DIY F18a alternative

[RenderEng]

Don't verify. And double click at the process tab on IDE, the last item is Program Device. it will open the programmer set up as SRAM with the code already selected, then change from SRAM to Embedded Flash, Erase and Program. Sometimes the prorgammers gets confuse about the user code and fails programming. Close it and double click on Program device again.

If you flashed the FGPA, keep it connected to the USB and plug to a HDMI cable. It has a test signal when no host.

[productiondave]

Looks good!

[DJ Sures]

Noice dude!!

[RenderEng]

My nabu from cold boot sometimes get into this screen. Looks like the z-80 gets stuck, since the board is running and the clock is ticking. Just press reset and you are good to go.

I'm still trying to understand the cause of this.

[RenderEng]

Pull my latest changes and reflash your unit. I fixed the cold boot power on.

The gromclk for some reason needs to start high and not low

[tastypies]

It looks like I've managed to program my shiny new TN9K:



However, when I try to (re)synthesize the project files I get the following error:

ERROR (IF0008) : The number(131072) of DFF used to infer "ram" exceeds the resource limit(6693) of current device(GW1NR-LV9QN88PC6/I5)

I'm new to FPGA development, so am likely to be doing something wrong, but any hints/tips/etc would be appreciated.

Thanks,
D.

[RenderEng]

Well, you actually failed flashing it. The Tang 9K comes with this Pico SoC by default.

Someting is wrong in your setup. You need to choose "emFlash Erase, Program". What is the Output window says:

What is your Gowin IDE version ? You are not using the open source toolkit aren't you ?

[productiondave]

It's installed. Tetris still works.
I now have a spare 18fa and 4 more tang 9k f18a boards and two spare tang 9k units on hand. I'm thinking of maybe learning how to FPGA.

So good to be able to return that little ground pin to it's proud, upright state.

[tastypies]

Ok, so I made a little bit of progress. I had downloaded the latest version of the IDE/programmer, Gowin V1.9.9Beta.

Having downgraded to 1.9.8.10, the synthesis and placement now both work fine. I can also download the bitstream to the TN9K:



However, I don't get the F18A test image when I connect it via HDMI to my TV. In fact, I don't get anything at all and the TV says 'No signal'. I get the same result with both the bitstream file in github and one created myself using the Gowin 1.9.8.10 IDE.

Am I right in thinking the F18A test image should work with just the TN9K on its own - it not plugged into the board with the dip switches?

Thanks,
D.

[productiondave]

Yes. It does need to be powered via the usb c cable and the HDMI to the tv or monitor if you want to get the test pattern.