Problem with ICE40HX1K-EVB and OLIMEXINO-32U4

[Tomacles]

Hi !
I have a problem with my FPGA board, having the following:

ICE40HX1K-EVB. (I have soldered the pads 3.3V_E1)
OLIMEXINO-32U4. (I have bridged the 3.3V option)
CABLE-IDC10-15cm.


Then I have done carefully the procedure detailed in:

https://olimex.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/using-ice40hx1k-evb-under-windows/

I have generated the file top_bitmap.bin with the icecube2 IDE.

After all, testing my setup from a windows command, the result was:

>winiceprogduino.exe -ICOM4 -t

Test mode
Serial: COM4: No error
Manufacturer ID: 0x0B / Device ID: 0x2688
Bye.

Ok, then I have give the command:

>winiceprogduino.exe -ICOM4 .\top_bitmap.bin
Serial: COM4: No error

bulk erased.
Manufacturer ID: 0x0B / Device ID: 0x2688

programming..
prog 0x000000 +0x100...^C

For every dot "." it takes about 2 minutes... That is the reason why I have interrupted it, after a couple of hours.... (I was gone to brunch)

Then, I have done all the procedure again, but in a Linux PC, obviously with the proper proecedure for Linux. The result is exactly the same, only that every dot take about 3 seconds, so now it fill the whole window... but never finish.

I have done many others tests but actually at this point, I don't have new ideas. Could anyone tell me some idea?

Thanks !

[LubOlimex]

If you decide to stick with winiceprogduino maybe check more recent experience:

https://github.com/OLIMEX/iCE40HX1K-EVB/blob/master/windows/icecube2/HowTo%20iCE40%20under%20Windows.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE-y6hiQBts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUq18Ad4YP4

If it doesn't work maybe use the instructions at the WIKI, they had been more recently tested:

https://www.olimex.com/wiki/ICE40HX1K-EVB

Try the method via Arduino IDE.

[Tomacles]

Hi Lub,
Thanks for your answer. I have tried again with your info, but still the same problem.

Where can I find some explanation about the BUT (HWB) button ? I can not find anything about. Only that I can understand reading the scketch.
By the way, I have seen TWO serial ports: Serial and Serial1. Why ?
What must be its speed ? (57600, 115200 or so)
thanks again.

[Tomacles]

Hi Lub,
All your information sent  in your post, I have done it from the very first time, plus more others combinations.

Now, I have tried with a second new ICE40HX1K-EVB board, and I have get exactly the same problem. As said before, I have tried also with Linux environment.
(The first board was also new, and both from Mouser)
I think that there is something in the Olimexino 32u4 firmware  that is taken as "obvious", so not mentioned.
I need the olimexino and its firmware, only as a tool. I don't want to be forced to being an "xx-ino master" for to use the FPGA. My target objective is the FPGA. No more.

By the way, I have seen also that in your Olimex ICE40HX1K-EVB page, there are not an official user/installation guide for Windows. It say only "Under construction", at the Windows title.

Could do you give some solution idea, please ?
Thank you.

[LubOlimex]

So you did you first prepare the OLIMEXINO-32u4 to act as programmer as described? Did you download this iceprog.ino below via Arduino IDE to the board?

https://github.com/OLIMEX/iCE40HX1K-EVB/blob/master/programmer/olimexino-32u4%20firmware/iceprog.ino

To compile and download that firmware to the board you need to install the SPIMemory library version 2.2.0 (formerly known as SPIFlash). Older versions can't be installed via the Arduino Library Manager so you need to do it manually, download the ZIP archive from here:

https://github.com/Marzogh/SPIMemory/releases/tag/v2.2.0

Load the library in Arduino from Sketch -> Include Library -> Add .ZIP library...

After that compile and download to the OLIMEXINO-32U4 via the USB cable.