For bitstream configuration and SPI interface to PC — The open source toolchain for ICE40 FPGA works exceptionally well. For example, APIO (link) combines synthesis, simulation and programmer into one easy-to-use CLI, which makes ICE40 FPGAs fun to play with, in strong contrast to bulky, snail-slow Xilinx FPGA toolchains. 1. FTDI SPI Bitstream to Flash Chip Because of the free ICE40 open source toolchain, many low-price…

where PyVISA can’t reach — The standard way to remote control or gather data from digital oscilloscope, DMM, signal generator, etc., is through GPIB/LAN/serial port at the back of these instruments, making connection to the PC. Once the hardware cable is connected, at software level, you need to install some quite large VISA runtime/library. Lastly…

Use Pi as a headless data logger — 1. Goal Rust code was developed on the Windows PC for an experiment setup to collect and visualize real-time data from an embedded system (RP2040 MCU for example). Data is sent over serial/USB connection (FTDI 232H cable) to the PC. …

Piecing Together Embedded Rust Libraries — 1. Hardware LILYGO T-Display RP2040 (https://www.lilygo.cc/products/t-display-rp2040) LILYGO makes nice hardware modules that combine various TFT LCD displays with popular MCUs, such as ESP32 and RP2040. About two years ago, it introduced this T-display module that combines RP2040 (Raspberry Pi PICO) MCU with a ST7789V controlled 1.14" LCD display (135 x 240 pixels).

The FSM Story — Inspired by Tim’s (blog link) FSM theory, I set out to measure a few different WS2812(B) neopixels in the draw. In my previous post (link), I described a 555 timer circuit with its CV (control voltage) pin adjustable via a secondary voltage source. The output pulse of the 555 timer…

Explained with Japanese sōzu — A common FPGA design problem is to divide down a faster MHz external clock into 115200 or similar slower baud rate for serial communication use. Here are two links discussing such solutions: Controlling Timing within an FPGA Within an FPGA, everything is based upon event based timing. SPI controllers require a logic generated clock, I2C…zipcpu.com fpga4fun.com - Serial interface 2 - Baud generator Serial interface 2 - Baud generator Here we want to use the serial link at maximum speed, i.e. 115200 bauds (slower…www.fpga4fun.com

in Verilog Code — LCD display technology has been around for a long time, long before the advent of LCD TVs that have vibrant colors. In this article, we are focusing on this LCD1602 character LCD. LCD1602 (or HD44780 as one of its key components) has two rows, each of which can display 16…

Mental Math Rule Derived from Slide Rule — With the global hot summer months dwelling, it is sometimes useful to compare the daily temperatures of big cities around the world. In most places, local residents are used to temperature units in Celsius, except US and a few places where Fahrenheit is still in use. (https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-that-use-fahrenheit) Fortunately there exists…

Light Blaster and Archery — In the Star Wars galaxy far far away, light (or laser) blaster pistols or rifles are the common weaponry used by stormtroopers, Mandalorians, among others. Once fired, its “bullet” trajectory is illuminated by a burst of light beam, thus called light bullet. Along with lightsabers, they are often thought of…