Introduction

One of the biggest advantages of FPGAs is that we can change it (reprogram it) many times. In most cases, we do it using either an onboard programmer (many development boards have them) or an external one. The most popular programmer is Platform Cable USB II from Xilinx (a lot of clones are available) and JTAG-HS2 (HS3) Programming Cable from Digilent. The price varies from 59 to 225 USD. But these programmers require to be connected directly to PC with programming software. And what if the board is in a place hard to get?

Remote Access

Well, we can program it remotely – with a programmer attached to the Ethernet via cable. An example of such a programmer is SmartLynq Data Cable. So as far as we have either a PC connected via cable or network access then we can do things remotely. Its main disadvantage for some might be the price – 495 USD.

Jtag Pi

That way we’ve made a programmer based on Raspberry Pi 3/4 B. We choose that model due to the WiFi module onboard + 1Gbit Ethernet port. Also, it’s very popular – many engineers and hobbyists already have them on their desks. With additional board Jtag Pi attached to Raspberry Pi and a software app running on it, we have a cheap remote programmer.

The board comes fully assembled and tested. All you need to do is attach it to Raspberry Pi, install a program on it (we recommend configure it to be run automatically at the startup) and attach it to your FPGA board (Notice: due to different JTAG connectors on FPGA boards we recommend to use wire cable connectors to do it - wire cable connectors not included).

The programmer is recognized by Xilinx ISE and Xilinx Vivado software as a Xilinx Virtual Cable. The speed depends on the programmed FPGA chip and network but usually is > 10 Mb/s.

For more info please check FPGA Remote Programmer

THE PRODUCT IS A STANDALONE BOARD. ANY OTHER ITEMS SHOWN ON PICTURES ARE NOT INCLUDED AND ONLY SHOWN FOR REFERENCE.

JTAG connector (from top):

• 6.Vcc
• 5.GND
• 4.TCK
• 3.TDO
• 2.TDI
• 1.TMS

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