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New Extensions for the Olimex GateMate FPGA Board

New Extensions for the Olimex GateMate FPGA Board

The open-source hardware community has a new addition tailored for FPGA enthusiasts: the “Extension Boards for Olimex GateMate“. This project, hosted on Intergalaktik GitHub organization, offers a suite of simple extension boards designed to enhance the functionality of the Olimex GateMate FPGA Board.

These extension boards are engineered to be stackable, allowing users to connect up to three extensions simultaneously. Each board is equipped with a 500mA resettable fuse, ensuring safe operation within the specified current limits. Notably, the StepUP feature on these boards currently supports up to 400mA when operating at 3.3V or 5V.

The repository includes a variety of extension boards, each catering to different functionalities:

  • adcIO: Features a simple ADC input utilizing the MAX40079 operational amplifiers, known for their wide bandwidth, low noise, and low input bias current. These amplifiers offer rail-to-rail outputs and support single-supply operation from 2.7V to 5.5V.

  • GamePad_I2S_audio: Designed to integrate gamepad inputs and I2S audio interfaces, expanding the FPGA board’s capabilities in interactive applications.

  • MikroBusIO: Provides compatibility with MikroElektronika’s mikroBUS™ standard, enabling the use of a wide range of click boards for various functionalities.

  • USB: Adds USB connectivity, facilitating communication with other devices and peripherals.

  • camIO: Intended for camera interface integration, allowing the FPGA board to process visual data from camera modules.

  • dvi: Enables Digital Visual Interface (DVI) output, supporting video signal transmission to displays.

  • ethIO: Introduces Ethernet connectivity, providing networking capabilities for the FPGA board.

  • pwrIO: Focuses on power management and distribution, ensuring stable power supply to the FPGA and connected extensions.

  • simpleIO: Offers basic input/output functionalities for straightforward interfacing needs.

  • tmrIO: Incorporates timer functionalities, useful for applications requiring precise timing control.

Each extension board is accompanied by detailed documentation and design files, enabling users to understand, modify, and implement the extensions according to their specific project requirements.

The “Extension Boards for Olimex GateMate” project exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the open-source hardware community, providing valuable resources for developers and hobbyists aiming to expand the capabilities of the Olimex GateMate FPGA Board.

For more information and to access the design files, visit the project’s GitHub repository:
https://github.com/intergalaktik/Extension_Boards_for_Olimex_GateMate

Work is financed by NLnet foundation

This project was funded through the NGI0 Entrust Fund, a fund established by NLnet with financial support from the European Commission’s Next Generation Internet programme, under the aegis of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology under grant agreement No 101069594.

This project is done in partnership with Chili.CHIPS.ba

https://www.chili-chips.xyz/
https://nlnet.nl/project/openCologne/
https://github.com/chili-chips-ba/openCologne

      Cologne Chip to Exhibit at Electronica 2024 in Munich

      Cologne Chip to Exhibit at Electronica 2024 in Munich

      Cologne Chip is excited to announce our participation in the Electronica Fair 2024, held in Munich from 12th to 15th November. As a leading innovator in FPGA and semiconductor solutions, we will showcase our latest products and technologies at Hall B4, Booth 402.

      Visitors are invited to meet our team of engineers at our booth, where they can discuss the latest advancements, explore our product offerings, and discover how Cologne Chip can support their electronic design needs.

      We look forward to connecting with industry professionals and sharing our expertise at the world’s leading trade fair for electronics.

      Trenz Electronic Launches FPGA Module Featuring Low-Cost GateMate A1 from Cologne Chip

      Trenz Electronic Launches FPGA Module Featuring Low-Cost GateMate A1 from Cologne Chip

      Trenz Electronic introduces its latest product, an FPGA Module equipped with the cost-effective GateMate A1 from Cologne Chip. The module sets a new standard for low-cost programmable logic devices, providing an affordable yet powerful solution for diverse applications.

