We will be finishing our work with seven segment displays. Last week we got our seven segments to display a flashing number ‘2’. This week we will make our seven segment module count using VHDL arrays. Additionally, we will go over, and implement a reset signal for our design. Time permitting, we will also remove the clock divider from the main process since it doesn’t really belong there.

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. Review of last class
2. Modify SevenSegment to show two numbers
3. Intro to VHDL arrays
4. Modify SevenSegment to use an array
5. Modify SevenSegment to count from 0 to 3
6. Brief discussion of resets in FPGAs
7. Adding a reset to SevenSegment
8. On your own – Make SevenSegment count from 0 to F
9. Moving the clock divider to it’s own process

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 to 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!