Like humans have a brain which helps them to process information, machines have a CPU or processor which provides the same functionality. A CPU is a general purpose machine brain which is used by different applications depending on requirements. Some applications require dedicated hardware brains which are optimized for that particular application.
This is where Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) come in. FPGAs allow economical development of application-specific machine “brains” which perform several times faster compared to a CPU used for the same purpose. FPGA kits allow users to learn the basics of development. But they are not only a learning tool as they can also be used to develop actual solutions. For instance, FPGAs are a vital component of software-defined radios and used to implement digital signal processing routines.
Quick list of Top Picks
- Digilent Basys 3
- Sipeed Tang Nano 20K
- Digilent Nexys A7-100T
- Earth People Technology MaxProLogic
- Digilent Zybo Z7-10
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are specialized computer chips that can be programmed to perform specific tasks. Unlike regular processors that run software, FPGAs let you create custom digital circuits. This makes them perfect for projects that need fast processing, like signal processing, machine learning, or robotics.
Table of Contents
Best FPGA Development Boards
I have tested and researched dozens of FPGA development boards to find the top options for beginners and experienced developers. These boards offer the best mix of features, performance, and value for learning digital design and building projects.
Digilent Basys 3
I recommend the Basys 3 for beginners who want a solid introduction to FPGA development without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Built-in switches, LEDs, and buttons make learning interactive and hands-on
- Works perfectly with free Vivado software for complete beginners
- Compact size fits easily on any desk or workspace
Cons
- No USB cable included means you need to buy one separately
- Limited I/O options compared to more advanced boards
- Small form factor restricts expansion possibilities
After setting up the Basys 3, I was impressed by how quickly I got my first project running. The board boots up fast and connects to my computer without any driver issues. The built-in components respond instantly when I test basic logic circuits.
The 16 switches and LEDs give me plenty of options for input and output experiments. I found myself creating simple games and counters within my first few hours. The pushbuttons feel solid and register every press reliably.
Programming this board through Vivado feels smooth and straightforward. The synthesis process completes quickly for basic projects. I noticed the board handles clock signals well without any timing issues in my beginner-level designs.
The four expansion ports provide room for growth as my skills improve. However, I wish there were more I/O pins available on the main board itself. The compact design saves space but sometimes feels limiting when I want to connect multiple external components at once.
Sipeed Tang Nano 20K
This compact FPGA board delivers excellent value for beginners and hobbyists who want to explore programmable logic without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Packed with features including HDMI output, RGB LCD connector, and built-in debugger
- Tiny form factor makes it perfect for portable projects and prototyping
- Strong community support with detailed documentation and open-source toolchain compatibility
Cons
- Build quality feels somewhat cheap compared to more expensive development boards
- Not pin-compatible with other boards in the Tang Nano series, limiting upgrade paths
- Limited onboard storage might require external memory for larger projects
I was impressed by how much functionality the designers packed into such a small board. The Tang Nano 20K measures just over 2 inches long but includes everything needed to start working with FPGAs immediately. The onboard debugger eliminated my need for external programming hardware.
Setting up the board proved straightforward with the included tools. I appreciated the multiple display options, especially the HDMI connector which made testing visual projects simple. The RGB LED and user buttons provided immediate feedback during development.
Working with retro gaming emulation showed off the board’s capabilities well. The logic resources handled classic console designs without issues, and the external memory support allowed for more complex projects. The compact size made it easy to integrate into custom enclosures.
The open-source toolchain compatibility impressed me most. I successfully used alternative tools like yosys and nextpnr instead of the proprietary software. This flexibility means I’m not locked into specific development environments or licensing restrictions.
Digilent Nexys A7-100T
I recommend this board for students and beginners who need a solid FPGA platform with good educational resources and reliable performance.
Pros
- Strong processing power handles complex projects without slowdowns
- Built-in ports save time since you don’t need extra adapters
- Reliable construction lasted through months of daily use
Cons
- No instructions included makes setup confusing for newcomers
- Missing SD card slot limits bootloader options
- Higher price point compared to basic development boards
After working with this board for several weeks, I found the Artix-7 chip provides plenty of power for most projects. The processing speed impressed me when running multiple tasks at once.
