A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
A very low price point for an introductory FPGA board. Other boards are closer to $60, which is too much of a price barrier for beginners. We are closer to $10.
Designed for rapid prototyping – with a breadboard-compatible design
Only uses free or open source design tools
Supported by numerous examples and guides from a DIY community
FPGAs fundamentally allow for ongoing, and adaptable hardware configurations and control, even once embedded
Unlike other FPGAs, this model does not lose is configuration on reboot
FPGAs, or Field Programmable Gate Arrays allow a designer to program logic circuits at the hardware level, on the fly. This can greatly speed up processing or allow for massively parallel operations. FGPAs are described as a system designers ‘magical black bag’, in that they can be dynamically reconfigured to do any arbitrary type of digital processing.
Sadly, FPGAs are a mysterious topic to most DIY tech-types. Specifically, the barriers to entry are the large learning curves, high costs, and limited open source examples.
Our Fipsy FPGA device and learning material solves this issue head on!
Background
In 2016, our group was shocked to find that no cheap alternatives have existed since 2015 when the DISPY FPGA project was a finalist for 2015 Product of the Year. This project was inactive, so we revived it under the banner ‘Fipsy’. Now we have created numerous instruction guides, sample projects, and a commitment to on-going support and production.
We are building exactly the board we wished we had when we were learning about FPGAs.
The Kickstarter will launch a supply of DIY-friendly FPGA boards. Funding will be reinvested in purchasing additional boards so that cheap FPGAs will be available to all future makers. MoCo Makers supports the learning process with guides published on our website.
The Fipsy Development Timeline
What will we do with the money?
With a the funds from this Kickstarter we will place a first batch order of Fipsy FGPAs. A successful campaign will allow future batches to be ordered as well, meaning we will have a perpetual stock of FPGAs to supply the hobbyist market!
Get the Fipsy device, and you can apply an amazing and powerful electronics tool to your future projects!
Risks and challenges
We are in regular communication with the manufacturer, and have multiple working prototypes. As such we feel confident that if we meet our financial goal, we can begin filling orders rapidly.
