Tiliqua – An hackable Lattice ECP5 FPGA-based audio multitool for Eurorack (Crowdfunding)

Tiliqua is a Lattice ECP5 FPGA multitool board designed for audio and visual synthesis and compatible with the Eurorack modular synthesizer format.

The board features four audio input jacks and four audio output jacks, all of which can be used as touch-sensitive inputs when not connected.  Other interfaces include a USB 2.0 Host/Device port, MIDI support, two PMOD expansion connectors, and a display interface to connect the Tiliqua screen for visual effects. All those features make it suitable for audio-rate modulation, low-latency effects, video synthesis, high-speed USB audio, or emulating retro hardware.

Tiliqua specifications:

• FPGA –  Lattice ECP5 (LFE5U-25F-6BG256) FPGA supported by the open-source FPGA flow
• System Memory – 32MB PSRAM (tested up to 200MHz DDR / 400MB/s)
• Storage
  • 16MB SPI flash for the FPGA
  • 16MB SPI flash for the Raspberry Pi RP2040
  • 2Kbit I2C EEPROM: for storing calibration constants
• Video Output – Digital video GPDI (General Purpose Differential Interface) up to 1280×720 @ 60 Hz; Optional 4-inch Tiliqua Screen with 720×720 resolution
• Audio – 8x multifunction jacks (4 in, 4 out)
  • 192kHz sample rate
  • DC-coupled, for audio or CV
  • Insertion detection on all jacks
  • Read/green indicator LEDs on all jacks
  • Inputs – 100K input impedance; +/- 9V input range; <5mV absolute DC accuracy (from 0 to +5V, when calibrated)
  • Outputs – Soft mute on bitstream changes; 1K output impedance; +/- 8V output range; <5mV absolute DC accuracy (from 0 to +5V, when calibrated)
• USB
  • USB 2.0 Type-C (480Mbit/s) port connected to FPGA; device and host mode supported.
  • USB 1.1 Type-C (12Mbit/s) port connected to Raspberry Pi RP2040 and compatible with openFPGALoader for flashing;  host mode not supported
• Debugger – Raspberry Pi  RP2040 supported by openFPGALoader
• Expansion – 2x PMOD interfaces
• Misc
  • Rotary encoder with push-button and LED bargraph display
  • Capacitive touch sensing on all unused jacks
  • Optoisolated TRS-A MIDI input
  • External PLL (SI5351A) for dynamic display resolution switching and spread spectrum.
• Power Supply – 10-pin Eurorack power
  • +12V: 150mA (or 400mA as USB host with device drawing 500mA at +5V)
  • -12V: 20mA
• Dimensions – 3U tall, 6HP wide, standard Eurorack module form factor. 34mm deep, including the power ribbon cable.

apf.audio provides several example projects built in Python using Amaranth HDL:

• polysyn – 8-voice polyphonic synth with video visualization and MIDI and USB host
• xbeam – 4-channel oscilloscope and signal visualizer
• usb-audio – 4-in, 4-out, USB2 high-speed soundcard
• macro-osc – complex multi-harmonic oscillator
• sid – chiptune simulation
• selftest – health-check and automatic DC offset calibration
• DSP-only examples: reverb, pitch shifting, delay lines, etc…

You’ll find all those demos and KiCad hardware design files for the board on GitHub. A separate repository for the SoldierCrab M.2 (22x22mm) E-Key system-on-module contains KiCad files, gerber, etc… The best way to understand what’s possible with the Tiliqua board and screen is to watch to video below.

apf.audio has just launched the Tiliqua FPGA audio multitool board on Crowd Supply with a $12,000 funding target. The Tiliqua R4 board requires a $299 pledge, and the optional 4-inch Tiliqua screen adds $199. Both come with Eurorack power cables.  Shipping is free to the US but adds $12 to the rest of the world. Backers should expect their rewards to ship by the end of November 2025.

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