A classical field-programmable gate array (FPGA) can be custom manufactured for a specific application and employ very fast I/Os and bidirectional data buses. Obviously an FPGA is designed for a wide range of applications especially in the area where a microcontroller is not suitable and ASIC is too expensive.

I believe that DUO has the power to drastically change the way we draw and debug circuits. Its modular design support add-on application modules called “Wings”, which is something similar to Arduino shields. With an extremely extensible and open-source body, this tool can be used for creative DIY projects in robotics and everywhere is needed a full circuit laboratory.

Probably the top of the board is where the real money is and let you to connect extra application modules, while on the bottom side is located an Arduino Leonardo (ATmega32U4) chip.

Software and Features

With a fully functional in both Linux and Windows software, the Papilio DUO allows you to draw circuits using only an easy-to-use graphical schematic interface and simple gesture like drag-and-drop. The interface has support for a wide range of components in digital format including digital gates or virtual wires. In few words, this software lets you develop new projects without spending thousands of hours learning a new programming language such as VHDL/Verilog.

Theoretically, the software is the secret key that breaks the DUO by another FPGA board. With generous documentation and debugging tools, the software let you draw and debug circuits with minimum resources and without spending too much time and energy.

The Papilio DesignLab is a supercharged version of Arduino IDE able to support all pieces needed for editing and debugging circuits.

Hardware

Arduino and its products are known for being popular and stylish among hackers, makers, and engineers. Like the Arduino’s, the Papilio DUO board reached the third generation and integrate all the company experience and community feedback in one development board. It’s only one development board for all user needs.

Extensible – with a modular design and support for Arduino accessories, the DUO can be connected with several other Arduino like hardware shield called Papilio Wings.
SRAM – compared to SDRAM, the SRAM is the easiest solution for a small timing requirement.
The best cost – always we’re wanting more, whatever the price. With Papilio DUO the cost of the hardware is just $88 compared with a set of hardware components with a final price that would cost over $500 and packed to do similar things like DUO.

Papilio DUO could fix the way we draw and debug circuits. Even you’re a hacker, maker, or an engineer, at least theoretically the Papilio DUO is smarter than ever FPGA development board released so far.

And if you are interested in using the DUO in your own projects, please review this information in a comment below and let us know your idea about how to use this modular tool for drawing and debugging circuits.