SparkRoad Review - Development Environment Installation and Unboxing Review

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SparkRoad Review - Development Environment Installation and Unboxing Review [Copy link]

 

After getting the board, I powered it on and tested it. The original program was quite complicated, and the digital tubes were all lit, which was very lively. After it powered on, let's officially start!

1. First, log in to Anlu's official website to download the latest development tools . The TD_5.0.3_30786_Win7_64bit_NL.msi version is newer than ee, so there is a small pitfall, that is, this version is not very compatible with the routine, and some errors will occur, but the file can be integrated smoothly, so I don't care.

2. The file installation process is very smooth. You can open the file after installation. This only allows you to open the project file because it cannot be run without the authorization file.

3. Installation authorization. I did not apply for it myself, but downloaded the EE authorization . I just copied it directly to the installation directory of the Anlu software.

4. It's done, you can experiment, but it doesn't work. After generating the bit file after synthesis, "No hardware" is found. This is caused by the lack of driver. The pitfalls here are:

When the board is plugged in, it can be displayed as a USB device. Why not? Don't argue, just go to the software directory and find the driver. I have been stuck in this pit for a long time!

The directory contains drivers for various versions of Windows.

After finding it, install it directly. Note that it is a driver upgrade method, and there is no executable file. It is the Windows driver update method.

After the driver is installed, you can find that the driver device becomes an anlogic device.

Click to generate the bit file.

5. Click the download button to start downloading.

At this time, you can find that the board device has been automatically recognized.

Erase Flash first, then press the run key to download the file.

Guide to avoiding pits,

Note: Because there are multiple files, you may have made the wrong choice, and I am embarrassed here.

Board unboxing summary:

1. The functions of the board are not very luxurious, but they are enough for those who want to get started with FPGA. There are many dip switches installed on the board, which touched me a lot. I don't need to use Dupont wires to jump back and forth. It is very nice to set the level directly. Although this limits the use of some pins, it is not a big deal. The board is designed with interfaces compatible with Raspberry Pi and Arduino, so some expansion boards or hardware can be used.

2. Software: Most domestic chips are weak, but Anlu is good except for the lack of built-in simulation function. The overall speed and download speed are much faster than the traditional software I have used in the past. I have not studied the comprehensive optimization effect in depth, so I dare not comment on whether it is good or bad.

3. As for the chip, my goal is that the number of ADC and PWM logic gates is far enough, and the built-in resources are similar for general motor or power control. I don't know about other applications. I hope that friends who know can give me great advice. I saw on the Internet that the core of coretx-m0 can be burned into the board. I think this kind of resource is really a luxury.