We will be learning about 7 segment displays and VHDL arrays. We will create a new VHDL module for displaying N numbers on a seven segment display using an array and a counter. The goal might be a little ambitious, so we might not get all the way to the end in one class.

It is not too late to join the class, though time is running out! Please E-Mail fpga@unallocatedspace.org if you would like to join.

The slides for the upcoming and previous classes can be found here. The slides are generally made during the three days before a class.

Agenda:
1. Overview of last class
2. Introduction to 7 segment displays
3. Determine polarity of display
4. Determine pinout of display
5. Create VHDL module for seven segment
6. Modify design to turn on all segments
7. Modify design to display the number ‘2’
8. Slow down clock to flash the number ‘2’
9. Introduction to arrays in VHDL
10. Create array to hold the numbers ‘1’ and ‘2’
11. Modify design to alternate between showing ‘1’ and ‘2’
12. Questions/Comments/Concerns

IMPORTANT You MUST have ISE (not Vivado!) installed prior to the start of class!!! ISE can take upwards of 30 minutes to an hour to install. We will not have time to wait for ISE to be installed. Please go here and download the ISE Design Suite package for your operating system. If you have licensing or installation issues, please contact fpga@unallocatedspace.org

Required Items:
1. FPGA development board with Spartan 3 or Spartan 6
2. USB cable for programming
3. JTAG programmer if your board does not have USB upload ability
4. Laptop with ISE installed and either wired or wireless network connectivity
5. If your development board does not have a seven segment, then you will need to bring a breadboard with jumper wires

Provided Items:
1. If your development board does not have a seven segment, one will be provided for you
2. Resistors (2K Ohm, only if you need to use a breadboard for your seven segment)

We have been given ‘academic’ status from Digilent Inc. This means that the instructor can (sometimes) purchase boards from Digilent at the academic price. This discount will only apply to people who are attending the class regularly and is on a case-by-case basis from Digilent.

Since Unallocated Space runs off of donations, we would like to mention that the recommended donation for this class is $5. It is by no means a requirement! Attendance to the space, and this class, is 100% free to all!