STEP STEP-MAX10 - User Manual

STEP-MAX10
Hardware Manual
STEP FPGA
STEP
2017/2/14

Summary

Introduction

Package Contents

Layout and Components

Development Board Layout

Presents the features and design characteristics of the board, indicating the location of connectors and key components through top and bottom views.

FPGA Device

Details the two versions of the STEP-MAX10 development board which differ in the FPGA device, comparing LABs, RAM, I/O, and package.

Programming and Configuration

Describes the programming and configuration method, specifically mentioning the On-Board USB Blaster with a normal Micro-USB connector.

Connecters

Lists the available connectors on the board, including the 36 GPIO Header.

Display

Details the display components on the board, including 7-Segment Displays, User LEDs, and RGB LEDs.

Buttons and Switches

Details the input components, including the four buttons and four switches available on the development board.

Power

Specifies the power input method, which is a 5V DC input from the Micro-USB connector.

Block Diagram of Board

Pins Assignments

Version

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features
4. Proper Handling
5. Power Management
6. Software and Firmware
7. Troubleshooting

The STEP-MAX10 FPGA Development Board is a robust, portable, and user-friendly hardware design platform built around the Altera MAX10 FPGA. This board is designed to provide cost-effective, single-chip solutions for control plane or data path applications, leveraging industry-leading programmable logic for ultimate design flexibility. It is particularly well-suited for beginners in FPGA development, offering a comprehensive environment for learning, evaluating, and prototyping with the Altera MAX10 FPGA.

Function Description

The core function of the STEP-MAX10 board is to facilitate the development and implementation of custom digital circuits using the Altera MAX10 FPGA. The MAX10 FPGA itself is a versatile device capable of handling a wide range of applications, from simple logic functions to complex system designs. The board acts as an interface, providing all the necessary peripherals and connections to interact with the FPGA and implement various functionalities.

The board integrates several key components that expand its capabilities. An on-board USB Blaster simplifies the programming and configuration process, allowing users to easily load their designs onto the FPGA without requiring external programming tools. This is a significant convenience, especially for beginners. The inclusion of 7-segment displays, LEDs (both user-controlled and RGB), and GPIOs (General Purpose Input/Output pins) enables users to create interactive projects and observe the behavior of their designs. Buttons and switches provide additional input mechanisms, allowing for user interaction and control over the FPGA's logic. A 12M crystal oscillator provides a stable clock source, essential for synchronous digital designs.

The board's design emphasizes flexibility. All connections to the MAX10 FPGA device are made accessible, allowing users to configure the FPGA to implement virtually any system design. This means that the user has full control over how the various on-board components are utilized and connected within their FPGA design. Whether it's driving the 7-segment displays, controlling the LEDs, reading input from the buttons, or interfacing with external components via the GPIOs, the FPGA can be programmed to manage these interactions.

The STEP-MAX10 board supports two versions of the MAX10 FPGA, offering different levels of logic elements and RAM bits. This allows users to choose a board that best fits the complexity and resource requirements of their projects. Regardless of the specific MAX10 variant, the fundamental functionality and ease of use remain consistent across both versions.

Usage Features

The STEP-MAX10 board is designed for ease of use, making it an excellent choice for educational purposes and rapid prototyping. The integrated USB Blaster is a standout feature, simplifying the crucial step of programming the FPGA. Users can connect the board to their computer via a standard Micro-USB connector and directly upload their bitstreams, eliminating the need for separate programming hardware.

The board's layout is clearly organized, with various components and connectors labeled for easy identification. This helps users quickly understand the board's structure and how to connect different elements. The presence of 5V and 3.3V pin headers provides convenient power access for external modules or components that might be integrated into a project.

Input and output capabilities are extensive. The two 7-segment displays are ideal for displaying numerical data or simple messages, commonly used in counter designs, clock projects, or status indicators. The eight user LEDs provide visual feedback for debugging or indicating the state of various logic signals. The two RGB LEDs offer more advanced visual output, allowing for color-coded status indicators or more complex visual effects.

For user interaction, the board includes four buttons and four switches. These can be used as inputs to control logic, trigger events, or select different modes of operation within an FPGA design. The 36 GPIO pins are a critical feature for expanding the board's functionality. These pins allow the FPGA to interface with a wide array of external sensors, actuators, communication modules, and other custom hardware, making the board highly adaptable for diverse projects.

The 12M crystal oscillator provides a reliable clock source, which is fundamental for most digital designs. Users can incorporate this clock into their FPGA logic to synchronize operations, create timing sequences, and implement state machines.

The board's compact size and robust construction contribute to its portability, allowing users to easily transport their projects and work in different environments. The comprehensive set of on-board peripherals means that many projects can be developed and tested without the need for extensive external circuitry, making it a self-contained development platform.

Maintenance Features

While the STEP-MAX10 board is a hardware device, its maintenance primarily revolves around proper handling, power management, and software updates for the development environment.

Proper Handling:

• Physical Protection: The board should be handled with care to prevent physical damage to components, especially the delicate FPGA chip and connectors. Storing it in its original packing box or a protective enclosure when not in use can prevent accidental impacts or static discharge.
• Static Discharge Prevention: Like all electronic devices, the FPGA is sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Users should take precautions such as working on an anti-static mat and using an ESD wrist strap to prevent damage to the board's components.
• Connector Care: The Micro-USB connector and pin headers should be handled gently to avoid bending pins or damaging the connectors themselves. When inserting or removing cables and jumper wires, apply even pressure and avoid excessive force.

Power Management:

• Correct Power Supply: The board requires a 5V DC input, typically supplied via the Micro-USB connector. Using an incorrect voltage or an unstable power source can damage the board. Users should ensure they are using a compliant USB power source or a dedicated 5V power adapter.
• Current Limits: While the board is designed to be robust, exceeding the current limits of the 5V input or the 3.3V output from the pin headers can lead to component damage. When connecting external modules, users should be mindful of their power consumption.
• Overload Protection: The board likely incorporates some level of power protection, but it's always good practice to avoid short circuits on the power rails, especially when experimenting with custom circuitry connected to the GPIOs.

Software and Firmware:

• Development Environment Updates: While not directly related to the physical board's maintenance, keeping the FPGA development software (e.g., Intel Quartus Prime) up to date is crucial. Software updates often include bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for new operating systems, ensuring a smooth development experience.
• Driver Installation: For the on-board USB Blaster to function correctly, the necessary drivers must be installed on the host computer. Users should ensure these drivers are correctly installed and updated as needed.
• Firmware (if applicable): Although FPGAs are reconfigurable, some boards might have a small amount of fixed firmware for initial boot-up or specific functionalities. While unlikely to require user updates for this type of board, it's a general consideration for embedded systems.

Troubleshooting:

• Visual Inspection: In case of issues, a visual inspection of the board can often reveal problems like bent pins, loose connections, or damaged components.
• Power LED: The presence of a power LED provides immediate feedback on whether the board is receiving power, which is a primary diagnostic step.
• Community Support: As a development board, there is often a community of users and online resources available for troubleshooting and sharing solutions, which can be invaluable for maintenance and problem-solving.

In summary, the STEP-MAX10 board is designed for longevity and ease of use, with maintenance primarily focused on careful handling, appropriate power supply, and keeping the associated software environment current. Its robust design and integrated features aim to minimize the need for complex hardware maintenance, allowing users to focus on their FPGA designs.

STEP STEP-MAX10 Specifications