[dorkbotpdx-blabber] Xilinx

[Wm Leler]

OpenTechSpace is in the process of buying (and getting donations of)  
equipment for the electronics lab that will be located at TechShop. Is  
there enough interest for us to get some of the hardware (programmers)  
and software needed to field program these devices?  If there is  
interest, please add a comment to my "Equipment" post in the  
OpenTechSpace group: http://groups.google.com/group/open-tech-space/

Other comments about desired tools and equipment are also welcome.

Wm Leler

On Dec 17, 2008, at 8:23 PM, Dan Strother wrote:

> Xilinx uses the same dev software and programmers for their entire
> lineup of CPLDs and FPGAs.
>
> ISE WebPack is free, and supports all of Xilinx's small to medium
> density parts. A parallel port programmer can be built, or purchased
> quite cheaply. Most programmers work over a standard JTAG connection,
> and can be used in-circuit.
>
> Their chips are readily available from places like Digikey (and are
> relatively cheap if you don't venture too far up their product
> line...).
>
> Now, no modern CPLD or FPGA is available in a DIP package, and
> precious few with <= 32 pins (I see just 1 Xilinx CPLD with 32 pins -
> but that's in a tiny QFN package). There are, however,a variety of
> development and breakout boards available that make this less of an
> issue.
>
> I would recommend Digilent as a good source for these sort of things:
> http://digilentinc.com/ . They have cheap dev boards and programmers.
> Also, if you really want just a simple CPLD in a DIP package, they
> would seem to offer such a thing as well:
> http://digilentinc.com/Products/Detail.cfm?NavTop=2&NavSub=419&Prod=CMOD
> .
>
>
> Dan S.
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 7:50 PM, Greg Grunest <greg at grunest.com>  
> wrote:
>> Is anyone on the list working with Xilinx PLD/FPGA devices or any  
>> other
>> brand or type of field programmable logic devices?
>>
>>
>>
>> Last time I used one was almost 20 years ago and required an  
>> expensive
>> programmer ($2500) and software.  It looks like they are all JTAG  
>> now and a
>> version of the dev software is available for free.   Also, last  
>> time I used
>> them, they had small devices (sub 24 macrocells) which I am unable  
>> to find
>> now.  Everything I could find on their website is massive with  
>> 50,000 gates
>> minimum up to 570,000 gates and multiple power PC cores in them.   
>> Am I
>> missing something?
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm totally open to devices other than Xilinx and any suggestions  
>> would be
>> appreciated.
>>
>>
>>
>> I'm looking for:
>>
>>            A small-ish programmable logic device (approx 2000 gates  
>> or 20 –
>> 40 macrocells)
>>
>> In a 32 pin or less package (preferably dip)
>>
>> With free or cheap development tools (that don't suck!)
>>
>> That programming devices are easily obtainable
>>
>> The chips themselves are cheap and easy to obtain (don't need no  
>> $500 Hughes
>> "sea of gates")
>>
>> In circuit programming would be awesome
>>
>> A device family with a wide range of devices which use all the same
>> programming tools and software
>>
>> Oh yeah, and A Pony! – (Thanks Mykle!)
>>
>>
>>
>> - greg
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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