Summary of GLASGOW INTERFACE EXPLORER IS A HARDWARE DEBUGGING TOOL FOR DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
### Summary 1BitSquared launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Glasgow Interface Explorer, an open-source multi-tool powered by a Lattice Semi iCE40 FPGA. Designed for hardware developers and hobbyists, this flexible device communicates with various digital electronics without requiring external components. It features high-speed USB connectivity, programmable GPIO banks with integrated voltage regulators and ADCs, level shifters, ESD protection, differential I/O pairs, and status LEDs, offering a comprehensive solution for digital debugging and testing.
Parts used in the Glasgow Interface Explorer:
- iCE40HX8K Lattice Semiconductor FPGA
- USB-C port connected to FX2 high-speed USB interface
- 2x 8-channel GPIO banks
- Dedicated programmable linear voltage regulator (1.8 – 5V)
- Dedicated sense ADC
- 16 highly flexible GPIOs
- Dedicated level shifter with individual direction control
- Independent software-controlled 10K Ohm resistor Pull-Up/-Down resistor
- ESD protection diodes
- Set of 14x differential pair I/O
- Up to 5x User-controlled LEDs
- Up to 5x Status LEDs
- Dedicated SYNC connector
1BitSquared has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a highly capable and extremely flexible open source multi-tool called Glasgow Interface Explorer.
Glasgow Interface Explorer for digital electronics is powered by Lattice Semi iCE40 FPGA and created for hardware developers, electronics hobbyists, engineers, tinkerers, and anyone else who wants to communicate with a wide selection of digital devices with minimum hassle.
The board aims to offer a broad selection of capabilities with more than “some wires and, depending on the device under test, external power.” You can attach it to devices without any need for extra active or passive components.
Some of its Key Features and Specifications include:
- iCE40HX8K Lattice Semiconductor FPGA
- 1x USB-C port connected to FX2 high-speed USB interface; 480 Mbps throughput
- 2x 8-channel GPIO banks, each with:
- A dedicated programmable linear voltage regulator, configurable from 1.8 – 5V with up to 150 mA of power
- A dedicated sense ADC capable of monitoring the GPIO bank voltage and current, with interrupt trigger thresholds that can be set
- 16 highly flexible GPIOs, each with:
- A peak frequency of 100MHz
- A dedicated level shifter with individual direction control, and,
- An independent, software-controlled 10K Ohm resistor Pull-Up/-Down resistor
- ESD protection diodes for all GPIOs
- Set of 14x differential pair I/O, connected directly to the FPGA (optional); can be used for high speed interfaces
- Up to 5x User-controlled LEDs
- Up to 5x Status LEDs, and,
- 1x Dedicated SYNC connector
Read more: GLASGOW INTERFACE EXPLORER IS A HARDWARE DEBUGGING TOOL FOR DIGITAL ELECTRONICS
- What is the Glasgow Interface Explorer?
It is a highly capable and extremely flexible open source multi-tool for digital electronics. - How does the board power devices under test?
You can attach it to devices without any need for extra active or passive components. - Can the GPIO banks be configured for different voltages?
Yes, each bank has a dedicated programmable linear voltage regulator configurable from 1.8 to 5V. - Does the project support high-speed interfaces?
Yes, it includes a set of 14x differential pair I/O connected directly to the FPGA for high speed interfaces. - What is the peak frequency of the flexible GPIOs?
The 16 highly flexible GPIOs have a peak frequency of 100MHz. - How many user-controlled LEDs are included?
The board supports up to 5x User-controlled LEDs. - Is there a way to monitor voltage and current on the GPIO banks?
Yes, there is a dedicated sense ADC capable of monitoring the GPIO bank voltage and current. - What type of FPGA powers this device?
The board is powered by an iCE40HX8K Lattice Semiconductor FPGA.
