I2S FPGA also written as I2S refers to the Inter-IC Sound. Wikipedia explains it as being the “electrical serial bus interface standard used for connecting digital audio devices together.” The I2S comes in handy when working on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) requiring audio connections.
The purpose of this article is to explain the processes involved in working an I2S FPGA for audio signals in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
How does an I2S Work?
It works by transmitting or transferring digital audio through a serial interface positioned in between different Integrated Circuits (ICs). Typically, the circuits used for this programming are the processor and the DAC.
By this connection, the I2S connects to the audio devices to transmit/transfer and to receive PCM audio. One of the major benefits of doing this audio transmission is to enable the separation of the serial data and clock signals, thereby, leading to the recovery of the clock from the data stream.
Parameters of the I2S FPGA
Here are the technical specifications or parameters making up the I2S FPGA:
1. Word Clock Line
Also called the Word Select (WS), it is used to define or specify the length to which the data would be transmitted.
Word Clock Line also helps in the marking of the left and right audio channels on the I2S FPGA.
2. Serial Clock
It is also known as the Continuous Serial Clock (SCK). The primary role in the I2S FPGA is to serve as the main clock line for data transmission on the FPGA.
3. Serial Data
Also called the Multiplexed Data Line, the Serial Data has to do with the individual bits of data that are transmitted via the data line.
I2S FPGA has several other types of data lines or data transmission pathways, including:
- Left/Right Clock (WS) for the 12S interface.
- Input clock for the main clocking interface.
- The ready signal, indicating the transmission of new data on the dedicated lines.
- The reset input function for the audio interface.
- A multiplexed data line for upload.
Key Features of the I2S FPGA
Here are some of the top features you can spot on the I2S FPGA:
Multi-Configuration
The Xilinx Audio I2S FPGA for instance, can support multiple configurations of the audio channels. The configuration can be extended up to 4 stereo or 8 independent audio channels.
Multiple Interface Configurations
Several interfaces can be configured almost at the same time with the I2S FPGA. These interfaces can be up to 4 and can support multiple audio channels as well.
Excellent Clock Signal Generation
The typical way of generating clock signals is by delegating the bus user to act as the master. By taking on this role, the master helps to generate the clock signals.
The other method is by using an external bus server, in the case that the systems are complex. When that happens, the respective transmitters will combine with the external bus servers to generate the needed clock signals.
Final Words
I2S FPGA helps to generate, distribute and manage audio signals after converting or transmitting the same from the serial interface to the designated interface(s). Note that I2S FPGA only supports audio data transmission. Any other form of data transmission has to be done with the respective (supported) interfaces.
