Connect 4 - Computer architectures semestrial project (CVUT)

A low-level implementation of the classic Connect 4 game, developed for the MicroZed APO board, focusing on peripheral use.

Developed by Yordan YORDANOV and Marie-Ange ROUSSEAU for the Computer architectures class in Czech Technical University in Prague (CVUT).

(May 2025)

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🎮 Introduction

This project implements a two-player Connect 4 game on the MZ_APO board, utilizing peripherals such as:

• LCD display
• Rotary encoders
• RGB LEDs
• 32 LED line
• Piezo speaker

The system is written entirely in C and is structured around a finite state machine (FSM) to manage game flow and interface transitions. User interaction is handled through rotary encoders, with visual feedback on the LCD and LEDs, and audio cues via the speaker.

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🎬 Video

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🔗 Traceability

For a complete overview of the project, including code, documentation, schematics, and screenshots, visit:
https://connect4.yourdan.uk

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🏗️ Application Architecture

📊 Block Diagram

A modular overview showing interactions between source files and subsystems.

🔄 Game Finite State Machine

The FSM represents modes of the application and transitions based on user actions and game logic.

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🕹️ User Manual

📺 Main Menu

Press the red button to start a game or the green one to view instructions.

📖 Instructions

Scroll with the red knob. Return to menu with the blue button.

🎯 Game Grid Screen

Rotate the red knob to select a column, press red button to drop a disc.

RGB LEDs indicate the current player.

🏆 Game Over

Displays winner and score. Red button to replay, blue to return to menu.

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🛠️ Build & Execution Instructions

🐧 Debian-based Linux Distributions

1️⃣ Install ARMv7 Cross-Compiler

sudo apt install crossbuild-essential-armhf

2️⃣ Copy the private key for SSH connection to the MZ_APO kit where "ctu_login" is your KOS account

scp ctu_login@postel.felk.cvut.cz:/opt/zynq/ssh-connect/mzapo-root-key ~/.ssh/
chmod go-rwx ~/.ssh/mzapo-root-key
ssh-add ~/.ssh/mzapo-root-key

3️⃣ Install make

sudo apt install make

4️⃣ Install git

sudo apt install git

5️⃣ Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/thr33bricks/Connect4-mcu/
cd codebase

6️⃣ Build and execute the project

make run TARGET_IP={BOARD_IP}