Blog
MIT has a program known as OpenCourseWare designed to provide free access to course materials from previously presented MIT courses. Course offerings from all academic disciplines are available and the list grows periodically. MIT OCW even has their own YouTube channel.
Here’s an interesting offering, Introductory Digital Systems Laboratory, covering topics related to CPLD/FPGA program development. [via]
MIT OpenCourseWare: Introductory Digital Systems Laboratory – [Link]
voidptr shared a CPLD development board he made a few years ago: [via]
i used few times some xilinx xc9572xl with pleasure (and few other sizes). i like the family 5V tolerance, so i can plug that everywhere…
CPLD development board – [Link]
From the comments on dangerousprototypes.com CPLD post:
Programmable logic meets the Arduino. The Amani 64 is a low-cost entry-level CPLD development kit, stackable with the Arduino, other Amanis, and Arduino-compatible shields. The Amani 64 by itself is a capable embedded controller but becomes an even more powerful tool when teamed up with the Arduino or other Amanis.
Amani CPLD Arduino shield – [Link]
Ian compares the XC9500 and CoolRunner-II CPLDs:
The two cheapest and most readily available Xilinx CPLD families are the XC9500 and CoolRunner-II. Both are in stock at DigiKey in a variety of packages, with simple devices starting at around $1. We wondered what exactly the differences are, here’s our notes in a table.
Xilinx CPLDs: XC9500 vs CoolRunner-II – [Link]
Xilinx has a number of free online training courses covering many aspects of FPGA circuit design and program development using their ISE software. A separate group of tutorials covers CPLD design. [via]
Xilinx free FPGA/CPLD design tutorials – [Link]
GALs are the simplest member of the programmable logic family that also includes CPLDs and FPGAs. They are the modern replacement for the one-time programmable PAL devices that were first introduced in the late 1970′s. Unlike PALs, GALs can be erased and reprogrammed many times. And unlike CPLDs and FPGAs, GALs don’t require using a hardware synthesis language like VHDL or Verilog, or any other special design tools. Although it’s possible to use fancier tools to configure GALs, the simplest method is just to write logic equations in a plain text file, defining each output in terms of the inputs. Run your equations through a command-line tool to create the binary GAL data, and you’re ready to go. Easy as pie! [via]
Getting started with GALs - [Link]
Want to try CPLD devices? It is good to start with development board for that. Here it is – a nicely made XC9572XL CPLD development board.
Development board has all I/O ports available. For quick prototyping there are six 7 segment LED indicators connected, also there are 8 LEDs connected via ULN2003A. Board is also equipped with two non symmetrical adjustable RC oscillators based on 74AC04 IC and two hybrid oscillators, piezo sounder and more. Available files for download: circuit, and operating video sample. This source may be a good start for developing your own CPLD board. [via]
Development board for XC9572XL CPLD - [Link]
