We finished a full serial UART in the last class. In this class we will be adding a FIFO to the RX module. This will enable the UART to buffer data that is read so that the parent module does not have to immediately read the incoming data. We will not be doing any testing with hardware like the last two classes. Instead, we will create a thorough test bench to ensure that everything is working as intended.

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. Intro to FIFOs
3. Discuss RX buffering idea
4. Create new VHDL module for serial RX
5. Copy over old code to new module
6. Create FIFO using Core Generator
7. Modify new RX module to write to FIFO
8. Create test bench to verify module (might run out of time for this)

If you would like to join the class, then please E-Mail fpga@unallocatedspace.org. The class is now to a point where you need to know VHDL prior to joining. 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

Provided Items:
1. None

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!