This comprehensive course module covers the fundamentals of digital systems, exploring the basics of numerical bases, Boolean algebra, and logic operations, utilizing the Red Pitaya platform. The lessons delve into practical applications of digital systems theory, using tools like Karnaugh Maps and Boolean functions for circuit optimization. Additionally, the module includes a robust introduction to FPGA technology, discussing its significance and practical applications in developing advanced digital systems. This structured educational content is designed for learners ranging from hobbyists to professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in FPGA programming and digital system design.

Table of content:

• Theory
• Digital Systems
• Basics of Verilog
• Quick Intro into Red Pitaya and FPGA
• Experiments
• Vivado 2020.1 FPGA Environment
• FPGA lessons
• Other FPGA projects

Theory

This comprehensive set of educational resources introduces the Red Pitaya and its FPGA capabilities, highlighting the powerful applications made possible by its Zynq7 FPGA, dual-core ARM processor, fast ADCs, and DACs. The content spans from basic digital systems theory, covering numerical bases, Boolean algebra, and logical operations, to advanced programming in Verilog, a crucial language in FPGA development. The theoretical sections provide a solid foundation for understanding how digital circuits function and are optimized, using examples such as Karnaugh Maps and Boolean functions.

Furthermore, the resources delve into the practical aspects of FPGA programming with Verilog, guiding learners through various programming constructs such as values, operators, assignments, and control structures. Each segment is designed to equip users with the knowledge to perform complex programming tasks and manage digital systems effectively. These lessons are pivotal for anyone looking to harness the full potential of FPGA technology in developing sophisticated digital systems and applications, from hobbyist projects to professional-grade solutions. This structured approach makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced programmers to deepen their understanding of hardware description languages and FPGA programming.

Digital Systems

Theory lesson Digital Systems offers a comprehensive exploration into the fundamentals of digital systems through a focus on numerical bases, mathematical operations, and Boolean logic. Participants will learn about mathematical operations using the binary system, delve into the intricacies of Boolean algebra, and explore various logic gates. The course also includes advanced topics such as Karnaugh Maps and Boolean functions, which are essential for optimizing and simplifying digital circuits. This curriculum is designed for learners looking to deepen their understanding of FPGA systems and digital computing.

Basics of Verilog

Theory lesson Basics of Verilog is designed to familiarize students with the Verilog programming language, a key tool used in FPGA development. Starting with foundational concepts, the course covers the representation of values and the use of operators in Verilog. It progresses through detailed explanations of assignments, control statements, loops, tasks, and functions, equipping students with the skills necessary to write effective and efficient Verilog code. This course is ideal for individuals new to FPGA programming or those seeking to enhance their understanding of hardware description languages.

Quick Intro into Red Pitaya and FPGA

Red Pitaya is a Zynq7 FPGA – based low-cost electronic board with many components such as a two-core ARM processor, fast ADCs, fast DACs, USB, LAN, etc. In many respects, Red Pitaya is similar to the Arduino or Raspberry Pi, with a large community of enthusiasts and an increasing collection of open-source material. What makes Red Pitaya even better are two fast ADCs, two fast DACs and, most of all, the programmable logic or field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA). With on-chip FPGA Red Pitaya could be used for high-performance computing, state-of-the-art measurement system, signal processing and much more. Having both a Linux-based processing system and programmable logic Red Pitaya is an ideal board for introduction to FPGA programming and ultimately for building powerful professional and non-professional projects such as radar, radio systems, vector-network-analyzer, etc.

A digital system is a system made up by logic gates, which transforms logic input into a logic output with a logic function. Memories, processors, cellphones and all other kinds of electronics consist of multiple digital circuits and logic gates are their building blocks. Electronics can be implemented with analog circuits and/or digital circuits, but with the advancement of the semiconductor technology digital circuits represent the majority. These circuits are made up by transistors, MOSFETs, and passive components like resistors, capacitors and inductors.

An ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) is a digital circuit that is found on the vast majority of the electronic devices. Let us say a company develops a digital circuit and then fabricates thousands of chips to sell in the market. They are small and consume low amounts of power, but the initial development process costs a lot of money and the circuit cannot be changed when it is already fabricated.

An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is an integrated circuit that can be programmed and reprogrammed on the fly. It has many logic gates, registers, flip-flops and the user can program it by configuring the connections between them. The advantage of an FPGA is the versatility that it has for conducting tests and for learning.

Experiments

This extensive collection of FPGA-related materials, tools, and experiments is meticulously structured to guide users through the setup and development process using the Red Pitaya board with the Vivado 2020.1 FPGA environment. It starts with a detailed installation tutorial that addresses common issues and provides solutions for users on various operating systems including Ubuntu and Windows with WSL. The tutorials cover a wide range of projects from basic LED blinkers to more advanced applications like frequency counters and VGA outputs, each designed to enhance hands-on FPGA programming skills.

For more in-depth exploration, the documentation offers a variety of FPGA lessons and projects that illustrate the versatile applications of the Red Pitaya platform. These include digital communication projects like SDR transceivers, scientific measurement tools such as Vector Network Analyzers, and even complex setups like synchronizing a cluster of Red Pitayas. Each project is supported with comprehensive documentation to aid users in replicating or innovating upon the existing designs.

Vivado 2020.1 FPGA Environment

This comprehensive installation tutorial is designed for users aiming to leverage the FPGA capabilities of the Red Pitaya board using the Vivado 2020.1 environment. It details the setup process for users on Ubuntu OS, Linux Mint OS, or Windows with WSL, including instructions for downloading and installing the necessary software and tools. The tutorial also addresses common issues like OS compatibility and provides solutions to ensure a smooth installation process. Additionally, it guides users through the process of cloning the FPGA repository and initiating a basic project to blink an LED. This tutorial is essential for anyone looking to develop FPGA applications on the Red Pitaya platform using Vivado.

FPGA lessons

The setup guide for FPGA projects using the Red Pitaya platform outlines the necessary steps and tools to begin development, catering specifically to Windows 10 or Ubuntu 18.04 (or higher) users. It requires the installation of Xilinx’s Vivado Design Suite 2020.1 to ensure compatibility with the Red Pitaya software, as other versions might require additional adjustments. Users are guided to connect their Red Pitaya to a network using SSH or Putty, followed by detailed instructions on installing and configuring the Vivado and Vitis platforms. The document also includes practical projects like LED counters, blinkers, and more complex applications such as frequency counters and VGA outputs, providing a hands-on approach to learning FPGA programming. Furthermore, it covers initial project setup in Vivado using both command line (for Linux) and GUI approaches, ensuring a broad accessibility for developers of varying expertise.

Other FPGA projects

This collection of FPGA projects showcases a diverse array of applications and capabilities implemented using the Red Pitaya platform, emphasizing its versatility in fields ranging from digital communication to scientific measurement. Projects include SDR (Software Defined Radio) transceivers, which allow for dynamic communication system development and are compatible with HPSDR standards, offering a robust platform for amateur and experimental radio operators. Other innovative projects include a Pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance system, which highlights the use of Red Pitaya in advanced scientific research, and a Multichannel Pulse Height Analyzer for detailed energy measurements in particle physics. The suite also features a Vector Network Analyzer, crucial for characterizing and optimizing radio frequency components and systems. Additional tools like the Pulse-Density Modulator and a method to synchronize a cluster of Red Pitayas extend the functionality further, supporting intricate setups and experiments. Each project is supported by detailed documentation, providing users with both the theoretical background and practical steps needed to replicate or innovate upon the existing designs.