Video Graphics Array Interfacing Through Artix-7 FPGA

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the design of a VGA controller and its application in establishing an interconnection between an LCD monitor and the Artix-7 FPGA kit. The board used for this project is the Nexys4 DDR Artix-7 FPGA board, which is compatible with Xilinx software. The Artix-7 FPGA offers improved performance, capacity, and resources compared to previous designs. The VGA controller we developed allows the display of various colors on the LCD screen using the VGA port. This design supports 4 bits per color and two standard sync signals, enabling the display of 4096 different colors.

Methodology

The VGA port controller is designed to support higher video resolutions, making it suitable for computer monitors where sharp and detailed images are essential. VGA uses separate wires to transmit the three primary colors: red, blue, and green, along with horizontal and vertical synchronization signals.

Video Graphics Array (VGA)

VGA refers to a computer display standard commonly used with a 15-pin VGA connector and a resolution of 640x480 pixels.

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The specifications of the VGA controller are as follows:

The VGA controller supports All Points Addressable graphics modes and alphanumeric text modes, including 640x480 in 16 colors, 640x350 in 16 colors, 320x200 in 16 colors, and 320x200 in 256 colors.

Requirements for VGA Display

The essential requirements for a VGA display include:

• DB15 Connector
• VGA Display Port on the Artix-7 FPGA Kit
• Signal Timing for a 60Hz, 640x480 VGA Display

DB 15 Pin Connector

The DB15 connector's pin numbering and description for the FPGA Artix7 kit are shown below:

Results

The designed VGA controller was implemented on an Artix7 FPGA using Xilinx design suite.

The system utilized Xilinx design constraints (XDC) files, and a power utilization report was generated. The VGA controller takes input from VGA Controller and from twelve switches on the Nexys4 DDR Artix-7 FPGA board (r1_sw, r2_sw, r3_sw, r4_sw, g1_sw, g2_sw, g3_sw, g4_sw, b1_sw, b2_sw, b3_sw, b4_sw). Based on the switch values, it paints the entire 640x480 LCD screen with the corresponding color represented by the switch values in binary.

For example, when the input pattern is 1111_1111_1111 for the red switches, 1111_0000_0000 for the green switches, and 0000_1111_0000 for the blue switches, the LCD output after programming will display the corresponding color.

Innovative Methodology

In the future, we plan to further enhance the VGA controller's capabilities. One innovative approach is to create multi-point displays on the LCD monitor, allowing us to form images using several switches to describe the image. We aim to convert frequencies to achieve different effects by adjusting the horizontal position timing and increasing the clock frequency tuning. Additionally, we plan to adjust contrast by considering factors such as color, size, shape, and direction, offering a wide range of properties for image customization.

Results

After implementing the innovations mentioned above, we observed improvements in the following aspects:

• Clarity
• Readability
• Accessibility
• Responsiveness
• Environment

Comparison Methodology

In comparison to the standard video interfacing methods, our innovative methodology allows for the combining of various colors and brightness levels, providing greater flexibility in image creation and adjustment. By changing the pin descriptions and incorporating additional codes, we open up new possibilities for image customization and manipulation using the FPGA Artix7 kit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have successfully designed and implemented a VGA controller that establishes an interconnection between an LCD screen and the Artix-7 FPGA kit. This controller allows the display of various colors on the LCD monitor, offering a wide range of customization options. Various modules of the VGA controller were designed using Verilog HDL, and functional verification was conducted using Model Sim. The design was synthesized using the Xilinx Design Suite synthesis tool, resulting in a binary net list file. With an FPGA clock frequency of 100MHz, this VGA controller opens up possibilities for efficient and high-quality video stream generation in the future.

References

1. Radi H.R., Caleb W.W.K., M.N.Shah Zainudin., M.Muzafar Ismail, "The Design and Implementation of VGA Controller on FPGA", International Journal of Electrical & Computer Sciences IJECS- IJENS, Vol. 12, Page(s) 56-60, 2012.
2. Van-Huan Tran, Xuan-Tu Tran, "An Efficient Architecture Design for VGA Monitor Controller", IEEE International Conference on Consumer Electronics, Communications and Networks (CECNet), Page(s) 3921-3927, 2011.
3. "Ultrafast Design Methodology Guide for the Vivado Design suite", UG949(v2015.1), June 1, 2015 by www.xilinx.com