      Key Features of Trenz Electronic’s FPGA Module:

      • Affordable Innovation: Trenz Electronic’s FPGA Module leverages the low-cost, low-entry GateMate A1 FPGA from Cologne Chip AG.
      • Versatile External Connectivity: With two banks, each featuring 100 pins for external connections, users benefit from a versatile platform to accommodate a wide range of applications.
      • Quad SPI Flash (16 Mbyte): The inclusion of Quad SPI Flash enhances the module’s flexibility, allowing for storage of configuration data and any other data.
      • Level Shifters: Supporting seamless communication, the module features level translators capable of translating signals between 3.3V and 1.8V and vice versa, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals and systems.
      • Clocking: The onboard 25MHz oscillator provides a stable foundation for applications requiring precise timing and synchronization.
      • Diverse I/O and LVDS Configurations:
        • 5 banks with 14 I/Os and 9 LVDS pairs each
        • 1 bank with 12 I/Os and 6 LVDS pairs
        • 1 bank with 14 I/Os and 6 LVDS pairs

      Open-Source Design Flow

      Aligned with Trenz Electronic’s commitment to open-source, the FPGA Module supports an open-source design flow. This empowers users to customize and optimize their designs for maximum efficiency and innovation.

      Availability

      The FPGA Module is available for purchase on the official Trenz Electronic Website. For further information or inquiries, please contact (sales@trenz-electronic.de).

          Cologne Chip AG and TES Electronic Solutions GmbH Announce Cooperation

          Cologne Chip AG and TES Electronic Solutions GmbH Announce Cooperation

          Cologne, 11.07.2023:

          Cologne Chip AG and TES Electronic Solutions GmbH are pleased to announce their new cooperation in the field of IP design blocks on Cologne Chip’s low-cost, low-power and user-friendly GateMate FPGA family. The two companies will work together to offer their customers one-stop-shop FPGA solutions for many embedded applications such as in industrial, automotive and telecoms markets. TES Electronic Solutions is a leading provider of hardware IP building blocks and systems, while Cologne Chips is the only European vendor of FPGA’s. The cooperation between the two companies will combine their expertise and resources to create cutting-edge solutions that will benefit customers in various industries.

          “We are excited to partner with TES Electronic Solutions to bring our GateMate FPGAs to leading industry customers,” said Dr. Michael Gude, CEO, Cologne Chip AG.

          “We are thrilled to work with Cologne Chips to create innovative solutions based on Cologne Chip’s unique GateMate FPGAs. Our highly experienced ASIC/FPGA Design House is ready to support turn-key developments around the world.” said Jürgen Zeller, CEO, TES Electronic Solutions.

          About Cologne Chip AG:

          Cologne Chip was founded in 1995 and became the leading provider of ISDN IC solutions. With this knowledge they announced their innovative, low-cost, low-power and user-friendly Gatemate FPGA family in 2020. Their Goal is to offer a Made In Germany competitive FPGA solution.

          About GateMate FPGA Family:

          The GateMate FPGA family addresses all application requirements of small to medium size FPGAs. Logic capacity, power consumption, package size and PCB compatibility are best in class and yet available at lowes cost of ownership. Cologne Chip AG hence drives FPGA usage towards many applications, which previously used discrete or software programmable solutions. All this is based on a novel FPGA architecture combining CPE programmable elements with a smart routing engine. The devices are manufactured using Globalfoundries™ 28 nm SLP (Super Low Power) process. Due to manufacturing in Europe, there is no danger of trade restrictions or high taxation.

          About TES Electronic Solutions GmbH:

          TES Electronic Solutions GmbH is an innovative technology and design services company offering intellectual properties (IP), embedded hard- and software for a vast range of customers in global markets, such as in industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, as well as in semiconductors. Key capabilities include embedded software, graphics, RF & antenna, radar, mixed-signal and digital ASIC and FPGA designs.

          Pressrelease CC TES coop_EN

          Master’s thesis led all the way to CERN

          Master’s thesis led all the way to CERN

          It is not only particles that are accelerated here, but also careers: As a major research center near Geneva, CERN is a top international address for physical findings. At this renowned facility, Richard Jung was the first student from Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts to have the chance to crown the practical part of his Master’s thesis with his own experiments.

          Read full Article

          Machdyne Announced Evaluation Board with GateMate A1

          Machdyne Announced Evaluation Board with GateMate A1

          Machdyne announced development of a new board “Kölsch” based on the latest GateMate FPGA A1 chip. With its Simplicity, cost effectiveness and advanced process node (Global Foundries SLP 28nm) of GateMate FPGA A1 fit very well in the open-source community. The new Board will expand their portfolio with powerfull and easy entry FPGA.

