Tools

Do I have to use that IDE if I'm just doing VHDL/Verilog?

Since the important parts of ISE WebPack are actually the command-line compiler tools, there is no need to use Xilinx's development environment if you can handle the build process. This is much more bulky than compiling software, and a lot of intermediate files are generated. To simplify the process, here is a template Makefile for compiling Verilog or VHDL source into bitstreams for Virtex and Spartan chips: Makefile Read more »

Use solder-cup connectors wherever possible. It's easier than crimping and more reusable. Don't strip the wire any longer than needed to fill the solder cup.

When you have to crimp connections, use a ratcheting crimper if you can get one. These won't let go of the connector until it has been fully crimped.

It is possible to make what looks like a crimp on small pins using pliers. Don't do this. They don't have the right shape and the wire will pull out with a little force. Read more »

This is a toaster modified to work as a reflow oven. The toaster itself is largely unchanged except that its electrical system has been reduced to a few wires. The heater elements are now controlled by an ATmega16 microcontroller via a solid state relay. A thermocouple measures the temperature of the board. A MAX6675 reports the temperature of the thermocouple to the microcontroller. Read more »