SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update

December 23, 2015

Copyright 2015
All Rights Reserved
SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

Summary
This document describes how to upgrade the FPGA driver firmware loaded on a 1500-OEM board.
Specific hardware and software is required for completing this process. For the purposes of this
document the SLA-1500-OEM encompasses SLE versions. Hardware and setup for these two product
lines is identical. Depending on the license purchased, the board will be either an SLA or SLE version.

Support/Software
This procedure requires downloading a FPGA configuration file and the FlashPro utility. The FlashPro
application is used to load the driver firmware from a configuration file that SightLine provides. The
configuration file includes everything the FlashPro utility needs to program/load the latest FPGA drivers.
Links to the FlashPro download utility page and the SLA FPGA configuration file can be found on our
website here: http://www.sightlineapplications.com/support/software

FPGA and AB Interface Board

The SLA-1500-AB and SLA-1500-FPGA boards are required for this upgrade. SightLine sales can provide
you with a complete FPGA kit. Please contact us at: sales@sightlineapplications.com.

SLA-1500-AB Board Layout

FPGA Setup Procedure

1. Loading FlashPro and Saving Configuration Zip
1.1. Download the FlashPro utility using the link on our software download page. The FPGA section
contains links to both the application download page and end-user documentation.

Note: FlashPro version 11.4 or higher is required. Follow Microsemis instructions for installing.

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SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

1.2. Download the SLA FPGA configuration zip file from the FPGA section from our website. Save the
zip file to a location of your choosing. For this procedure we have selected the C:\Utils as our
location for the zip file. This path and location will vary for your implementation.

1.3. Unzip the SLA configuration compressed file into a folder on your PC. The default folder name is
SLA-1500-FPGA (Example: C:\Utils\SLA-1500-FPGA).
1.4. The specific configuration file that will be loaded by the FlashPro application for version 5 of
our FPGA code is SLA1500_OEM_V5_CAEC_2_20.cfg.

2. Setting up Hardware
2.1. Connect the SLA-1500-FPGA board to the SLA-1500-AB boards J9 12 pin header connector.
2.2. Using the supplied SLA-CAB-1512 (12 pin molex) to the SLA-1500-OEMs J5 connector and the
other end to SLA-1500-ABs J5 connector.

2.3. Connect the USB cable to the SLA-1500-FPGA board and the other end to an available USB port
on the PC. A yellow light will illuminate once the SLA-1500-FPGA board is powered up.

2.4. Connect the SLA-PWR-A05V to the SLA-1500-AB board.

2.5. Power on the SLA-1500-AB board and power on the SLA-1500-OEM using the switch block on
the SLA-1500-AB board. A green and blue light will illuminate.

The USB connection

provides power to the
SLA-1500-FPGA
programmer board.

Figure 1

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SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

3. FPGA Programming
3.1. Run the FlashPro application and create a New Project. You can create the project in the same
folder that contains the configuration files. In this example we created a project called Flash
V5. Use the following names and locations, and select the Single Device radio button.

You can use the same

folder for the project as the
configuration files.

Figure 2

3.2. Import the selected configuration file using the corresponding option under the File menu.

Import the configuration file that is saved on the

local hard drive.

Figure 3

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SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

3.3. Navigate to the C:\Utils\SLA1500_FPGA folder.

3.4. Select the FPGA configuration file. For this example we are loading version 5 so we are selecting
the SLA1500_OEM_V5_CAEC_2_20.cfg file.

Select the version 5.

Figure 4

3.5. Once the project is setup and the proper configuration file loaded, select the Program button.

Select the Program button and then watch the status bar

Figure 5

Note: The window will display a status, erasing, a green status bar, and then Run Passed.

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SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

3.6. Exit the application. When prompted to save the configuration, you can select No

Note: If you are planning to update more than one board, you can optionally save the project
to the same folder. You can then just load the project associated with the FPGA version you
want to load.

3.7. Power cycle the board. Then connect with Panel Plus to verify that the new FPGA driver is
installed properly.
3.8. Load Panel Plus and then connect to the board to check the FPGA version.

On the Connection tab (once

connected) the current firmware and
FPGA code version of the SLA-1500-
OEM will be displayed.

Figure 6

OPTIONAL: Verify FPGA Code

1. Click the Configure Device button to open the Programming File dialog

2. Click Inspect Device button

3. In the Inspect Device dialog, click the View Device Status button to launch the Device
Status Report dialog.

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SLA-1500 FPGA Firmware Update December 23, 2015

4. The device CheckSum shows the identifier for the current FPGA code loaded onto the
SLA-1500-OEM. Verify that this matches the expected check sum installed.
5. In the Device Status Report dialog, click the Close button
6. In the Inspect Device dialog, click the Close button
7. Close the Programming File dialog

Export Controls
Exports of SightLine Applications, Inc. products and technical data are governed by the US Export
Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR parts 730-774) administered by the US Department of
Commerce. Classification of SightLine products has been defined as ECCN 4A994 for documentation and
hardware/firmware, and ECCN 4D994 for licensed software. Customers acknowledge re-export
responsibility and certify that their sale or distribution of SightLine products (whether incorporated into
another system or otherwise) may constitute a new export and as such must be in accordance with the
requirements of the EAR.

Contacts
SightLine Applications, Inc. SightLine Applications, Inc.
1107 13TH STREET 524 N Tillamook Street Suite 101
HOOD RIVER, OR 97031 Portland, OR 97227

Sales sales@sightlineapplications.com
General info@sightlineapplications.com
Website www.sightlineapplications.com

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