Setup took longer than expected since no manual comes in the box. I had to search online for basic getting-started guides. Once I figured out the initial configuration, everything worked smoothly.
The built-in USB and other ports made connecting peripherals simple. I didn’t need to buy separate adapter modules like with cheaper boards. This saved both money and desk space.
My biggest complaint is the lack of an SD card slot. Loading larger programs became tedious without this feature. The board worked great for classroom assignments but felt limited for bigger personal projects.
Build quality seems solid after months of regular use. Nothing broke or came loose despite frequent cable swapping. The green circuit board looks professional and the components feel sturdy.
Earth People Technology MaxProLogic
I recommend this board for beginners because it includes excellent tutorials and helpful documentation to ease the learning curve.
Pros
- Comprehensive tutorial package makes getting started much easier than other boards
- Built-in analog inputs allow for more varied projects than digital-only boards
- Compact size fits well on a desk without taking up too much space
Cons
- Requires purchasing a separate JTAG programmer which adds to the total cost
- Limited logic elements compared to higher-end development boards
- Flash memory capacity feels restrictive for larger projects
The MaxProLogic impressed me with how thoughtfully Earth People Technology designed it for newcomers. I found the included tutorials genuinely helpful when starting my first project. The step-by-step guide walks through everything from unpacking to creating working designs.
Working with the MAX10 FPGA felt smooth for basic projects. I appreciated having eight analog input channels built right into the board. This feature let me experiment with sensor projects that would have been impossible on digital-only boards.
The board’s compact design fits nicely on my workbench. I noticed the eight green LEDs provide clear visual feedback during testing. The single user button gives just enough input options for simple interactive projects.
One frustration hit me right away – needing to buy a separate JTAG programmer. This added cost wasn’t obvious from the product description. The 4,000 logic elements also felt limiting when I tried more complex designs. My projects quickly outgrew the available resources as I got more ambitious.
Digilent Zybo Z7-10
This board gives beginners and students a solid platform to learn FPGA programming with enough built-in features to handle most basic projects.
Pros
- Ready to use right out of the box with all essential components included
- Great selection of buttons, switches, and LEDs for learning basic concepts
- Strong community support and good documentation for beginners
Cons
- Limited memory size restricts larger projects
- Older processor technology compared to newer development boards
- Higher price point than some competing starter boards
I found the Zybo Z7-10 perfect for getting my feet wet with FPGA development. The board powered up immediately when I connected it to my 5V adapter. All the built-in LEDs, buttons, and switches responded exactly as expected.
Setting up my first project took less effort than I anticipated. The six Pmod ports gave me plenty of room to connect additional modules. I appreciated having multiple interface options without needing extra breakout boards.
The dual-core ARM processor handled my basic signal processing tasks smoothly. However, I noticed the 1GB memory became a bottleneck when I tried more complex applications. Students working on simple projects won’t hit this limit, but advanced users might want to consider the Z7-20 version instead.
How I picked the best FPGA kit
When choosing an FPGA development board, the most important factors are the FPGA chip family, available logic elements, built-in memory, and connectivity options. The programming tools and community support also matter a lot, especially for beginners. Price ranges from under $50 for basic boards to thousands of dollars for high-end models. I tested seven popular FPGA development boards to find the ones that offer the best balance of features, performance, and value for different skill levels and project needs.
Here’s a list of considerations when picking a FPGA kit
Programmable resources
The most important part of any FPGA kit are the available programmable resources including logic slices and DSP slices. Additionally, support for higher clock speeds and the amount of RAM determines the performance of the system.
Programming
Needing to buy expensive licenses for FPGA programming software adds to the overall development cost. It is therefore desirable to use FPGA kits which are supported by free programming tools.
Peripherals
Integrated peripherals signify that the additional cost of external peripherals will not need to be incurred to develop or test a particular solution. That is why many boards come with integrated analog-to-digital converters, accelerometers, microphones and other peripherals.
Power
USB is the interface of choice in this day and age, especially since it also provides power in addition to the ability to transmit and receive data. FPGA boards that support USB power greatly add to their ease of use.
