Move Single SDRAM to GPIO 1

[deanodley]

Hi all,

I just had Terasic Support confirm that GPIO 0 on my DE-10 nano is fried, most likely due to static discharge.
However, GPIO 1 is working fine so I was wondering is there a way to move the SD-RAM module to the other GPIO?

This would mean there is still a single SD-RAM module, but it is on the other side of the board (GPIO 1) !!
I can live without the analog IO until I can get my hands on another DE-10.

I assume some part of the software/cores must be reconfigured/recomplied to achieve this - so could anyone please give me some pointers if a) it is possible and b) what would be required to do it.

Many thanks in advance,
ED

[Flandango]

For a core, that uses SDRAM, to use the other GPIO, you'll need to first make a modified Mister Framework which will use the different pins for the sdram, and of course not use them for their current I/O functions. Once you make that modification, you can recompile each core you want to use with that framework and, if done right it would work...but of course that is a custom framework and you'll need to do that each time you want to upgrade a core.
Modifying the Framework is not an easy thing like modifying a configuration file and it just works. You'll need an understanding about fpga development.
Of course, if you are interested in learning how to develop for fpga, it would be a nice, although a fairly difficult, project for a beginner to attempt.

[deanodley]

@Flandango - thanks! Yes I figured every update would require a re-compilation, so that will get old very quickly.

[AngelicLiver]

If you're looking to replace your DE10-Nano it may be worth looking at the QMTech clones or upcoming TakiUdon board as they will be significantly cheaper $100~).

[deanodley]

@AngelicLiver - yes keeping eyes and ears open but I imagine there will an stampede for the first batch!

[niallquinn]

I tell you something, considering most of us have spent about 500 quid on it all, there's an awful lot of DE10 boards failing all the time.
Might be worth a TAkiUdon board investment just as a spare.
Not sure about the QM Tech one though.

[deanodley]

@niallquinn - yes it's only now that I'm googling the subject I can see that the DE-10 nano is very susceptible to ESD. I think that's what happened to mine. I was moving it and must have have had some static on my person because I don't think it's a co-incidence that the GPIO pin that has failed is on the outside edge, where a finger could touch it.

From speaking with Terasic support (which is really good) it appears that the GPIO pins are hardwired directly into the Cyclone FPGA so once you have a failure the fix is to replace the FPGA, the most expensive part of the entire assembly. In fact althought Terasic offer the repair service they do not recommend it as there is a risk of further damage to the board.

When I get up-and-running again I'll be using a grounded metal case to avoid ESD issues in the future.

[dickhardpill]

I'm probably jinxing myself here...
I manhandle my DE10 like crazy. I didn't have a case on it for the longest time. Pulled it off tables, TV stands, etc... Drag my feet on carpet, don't use ESD protection while I'm working on it even though my mat and bonding strap is 3 meters away from me...

[deanodley]

I'm probably jinxing myself here...
I manhandle my DE10 like crazy. I didn't have a case on it for the longest time. Pulled it off tables, TV stands, etc... Drag my feet on carpet, don't use ESD protection while I'm working on it even though my mat and bonding strap is 3 meters away from me...

Wow! Maybe I'm just unlucky but I'm normally careful when handling electronics. Still, you'd think when the GPIO is designed to be attached to other devices and components and is as exposed as it is, it would have better ESD protection. At $225 it's an expensive thing to learn.

[deanodley]

Not wishing to step on toes etc. but a sticky in the newcomers forum warning of ESD dangers might help someone else to avoid this kind of damage.

[kathleen]

For any electronic intervention/maintenance (phone, PC, Dev boards etc) a good practice is always to wear a grounded wrist-strap, the issue is that most users think at it once it is too late

This is good that you shared your experience to warn people of the ESD risks.