fpga4fun.com

Hi,

Since I've only Linux/x86 here, can anyone confirm for me that there's sufficient Free Software available to program a Dragon board? I'm new to FPGAs but have had a look at the GNU EDA project, and the Open Collector site, but there's quite a lot to take in. If someone can just say "Yes, I use X, Y, and Z to get from the design to downloading the place and route to the FPGA" then I can find out more for myself at a slower pace knowing I'm not wasting my time.

Cheers,


Ralph.

I wouldn't recommend using Dragon with Linux because the USB software is provided for the Windows environment only.
It's possible to use the board in JTAG mode (with a JTAG cable) but that removes a lot of the value out of the board - the USB being so much more convenient.

Ah, OK. Is there enough information available on the Dragon so one can attempt to write Linux USB interface software?

Thanks for the reply.

Ralph.

Yes, I can provide you with the info required to do FPGA configuration over USB (if you release the code in exchange) and it's certainly possible to speak with the USB chip, see http://ezusb2131.sourceforge.net/

Nonetheless, the utility provided with Dragon (FPGAconf) provides many other services besides FPGA configuration (boot-PROM config, I2C) that I won't be able to support on Linux.

So please don't buy the board if you don't have some access to a Windows machine, since that's currently the only way you can use all the features of the board.

BTW, I just downloaded the code for fxload and it seems that I could easily add the FPGA configuration in there... so I might try that. That would bring minimal Dragon support on Linux.
http://linux-hotplug.sourceforge.net/?selected=usb

Whoa! Sure, I'd be happy to add your files into the Dragon's distribution (what I call the "startup kit") with your permisson.

Happy camping trip!

Looks great. I'll need to re-install Linux somewhere to try it. What Linux did you use?

I think it's good that you're hosting the files, this way you can modify them without trouble.
Anyone who purchased the Dragon board... feel free to send me an email an I'll forward you the FTP address.

Please send me an email from the same email that you used to purchase Dragon an I'll forward you the files.
jean at fpga4fun dot com

Either that or I can add it to the Dragon's startup kit once you feel it is ready.

What the status of the linux file ?

Can i find them somewhere to see what is possible to do with it ?

I forward them only to owners of a Dragon board.
I don't have a description besides the one posted earlier in this thread.

Does anyone know how to use the Linux files for Dragon. I am looking for the instruction of how to use these. Thanks a lot.