cypress FPGA tools

[Darrell Norquay]

At 01:20 PM 7/8/96 CDT, Steve Ravet wrote:

 >I just got v4.0 of the VHDL compiler.  I haven't used it much, but it 
 >appears to be....  A VHDL compiler.  :-)  It supports all the Cypress 
 >chips, including PALs, CPLDs, and FPGAs.  I think you need additional 
 >software to really do your own FPGAs, though (like floorplanning and timing 
 >analysis).  But for CPLDs it's a complete package including simulator.

Don't you mean Warp2?  Warp4 is the full enchilada, timing simulator and
all, and it sells for US$5000!  I know, 'cause I just took a Cypress VHDL
seminar last week, and got a copy of Warp2, along with a CD full of
libraries, Warp2  for several platforms including the MAC and Sun, the VHDL
text, and a 1 day intensive VHDL course for CDN$99.

 >The download cable/software wasn't available at the time, although it 
 >should be now.  I need to call back and see.  The download cable/software 
 >works with all of the Cypress "ISR" chips (in system reprogrammable).  

The guys at the seminar gave me the impression that they haven't released
their ISP devices yet, due out in August, I think.  They didn't mention the
download cable + software.  Warp2 just generates JEDEC files which you need
a pricey device programmer to use.

 >I'd recommend this package to anyone interested, esp. since the price is 
 >reasonable.  It was about $116 US with shipping, and it includes a textbook 
 >published by Addison Wesley about VHDL on programmable logic.  The download 
 >software and cable is another $100, and only runs on PC type platforms.  
 >The WARP software itself is available for PCs or several workstations.

Yeah, I'd second that, especially if ya got a buddy with a programmer like I
do. Now I just have to sit down and really get into the VHDL coding, which
may take a while...  Should save a bagfull of glue logic on my next 'HC11
project.


regards
dn