Pmod Interface

Pmod interface (peripheral module interface) is an open standard defined by Digilent in the Pmod Interface Specification for connecting peripheral modules to FPGA and microcontroller development boards using 6 pins. Pmod or Pmods may also refer to modules compatible with the Pmod interface.

Overview
Pmods are available from simple push buttons to more complex modules with network interfaces, analog to digital converters or liquid-crystal displays. These modules can be used with a variety of FPGA or microcontroller development boards from different vendors. The Pmod interface is designed so Pmods can be quickly connected to host boards for prototyping or evaluation purposes without soldering, but Pmods aren't quite plug and play since software and configuration is required.

Pmods come with a standard 6-pin interface of 4 signals, one ground and one power pin. Double and quad Pmods also exist. These duplicate the standard interface to allow more signals to pass through to the module.

Pmods can use either SPI, I2C or UART protocol. With I2C it is possible to use a 4-pin connector. Alternatively the pins 1 to 4 can be used as simple digital I/O pins.

History
Digilent was founded in 2000 by two Washington State University electrical engineering professors.

In 2011, v1.0.0 of Pmod Interface Specification was released.

In January 2013, National Instruments acquired all outstanding shares of Digilent Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary.