DLP-FPGA

Overview

The DLP-FPGA is a compact USB-to-FPGA module integrating an FTDI FT2232D dual-channel interface and a Xilinx XC3S250E-4TQ144 FPGA. It features a 50-pin, 0.9-inch wide DIP header for external connections, providing 27 bidirectional I/O channels and 13 input-only pins. The module includes on-board 128K x 8 SRAM and SPI Flash for configuration storage. Powered via USB or an external 5V source, it supports USB 1.1 and 2.0 protocols. The design facilitates rapid prototyping and educational use by allowing direct bit file loading to flash memory without external programmers.

Feature Summary

• Xilinx Spartan 3E (XC3S250E) FPGA with 5,508 logic cells and 12 dedicated multipliers
• FTDI FT2232D Dual Channel USB IC supporting USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatibility
• Built-in Configuration Loader enabling direct writing of bit files to SPI Flash via USB
• On-board 128K x 8 Static RAM and 50-pin standard DIP interface headers

Applications

• Rapid Prototyping
• Educational Tool
• Industrial/Process Control

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific revision level of the hardware against the datasheet Rev. 1.5 documentation. Confirm that the required Windows software utility and MPROG EEPROM setup tools are accessible from the manufacturer's website for proper driver configuration and device programming.

Selection Notes

Select this module when a low-cost, small-footprint solution is needed for proof-of-concept development using the Xilinx Spartan 3E architecture. Ensure the host PC environment supports the necessary Windows drivers and that the 50-pin DIP header form factor aligns with the target expansion board requirements.

Part Context

This module serves as a bridge between a host PC and FPGA logic, utilizing the FT2232D for high-speed data transfer and configuration management. It is designed to work seamlessly with Xilinx ISE WebPACK tools, offering a complete development environment for creating logical functions and system controllers without requiring additional programming cables.

Replacement Considerations

For higher performance needs, consider the DLP-HS-FPGA2 which utilizes the larger XC3S400A FPGA and retains the same FT2232H interface.