Hello everyone! Today I want to share some exciting news in embedded development. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced engineer, this information is worth your attention.
We will explore the latest developments from STM32’s multi-channel ADC development to low-cost FPGA PCIe development boards. Let’s take a look at this innovative embedded world together!
STM32 Multi-channel ADC Development: No DMA Needed
First, let’s talk about the ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) development of STM32.
Recently, ControllersTech® released a very practical tutorial on how to read data from multiple ADC channels without using DMA.
This is great news for many STM32 developers!
This method mainly applies to three commonly used models: STM32F103C8, F446RE, and H750VB, but the core concept can actually be extended to other models. The key is:
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Configure the ADC to convert multiple channels sequentially -
Start conversion via software commands instead of DMA
The specific steps include:
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Set the number of conversions to 4 (assuming using 4 channels) -
Disable continuous conversion mode -
Enable scan conversion mode -
For F446RE, disable “DMA continuous request”
The advantage of this method is high flexibility, allowing you to read data from any channel at any time. This is undoubtedly a good choice for resource-constrained projects or those who do not want to use DMA.
Democratizing FPGA PCIe Development: Can It Be Done for $20?
After STM32, let’s look at a significant advancement in the FPGA field.
Traditionally, if you wanted to develop FPGA projects inside a PC, you usually needed to buy a relatively expensive PCIe development board.
But now, things have changed!
It has been discovered that you can use IBM RS-485 leftover boards for low-cost FPGA PCIe development. These boards cost about $20 and are equipped with Intel Cyclone IV FPGA, featuring around 21,000 logic units and over 750 kbit of memory.
Although these resources are relatively limited, they are sufficient for learning and small projects.
The advantages of these boards include:
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Built-in configuration memory and power management -
Extremely low cost, ideal for experiments and learning -
Can be used to build custom PCIe cards
Of course, using this method also comes with some challenges. For example, the JTAG header requires additional surface mount pin headers and external JTAG probes for programming. However, considering the cost advantages, these small issues seem less significant.
This innovative method reminds me of the story of RTL-SDR. It proves once again that by reprogramming devices using programmable components, we can open up new application areas.
Community Dynamics Among Embedded Developers
In addition to technical advancements, the embedded development community has also been very active. I noticed developers sharing some interesting content on Twitter:
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Someone discovered how Darude’s classic electronic dance music “Sandstorm” was born, which sparked quite a discussion. Although this is not directly related to embedded development, it reminds us that innovation and inspiration can come from anywhere.
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Another developer shared an interesting but potentially dangerous design: directly connecting the AC neutral wire to the microcontroller’s power pin. While this might seem “cool,” it is actually very dangerous and could pose life-threatening risks to the programmer and operator when updating firmware. This serves as a reminder that safety is always the top priority in embedded development.
Conclusion
The embedded development field is constantly evolving, from new ADC applications for STM32 to low-cost FPGA development and various discussions in the community, showcasing the vibrancy and innovative spirit of this field.
As developers, we must maintain curiosity, continuously learn new technologies, and always pay attention to safety.
I hope this information inspires you. Whether you are engaged in STM32 development, interested in FPGA, or simply enjoy exploring new technologies, I encourage you to continue learning and daring to try.
Remember, in the embedded world, opportunities are always available for those who are prepared!
What are your thoughts on these new trends? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Let’s work together to advance embedded technology and create more amazing projects!