Source for FPGAs

[severedblue]

Hey guys, I was thinking of using VHDL and field programmable grid arrays, instead of buying a whole load of SR latches for complex lighting patterns.



Is there a recommended one that is easy to plug into a bread board?

As an aside I'm looking for the "burn to flash" variety that persists after being programmed by a dongle, rather than the "load every time using a microcontroller" variety that needs to be loaded on boot. A CPLD maybe.

All the ones I find on Jameco are 144 pin quad-flop surface mount affairs when I really only need 12 or so IO pins.... I think a microcontroller could also do it but I am examining my options




If it's really stuck but you know a good electronic forum that I can ask this question, please suggest it. I did find this forum from my normal hobby forum and have been very inspired.

[Sparky]

Don't know of any that small, the smaller fpga's out now a days are hybrids with a microcontroller/RISC core, Like the Spartan. I don't know of anything with 12 GPIO pins. Look at digikey though or
http://www.newark.com

SPLD, GALs, PALs do have some hits at newark.

[severedblue]

Thankyou!

I am looking at the coolrunner CPLD, 32 pin package. I remember working for an electronics company where a hardware engineer used it to control a fan.

[Sparky]

that's a Xilinx part. Worked with them before.

What program are you using to write the code for these?

Also please let us know if you find a [small order] source for them.

[ufd108]

The Xilinx FPGAs, like the Spartan family, use a configuration rom. The Coolrunner parts are not FPGAs but simple PLDs.

Take a look at Actel (now Microsemi SoC). Their FPGAs are truly flash based so they don't require a configuration rom. And the programmer is only $49. The website is www.actel.com.

[ufd108]

that's a Xilinx part. Worked with them before.

What program are you using to write the code for these?

Also please let us know if you find a [small order] source for them.

For small orders of either the Xilinx parts or the Actel parts I mentioned in my last post you can get them from my employer, Avnet Electronics. While we are primarily an industrial distributor we do have a catalog division that will sell small quantities via credit card. The URL is www.AvnetExpress.com.

Any questions either on the company or the parts let me know. I'm an electrical engineer and I design with these parts.

[severedblue]

much obliged ufd108

[ufd108]

much obliged ufd108

Any time. What kit are you planning to light? If it's one of the kits on my long list of "someday I'm actually going to build this thing" I would be willing to work on the design with you.

[severedblue]

5 x Wave Serpent Grav Tank (Games Workshop)
3 x Fire Prism Grav Tank (Games Workshop)

lol
I don't suppose they are on your list?


I have an old trek kit as well but that's a bit lower on my list

[ufd108]

5 x Wave Serpent Grav Tank (Games Workshop)
3 x Fire Prism Grav Tank (Games Workshop)

lol
I don't suppose they are on your list?


I have an old trek kit as well but that's a bit lower on my list

No, not even on my ever heard of them list!

I'm strictly Star Trek. But feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[RickP]

Habe a look at the arduino microcontroller board. It's an atmega board with integrated usb port and a nice and simple ide. You don't need any programmer, just an usb cable.

The Arduino nano hat 14 I/O pins and is small enough to fit in a model: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardNano - That one can be plugged directly on a breadboard, too.

[severedblue]

I have plans to use the nano as well for prototyping;
that is in my kit list

that currently needs more money to complete; working on painting my existing kits at the moment while I save.