Learning FPGA

Does anyone know of any good learning resources about how to start learning FPGA? I've been a software engineer for several years and the FPGA world is quite new to me. I'm trying to implement RMII but have been struggling a lot. I purchased a logic analyzer but I don't know what I'm looking at. I need something that will tell me how to properly understand and read datasheets, know how to debug signals, how to understand what VHDL is good and what is bad. How to read RTL generations..Etc

I'm starting from the beginning. Any resources or materials are greatly appreciated.

Parents

geralds 13 days ago

Hi danielpgleason

I used to work with Lattice PLDs and FPGAs for over 10 years until 2013.

The logic devices are simple in design, easy to learn, and quite inexpensive.

You can find good literature on them at Lattice Semiconductor.

https://www.latticesemi.com/

You can program the PLDs and basic FPGAs with the downloadable, mostly free software.

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/ispLEVERClassic

Use this software for the classic types, ispLSI, PLD, GAL. etc..

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/LatticeDiamond

Use Diamond for programming as older types as well, e.g. MachXO; ECP2;

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/LatticePropel

Use Propel for MACHXO4; 5; Certus; some older types - iCE40;...

https://www.latticesemi.com/Support/Licensing

Altera and Xilinx (where I worked with the Spartan types) would also be options, however,
these types are quite expensive, as are the devices necessary for their development.
It's a bit hug for you, I think.

For you:

some simple question where be answered: what is a PAL, GAL, PLD (CPLD), FPGA, ASIC (historically increasing in complexity)?
What can I do with it? Do you train with logical truth-tables? Metastability, logic-gates, registers, timing, etc...

Regards,
Gerald
Cancel
Vote Up +1 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel

Reply

geralds 13 days ago

Hi danielpgleason

I used to work with Lattice PLDs and FPGAs for over 10 years until 2013.

The logic devices are simple in design, easy to learn, and quite inexpensive.

You can find good literature on them at Lattice Semiconductor.

https://www.latticesemi.com/

You can program the PLDs and basic FPGAs with the downloadable, mostly free software.

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/ispLEVERClassic

Use this software for the classic types, ispLSI, PLD, GAL. etc..

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/LatticeDiamond

Use Diamond for programming as older types as well, e.g. MachXO; ECP2;

https://www.latticesemi.com/Products/DesignSoftwareAndIP/FPGAandLDS/LatticePropel

Use Propel for MACHXO4; 5; Certus; some older types - iCE40;...

https://www.latticesemi.com/Support/Licensing

Altera and Xilinx (where I worked with the Spartan types) would also be options, however,
these types are quite expensive, as are the devices necessary for their development.
It's a bit hug for you, I think.

For you:

some simple question where be answered: what is a PAL, GAL, PLD (CPLD), FPGA, ASIC (historically increasing in complexity)?
What can I do with it? Do you train with logical truth-tables? Metastability, logic-gates, registers, timing, etc...

Regards,
Gerald
Cancel
Vote Up +1 Vote Down

Sign in to reply

Cancel

Children

No Data