TinyBeast FPGA is a compact and powerful processing solution designed to accelerate industrial and embedded computing applications. Leveraging Microchip’s PolarFire FPGA technology, TinyBeast FPGA offloads demanding tasks from the central processor, enhancing system performance and enabling real-time data processing. Its small form factor makes it ideal for space-constrained environments, while its high-performance capabilities ensure efficiency in automation, measurement, and robotics applications.

Accelerating Serious Work

TinyBeast FPGA enhances efficiency across key industrial domains:

• Automation: Provides real-time data acquisition and control for seamless industrial automation.
• Measurement: Extensive I/O options allow for precise data collection from industrial sensors.
• Robotics: Enables the development of custom control systems for advanced robotic applications.

Choose Between Two TinyBeasts

• TinyBeast FPGA P: Optimized for seamless integration into embedded systems via its Mini PCIe interface, offering direct connectivity to industrial sensors and peripherals.
• TinyBeast FPGA S: Designed for flexibility, requiring a separate carrier board for prototyping and standalone operation. Ideal for edge-computing applications without existing infrastructure.

AI Acceleration With VectorBlox

With the MPF-300 PolarFire FPGA, both TinyBeast FPGA P and S unlock Microchip’s VectorBlox technology. This hardware acceleration engine enhances AI inferencing for real-time processing of complex algorithms, enabling applications such as predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and industrial image recognition.

Features & Specifications

TinyBeast FPGA P

• Microchip MPF300T-1FCVG484E PolarFire FPGA
• 4 GB DDR4 memory
• PCIe x1 Gen2 as EP
• Samtec SS4-30-3.00-L-D-K I/O connector for GPIOs and transceivers
• 1.27mm headers for JTAG signal interfacing
• Power and user-addressable LEDs
• Size: 30 x 51 mm

TinyBeast FPGA P Block Diagram

TinyBeast FPGA S

• Microchip MPF300T in FCVG484 PolarFire FPGA
• 4 GB DDR4 memory
• Small footprint SoM
• Compatible with some Trenz SOMs and carriers
• 284 total user I/Os (120 HSIO/164 GPIO) and 4 high-speed transceivers (12.7 Gbps)
• SPI flash
• 10/100/1000 Mbit Ethernet PHY
• SI5338A-B-GM flexible clocking IC with 25MHz ±10ppm reference oscillator
• Integrated hard IP—DDR PHY, PCIe endpoint/root port
• Size: 40 x 50 mm

TinyBeast FPGA S Block Diagram

TinyBeast FPGA Carrier Cards

Comparisons

Video Demonstration

The video below explores the TinyBeast FPGA block diagram, example software, and DMA functions:

Support & Documentation

We are committed to an open development environment and have released our resources as part of our open-source initiative. These resources are available at our GitHub repository: TinyBeast Repository

• Open schematics for both TinyBeast FPGA P and S, allowing developers to understand the hardware architecture and customize it for specific applications.
• Sample firmware to showcase board functionalities and serve as a foundation for custom firmware development.
• Sample PC software for configuring and extracting data from TinyBeast FPGA, helping users extend its capabilities.

These resources will be continually updated to support and engage our developer community.

Manufacturing Plan

TinyBeast FPGA will be produced in collaboration with experienced manufacturing partners. Our process includes:

• Prototype Validation – Ensuring functionality through rigorous testing.
• Batch Production – Partnering with trusted manufacturers for quality assembly.
• Quality Control – Implementing stringent testing before shipping.

The boards are made in the USA to ensure the highest security and reliability.

Fulfillment & Logistics

After our production run is complete, we will package everything up and send it along to Crowd Supply’s fulfillment partner, Mouser Electronics, who will handle distribution to backers worldwide. You can learn more about Crowd Supply’s fulfillment service under Ordering, Paying, and Shipping in their guide.

Risks & Challenges

We have already manufactured prototypes of these boards, tested them extensively, and validated the design and production process. This significantly reduces the risk of unexpected technical issues.

With more than 25 years of experience in designing and manufacturing FPGA-based systems, we are highly confident in our ability to produce and deliver TinyBeast FPGA with the highest quality standards. However, potential challenges include:

• Supply chain delays: Mitigated through strategic sourcing and partnerships.
• Manufacturing bottlenecks: Addressed with flexible production scaling.
• Firmware development time line: Managed through early releases of sample firmware to engage the developer community.