How to Use iCESugar-nano FPGA Development Board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The iCESugar-nano FPGA Development Board, manufactured by Muse Lab (Part ID: B0BS19P523), is a compact and versatile platform designed for rapid prototyping and experimentation with digital circuits and systems. It features the iCE40 FPGA, a low-power, high-performance programmable logic device, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

• Digital circuit design and prototyping
• Hardware acceleration for embedded systems
• Signal processing and data manipulation
• Learning and teaching FPGA programming
• IoT device development
• Custom peripheral design for microcontrollers

The iCESugar-nano FPGA Development Board is equipped with the following key features and specifications:

The iCESugar-nano provides a 24-pin header for GPIO and power connections. Below is the pinout:

1. Powering the Board: Connect the board to a USB-C power source (5V). The onboard LED will indicate power status.
2. Programming the FPGA:
   • Install open-source FPGA tools such as icestorm and nextpnr.
   • Write your Verilog or VHDL code for the desired logic design.
   • Use the yosys toolchain to synthesize your design and generate a bitstream.
   • Flash the bitstream to the board using iceprog.
3. Connecting GPIOs: Use the 24-pin header to connect external components. Ensure the voltage levels are compatible (3.3V logic).

• Voltage Levels: The GPIO pins operate at 3.3V. Avoid connecting 5V logic directly to the pins to prevent damage.
• Static Protection: Handle the board in an ESD-safe environment to avoid damaging the FPGA.
• Clock Source: The onboard 12 MHz oscillator is sufficient for most applications. For custom clock requirements, external oscillators can be connected to specific GPIO pins.
• Programming Tools: Ensure you have the latest versions of yosys, nextpnr, and icestorm for compatibility with the iCE40 FPGA.

The iCESugar-nano can communicate with an Arduino UNO via UART. Below is an example Arduino sketch to send data to the FPGA:

// Arduino UNO UART Communication with iCESugar-nano
// Sends a simple "Hello FPGA" message every second.

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize UART at 9600 baud rate
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Hello FPGA"); // Send message to FPGA
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

On the FPGA side, you can implement a UART receiver in Verilog to process the incoming data.

1. FPGA Not Responding to Programming Commands:

   • Ensure the USB-C cable is properly connected.
   • Verify that the icestorm toolchain is installed and configured correctly.
   • Check if the board is in programming mode (refer to the user manual for specific instructions).

2. GPIO Pins Not Functioning as Expected:

   • Confirm that the pins are correctly configured in your FPGA design.
   • Check for short circuits or incorrect connections on the external circuit.

3. Power Issues:

   • Ensure the USB power source provides sufficient current (at least 500mA).
   • Verify that the onboard power LED is lit.

4. UART Communication Problems:

   • Double-check the baud rate settings on both the FPGA and the Arduino.
   • Ensure proper wiring between the Arduino TX/RX pins and the FPGA GPIOs.

Q: Can I use a 5V power source with the iCESugar-nano?
A: Yes, the board is powered via USB-C, which provides a regulated 5V input. However, the GPIO pins operate at 3.3V, so ensure external components are compatible.

Q: What software tools are compatible with the iCESugar-nano?
A: The board supports open-source tools like yosys, nextpnr, and icestorm for FPGA development. These tools are widely used for Lattice iCE40 FPGAs.

Q: Can I use the iCESugar-nano for learning FPGA programming?
A: Absolutely! The board is beginner-friendly and supports open-source tools, making it an excellent choice for learning and experimentation.

Q: Is the iCESugar-nano compatible with other microcontrollers?
A: Yes, the board can interface with microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and others via standard communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART).