[big_core][defines]#600: Add VGA CounterX and CounterY to CR space for timing

[NoamRahat]

This commit introduces changes to synchronize content updates with the monitor's refresh cycle. Specifically, it adds the VGA CounterX and CounterY to the CR (Control Register) space, making them accessible from timing.

To achieve synchronization with the monitor's refresh rate and avoid flickering, it's crucial to update the display content during the vertical retrace period. By exposing the CounterY, we can determine the display cycle's current position and ensure content updates occur at the correct time. Previously, ensuring synchronization relied on vertical synchronization (V-Sync) methods, especially during the vertical retrace period for CRT displays. With the introduction of CounterY, we gain insight into the display cycle, enabling precise content updates at the appropriate times.

Changes Made:

• Added definitions for CR_VGA_COUNTER_X and CR_VGA_COUNTER_Y in 'big_core_defines.h'.
• Integrated VGA CounterX and CounterY inputs in 'big_core_cr_mem.sv' and 'big_core_mem_wrap.sv', establishing the link from the FPGA interface to the CR memory.
• Updated 'big_core_vga_ctrl.sv' to include VGA CounterX and CounterY as outputs, ensuring their availability for VGA synchronization.
• Defined structures for VGA CounterX and CounterY in 'big_core_pkg.sv'.

These modifications set the groundwork for future features and software enhancements within the project.

Hierarchy of Changes:

1. Definitions added in 'big_core_defines.h'.
2. Integration in 'big_core_cr_mem.sv' and 'big_core_mem_wrap.sv'.
3. Output inclusion in 'big_core_vga_ctrl.sv'.
4. Structure definition in 'big_core_pkg.sv'.

These changes enhance synchronization capabilities, laying the foundation for further developments in the project.

Signed-off-by: NoamRahat noamrht@gmail.com

[amichai-bd]

@NoamRahat 1) Please create a test for this new "feature" you added.. create a test that can read the CR value and print it to display - i sent you an example via watsapp the other week 2) Make sure the Sanity level0 and level2 (you can run this command: ./scripts/sanity_check.py -yml mafia_level2 -dut big_core Or this: ./scripts/sanity_check.py -yml mafia_level0 -dut big_core At minimum: run 1 test and as a "fast turn around" design cycle - simply use this command: python build.py -dut big_core -test alive -app -hw -sim -pp

[amichai-bd]

Please review and fix

[NoamRahat]

does this make sense? seam's it's not updating

[NoamRahat]

on my machine I pass the sanity_check:

[NoamRahat]

@amichai-bd

[amichai-bd]

Great job! Please link the relevant issue. (Press on the development button on this page)

I will not merge this into main yet. Waiting to see yakov version of this fix