Summary of FREE TO GOOD HOME: FPGA SUPERCHARGED AUDIO/VIDEO SYNTHESIZER
Julian completed a four-year FPGA-based audio and video synthesizer project, featuring an 8-layer PCB powered by the Xilinx Zynq. Despite finishing PCB layout, routing, and parts selection, he halted development to open-source the design for others to continue. The device includes HDMI, DDR3 RAM, USB, sensors, and an Arduino Uno-style header, offering extensive features limited only by time rather than cost.
Parts used in the FPGA Supercharged Audio/Video Synthesizer:
- Xilinx Zynq
- 8-layer PCB
- HDMI interface
- DDR3 RAM
- USB port
- Sensors
- Arduino Uno-style header
Audio and video synthesizers have been around for decades, and are pretty much only limited by one’s willingness to spend money on them. That is, unless you can develop your own FPGA-supercharged synthesizer to really get a leg up on the consumer-grade components. Of course, as [Julian] found out in this four-year project, you tend to pay for it anyway in time spent working on your projects.
[Julian] has actually decided to stop working on the project and open-source it to anyone who wants to continue on. He has already finished the PCB layout on a gargantuan 8-layer print, done all of the routing and parts selection, and really only needed to finish testing it to complete the project. It’s powered by the Xilinx Zynq and is packed with features too: HDMI, DDR3 ram, USB, a handful of sensors, and an Arduino Uno-style header to make interfacing and programming a breeze.
While we’re sympathetic with setting aside a project that we’ve worked so hard on, with most of the work done on this one it should be pretty easy to pick up and adapt for anyone interested in carrying the torch. If you were hoping to wet your whistle with something with fewer PCB layers, though, we’ve seen some interesting (but slightly simpler) video synthesizers made out of other unique hardware as well.
Source: FREE TO GOOD HOME: FPGA SUPERCHARGED AUDIO/VIDEO SYNTHESIZER
- What is the main processor used in this project?
The device is powered by the Xilinx Zynq. - How many layers does the printed circuit board have?
The project features a gargantuan 8-layer print. - Why did the creator stop working on the project?
The creator decided to stop after four years to open-source the work for others to continue. - Does the synthesizer support external connectivity options?
Yes, it includes HDMI, DDR3 ram, and USB connections. - What type of header is included for interfacing and programming?
An Arduino Uno-style header is included to make interfacing and programming easy. - Are there sensors included in the design?
Yes, the device comes with a handful of sensors. - What is the status of the project code and design files?
The project has been open-sourced for anyone who wants to continue on. - Did the creator finish testing the device?
No, the creator had only needed to finish testing to complete the project but chose to stop before that.
