FPGA keyboard synthesizer

This synthesizer relies solely on an FPGA for key detection and sound synthesis. [Chris] and [Joe] built it for their final project at Cornell. The hardware implementation includes velocity sensing for the keys. While at rest, each key contacts a strip of copper foil. A matching strip of foil contacts the key when it is depressed. The velocity data is extrapolated by detecting when a key leaves the rest state and arrives at the depressed state. Sound synthesis is handled in hardware using the Karplus-Strong string synthesis method. If you want to hear what it sounds like, they’ve posted a video (MP4) that shows off the creation. It sounds like an electric piano to us, so mission accomplished.

Comments [3]

tagged: fpga, Karplus-Strong, keyboard, synthesizer, sythensis

3 Responses to FPGA keyboard synthesizer

Gert says:

January 1, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Is there an option for true piano?

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Abbott says:

January 1, 2010 at 1:32 pm

Nice! gotta love the calclators holding the thing up. I was actually considering buying one of those FPGA dev kits they’re using. We have them at our university (University of Missouri-Rolla)