We will be starting the first of two classes aimed at interfacing our FPGAs to SRAM (datasheet). This class will focus on wiring, state machines, tri-state logic, and processes. We might not get through all of the topics.

The slides for the upcoming and previous classes can be found here. The slides are generally made during the three days before a class. An E-Mail will be sent to those attending the class via Google Hangouts with instructions for getting an SRAM chip.

Agenda:
1. Wire up SRAM chip to the FPGA
2. Modify and upload provided test design for specific FPGA dev board
3. Intro to state machines
4. Implementing state machines in VHDL
5. Create pseudo-code state machines for writing and reading the SRAM
6. Intro to tri-state buffers (inout pins in VHDL)
7. Creating slower clock using a dedicated process

If you would like to join the class, then please E-Mail fpga@unallocatedspace.org. We also stream the class on Google Hangouts. Please send an E-Mail to fpga@unallocatedspace.org if you would like to join the Google Hangout.

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
4. Laptop with ISE installed and either wired or wireless network connectivity
5. Breadboard and jumpers (please E-Mail fpga@unallocatedspace.org if you don’t have one or both of these so the instructor can make sure to bring enough extras)

Provided Items:
1. Alliance AS6C62256 256KB parallel SRAM
2. Test code for the SRAM

We have been given ‘academic’ status from Digilent Inc (http://www.digilentinc.com). 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!