Gadget Factory

Knowledge Base

  • Spit out VGA with non-programmable logic chips

    Bitbanging a VGA can be a tough task due to the timing requirements. Nevertheless Sven gave it a go and not only he bitbanged a VGA on an arduino, but he managed to configured an array of 7400 logic chips to output a VGA signal. Consisting of two parts, his project first consisted in outputting a…

  • Do you have an Arduino UNO? Then you have a logic analyzer!

    This tutorial shows, step-by-step, how to turn your Arduino UNO into a 6 channel SUMP. This logic analyzer is able to sample signals with a speed varying between 4 MHz and 10 kHz. Best results are obtained below 1 MHz. Above this mark, there is too much of a lag between the trigger detection and…

  • Program your FPGAs and CPLDs at zero cost with the BBB

    Today, we present a thorough tutorial on how to take advantage of the BeagleBone Black to implement programmable logic. This is a very easy procedure. It is browser-based, and you just need to drag and drop your programming files into the beagle, wait a few seconds…and done! That simple! The recommendation is to start with…

  • Make a CPLD module yourself!

    A CPLD (Complex Programme Logic Device) is a very useful tool in the hands of a techie. Their complexity comes between a PALs and an FPGA, and architectural features of both. As implied by its name, these chips can be programmed to meet the logic functions that suit your needs. In this amazing tutorial, Bill…

  • Synth secrets revealed!

    Synthesizer fans are usually fond of programming them. In the following article, you’ll find out about the author’s approach to program every instrument at a time. Moreover, when reproducing the complex sounds of a particular instrument, the author breaks up the formulas into several articles and details how he got the results. Via hackaday.com

  • Vintage BBC computer gets FPGA buddies

    We still have some retro for the old-school enthusiasts. Many of you knew about the BBC Microcomputer System. It was an innovative machine created during the 1980s. It is possible to link the BBC Micro to an FPGA board, following specific designs, via a tube interface. You can find out more about the BBC Micro in the video,…

  • MYSTERY FPGA CIRCUIT FEELS THE PRESSURE

    In order to interact with an FPGA board, a user usually presses a button. Is that the only way to interact? Not so sure. A video from Clifford Wolf shows us otherwise. It’s quite intriguing! The Verilog implements a simple ring oscillator (basically an inverter with its output tied to its input). Via Hackaday

  • Learning Verilog for FPGAs: Flip Flops

      Creating an adder on Verilog and putting it into an FPGA board can be done in various ways: With or without clocks.  A very detailed and thorough tutorial explains how to use clocked elements to verify whether the adder has ever generated a carry as well as a few counters. Using clocks avoids getting glitches and…