A PicoBlaze-Based Embedded System for Monitoring Applications

Abstract

PicoBlaze is an 8-bit soft core microprocessor developed by Xilinx that can be synthesized in some FPGA families. This paper presents a set of peripherals that have been developed to interface with PicoBlaze: VGA control, serial communication, PS/2 keyboard port and LCD control. To demonstrate its capabilities, the system has been implemented in a FPGA board and some typical control and monitoring systems have been developed. The design approach of the peripherals and details of the integration of the systems are explained.