Connecting Arduino Yun to Nexys 4 DDR FPGA Board via USB Host
Introduction
Integrating an Arduino Yun with a Nexys 4 DDR FPGA board presents an exciting opportunity for hobbyists and professionals alike. The Arduino Yun, which combines the capabilities of a microcontroller with a Linux-based system, can serve as a bridge to communicate with an FPGA board like the Nexys 4 DDR. This setup is particularly useful for applications requiring real-time data processing and complex computational tasks. In this guide, we will explore how to establish a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) communication through a USB host connection to achieve seamless interaction between these two powerful platforms.
Hardware Requirements
To set up the connection, you will need the following hardware components:
- Arduino Yun
- Nexys 4 DDR FPGA board
- USB A to B cable
- Jumper wires (if necessary)
- Computer for programming and debugging
Understanding the Communication Protocol
The Arduino Yun utilizes a USB host interface, enabling it to connect to various devices, including the Nexys 4 DDR FPGA board. The UART communication protocol will be employed to facilitate data transfer between the two devices. UART is a simple serial communication protocol that allows for asynchronous data transmission, making it suitable for this kind of application.
Setting Up the Arduino Yun
Before establishing the connection, ensure that the Arduino Yun is properly configured. Start by connecting the Arduino Yun to your computer using a USB cable. Open the Arduino IDE, and install any necessary libraries for the Yun if you haven't already. You may also need to configure the board settings in the IDE to select the correct board type and port.
Once the IDE is set up, you can write a simple sketch to establish UART communication. Below is an example code snippet that initializes the serial communication:
#include <Bridge.h>
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 bps
Bridge.begin(); // Start the Bridge library
}
void loop() {
if (Serial.available() > 0) {
char incomingByte = Serial.read(); // Read incoming byte
Serial.write(incomingByte); // Echo the received byte
}
}
Configuring the Nexys 4 DDR FPGA Board
Next, you will need to configure the Nexys 4 DDR FPGA to receive data from the Arduino Yun. This requires writing a simple VHDL or Verilog module that can read from the UART interface. The Nexys 4 comes with a built-in UART interface, which can be configured using the Xilinx ISE or Vivado software.
Ensure that the FPGA's UART settings match the baud rate specified in the Arduino sketch (9600 bps in this case). After programming the FPGA, you should be able to send and receive data between the Arduino and FPGA seamlessly.
Testing the Communication
To test the communication between the Arduino Yun and the Nexys 4 DDR FPGA, you can use a terminal program on your computer. Connect to the Arduino's serial port and send data. The Arduino should receive the data and echo it back, allowing you to verify that the communication link is working as expected. You can expand this basic setup to include more complex data processing and control tasks as needed.
Conclusion
In summary, establishing UART communication between an Arduino Yun and a Nexys 4 DDR FPGA board via USB host is a powerful way to leverage the strengths of both platforms. This setup opens up a world of possibilities for various applications, including data acquisition, control systems, and real-time processing. With the right configuration and code, you can create a robust system that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of both the Arduino and the FPGA.