This column details the use of the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator (EPE) external link, which is intended to select power supplies for the Cyclone® V SoC (5CSXFC5D).
In the previous column, we introduced the use of EPE to determine FPGA power and power supply selection in 5 steps. This time, we will introduce a more specific method of using EPE to check power supply rails.
Understanding the overview of power supply specifications from the FPGA type and preparing pin connection guidelines
First, understand and prepare the following two points:
Select FPGA (output voltage accuracy will narrow down the devices)
Open and prepare the target device family page of the Pin Connection Guideline so that you can quickly check the necessary information.
Start Designing
Now let's start the power supply selection process using EPE.
Selecting the FPGA Requirements for Use, Part 1
Now let's start selecting power supplies using EPE.
<Image 01>
・Select Device in the Main tab. (Refer to Image 01 <1>.)
・Select "Maximum" for Power Charactrization. (Refer to Image 01 <2>)
Select Power Rail Configuration depending on the case.
・In this case, SX FPGA and HPS Shared is selected. (Refer to image 01 <3>)
Select FPGA usage conditions Part 2
Enter necessary information in each tab. (This time, enter only the Logic tab.)
・Select Look Up Table, FF, Clock Frequency Assuming full device utilization. (Refer to Image 02)
<Image 02>
When returning to the Main tab, the current consumption has increased due to the above settings, and a warning is displayed in red. (See Image 03)
<Image 03>
Resolving the warning
Selecting the Report tab reveals that two different voltages that should normally be distinguished are now on one power rail. (See image 04)
<Image 04>
Since we can see that 1.5V is mixed in with the 2.5Vin rail, we increase the number of rails by changing the Regurator Group value for the 1.5Vin rail from 2 to 3. (See Image 05)
<Image 05>
The error has been resolved and the number of regulator groups has been increased. (See image 06)
<image 06>
The above is a concrete example of using EPE to check the required power rails. However, depending on the design, current consumption and new power rails may be added. Please use EPE while checking each time.
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