MicroFPGA principle

MicroFPGA is based on the Au, Au+ and Cu FPGAs from Alchitry. Once configured, the FPGA is capable of generating a certain number of signals, as well as reading analog inputs (Au and Au+). It has been used with a variety of devices on multiple microscopes.

Overview

The MicroFPGA project is split between multiple Github repositories:

Click on the various available signals in order to access more detailed descriptions:

Name	I/O	Summary	Default number
Camera trigger	Input/Ouput	In PASSIVE mode, the FPGA receives a signal from the camera in order to trigger the lasers, in ACTIVE mode it generates a fire signal for the camera and can trigger the lasers similarly to the PASSIVE mode.	1 (fixed)
Laser trigger	Output	Triggering lasers based on the processing of an exposure signal. Can be used for pattern triggering and/or laser pulsing.	8
TTL	Output	TTL signals are either HIGH or LOW, and can be used to control devices such as flip-mirrors or switches.	4
Servo	Output	Servos signals are periodic digital signals (20 ms period and 1 to 2 ms pulses) used commonly to move servomotors. The MicroFPGA servo signals are turned off after 10 ms in order to prevent vibrations.	7
PWM	Output	PWM signals are similar to the Servo signals, except they are not switched off after 10 s. Together with a low-pass electronic filter, they can be used to produce analog signals, used for instance with AOTFs.	5
Analog	Input	Analog inputs are limited to 0-1 V and can be used to monitor signals from the microscope, e.g. temperature, laser position, laser power etc.	8 (fixed)