          > Visit the Machdyne Product Page

          https://twitter.com/machdyne/status/1651920765619511297

          About Machdyne

          Machdyne is developing series of small general-purpose computers, modules and tools designed to operate and remain useful for decades. Their focus is on supporting timeless applications (reading, writing, math, education, organization, communication, automation, etc.) with simple, secure, responsive, reliable and repairable hardware. They run their own store in order to share their progress and to give developers and early adopters advance access to their hand-assembled prototypes.

          Olimex Announced Evaluation Board with GateMate A1

          Olimex Announced Evaluation Board with GateMate A1

          Olimex announced development of new OSHW board based on the latest GateMate FPGA A1 chip. With its simplicity, cost effectiveness and advanced process node (Globalfoundries 28nm) of GateMate FPGA A1, it fit very well in the open-source community. With the new OSHW board, Cologne Chip and Olimex will offer a new vehicle for wide range of applications.

          > Visit the Olimex Product Page

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          About Olimex

          Olimex Ltd. is a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of open-source hardware and development tools. They are based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and have been operating since 1991. Olimex focuses on producing development boards, single-board computers (SBCs), embedded systems, and various hardware components.

          Interview: Deutsches FPGA mit eingebauter Overdrive-Funktion

          In this interview with Elektronik Praxis, Dr. Michael Gude, CEO of Cologne Chip, discusses the unique features of the new GateMate FPGA.

          What sets GateMate apart from other FPGAs?

          Dr. Gude highlights GateMate’s innovative architecture based on Cologne Programmable Elements (CPEs), which have eight inputs. This eliminates the need for cascading common gate circuits, resulting in faster operations compared to competitor products. The routing is simplified with six direct connections between neighboring elements, offering faster performance compared to slower multiplexer-based wiring. Additionally, only two PCB layers are required to manage all signal lines, simplifying board design.

          How does GateMate handle different application demands without multiple FPGA families?

          Gude explains that GateMate offers scalable performance through its patented manufacturing process. By adjusting the core voltage and clock frequency, the processing speed can be scaled by a factor of 2.5—dynamically during operation—essentially creating an “overdrive” mode for circuits. The FPGAs support three performance modes: Low-Power, Economy, and Speed, with core voltages of 0.9V, 1.0V, and 1.1V, respectively, allowing for versatile use in different applications.

          Is there no need for speedgrade selection in production?

          Cologne Chip avoids the typical speedgrade selection process, which complicates logistics and inventory. Instead, they offer a single chip that can be dynamically adjusted for different projects, from low-power to high-speed, improving flexibility for customers.

          What’s special about the manufacturing process?

          Cologne Chip uses a multi-die manufacturing technique, which allows them to produce FPGAs with different sizes from a single set of masks. Dies are interconnected on the wafer with over 1,000 lines per edge, making it possible to group them for larger FPGAs with multiple dies working together. This approach reduces costs and improves performance, particularly in terms of connection density, latency, and power consumption.

          > Go to interview

          Mit FPGAs „Made in Germany“ gegen die etablierte Konkurrenz

          This article from Elektronik Praxis introduces Cologne Chip’s GateMate FPGAs, developed in Cologne and competing against major players like Xilinx, Intel, Microchip, and Lattice. Known for their scalable architecture and unique Cologne Programmable Elements (CPEs), these FPGAs are produced in Dresden and promise low specific costs, making them highly competitive in the market. GateMate chips support a variety of performance modes and application areas, from IoT to AI and automation, while maintaining a low power footprint and ease of use in PCB design.

          > Go to article

          New FPGA architecture: With the most cost-effective FPGAs against the Big Player

          This article from Markt & Technik highlights Cologne Chip’s entry into the FPGA market, a rare move for a German semiconductor company. Despite past failures by American firms, CEO Dr. Michael Gude believes the GateMate FPGA family has strong prospects for success. The family includes small to medium-complexity FPGAs suitable for a wide range of applications, from low-power to high-speed uses in industries like automotive, IoT, AI, and more. Key features include Cologne Programmable Elements (CPEs), JTAG, SerDes interfaces, and dual-port SRAM.

          > Go to article