FrontPanel
Five Flavors of FrontPanel 
We think you should be able to use tools that suit your project, including the programming language. From this philosophy, we made our API library available in C++, Python, Java, and even a Windows DLL. The DLL may be used to communicate with a wide array of programs including Matlab and LabVIEW.
Optionally, a stand-alone FrontPanel application allows FPGA and PLL configuration, XML based Virtual Control Components, firmware updates, individual device string programming, and more!
High-Speed USB 2.0 
Our FPGA modules use high-speed USB 2.0 for FPGA configuration and communication. Do computers even have parallel ports these days?
Multi-Platform Comfort 
Choose the platform you and your customers prefer. Our API is available for 32-bit Microsoft Windows XP and Vista, Mac OS X, and 32-bit Linux FedoraCore 7.
Basic XML Interface Elements 
The stand-alone FrontPanel Application lets you quickly and easily define your own graphical user interface that communicates with your hardware. FrontPanel supports many basic user interface elements including:
- LEDs
- Hexadecimal displays
- Sliders
- Pushbuttons
- Checkboxes
- Toggle buttons
- Numerical entry
Simulation Models 
ModelSim simulation models round out the complete package by allowing simulation of the PC to FPGA interaction that the FrontPanel API provides. Save hours by specifically targetting components of your design rather than iterating in the dark.
Custom Interfaces and Test Hardware 
FPGA technology is used in a wide variety of in-house prototypes and other custom projects. These types of projects can benefit from both FrontPanel's easy-to-use virtual interface components as well as the convenience and predictability of the FrontPanel programmer's interface.
For Students and Educators 
FrontPanel is perfect for use in many classroom settings. It's flexible ease-of-use encourages exploration and makes it possible for students to realize their experiments and projects faster.
In structured courses, educators can setup template interfaces in FrontPanel XML, easing the student's learning curve while standardizing the way students interface, debug, and evaluate their assignments. Later, students can write custom XML interfaces or even write C++, Python, or Java applications.
Features & Specifications
- Windows: API available as DLL (C/C++), C#, Java, Python libraries
- Mac OS X: API available as universal dynamic library (C/C++), Java, Ruby, Python libraries
- Linux: API available as shared object (C/C++), Java, Ruby, Python libraries
- Simulation: Behavioral simulation supported, no back-annotation
- Up to 38 MB/s transfers
Requirements
- Windows: Windows XP or Windows Vista (32-bit)
- Mac OS X: Mac OS X version 10.4 or later (Universal)
- Linux: FedoraCore 7 (many other distributions also known to work)
- Simulation: ModelSim Starter XE 6.1e or ActiveHDL 7.1
- Opal Kelly FrontPanel-supported device (XEM3001, XEM3005, XEM3010, XEM3050)
- Xilinx ISE 7.1i or later for building FPGA configuration files