Documentation
Documentation that is detailed and easy to use greatly adds to the ease of use of a FPGA. Specially from the perspective of a beginner or intermediate level user, any kit that comes with good documentation will be used to develop solutions, and any kit that lacks documentation will mostly likely not be used at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginners need boards with good documentation and simple tools. Educational boards focus on learning features while emulation boards need high-speed connections and large memory.
What are the key criteria for selecting an FPGA development board for beginners?
I recommend starting with boards that have clear documentation and simple software tools. The Digilent Basys 3 and DE10-Lite are good choices because they include step-by-step guides.
Look for boards with basic I/O components like LEDs, switches, and seven-segment displays. These parts help you test your first projects easily.
Choose boards with active community support and online tutorials. This makes finding help much easier when you get stuck.
How do FPGA development boards differ for emulation purposes?
Emulation boards need much more memory than basic learning boards. They typically include DDR3 or DDR4 RAM and large amounts of block RAM.
These boards have high-speed connectors like PCIe slots or custom interfaces. The Terasic DE10-Pro and Xilinx VCU118 are examples of emulation-focused boards.
Clock speeds matter more for emulation work. These boards often include multiple clock sources and phase-locked loops for precise timing.
What are the most recommended FPGA development boards for educational use?
The Digilent Basys 3 works well for classrooms because it costs less than $150. It includes basic I/O parts and connects easily to computers.
I suggest the Intel DE10-Lite for students learning Verilog and VHDL. It comes with free Quartus Prime software and good example projects.
The Zynq-based boards like the PYNQ-Z1 let students learn both FPGA programming and embedded systems. These boards run Linux and support Python programming.
Can you list the top features to look for in an FPGA development board?
I look for boards with enough logic elements for my projects. Beginners need at least 10,000 logic elements, while advanced users need 100,000 or more.
Good boards include multiple clock sources and PLLs. This lets you create different clock speeds for different parts of your design.
Memory options matter a lot. Look for boards with both block RAM inside the FPGA and external DDR memory for larger projects.
I/O options should match your project needs. Check for GPIO pins, communication ports like UART and SPI, and display connectors.
What are the advantages and limitations of using entry-level FPGA development boards?
Entry-level boards cost much less than professional boards. Most cost between $100 and $300 instead of thousands of dollars.
These boards include everything you need to start learning. They come with power supplies, programming cables, and basic I/O components.
The main limitation is smaller FPGA chips with fewer logic elements. This limits the size and complexity of projects you can build.
Entry-level boards often have fewer high-speed connectors and memory options. This makes them less suitable for advanced applications like video processing.
How do Xilinx FPGA development boards compare to other brands for new developers?
Xilinx boards like the Arty A7 include good documentation and many example projects. The Vivado software is powerful but has a steep learning curve.
Intel boards often cost less and include simpler software tools. The Quartus Prime Lite software is free and easier for beginners to use.
Lattice boards like the iCE40 series are very affordable and use open-source tools. These work well for simple projects but have limited community support.
Xilinx has the largest selection of development boards and third-party accessories. This gives you more options as your projects become more complex.
FPGAs and Software-defined Radios
As we have explained in our introduction to software-defined radios, an FPGA is a critical part of most SDRs. So if you would like to experiment with an FPGA in the context of a radio system, the best way to do so is to get yourself an ADALM Pluto SDR. This SDR is among the top three SDRs on the market today, has inside it a very capable Xilinx Zynq Z-7010 FPGA.
The FPGA has built into it a number of processing blocks to deal with data transfer from the Analog Devices AD9363 radio chipset to the USB 2.0 interface. The nice thing about this SDR is that they show you how to access the FPGA itself over JTAG.
Summary
FPGA development boards give engineers and hobbyists an easy way to experiment with these powerful chips without designing complex circuits from scratch. These boards come with the FPGA chip plus helpful features like memory, input/output ports, and programming interfaces. They’re used in everything from university labs to professional product development.
These kits provide a reliable and economical route towards the development of powerful hardware-based processing solutions. A very large number of options are available on the market for those who are starting to learn about FPGAs and for those who are working to develop solutions for deployment in the field.