming

Details on Python programming for the MAX1000 FPGA.

Chapter 15: NIOS II

15.1 Overview

Introduction to the NIOS II embedded processor.

15.2 Creating a NIOS II processor

Steps for creating and configuring a NIOS II processor.

15.3 Project 1 – Displaying a message using the NIOS II processor as Arduino

A project demonstrating message display using NIOS II, emulating Arduino functionality.

15.4 Project 2 – Alternately flashing two LEDs

Controlling two LEDs to flash alternately using NIOS II.

Chapter 16: Accelerometer Project

16.1 Overview

Introduction to accelerometer projects.

16.2 The project

Details of the accelerometer project.

16.2.1 Testing the program

Instructions for testing the accelerometer project program.

Chapter 17: Other Projects Provided With the VHDPlus IDE

This chapter lists additional projects available with the VHDPlus IDE.

Chapter 18: Quartus Prime Lite Schematic Design

18.1 Overview

Introduction to schematic design using Quartus Prime Lite.

18.2 Project 1 – D-type flip-flop with LED output

Implementing a D-type flip-flop with LED output in Quartus Prime Lite.

18.3 Project 2 – Electronic lock

Designing an electronic lock schematic.

18.3.1 The truth table

The truth table associated with the electronic lock project.

Appendix

Bibliography

List of references and further reading materials.

Index

An index of terms and topics covered in the book.

Code Snippet Example

An example code snippet from the document:

{
  elsif(digits(3) = '1') then
    Segment <= N(m/10 mod 10);
  elsif(digits(2) = '1') then
    Segment <= N(m/100 mod 10);
  elsif(digits(1) = '1') then
    Segment <= N(m/1000 mod 10);
  end if;
}

if(rising_edge(CLK)) then
  i <= if(i + 3610000) > 9999999 then 0 else i + 3610000;
  if (i = 0) then
    digits(3) <= '1';
  else
    digits(3) <= '0';
  end if;
  digits(2 downto 0) <= to_unsigned(i / 1000000, 3);
end if;