Difficulties with interfacing external devices using Altera FPGAs

Question

How can I interface external analog signals (from a potentiometer for example) and display the bits on the user LEDs? Is it also possible to apply fourier transform on these analog signals? I have both Cyclone 10 LP evaluation kit and the DE 10 Nano standard, yet I couldn't successfully implement this experiment in either of them. for the DE 10 Nano standard, i read the ADC controller IP manual but its directions weren't that clear for me.

Generally speaking, I still don't understand how configuring the pin planner works so that might be one of the issues. Also the problem doesn't lie just in this experiment, I am having difficulties with interfacing anything external whether it was a motor or an LCD screen.

I've only started teaching myself VHDL and FPGAs a few months ago so I'm still a beginner. I've implemented some basic logic design concepts such as full adders and multiplexers and they worked just fine.

If someone can guide me through the problems I'm facing now I'd truly appreciate it. Any advice, resources etc. would be helpful.

michaelkellett · Accepted Answer

The DE 10 Nano board has an SPI interfaced ADC on board. Terrasic will supply example code that will operate it.

If you are a beginner I suggest that the Cyclone 10 and Cyclone V SE are not good places to start.

These are complex chips with loads of stuff you really don't need yet.

The boards (especially the DE 10 Nano) have lots of complicated additional features you don't want to get into yet.

Consider going for a much simpler solution based on an easier FPGA.

If you want to stick with Altera (and if you are struggling with the tools you may well not) then look at a nice simple board like this:

https://kamami.com/boards/561438-maximator-promo-with-expander-shield-and-kamami-usb-blaster.html

or even a cheap Chinese one like this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32859698607.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4b4e16c5hGMFWf&algo_pvid=7d4eef2d-0f93-4e9c-b…

Alternatively consider trying the Lattice XP2 range - nice simple FPGA and nice simple dev board and nice simple tools (notice the pattern there ?)

Lattice do a simple dev board, in stock at Farnell - part number 2253073, no ADC on the board.

In my opinion you will find it much easier to learn the basics with older designs of chips and tools.

Cheap Entry into FPGA

Kamami MAXimator FPGA Board

MK

Difficulties with interfacing external devices using Altera FPGAs

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