VSDSquadron FM (FPGA Mini)
Compact and Versatile Prototyping Solution

The VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM) is a compact and low-cost development board designed for FPGA prototyping and embedded system projects. This board provides a seamless hardware development experience with an integrated programmer, versatile GPIO access, and onboard memory, making it ideal for students, hobbyists, and developers exploring FPGA-based designs.

Datasheet

VSDSquadron FM (FPGA Mini)
Compact and Versatile Prototyping Solution

The VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM) is a compact and low-cost development board designed for FPGA prototyping and embedded system projects. This board provides a seamless hardware development experience with an integrated programmer, versatile GPIO access, and onboard memory, making it ideal for students, hobbyists, and developers exploring FPGA-based designs.

Projects
Datasheet

Overview

The VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM) is a compact and low-cost development board designed for FPGA prototyping and embedded system projects. This board provides a seamless hardware development experience with an integrated programmer, versatile GPIO access, and onboard memory, making it ideal for students, hobbyists, and developers exploring FPGA-based designs.

Key Features

FPGA Chip


Lattice UltraPlus ICE40UP5K FPGA with 5.3K LUTs for logic implementation

1Mb SPRAM, 120Kb DPRAM for efficient memory management

8 Multipliers for DSP and complex arithmetic operations

Connectivity


FTDI FT232H USB-to-SPI for programming and communication

All FTDI test points accessible for debugging

General Purpose I/O (GPIO)


32 FPGA GPIOs easily accessible for rapid prototyping.

Memory


4MB SPI flash for data storage and configuration

LED Indicators


RGB LED for status indication and custom use cases

Power Regulation


Onboard 3.3V and 1.2V regulators with external supply option

Compact Form Factor


Dimensions: 57mm x 29mm

Lightweight and portable for education and development purposes

Kit Contents

  • 1 x VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM) board
  • Getting Started Guide and Software Support Links

Block Diagram

VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM) Board Block Diagram

The VSDSquadron FPGA Mini integrates the ICE40UP5K-SG48ITR FPGA, FTDI FT232H controller, and supporting components for a complete development setup.

Tech Specs

Name 

ICE40UP5K-SG48ITR Specification

Technology Node

40 nm

Logic Cells

5,280

Flip-Flops

4,960

SRAM Blocks

120 kbits

DSP Blocks

None

Package Type

SG48

I/O Pins

39

I/O Standards Supported

LVCMOS, LVDS

Maximum Operating Frequency

133 MHz

Clock Sources

Internal oscillator and external clock

Core Voltage

1.2V

I/O Voltage

3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V

Onboard Memory

1Mb SPRAM, 120Kb DPRAM

Operating Temperature Range

-40°C to 85°C

Development Tools

Project Icestorm, Yosys, and NextPNR tools

Getting Started

  • Software Tools Required: Project Icestorm, Yosys, NextPNR
  • Programming: Onboard FTDI FT232H enables USB-based programming.
  • First Project: A preloaded "blink LED" example included for quick testing.

Use Cases

  • FPGA Prototyping and Learning
  • Embedded System Design
  • Digital Logic Development
  • Hardware Security Prototyping
  • Signal Processing Experiments

Documentation and Support

Innovative project examples VSDSquadron FPGA Mini (FM)

Digital Logic Projects

  • Binary Counter with 7-Segment Display: Display a binary counter on a 7-segment display using the GPIO pins.
  • Traffic Light Controller: Implement a traffic light control system with timing logic and LED indicators.
  • Frequency Divider Circuit: Develop a clock frequency divider to generate different clock signals from a primary clock input.

Embedded Systems and Peripherals

  • SPI-based Sensor Interface: Connect and read data from SPI-based sensors such as a temperature sensor or accelerometer using GPIO pins.
  • UART Communication Module: Develop a UART module for serial communication with a PC using the FTDI FT232H interface.
  • PWM Motor Control: Generate PWM signals to control the speed of a DC motor.

