FPGA Based Classic HP Core

[eried]

(04-02-2014 07:59 PM)bkn42 Wrote:  

(04-02-2014 10:11 AM)eried Wrote:  Cool! thanks.

On a related matter, what do you think about http://www.ebay.com/itm/XC3S250E-XILINX-...3ccce6549b this kit compared to papilio? I am just looking for a very beginners kit like to make a simple calculator or something like that as a first project.

I've seen these FPGA boards and I'm very tempted to get one -- seems like you get a lot for your money.

I'm going to refer to the ebay link you posted, specifically the picture of the fpga board, Core3S250E. See items 5 (XCF02S flash) and 14 (JTAG interface connector)? The XCF02S flash holds the FPGA's configuration (i.e. your digital design) and the FPGA is loaded with it on power up. You need a way to program this flash and, unlike the papilio boards, you need to use the JTAG connector to program the flash. You will need to use a JTAG programming "pod" that is compatible with Xilinx's programming software tool. A real Xilinx programming pod is expensive -- about $200, I think. The same seller has this Xilinx compatible programming pod -- you will need something like this.

If you go this route, I would recommend the larger FPGA version, with the XC3S500E FPGA. It would allow you to do more once you get past the basics (like playing with the many available free soft processor cores). However, my HP Calculator Core easily fits in the smaller version.

Brian

Hehehe I see, good that I asked you, chinese only answer "yes sir, please buy, we appreciate your business mr. #433929". About papilio, is 500k enough? I am just trying to be cheap but not restrictive to learn (how about these connector kits, like the arcade, or the segments screen?)