Summary of FPGA BREAKOUT BOARD FOR DIP PACKAGE SHENANIGANS
The DIP-FPGA breakout board places a Lattice MachXO2-1200HC FPGA onto a DIP-20–compatible carrier PCB, making the chip easy to use with breadboards or IC sockets. It exposes 18 GPIO and includes a six-pin programming port for pogo pins or headers, enabling hobbyists to prototype advanced FPGA designs without dealing with QFP/BGA packages. Ready-made boards are available on Tindie.
Parts used in the DIP-FPGA breakout board:
- MachXO2-1200HC FPGA (Lattice Semiconductor)
- DIP-20 compatible carrier PCB
- Regular-pitch pin headers (to form DIP-20)
- 18 GPIO pins broken out
- Six-pin programming port (pogo pin or header compatible)
- IC socket or breadboard for mounting
FPGAs are supremely flexible and powerful devices. However, they usually come in QFP or BGA packages that are altogether difficult for hobbyists to play with. The DIP-FPGA breakout board aims to solve that problem by using a carrier PCB to put an advanced chip in a friendlier form factor.
The board itself fits a DIP-20 form factor when soldered up with regular-pitch pin headers. It features a MachXO2-1200HC FPGA from Lattice Semiconductor. That’s the same chip as used on similar the TinyFPGA A2. With 18 GPIO, a DIP-20 layout is just about enough pins to take care of business. It’s intended specifically for use on breadboards or via regular IC sockets. There’s also a six-pin programming port laid out on the board that you can use with pogo pins or header connectors as you desire.
If you want to do some fancy signal stuff in an easy-to-prototype form factor, this could be the setup for you. If you want to buy one ready-made, they’re available on Tindie for the curious. In the meantime, consider whether this beefy FPGA Arduino concept could also propel your next project to greater heights.
Source: FPGA BREAKOUT BOARD FOR DIP PACKAGE SHENANIGANS
- What FPGA is used on the board?
The board features a MachXO2-1200HC FPGA from Lattice Semiconductor. - How many GPIO are available?
The board exposes 18 GPIO. - What form factor does the carrier PCB provide?
The carrier PCB fits a DIP-20 form factor when soldered with regular-pitch pin headers. - Can this board be used on a breadboard?
Yes, it is intended specifically for use on breadboards or via regular IC sockets. - Is there a programming interface on the board?
Yes, there is a six-pin programming port laid out for pogo pins or header connectors. - Are ready-made boards available for purchase?
Yes, they are available on Tindie for those interested in buying one ready-made.
