SPIDER Automation GroupGets OrangeCrab r0.2-25 | Lattice ECP5 FPGA Feather Board
Description
SPIDER Automation GroupGets OrangeCrab r0.2-25 Development Board is a high-efficiency, pocket-sized FPGA development platform designed to bring powerful programmable logic into the popular Adafruit Feather ecosystem. Built around the Lattice ECP5 FPGA (LFE5U-25F configuration), the OrangeCrab is tailored specifically for developers exploring RISC-V architectures, custom softcore SoCs, and portable hardware acceleration.
Equipped with onboard DDR3L memory, 128Mbit QSPI flash, a MicroSD socket, and a preloaded USB bootloader, the board offers a streamlined, programmer-free development experience. Its direct full-speed USB connection via a reversible Type-C connector allows instant bitstream deployment using open-source toolchains (like Yosys and nextpnr). Complete with an integrated LiPo battery management circuit, 48MHz clock source, and 20 versatile I/O pins, it provides everything needed for advanced mobile and embedded FPGA projects.
Key Features
- Lattice ECP5 FPGA (LFE5U-25F-8MG285C): Low-power, high-performance logic core fully supported by open-source FPGA toolchains.
- Onboard DDR3L Memory: High-bandwidth system memory dedicated to rapid data processing and soft-processor execution.
- Non-Volatile Storage: 128Mbit QSPI flash memory for reliable program and configuration bitstream storage.
- Feather Form Factor: Ultra-compact dimensions (22.86mm x 50.8mm) featuring 20 accessible user I/O pins, an onboard push-button, and an RGB LED.
- Direct USB-C Connectivity: Full-speed 12Mbit native USB connection linking directly to the FPGA for easy programming and communication.
- Preloaded USB Bootloader: Simplifies setup by eliminating the requirement for external JTAG programmers or complex downloader cables.
- Portable Power Management: Built-in LiPo battery connector with an integrated charging circuit and high-efficiency power supplies.
Benefits
- Open-Source Toolchain Friendly: Seamlessly integrate with modern open-source FPGA synthesis and routing tools for rapid development.
- Mobile & Wearable Ready: Battery charging support and miniature feather footprint make it ideal for portable embedded devices.
- Hassle-Free Programming: Use the preloaded USB bootloader over Type-C to update firmware instantly like a standard microcontroller.
- Versatile Expansion: Leverage standard Feather wing compatibility and 20 general-purpose I/Os to attach sensors, displays, and shields.
Applications
- RISC-V & Softcore SoC Experiments: Prototyping custom microprocessor architectures and embedded Linux-capable soft cores.
- Portable Signal Processing: Mobile data logging, custom protocol translation, and field diagnostics.
- Wearable & IoT Hardware Nodes: Battery-powered smart devices utilizing efficient FPGA acceleration.
- Educational & Hobbyist Prototyping: Compact, low-cost platform for learning advanced digital design and hardware description languages (HDL).
Package Includes
- 1 x GroupGets OrangeCrab r0.2-25 Development Board (LFE5U-25F-8MG285C ECP5 Family FPGA)
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation / GroupGets OrangeCrab Series |
| Item Type | FPGA Development Board / Feather Board |
| Model Order Code / SKU | OrangeCrab r0.2-25 / SKU-SPIDER-ORANGECRAB-25 |
| FPGA Device / Core | Lattice ECP5 Family (LFE5U-25F-8MG285C) |
| System Memory | Onboard DDR3L Memory |
| Flash Storage | 128Mbit QSPI Flash Memory (Configurable up to 512Mbit options) |
| Host Interface & USB | Full-Speed USB (12Mbit) via Type-C Port (Direct FPGA Connection) |
| External Storage | MicroSD Card Socket |
| Clock Frequency | 48 MHz System Oscillator |
| User Interfaces | 20 × User I/O Pins, 1 × User Push-Button, 1 × RGB LED |
| Power Supply & Battery | LiPo-Powered with Integrated Onboard Battery Charger Circuit |
| Board Dimensions | 22.86 mm × 50.8 mm (Adafruit Feather Standard) |
| Package Shipping Weight | 0.015 kg (15 g) |
| Package Shipping Dimensions | 10 cm × 7 cm × 2 cm |
