What are the things to look out for in an FPGA Board?

What are the things to look out for in an FPGA Board?

The term FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) may not be new to you. You may have heard it through regular conversations or online channels. But what is FPGA exactly?  In simple terms, an FPGA is a device that allows an individual to build personal digital circuits.  It is vital for businesses especially those in the manufacturing industry. Due to its currently reduced prices, the demand is high. To have quality and adequately functioning FPGA, below are things to look out for in an FPGA board. 

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Overview of FPGA

An FPGA is a silicon chip that can be programmed or configured. The chips can be set using programmable routing resources or inbuilt logic blocks. By programming the silicon chips, one can implement custom hardware practicality without using a soldering iron or breadboard. Previously, FPGA technology was used by engineers. However, the invention of advanced design tools has changed programming rules. FPGA technology increases processing performance, resulting in performance enhancement. It offers fast prototyping capabilities reducing marketing time. It is also reliable and reduces the cost of production.

Look out for these things when purchasing an FPGA board

When buying an FPGA board, choose one which aligns with your purpose and goals. FPGA boards properly work with speed peripherals. As such, it is crucial that you get one which contains the parts that you need. Otherwise, you may end up adding desired elements after purchase or getting another upgraded board. No one likes after-sale disappointment. To avoid this, ensure that the FPGA board has the following;

Ø  External non-serial memory

Ø  Gigabit Ethernet

Ø  Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or PCI  express

Ø  High-Definition Multimedia or Digital Visual Interface (HDMI /DVI)

Ø  Multimedia Card (MMC) or SD cards

Ø  Low color Video Graphics Array, VGA

Ø  Character Liquid-Crystal Displays (LCDs)

It is paramount to have a board that has various Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), momentary buttons and "single-pole, single-throw," SPST switches. The board is expected to have at least 8 of them. It is not easy to debug FPGA designs as in the case of microcontrollers. In FPGA, LEDs do not offer a fuss way to break out in-built signals for visual purposes. You will be required to light up an LED without adding additional logic when tracking the advancement of a sophisticated state device. It is therefore essential to purchase a board that has LEDs rather than wasting valuable time or user IOs in investigating failures emanating from the soldering process. 

If you require an FPGA board that can connect to high-speed machines up to 20MHz, ensure that the board is equipped with an interface connector to support the speed. Check for availability of ground wires intermingled with signal wires, impedance control, and super speed connectors.  Also, ensure that the board manufacturer has provided the following;

Ø  A start-up guide for first users

Ø  A schematic diagram

Ø  A reference manual that describes on-board peripherals

Ø  A reference design, either microcontroller/Human Description Languages based

Conclusion

Whether purchasing it for learning or business purposes, an FPGA board should satisfy your goal. Always look out for the programmable interconnects and other accessories stated above. Ensure that your board has all that you need to save you the time for adding the missing accessories or the cost of purchasing an upgraded one.