12-20-2016 07:25 PM
Hi,
I am keen to start with FPGA's. I am mainly looking to add use them to add some research capability to my flash memory lab.
I have done quite a bit of reading, starting at the very lowest rung with some FPGA101 tutorials, reading datasheets, user forums discussing various dev boards.
The first project I want to do seems simple, but I doubt it will be! I want to be able to read contents of a StrataFlash chip (external to board). I have seen the PicoBlaze project for the 3E. and forum posts like:
Spartan-Family-FPGAs/Reading-and-writing-to-Flash-on-Spartan-3E-starter-kit
Nexys2-writing-flash-issue-Help
These may be helpful, but I don't have enough information to decide yet. Also, I am wondering if newer FPGA boards, or simpler boards may be a better choice, as I don't want to write config data to onboard flash, I dont need any other functionality, and possibly newer devices may be easier/better supported/better in general to use...
Can anyone suggest a suitable minimum spec board to start with? Basically I have various StrataFlash chips and I want to read the contents (dump them). I know there are probably programmers available, but the goal is to also get a step into FPGA's for future similar projects. Do I really need a 3E based device or is that just what the project author decided to go with? I see StrataFlash used in places like holding config data for routers, in phones etc, so I am hoping a simple reader shouldnt need a complex/expensive board, or "too hard" of a dev learning curve.
It has been very interesting reading through these forums, and thanks to all cluey guys and gals offering their time to us greenhorns!
Best regards,
Brian
12-21-2016 03:43 AM
bri@n You may get started with an inexpensive ARTY board.
https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/arty.html
This board has got 16MB QSPI flash. You can also use the existing designs to learn and perform the read/write on the flash using FPGA. If I were you, I would go for 7 series FPGA and inexpensive board to start with.
12-20-2016 07:33 PM
Hi bri@n
Its all depends on how much logic you want to implement.
I suggest you to get in touch with nearest sales/distributor office for a formal discussion on your requirement and they will be able to help you to choose the board that can cater your future design requirements as well.
https://www.xilinx.com/about/contact.html
12-20-2016 08:11 PM
12-21-2016 03:31 AM
Thank you Vijay and Balkrishan for your answers, I appreciate you taking time to help. I am wondering if maybe I need to try a forum with a more hobby-based outlook. I think these forums may be biased more to industry/engineering of a larger scale.
Vijay, thank you, I understand the suggestion, and normally it would be probably the wisest choice, but I dont think a sales rep would want to spend valuable time consulting when I really want a pretty basic solution, and have no real possibility of other purchases for a while until I get more, much more! experience in FPGAs. I was hoping a forum might be able to just give a nudge to a starter/simple board and some SDK to get going.
Balkrishan, I also thought to choose a modern, current board and IDE, I agree there. I had seen all the Strataflash references and read through them. If I used those as a base reference, I think I would be in trouble as the use case is quite different - simply reading an external strataflash chip and saving dump. I would need to port/modify a lot for a current board, and without FPGA experience I think it would be quite difficult. Even deciding on a board that only really does what I need, and isnt overkill, but does support my project goal wouldnt currently be possible.
I hope I don't appear to be being difficult! I Thank you for the links, I am reading through them.
Best regards, Brian
12-21-2016 03:43 AM
bri@n You may get started with an inexpensive ARTY board.
https://www.xilinx.com/products/boards-and-kits/arty.html
This board has got 16MB QSPI flash. You can also use the existing designs to learn and perform the read/write on the flash using FPGA. If I were you, I would go for 7 series FPGA and inexpensive board to start with.
12-21-2016 06:18 AM