Unleash the Power of Alcatry AU Plus Board: A Comprehensive Product Showcase

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Alcatry AU Plus Development Board
3. Key Features of the Alcatry AU Plus Board
   • 3.1 Enhanced Logic Array Blocks
   • 3.2 High RAM Capacity
   • 3.3 Versatile I/O Pins
   • 3.4 Differential Analog Inputs
   • 3.5 On-Board Clock and Interfaces
4. The Alcatry FT Element Board
5. Compatibility and Considerations
6. Pros and Cons of the Alcatry AU Plus Board
7. Who Should Consider the Alcatry AU Plus Board?
8. Availability and Purchase
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🚀 The Alcatry AU Plus Development Board: Unleash the Power of FPGA

Are you involved in FPGA-related work or looking to dive into the world of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)? Then you must have heard about the Alcatry FPGA boards released by SparkFun. Exciting news awaits! Today, we're introducing two new additions to the Alcatry family – the Alcatry AU Plus Development Board and the Alcatry FT Element Board.

2. The Alcatry AU Plus Development Board

Let's start by exploring the bigger, stronger, and faster sibling of the original Alcatry AU board – the Alcatry AU Plus. Packed with advanced features and expanded capabilities, this board takes FPGA development to new heights.

3. Key Features of the Alcatry AU Plus Board

3.1 Enhanced Logic Array Blocks

What sets the Alcatry AU Plus apart is its impressive logic array block count. With 7925 configurable logic blocks, it outperforms the original AU board (2600 CLBs) by almost three times. This substantial increase empowers you to tackle more demanding projects.

3.2 High RAM Capacity

When it comes to RAM, the Alcatry AU Plus has you covered with over 4 million RAM bits – to be exact, 4,976,640 of them! Additionally, it boasts 256 megabytes of DDR3 RAM, ensuring smooth execution of your complex designs.

3.3 Versatile I/O Pins

The AU Plus features 102 I/O pins that operate at 3.3V logic level. Moreover, 20 of these pins can be switched to 1.8V for Low-Voltage Differential Signaling (LVDS) applications. This flexibility expands the range of projects you can undertake and accommodates diverse connectivity needs.

3.4 Differential Analog Inputs

Crafting solutions that involve analog circuits? The Alcatry AU Plus offers nine differential analog inputs – one dedicated and eight mixed with digital I/O. This integration provides a seamless environment for blending analog and digital elements in your projects.

3.5 On-Board Clock and Interfaces

The AU Plus comes equipped with a 100MHz onboard clock, ensuring accurate timing for your designs. However, if you require a higher clock frequency, don't worry – the FPGA can internally multiply the clock speed to cater to your specific requirements. In terms of connectivity, the board features a USB-to-serial interface for convenient data transfer. Additionally, it includes a USB-C port for board configuration and power supply.

4. The Alcatry FT Element Board

Alongside the AU Plus, we're introducing the Alcatry FT Element Board – a simple expansion board designed to enhance the functionality of your Alcatry board stack. With four 50-Pin board-to-board connectors, the FT Element Board enables easy stacking of multiple elements.

The highlight of this expansion board is its USB 3.0 high-speed interface, capable of transferring data at up to 200 megabytes per Second. By connecting your Alcatry board stack via the USB-C connector, you can unleash the full potential of your FPGA projects.

5. Compatibility and Considerations

It is important to note that the Alcatry FT Element Board is compatible only with the Alcatry AU and AU Plus development boards, as it utilizes the ARDEX 7 FPGA found exclusively on these two boards. So, keep this compatibility requirement in mind if you plan to incorporate the FT Element Board into your setup.

Now, let's address an important consideration. The Alcatry AU Plus Development Board, with all its advanced capabilities, comes at a higher price point. For those starting out with FPGA or working on smaller-Scale projects, this board may be more than what you currently need. However, if you have significant requirements for FPGA real estate or plan to work on ambitious projects, the AU Plus is worth considering.

In light of this, let's evaluate the pros and cons.

6. Pros and Cons of the Alcatry AU Plus Board

Pros:

• Expansive logic array blocks for complex designs
• High RAM capacity for memory-intensive applications
• Versatile I/O pins for flexible connectivity options
• Integration of differential analog inputs
• Onboard clock and interfaces for seamless operation

Cons:

• Higher price point may not be suitable for everyone
• Overwhelming for beginners or smaller-scale projects

7. Who Should Consider the Alcatry AU Plus Board?

The Alcatry AU Plus board is specifically designed for experienced FPGA users who require extensive resources for their projects. It caters to those working on large-scale designs and memory-intensive applications. If you find yourself in need of the AU Plus's vast capabilities, it is readily available for you.

8. Availability and Purchase

To acquire the Alcatry AU Plus Development Board or the Alcatry FT Element Board, simply visit sparkfun.com. The boards are now available for purchase, so you can unlock the true potential of your FPGA projects.

9. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Alcatry AU Plus Development Board showcases the remarkable power and capabilities of FPGA technology. With its enhanced logic array blocks, high RAM capacity, versatile I/O pins, and other exceptional features, it empowers FPGA enthusiasts and professionals alike to push the boundaries of what is possible. Remember, the AU Plus is the pinnacle of FPGA development, waiting to cater to your ambitious projects.

So, secure your Alcatry AU Plus board and start harnessing the unparalleled potential of FPGA technology!

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can the Alcatry FT Element Board be used with FPGA boards other than the AU and AU Plus?

No, the Alcatry FT Element Board is compatible only with the Alcatry AU and AU Plus development boards. It utilizes the ARDEX 7 FPGA, which is exclusive to these two boards.

Q2. Is the Alcatry AU Plus Development Board recommended for beginners?

The Alcatry AU Plus board is more suitable for experienced users and those working on large-scale projects. For beginners or smaller-scale projects, the AU board or other entry-level FPGA boards may be more appropriate.

Resources:

• SparkFun Website