NEEK Standard System with VGA Controller

[Altera_Forum]

Hello, 

 I'm looking for NEEK Standard System configuration (EP3C25) (like: http://www.nioswiki.com/@api/deki/files/115/=neek_ocm_spi.zip) with a VGA Controller (like: http://forum.niosforum.com/forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=57) already implemented and connected. Has somebody tried this controller on NEEK ? I have problems making the connection with the top level entity.  Thanks in advance  D.

[Altera_Forum]

Some little advices would be grateful. 

 D.

[Altera_Forum]

What exactly is the question ?  

 What does work and what does not work ?   What kind of Linux are <you intending to use (MMU or not) ?  Did you try and of the prebuilt NEEK Linux binary distributions ? Do they work ?   Did you compile a Linux-distr yourself ? Does it work ?   -Michael

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I have uClinux (no-MMU) running on the NEEK. I tried some prebuilds and currently running self compiled uClinux-dist without problems.  As for my project I would like to run my applications and show them on a external monitor.  Now I'm trying to extend the Standard System (http://www.nioswiki.com/@api/deki/files/115/=neek_ocm_spi.zip) with the VGA controller.  I upgrated and generated the system with the vga controller component in SOPC Builder already.  Problem: I don't exactly know how to merge the vga controller with the top level entity / assigne pins to the VGA DAC. Moreover the VGA DAC is located on the daughtercard which is connected over HSMC connector with the CIII Board.  Some hinds how to do the connections would be great.  Regards, D.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi,  

  Are you asking the method of Pin Assignment ? Please select  Menu Bar : Assignments-->Pin Planner after the compilation. Or please visit Altera site and watch online demo.  http://www.altera.com/education/demonstrations/online/design-software/basic/onl-fpga-cpld-design.html  Kazu

[Altera_Forum]

Thank you for your reply. 

 Actually I wanted to know which pins between the vga controller and the CIII Board / HSMC connecter have to be set / are involved.  As for the system, I attached a picture of bottom end of the system structure (Symbol File) - sysfile.jpg.  I also attached a picture showing a part of the HSMC schematics - hsmc maxii2210.jpg. Especially I want to know how and where to place the outputs for RGB on the HSMC.  Regards, D.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi,  

  I think that you are using a NEEK. If so, please go to the site of Terasic  http://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?language=english&categoryno=56&no=372&partno=4  and refer the samples., e.g. MTDB_VGA_TV. You need to encode RGB 30bits data to HC_VGA_DATA[0..9], but the procedure is the same as LCD case. Also please read the datasheet of ADV7123.  Kazu

[Altera_Forum]

Thank you Kazu. 

 Have a question.  Would this component (NEEK VGA TDM) http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6118 work out for the encoding / multiplexing part?  Regards, D.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

   --- Quote Start ---   Would this component (NEEK VGA TDM) http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6118 work out for the encoding / multiplexing part?   --- Quote End ---     Yes, its file 'neek_rgb_vga.vhd' converts 30bits RGB data to encoded 10bits HC_VGA_DATA. I also recommend you to refer design examples with LCD and  http://www.altera.co.jp/literature/hb/nios2/qts_qii55006.pdf  . The conversion procedure is same. Also you can get the contents of EPM2210F324 in the NEEK's CD, directory 'maxII'.  Kazu

[Altera_Forum]

Hello, 

 I got a further question.  I want to run uClinux on my NEEK. The driver for the mentioned VGA Controller are included in uClinux-dist. How about VGA driver on uClinux when I would use components like those in the LCD example?  So I generated the nios system which contains the vga controller. Now I would like to encode the RGB data. But the TDM component (or the vga encoder from Terasic I found later) encodes 30-bit data to 10-bit. The vga controller however has 24-bit output rgb data. How to solve this problem?   Thank you in advance.  Appreciate, D.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

   --- Quote Start ---   I want to run uClinux on my NEEK. The driver for the mentioned VGA Controller are included in uClinux-dist. How about VGA driver on uClinux when I would use components like those in the LCD example?   --- Quote End ---     If your hardware for VGA has similar structures, i.e. using a DMA, you can apply the LCD driver with slight modification.    --- Quote Start ---   So I generated the nios system which contains the vga controller. Now I would like to encode the RGB data. But the TDM component (or the vga encoder from Terasic I found later) encodes 30-bit data to 10-bit. The vga controller however has 24-bit output rgb data. How to solve this problem?   --- Quote End ---     One method is to connect them from their MSB and put GND to the remaining 2bits. But I strongly recommend you to study original NEEK LCD structure and its IP again.  Kazu

[Altera_Forum]

Thank you Kazu. 

 I'm going to try the "video pipeline" like the one for LCD display, but altering and adapting for the VGA. I assume this would work out for the vga part.  I also going to try the methode with the VGA controller and connecting the encoded output to the HSMC.   Durb.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi all, I wish you a Happy New Year! 

 I would like to ask for help with some explanation of the VGA controller (http://forum.niosforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3165) (http://forum.niosforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3165%29).  I once again attached the picture which shows the bottom of block diagram of the top lvl entity - sysfile.jpg  I would like to know what the outputs m1_/m2_from_the_vga_controller mean and where do I have to place the assignments, respectively.  Furthermore I do not exactly know the difference between the output sync_n_from_the_vga_controller and sync_t_from_the_vga_controller.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Regards, D.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I have put the VGA controller aside due to some complications and trying the video pipeline method for controlling the external monitor.  How do I get 10-bit wide output of the VGA Data with the components which are also used to control the LCD display (8-bit output data) of the NEEK? Actually thats my problem at the moment.  I will be grateful for some advice.  D.