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Week 7

SPI Flash Controller

Design a SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) controller to read and write data to external flash memory. This project introduces you to memory-mapped I/O, timing constraints, and handling real-world clock speeds up to 50MHz.

scheduleTime

8-10 hours including timing closure

bar_chartDifficulty

Moderate to Advanced

codeCode

~320 lines

schoolWhat You'll Learn

  • check_circleSPI protocol with clock, MOSI, MISO, and chip select
  • check_circleMemory read/write command sequences
  • check_circleClock phase and polarity (CPOL/CPHA)
  • check_circleHandling multi-byte transactions
  • check_circleMeeting setup and hold time requirements
  • check_circleReading flash memory datasheets

constructionWhat You'll Build

  • build_circleSPI master controller with configurable clock speed
  • build_circleFlash memory read/write/erase operations
  • build_circleSector and block management
  • build_circleStatus register polling
  • build_circleA bootloader concept - loading configuration from flash

settingsTechnical Details

Modules

spi_master.vflash_controller.vspi_cmd.v

Key Concepts

SPI modesCommand sequencesTiming analysisMemory mappingShift registers

Synthesis

Runs at 50MHz, supports W25Q128 flash chips

publicReal World Application

SPI is the workhorse of embedded systems: SD cards, displays, sensors, ADCs, DACs, and configuration storage. Understanding SPI gives you access to thousands of peripheral chips.

checklistPrerequisites

  • arrow_rightUART project completed
  • arrow_rightUnderstanding of synchronous serial protocols
  • arrow_rightDatasheet reading skills

arrow_forwardNext Steps

Your SPI controller enables Week 10's multi-device orchestration and opens the door to adding displays, sensors, and SD card storage.