Products > Test Equipment

Tektronix TDS744 CRT to LCD color converter FPGA module DIY

<< < (16/20) > >>

TerrySt:
I finished the new design using a Spartan 7 FPGA instead of using a development board.  I was able to solder the FPGA and the other small components using a hot plate and  a hot air gun.  The FPGA uses the FTGB196 package (196 balls in a 1mm grid).  I was pretty pleased at how well the FPGA balls looked after soldering (looking in under the edges).  I still used a larger pcb than required so that it can reach the mounts on the o'scope.
I also printed a bracket and bezel for the display.  I started with the files that TERRA provided earlier, and modified them for the 3D printer.  I added standoffs instead of using spacers and also added stiffeners to the bracket since it was a bit flimsy in plastic (would be fine in aluminum).  I added an extra layer to the bezel to keep it centered in the frame.
Lastly, I added an anti-glare screen protector (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQYZBX9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details).  It can be cut to size and works great.  It cuts down on reflections pretty well.  I'll attach a picture with the bezel and screen protector in place.

Terry

TerrySt:
Here is the Spartan 7 FPGA board I made.  Like I said earlier, this was just a learning exercise.  The Spartan 7 is probably not the best choice for this project.  The project uses a small percentage of the FPGA resources and it requires extra power supplies (3.3V, 1.8V, 1.0V and 2.5V) just for the FPGA.  Then you still need 3.3V and 12V for the LCD panel.  Also, it requires level shifters on each of the lines from the o'scope.  So it ends up being a more complicated design that it would if you used a Spartan 3 or something similar. 
It also doesn't save any money over using a development board.  The Mini S7 dev board I used in my first version was about $80 after shipping to the US, but the FPGA is $20 and the extra pcb costs to go to a 4 layer board with smaller vias and ENIG finishing for the FPGA easily costed more than the dev board.  But now I know I can design and solder using BGA chips (at least the 1mm pitch ones).

Terry

TERRA Operative:
How did my parts fit? I can make changes and adjustments if needed

TerrySt:

--- Quote from: TERRA Operative on December 31, 2023, 11:33:10 pm ---How did my parts fit? I can make changes and adjustments if needed

--- End quote ---

They were perfect except for the cutouts for the connectors on the bracket.  They didn't match up with the connectors on my LCD panel.  They were close enough that the cables still could exit through the cutouts.  Other than that, the changes I made were just to reinforce it for printing with plastic (PLA).

I will attach what I ended up with and you can compare to what you made.  Thanks for providing them.  They save me lots of time.

Terry

TERRA Operative:
Hmm, I can't download. Seems the forum attachment bug has struck again.
Can you reupload but ignore the first attachment upload slot and use the second slot to get around the bug?

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

There was an error while thanking
Thanking...
Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod