Electronics > FPGA

Gowin: Which programmer to use?

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mblinov:
Hi everyone,

I am looking into evaluating the Gowin FPGA platform, and I'm confused by the presence of two JTAG adapters from Gowin:
 - Gowin PL-USB-Cable_V4.0: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gowin-PL-USB-Cable_V4-0-FPGA-Download-Cable/dp/B09B3MWDJ5?ref_=ast_sto_dp
 - GOWIN USB Dongle (U2X): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gowin-GOWIN-USB-Dongle-U2X/dp/B09S3D65D4?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Could someone whos experienced with Gowin stuff suggest what's the difference between them? I've read some past forum threads on the subject but didn't get any conclusive answers.

My intention is to play around with the "MiniStar Nano" (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gowin-MiniStar-Nano-Limited-Edition/dp/B09CD8BG8M?ref_=ast_sto_dp)

josuah:
In case that helps, there was a thread last year about that MiniStar Nano:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/fpga/gowin-ministar-nano-limited-edition/

It looks like the goal is to end-up with a working JTAG programmer, whichever chip does that job (an MCU bit-banging JTAG, an FTDI letting the host bit-bang JTAG over USB, a J-Link...

Maybe there is more on https://magicjellybeanfpga.github.io/mjb/hardware.html

mblinov:
Yes, I did read that thread and a few others. I suppose then, if both the "U2X" and the "PL-USB-Cable_V4.0" ultimately serve the same purpose (programming the FPGA over JTAG), then my question is whether the big "PL-USB-Cable_V4.0" Gowin programmer is worth paying an extra £50 for?

mblinov:
Hi all, quick update: I asked the folks at the magicjellybeanfpga project, who forwarded my inquiry to Gowin support. Here's their reply:


--- Quote ---Both cables are supported by GOWIN programmer. You should not see the difference in your project.

There are 2 obvious differences:

* The physical form is different:

* The PL-USB-Cable is a box with both ends connected to cables. One side is USB cable to PC, the other end is JTAG cable to your board.
* USB Dongle has only Jtag cable to your board. The other side is a USB connector that can plug into your PC.
* The chip is different from current listing:

* The PL-USB-Cable is using FDTI232
* USB Dongle is using GOWIN’s GWU2X
* Price is obvious different.

--- End quote ---

So it looks like im splitting hairs here. Cheap option it is.

mon2:
FTDI232H to be exact will be inside the cable. I would rather have multiple root canals than try to source these on the market. TBH, took a chance and imported a few (5 pieces ) from an Aliexpress store which FTDI did not recommend. We have not yet tested these parts out but we trust the vendor from past dealings.

GWU2X is the best choice as the part is likely available and is based on Gowin silicon and support so it is a proven solution.

We are about to test JTAG emulation using RISC cores to mimic the programmer.

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