Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to attach/detach the module to/from EasyBoard?

A: EasyBoard interfaces the module via the detachable connection, which is compatible with all our modules in the -D variant.

Attachment is easy, simply put the module on the EasyBoard's FEMALE connector (mind the orientation marks, see the picture above), and uniformly push on all sides of the module until the space between plastic packages of both connectors disappears.

  

To detach the modules, use of a tool (e.g. screwdriver) is recommended. Put the tool under a module corner, prop it on a solid part of the board (e.g. USB Host connector, Line In connector, LCD Expansion connector) and carefully lever consecutively all module corners until the module unfixes.

  

Q: What development tools are supported by SQM4 products?

A: The biggest amount of SQM4 demo projects (for SQM4-K70, SQM4-K66, SQM4-VF6, SQM4-SX6) is available for IAR Embedded Workbench (many bareboard and MQX demo projects). The SQM4-VF6 module is in addition supported in CrossWorks for ARM from Rowley Associates. SQM4-ZY7 is programmable using Xilinx Vivado and Xilinx SDK (see further details in next Question).

                            

Q: Which tools can be used for programming FPGA on SQM4-ZY7?

A: The Xilinx provides all required tools to program the FPGA and ARM Cortex A9 core of the Zynq device. The FPGA logic is typically designed in VHDL or Verilog languages, where both languages can be freely combined. VHDL is probably more commonly known, but Verilog is easier to read and remember thanks to similarity to C language (recommended reading would be Verilog HDL by Samir Palnitkar).

Tools to use:

  • Xilinx Vivado - FPGA logic design. Part of a free-of-charge WebPack license (registration required).
  • Xilinx SDK - Software design. A free-of-charge Eclipse-based SDK.

You can get the tools bundle at the Xilinx website (look for Vivado 2014.2 Full Image for Windows with SDK). Note that Xilinx has already released newer versions, but we have not yet evaluated them with SQM4 modules.

Xilinx Vivado contains dozens of IP blocks in their library to speed up the development of FPGA and processing system (e.g. AXI4 bus primitives, AXI-Stream, audio/video processing etc.). We provide a pre-set configuration for Vivado 2014.2 with SQM4-ZY7 settings, with pin multiplexer setup, DDR timing and other board-specific parameters.

Q: Are there any guidelines to design my own application board?

A: There are no special guidelines. However you can use EasyBoard as a reference design, all its materials are freely available to our customers. In case of need we are also able to design a custom application board based on your requirements for you.

Q: Available modules do not exactly match my needs. Is it possible to modify configuration of assembled parts?

A: Yes, the modules offered in this e-shop can be viewed as samples. In case of need, our customers can demand custom configuration to optimize the resources and price for their application. This typically involves Ethernet, NAND Flash and DDR memories, which can be altered or even not assembled at all. We however offer such custom configuration mostly in case of higher volumes.

Q: I like the SQM4 technology, but there is no module with an MCU I need. Can that be developed?

A: Yes, we are capable to develop an SQM4-XXX module fully suitable to your needs. The configuration (CPU, memories, I/O) is then up to you. And if you come with a configuration which could be useful also to our customers, we can agree on a development cost reduction.