Arithmetic and Signal Processing

  • 16-bit ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Design a basic ALU supporting operations like addition, subtraction, AND, OR, and XOR.
  • Digital Signal Filter: Implement a low-pass FIR filter for basic audio or signal filtering applications.
  • 4-bit Multiplier: Build a hardware multiplier using the available DSP blocks.

FPGA-based Computing and Control:

  • Finite State Machine (FSM): Implement an FSM for vending machines or elevator control logic.
  • Keypad and LCD Interface: Design an FPGA-based system that interacts with a keypad and displays outputs on an LCD screen.
  • Real-time Clock (RTC): Create a real-time clock using external crystal oscillators and the FPGA counters.

Graphics and Display Projects

  • VGA Signal Generator: Generate basic VGA video signals to display patterns on a monitor.
  • LED Matrix Scroller: Control a grid of LEDs to display scrolling text or patterns.
  • Simple Animation Engine: Use the FPGA's logic for simple pixel-based animations on a graphical display.

RISC-V and Soft Processor Cores

  • RISC-V Soft Core Implementation: Implement a minimal RISC-V soft core processor using the available LUTs.
  • Simple CPU Design: Develop a basic CPU capable of running simple assembly instructions and handling GPIO.

Cryptography and Security:

  • AES Encryption Core: Develop a basic AES encryption engine for secure data transmission experiments.
  • Random Number Generator: Implement a basic RNG for security purposes or testing.

Machine Learning and AI on FPGA

  • TinyML with Quantized Models: Load a quantized neural network model and perform basic inferencing tasks like digit recognition using the available multipliers
  • Edge AI for Image Processing: Implement a basic edge detection algorithm for real-time image filtering.

Educational and Training Projects

  • FPGA Training Board: Create a demonstration board showcasing multiple small projects like a clock, counter, and GPIO handling.
  • Digital Logic Trainer: Implement a system for hands-on training with basic gates, flip-flops, and combinational circuits.

About VSD

VSD, standing as a trailblazing Semiconductor EdTech company and a community-based Technology Aggregator, is revolutionizing the landscape of VLSI Design. With the belief that “Creativity is just connecting things”, VSD has mastered the art of linking the right resources with the community. This unique approach has sparked a significant transformation in the VLSI Design process.

Over the past decade, VSD has made remarkable strides in the open-source semiconductor domain. Our journey includes the development of comprehensive training content, empowering students to design silicon-grade IP/SoC. Notably, we’ve successfully guided these projects through the tapeout cycle via the Google open shuttle program. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to hands-on, practical education.

At VSD, our role extends beyond traditional education. While we didn’t invent EDA tools or design flows, we’ve made them accessible to a wider community. Our mentorship has been instrumental in the development of over 50+ Analog/Digital IPs and solutions. Impressively, 20+ of these have successfully transitioned from concept to Silicon – a clear indicator of our effective approach and the high quality of work produced under our guidance.

We pride ourselves on fostering a community-based revolution in the Semiconductor Industry. By democratizing access to advanced tools and knowledge, VSD is not just educating individuals; we are building a community of innovators poised to lead the next wave of advancements in the semiconductor sector. With VSD, the future of VLSI Design is not just being written; it’s being rewritten by a passionate and empowered community.

Registration Fees

₹2599
$37

Excluding GST, Shipping Cost and Custom Duty Tax

Also available on

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Media Coverage

VSD Team interview taken by DD News at SEMICON India 2024

RISC-V Roadshow on SHAKTI Ideology

VSDSquadron was launched by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras

Innovation & Education Unite

VSD Launches VSDSquadron In Collaboration With IIT Madras & DIR-V

Unleashing VLSI

Job Roles, Convergence With Embedded Systems, and Startups

Semicon India Future Skills by IESA

VSD showcased at Semicon India 2023

Puthiya Thalaimurai

VSDSquadron Educational board on Tamil News channel

NIT Jamshedpur

5 Day Workshop on VLSI Design Flow using RISCV and EDA Tools

Sahyadri College

Karnataka VLSI roadshow at Sahyadri College, Mangalore

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