How to Read Switches on Altera DEO Board
The Altera DEO board, also known as the DE10-Nano, is a popular development board for experimenting with FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology. One of the features that make this board particularly useful for beginners is its array of switches. These switches can be used to input binary values into the FPGA, allowing for a variety of interactive projects. In this article, we will guide you through the process of reading switches on the Altera DEO board.
Understanding the Switches
The Altera DEO board features a total of 16 switches, arranged in a 4×4 grid. Each switch is connected to an input pin on the FPGA, and the state of each switch can be read by the FPGA. The switches are momentary contact switches, meaning they only close the circuit when pressed. This is different from toggle switches, which remain closed after being pressed.
Connecting the Switches to the FPGA
To read the switches on the Altera DEO board, you need to connect them to the FPGA. The switches are connected to the J1 header on the board. The J1 header has 26 pins, and the first 16 pins are dedicated to the switches. To connect the switches to the FPGA, you can use a ribbon cable or a breadboard.
Reading the Switches in Your FPGA Design
Once the switches are connected to the FPGA, you can start reading their states in your FPGA design. This involves several steps:
1. Configure the FPGA to read the switch inputs: In your FPGA design, you need to configure the input pins connected to the switches as digital inputs. This can be done using the Quartus software, which is the official development suite for Altera FPGAs.
2. Implement the logic to read the switch states: In your FPGA design, you need to implement the logic that reads the states of the switches. This can be done using Verilog or VHDL, the hardware description languages used to program FPGAs.
3. Test the switch inputs: After implementing the logic, you need to test the switch inputs to ensure they are working correctly. You can do this by pressing the switches and observing the output on your FPGA development board or by using a logic analyzer.
Conclusion
Reading switches on the Altera DEO board is a fundamental skill for anyone interested in FPGA development. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily connect and read the switch inputs in your FPGA design. This will allow you to create interactive projects and gain a deeper understanding of FPGA technology. Happy hacking!
