Learn How to Use IDT JESD204B DAC1658D and Altera Arria® V Dev Kit

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Hardware Overview
3. Assembling the Kits
4. Software Configuration
5. Uploading the Result File
6. Downloading the Software Code
7. Configuring the DAC
8. Checking the DAC Status
9. Checking the Configuration Data
10. Monitoring the System Synchronization
11. Modifying the Transmitted Waveform
12. Observing the Output Waveform
13. Conclusion
14. Resources

Introduction

👋 Welcome to this video show! In this article, we will explore the common use of the GESD 204B Dual DAC Demo Kit with Altera IR5 GT Dev Kit. We will provide a comprehensive overview of the hardware and guide you through the process of assembling the kits and configuring the software. So let's dive in!

Hardware Overview

The demo kit consists of two main components: the DAC demo board and the Altera IR5 GT Dev Kit.

The DAC demo board is equipped with a dual DAC and features two SMA connectors for analog output, a power supply, and an IDT cloud divider. The board also has a large black FMC (FPGA Mezzanine Card) connector on the backside, which serves as the main interface with the FPGA carrier. Additionally, there is a mini USB circuit used by the DAC controller software.

The Altera IR5 GT Dev Kit is a large board with two FPGAs and an FMC connector that matches with the IDT DAC demo board. The FMC connector is driven by the Second FPGA. Assembling the kits involves connecting these two boards using the FMC connector, as well as the reference clock from the frequency generator, the analog outputs to measurement equipment, and the necessary USB cords for the DAC controller software and FPGA programming.

Assembling the Kits

To assemble the kits, follow these steps:

1. Connect the two boards together using the FMC connector.
2. Connect the reference clock from the frequency generator.
3. Connect the analog outputs to either an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyzer.
4. Connect one mini USB cord to the DAC demo kit for the control software.
5. Connect another mini USB cord to program and control the FPGAs.
6. Connect the power supplies.
7. Switch on the FPGA power.

Once the hardware has been assembled, we can proceed to the software configuration.

Software Configuration

The software configuration involves uploading the result file into the system and downloading the software code to the Nios processor. Here's how to perform the software configuration:

1. Launch Quartus Programmer from the Eclipse framework.
2. Download the generated soft file to the second FPGA in the chain.
3. Open the software configuration tool from Eclipse.
4. Select the appropriate project and FPGA (the second one).
5. Configure the transmit IP code according to your needs.
6. Upload the software code to the Nios processor.

Now that the software has been configured, let's move on to configuring the DAC.

Configuring the DAC

To configure the DAC, follow these steps:

1. Select the right board configuration in the DAC demo board software.
2. Use a pre-existing file that comes with the software to help with the configuration.
3. Check the DAC status to ensure there are no issues.
4. Verify the configuration data received by the DAC.
5. Monitor the synchronization state of the system, which should turn green.
6. Observe the transmitted waveform, which is initially a ramp.
7. Replace the ramp with a sine Wave using Quartus' In-System Memory Editor.
8. Update the memory contents with a memory initialization file.
9. Enable the change inside the Nios processor.

Now we can proceed to observe the output waveform.

Observing the Output Waveform

To observe the output waveform, use an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyzer connected to the analog outputs of the DAC demo board. The output waveform can be directly observed on the oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer screen.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the common use of the GESD 204B Dual DAC Demo Kit with Altera IR5 GT Dev Kit. We covered the hardware overview, the process of assembling the kits, software configuration, DAC configuration, and observing the output waveform. Now you are ready to explore the capabilities of this demo kit further.

Resources

• IDT Web Page
• Altera Website (for more information about the Altera IR5 GT Dev Kit)