An Overview Of The DE0 Nano VGA Output
VGA output using an FPGA is not too difficult as I've proved again and again and again. But this article was meant purely to contrast the way things used to be done with 7400 logic series IC's, with how easily we can do the exact same design work in a fraction of the time and with superior results (both in project size and power requirements). The end result was therefore the exact same project, but with a 30 year boost into the future!
What To Do Now
If you're looking into continuing projects to do more complex VGA like display characters on the screen or have 256/512 colors then take a look at my VGA Resistor DAC and Character Rom tutorials. Beyond those, there's many places you can take your knewly found knowledge, like to move on and understand the DVI video standard. DVI is completely digital and therefore much easier to interface with a digital device like an FPGA.
Conclusion
This article was never meant to create a large challenge. It strived to duplicate a system using a prize I got and to show how awesome the DE0 Nano platform is and at such a low price it's a great asset to hobbyists or FPGA students. I hope this article gave you some insight into the world of VGA, FPGA's and the way that modern technology is moving away from using 7400 series IC's.
If you have any further questions, I implore you...don't be shy, take a look at the forums or ask a question there. I check them out regularly and love getting comments & questions.
VGA output using an FPGA is not too difficult as I've proved again and again and again. But this article was meant purely to contrast the way things used to be done with 7400 logic series IC's, with how easily we can do the exact same design work in a fraction of the time and with superior results (both in project size and power requirements). The end result was therefore the exact same project, but with a 30 year boost into the future!
What To Do Now
If you're looking into continuing projects to do more complex VGA like display characters on the screen or have 256/512 colors then take a look at my VGA Resistor DAC and Character Rom tutorials. Beyond those, there's many places you can take your knewly found knowledge, like to move on and understand the DVI video standard. DVI is completely digital and therefore much easier to interface with a digital device like an FPGA.
Conclusion
This article was never meant to create a large challenge. It strived to duplicate a system using a prize I got and to show how awesome the DE0 Nano platform is and at such a low price it's a great asset to hobbyists or FPGA students. I hope this article gave you some insight into the world of VGA, FPGA's and the way that modern technology is moving away from using 7400 series IC's.
If you have any further questions, I implore you...don't be shy, take a look at the forums or ask a question there. I check them out regularly and love getting comments & questions.