APA1000-PQ208

Introduction to Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)

Embedded-Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology represent a set of integrated circuit chips that provide a programmable platform to designers for creating digital logic for a variety of applications. FPGAs offer designers the capability to create devices that can reconfigure themselves on demand, thereby reducing the need for custom hardware designs and speeding up the time to market.

APA1000-PQ208 Application Field and Working Principle

The APA1000-PQ208 is a high-performance, low-cost FPGA device suitable for a variety of embedded applications. It is built with enough logic to concurrently handle a multitude of data acquisition functions, control system control and signal processing tasks. The device includes a single ARM Cortex-M0+ processor core, 64K words of on-chip memory and 128K words of on-chip data memory. It also provides support for up to 10 I/O ports, 32 concurrent operations, 16 user-programmable pins, 8 user-programmable multiplexers, 8 user-programmable EMI/RFI filters and 4 user-programmable PWM outputs. It is designed to execute critical automotive, industrial and communications control applications with the highest performance, lowest power consumption and best cost efficiency. It is also able to directly interface with the most sophisticated automotive, industrial and communication control systems.

The main purpose of the APA1000-PQ208 is to allow for a flexible development platform with powerful signal processing and signal-processing algorithms. This is achieved due to the heterogeneous architecture comprised of a single ARM Cortex-M0+ processor, numerous general-purpose I/O’s and user-programmable PWM outputs. The core architecture accesses on-chip memory blocks and user-defined logic blocks to facilitate faster decision making and signal processing.

In order to achieve the best use of modern FPGA technology the APA1000-PQ208 supports several industry-standard programming languages (C and C++). It also provides support for an FPGA Library containing ready to use signal processing functions, including signal processing operations (e.g. maximum, minimum, median and mean). Furthermore, the APA1000-PQ208 can be programmed using UART and I2C communication protocols.

At the physical layer, the APA1000-PQ208 is built with five dedicated signal processing blocks, each of which contains a highly advanced signal processing engine. The signal processing block(s) provide state-of-the-art digital signal processing functionality with up to eight channels, eight user-programmable EMI/RFI filters, simultaneous transfer of data and configuration, and intelligent decision making. The dedicated signal processing blocks provide for direct manipulation of high-speed data streams, and help to eliminate the need for traditional DSP development.

The APA1000-PQ208 also includes a flash memory memory block to store machine code or program instructions. This flash memory block is user-programmable, allowing one to design and create software-controlled FPGA functions quickly and easily. This technology also features a low-power system clock generator and optimized internal clock/reset and power management support.

The APA1000-PQ208 features several programming options. Users can develop applications based on the C language and C++ libraries. In addition, the device\'s programming tools supports MACRO- and symbol-based programming, enabling users to develop applications for specific devices. The FPGA Library also provides ready to use signal processing functions and is comprised of logic blocks such as relay, filter, and PWM blocks, as well as data manipulation blocks such as maximum, minimum, median, and mean blocks.

Conclusion

The APA1000-PQ208 FPGA is a highly versatile device. It offers cost effective solutions to a variety of embedded applications requiring highly efficient and powerful signal processing. The device integrates user-programmable logic with on-chip memory blocks, enabling users to develop sophisticated FPGA-based logic circuits for automotive, industrial, and communication control applications. Through its support for common programming languages and optimized internal architecture, the APA1000-PQ208 allows for an efficient and cost-effective programming process.