FPGAs for control applications. Need suggestions for brand and dev kits.

[CM800]

I am looking for some budget FPGAs for some smaller projects. I have been looking at Freescale FPGAs as they do seem to be the best budget wise. Has anyone got suggestions?

Along with this I am looking into getting a Dev kit as I have not used any FPGAs, CLPDs or similar, any suggestions would be welcome.


My primary project is an RS232 / Serial controlled chip that allows me to generate 2 phase correct PWM outputs with a programmable deadtime, frequency and pulse width, This may be expanded to have limits like one or multiple current feedback loops (input current and output current limits, allowing you to both limit by your power outlet capability and your load current rating capability) A frequency range would be from 15kHz to 30kHz however 15kHz to 150kHz would be better.

Does anyone have any good suggestions (and just how complex is what I want to do.. and is it possible to do inside an FPGA?)

[Rasz]

Freescale does FPGAs?

Lattice is cheap and easy to get into. But your requirements are easily met by modern ARM micro, even $4 m0

[CM800]

Pardon me, I ment Lattice, been thinking about a lot recently.

I wasn't aware of any processors that would allow me to change the frequency on the fly in any increment I choose? (e.g. 21.50kHz)

[alexanderbrevig]

Based on some threads from this forum I've just ordered;
USB Blaster JTAG for Altera $5USD
Altera FPGA Development Board $11USD

As far as I can tell it seems I'm about to add FPGA to my 'skillset' (at least some knowledge of) for less than $20USD!
I'm not recommending this as I don't know anything. I just found enough references to that kit and then the chronic press-the-buy-button disease took hold.

[John_ITIC]

I think choosing Altera is a wise choice since their documentation is excellent. They also have many low and mid level devices not available from other Vendors.

Note that for Cyclone II, you'll have to download an older Quartus II version (around 11.1, I believe) since apparently not supported in latest QII version. Keep this in mind should you not find any Cyclone II device option in the software...

[danfo098]

Does anyone have any good suggestions (and just how complex is what I want to do.. and is it possible to do inside an FPGA?)

It's not that complex and yes it is definitely doable in an FPGA.

This is a nice little devkit that will be able to do it:
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en?keywords=de0%20nano

If you run the FPGA @ 100 MHz you will get 1000 steps of PWM resolution @ 100kHz PWM frequency which will probably be more than enough.

[Scrts]

You might be interested in Altera MAX10 too:
http://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=218&No=708&PartNo=1
or
http://parts.arrow.com/item/detail/arrow-development-tools/bemicromax10#yggQ
There are single power supply MAX10 devices in reasonable packages. Plus you won't need a separate flash.

[tggzzz]

Have a look at the Red Pitaya. It is a Zynq (FPGA+ARMs) plus ADCs and other stuff. Nominally an oscilloscope, but the FPGA code is open and it can be "repurposed" in control systems.

[CM800]

Thanks for all your replies,  I see most people are gunning for Altera, though aren't there FPGAs pretty much all much larger and more expensive then Lattice's range and they only have 1 or 2 FPGAs near Lattice's own range?

I will look into getting those kits anyway, it is good to have a few brands to choose and know about. My paycheck comes next Monday.

Does anyone have any good links or references that would help me achieve what I wanted to do? (as in my first post)

[awallin]

These are easy to get started with, if you want Xilinx and spartan6

Papilio Pro
http://store.gadgetfactory.net/papilio-pro/

or with a bigger LX45 chip:
http://pipistrello.saanlima.com/index.php?title=Welcome_to_Pipistrello

the computing shield seems to have an RS232 port if you don't want to make a board for that yourself:
http://store.gadgetfactory.net/computing-shield/

there is a fairly good getting-started book:
https://github.com/hamsternz/IntroToSpartanFPGABook
(mr. Hamster might even answer your questions here - if you ask nicely