Get Started with FPGA Programming using Quartus (with VHDL)

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Intel's Laboratory Exercise
3. The DE10 Light Board
4. Connecting the Switches to the LEDs
5. Setting up Quartus
6. Creating a New Project
7. Adding the VHDL Code
8. Compiling and Synthesizing the Design
9. Defining Pin Assignments
10. Programming the FPGA Board

Introduction

Welcome to this Tutorial on running Intel's laboratory exercise one for the DE10 Light Board with Quartus. In this video, we will cover the steps involved in connecting the switches to the LEDs on the DE10 Light Board using VHDL code. The DE10 Light Board is a relatively inexpensive yet powerful FPGA board sold by Intel.

Overview of Intel's Laboratory Exercise

Intel's laboratory exercise one is an introductory exercise that focuses on using Quartus and programming the FPGA board. In this exercise, we will connect the switches to the LEDs on the DE10 Light Board. The exercise provides the VHDL code required for this project, which we will use. The code assigns the switches to the LEDs, allowing us to control the LEDs by flipping the switches.

The DE10 Light Board

The DE10 Light Board is a lightweight and affordable FPGA board offered by Intel. It provides a powerful platform for various FPGA projects, including the exercise we will be covering in this tutorial. The board features switches and LEDs that can be easily connected and programmed using Quartus and VHDL.

Connecting the Switches to the LEDs

In this introductory exercise, our goal is to connect the switches directly to the LEDs on the DE10 Light Board. The switches act as input ports, while the LEDs serve as output ports. By assigning the switches to the corresponding LEDs using VHDL code, we can control the LEDs by flipping the switches. This exercise serves as a simple introduction to using Quartus and programming FPGA boards.

Setting up Quartus

Before we can start programming the DE10 Light Board, we need to set up Quartus, Intel's software suite for FPGA development. To begin, open Quartus and navigate to the "New Project Wizard." This wizard will guide us through creating a new project for our exercise. Choose a Relevant working folder and provide a name for the project. Additionally, specify the top-level entity name as "Lab1_1" to match the VHDL code we will be using.

Creating a New Project

After setting up the project details, we can proceed to create a new VHDL file within the project. Use the "New" option in Quartus to create a new VHDL file, and make sure to name it appropriately. Copy the VHDL code provided for this exercise into the newly created file. Remember to save the file with the correct name, "Lab1_1.vhd," to Align with the top-level entity name.

Adding the VHDL Code

Once the VHDL file is created and saved, add it to the project by right-clicking on the project in the project hierarchy and selecting "Add/Remove Files." Locate the VHDL file you created and add it to the project. This step ensures that the VHDL code is included in the project and can be compiled and synthesized.

Compiling and Synthesizing the Design

With the VHDL code added to the project, we can now proceed with compiling and synthesizing the design. This step involves checking for any syntax errors in the code and generating the corresponding design files. By running the "Compile Design" option, Quartus will analyze and synthesize the code, providing feedback on any errors encountered.

Defining Pin Assignments

To program the DE10 Light Board, we need to define the pin assignments for the switches and LEDs. This step ensures that the switches are connected to the input ports and the LEDs to the output ports. We can accomplish this by using the Quartus Settings File (QSF), which specifies the pin assignments and connection standards. Open the QSF file associated with the project and update the pin assignments according to the board's specifications.

Programming the FPGA Board

Once the pin assignments are defined, we are ready to program the FPGA board. Open the Quartus Programmer and ensure that the board is properly connected via USB Blaster. Configure the programming settings, including the desired output file (typically an SOF file), and initiate the programming process. Once completed, the board will be programmed with the VHDL code, allowing us to control the LEDs by interacting with the switches.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully completed Intel's laboratory exercise one for the DE10 Light Board using Quartus. By connecting the switches to the LEDs and programming the board with VHDL code, you have gained a basic understanding of FPGA development and Quartus. This exercise serves as a solid foundation for more complex projects and further exploration of FPGA programming.

Please note that this tutorial only covers the introductory aspects of the exercise. For more advanced applications and projects, refer to Intel's official documentation and additional resources.