DLP-2232H-SF High-Speed FPGA Module

March 2013:  DLP Design, Inc. is pleased to announce the new DLP-2232H-SF high-speed FPGA module based on silicon from Microsemi/Actel and FTDI.

The DLP-2232H-SF module is a low-cost, compact prototyping tool that can be used for rapid proof of concept or within educational environments. The module is based on the Microsemi SmartFusionTM cSoC microcontroller-FPGA and Future Technology Devices International’s FT2232H dual-channel high-speed USB IC. The DLP-2232H-SF provides both the beginner as well as the experienced engineer with a rapid path to developing FPGA-based designs. When combined with the Libero™ SoC and SoftConsole™ IDE tools from Microsemi, this module is more than sufficient for creating anything from basic logical functions to a highly complex system controller.

The DLP-2232H-SF is fully compatible with the free Libero™ SoC and SoftConsole™ IDE tools from Microsemi. Libero™ SoC is used to configure the ARM® Cortex™-M3 Microcontroller Subsystem (MSS) and the FPGA fabric design. Libero™ supports HDL synthesis and simulation, implementation, timing verification, device fitting and JTAG programming. SoftConsole™ is based on the Eclipse IDE and is used to compile, download and debug the C/C++ source code that runs on the MSS.

Download the DLP-2232H-SF datasheet.

This new module is available from Digi-Key. and Mouser.

DLP-RFID2 HF (13.56MHz) RFID Reader Products

November 2012:  DLP Design, Inc. is pleased to announce the new DLP-RFID2 and DLP-RFID2D HF RFID readers.

The DLP-RFID2 and DLP-RFID2D are low-cost, compact RFID products for reading from and writing to HF RFID transponder tags via an internal or external antenna. They have the ability to both read and write data in addition to reading the unique identifier (UID). All of the DLP-RFID2’s and RFID2D's electronics reside on a single, compact PCB, and all operational power is taken from one 3.0- to 5.0-volt supply. An external antenna can be connected to the DLP-RFID2 via a standard u.fl connector or IO pin/pads.

Download the DLP-RFID2 datasheet (Updated 5-25-2013).

These new modules are available from Digi-Key. and Mouser.

DLP-RFS1231 900MHz Data Radio Module

November 2012:  DLP Design, Inc. is pleased to announce the new DLP-RFS1231 transceiver and DLP-RFS-BATT Demonstration platform.

The DLP-RFS1231 is a low-cost module for transmitting and receiving digital data via radio frequency. All of the DLP-RFS1231’s electronics (including an antenna) reside on a single PCB, and all operational power is derived from a single supply voltage.

The transceiver design is made up of a Renesas RL78 low-power microcontroller, a Semtech low-power, integrated UHF transceiver and an antenna switch for selecting between the on-board antenna and an optional external antenna. The hardware is designed for maximum range and optimum battery life.

Download the DLP-RFS1231 datasheet (updated 2-15-2013).

These new modules are available from Digi-Key. and Mouser.

DLP-IO14 14-Channel Data Acquisition Module

June 2012:  DLP Design, Inc. is pleased to announce the new DLP-IO14 Data Acquisition module.

The DLP-IO14 Data-Acquisition Module is a low-cost, easy-to-use data-acquisition system for analyzing AC voltages, controlling and monitoring processes and measuring DC voltages in the range of both 0-5 volts and ±5 volts. The available channels on the DLP-IO14 are broken down as follows: 12 digital I/O; all of which can also be set to Analog Input Mode (0-5V). Two additional analog channels that are dedicated to measuring voltages in the range of ±5V. Two channels are dedicated to 32-bit counter inputs. The DLP-IO14 also provides SPDT latching relay contacts. All features of the DLP-IO14 are controlled via simple single- and dual-byte commands, and all operational power is taken from the host PC via the USB port.

Download the DLP-IO14 datasheet.

This new module is available from Digi-Key. and Mouser.

Current Versions of FTDI Drivers:

CDM (Combined Driver Model Version 2.8.24) Windows Drivers:  WHQL-certified USB drivers are required for 64-bit Windows 7 systems.   FTDI default VID/PID values (0403/6001 for single channel, 6010 and 6011 for dual) listed in the .inf files must be programmed into EEPROM using MPROG or FT_PROG.

You can either download the WHQL certified driver files above or use the install executable to install them.
- Make sure the USB device is not plugged in.
- Download the FTDI driver install executable.
- Run the driver exe file.
- Wait for the command window to vanish.
- Plug in the USB device and the driver will load.

CDM (Combined Driver Model Version 2.8.14) Windows Drivers:   Modified .inf files for use with specific DLP Design products on XP/Vista/Windows 7 systems (DLP-TH1b, DLP-D-G, DLP-RFID1, DLP-UT1, DLP-UTH8).   See Note 1

Note 1:  In order to use the listed DLP Design products on a 64-bit machine, the VID/PID values in the EEPROM area must first be changed to the FTDI default of 0403/6001 (0403/6010 and 0403/6011 for dual-channel products) so that the WHQL-certified drivers will load.  Use the MPROG utility (above) on a non-64 bit (ex: XP) machine to update the values in the EEPROM.  You can also hold down F8 during boot on a 64-bit PC and disable the driver certification check so that the non-certified drivers can be loaded and the PID changed using MPROG.   For more info: TN_129

Note 2:  If an extra COM port is not available after installing the latest CDM driver, connect the USB device and open Control Panel > System > Device Manager.  Right click on USB Serial Converter under USB Controllers and select Properties, then the Advanced tab.  Check the box marked "Load VCP", then click OK.  Unplug and re-plug the USB device, and the COM port will be added.  This method is also used to change the driver mode from VCP to D2XX (DLL).

More FTDI Drivers

FTDI App Notes