Site Home   Archive Home   FAQ Home   How to search the Archive   How to Navigate the Archive   
Compare FPGA features and resources   

Threads starting:
1994JulAugSepOctNovDec1994
1995JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1995
1996JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1996
1997JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1997
1998JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1998
1999JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1999
2000JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2000
2001JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2001
2002JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2002
2003JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2003
2004JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2004
2005JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2005
2006JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2006
2007JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2007
2008JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2008
2009JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2009
2010JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2010
2011JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2011
2012JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2012
2013JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2013
2014JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2014
2015JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2015
2016JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2016
2017JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2017
2018JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2018
2019JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2019
2020JanFebMarAprMay2020

Authors:A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Custom Search

Messages from 161500

Article: 161500
Subject: Re: FPGA config sizes
From: David Brown <david.brown@hesbynett.no>
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 09:21:34 +0100
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 09/11/2019 00:12, Rick C wrote:
> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 5:48:04 PM UTC-5, Stef wrote:
>> On 2019-11-08 Rick C wrote in comp.arch.fpga:
>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:09:04 PM UTC-5, John Larkin wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Please consider this a PHB type question. I don't do FPGA development
>>>> myself, past whiteboarding.
>>>
>>> Anyone know what a "PHB type question" is? 
>>
>> https://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=phb
> 
> Yeah, someone explained in the other group.  A bit obscure, methinks. 
> 

Nah.  I get suspicious of any engineer who doesn't know the term PHB!

It's like not understanding the term SEP.


Article: 161501
Subject: Re: FPGA config sizes
From: gtwrek@sonic.net (gtwrek)
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:33:54 -0000 (UTC)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
In article <qqb5mf$e1f$1@dont-email.me>,
David Brown  <david.brown@hesbynett.no> wrote:
>On 09/11/2019 00:12, Rick C wrote:
>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 5:48:04 PM UTC-5, Stef wrote:
>>> On 2019-11-08 Rick C wrote in comp.arch.fpga:
>>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:09:04 PM UTC-5, John Larkin wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Please consider this a PHB type question. I don't do FPGA development
>>>>> myself, past whiteboarding.
>>>>
>>>> Anyone know what a "PHB type question" is? 
>>>
>>> https://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=phb
>> 
>> Yeah, someone explained in the other group.  A bit obscure, methinks. 
>> 
>
>Nah.  I get suspicious of any engineer who doesn't know the term PHB!
>
>It's like not understanding the term SEP.

I had to think a bit to come up with PHB, but I got it.  I've no idea
what SEP is.

But then I'm acronymn dumb (and too lazy to try and google it right
now.)

(I've got a feeling a "whoosh" at my expense is incoming...)

--Mark





Article: 161502
Subject: Re: FPGA config sizes
From: David Brown <david.brown@hesbynett.no>
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:10:02 +0100
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 11/11/2019 17:33, gtwrek wrote:
> In article <qqb5mf$e1f$1@dont-email.me>,
> David Brown  <david.brown@hesbynett.no> wrote:
>> On 09/11/2019 00:12, Rick C wrote:
>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 5:48:04 PM UTC-5, Stef wrote:
>>>> On 2019-11-08 Rick C wrote in comp.arch.fpga:
>>>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:09:04 PM UTC-5, John Larkin wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Please consider this a PHB type question. I don't do FPGA development
>>>>>> myself, past whiteboarding.
>>>>>
>>>>> Anyone know what a "PHB type question" is?
>>>>
>>>> https://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=phb
>>>
>>> Yeah, someone explained in the other group.  A bit obscure, methinks.
>>>
>>
>> Nah.  I get suspicious of any engineer who doesn't know the term PHB!
>>
>> It's like not understanding the term SEP.
> 
> I had to think a bit to come up with PHB, but I got it.  I've no idea
> what SEP is.

"Somebody else's problem".  It's a term from Douglas Adams:

"""
An SEP is something we can't see, or don't see, or our brain doesn't let 
us see, because we think that it's somebody else's problem. That’s what 
SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it's 
like a blind spot.
"""

<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_else's_problem>


It is very useful in all kinds of engineering, for helping focus on the 
task /you/ have to do instead of everyone else's tasks.

> 
> But then I'm acronymn dumb (and too lazy to try and google it right
> now.)

You need to swat up on your TLA's :-)


> 
> (I've got a feeling a "whoosh" at my expense is incoming...)
> 
> --Mark
> 
> 
> 
> 


Article: 161503
Subject: Re: FPGA config sizes
From: David Brown <david.brown@hesbynett.no>
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:10:38 +0100
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 11/11/2019 18:10, David Brown wrote:
> On 11/11/2019 17:33, gtwrek wrote:
>> In article <qqb5mf$e1f$1@dont-email.me>,
>> David Brown  <david.brown@hesbynett.no> wrote:
>>> On 09/11/2019 00:12, Rick C wrote:
>>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 5:48:04 PM UTC-5, Stef wrote:
>>>>> On 2019-11-08 Rick C wrote in comp.arch.fpga:
>>>>>> On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 2:09:04 PM UTC-5, John Larkin wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Please consider this a PHB type question. I don't do FPGA 
>>>>>>> development
>>>>>>> myself, past whiteboarding.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Anyone know what a "PHB type question" is?
>>>>>
>>>>> https://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=phb
>>>>
>>>> Yeah, someone explained in the other group.  A bit obscure, methinks.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Nah.  I get suspicious of any engineer who doesn't know the term PHB!
>>>
>>> It's like not understanding the term SEP.
>>
>> I had to think a bit to come up with PHB, but I got it.  I've no idea
>> what SEP is.
> 
> "Somebody else's problem".  It's a term from Douglas Adams:
> 
> """
> An SEP is something we can't see, or don't see, or our brain doesn't let 
> us see, because we think that it's somebody else's problem. That’s what 
> SEP means. Somebody Else’s Problem. The brain just edits it out, it's 
> like a blind spot.
> """
> 
> <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somebody_else's_problem>
> 
> 
> It is very useful in all kinds of engineering, for helping focus on the 
> task /you/ have to do instead of everyone else's tasks.
> 
>>
>> But then I'm acronymn dumb (and too lazy to try and google it right
>> now.)
> 
> You need to swat up on your TLA's :-)
> 

"swot" up, rather - and I need to work on my spelling!


Article: 161504
Subject: Re: Lattice XO3D New
From: Brane2 <brankob@avtomatika.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:09:21 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.

To me, it looks like they've nailed.

To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...

https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/


Article: 161505
Subject: Re: Lattice XO3D New
From: Michael Kellett <mk@mkesc.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 09:10:04 +0000
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
> You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.
> 
> To me, it looks like they've nailed.
> 
> To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
> 
> https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
> 
Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set 
of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK, 
but they have no parts.
Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.

MK

Article: 161506
Subject: Re: Lattice XO3D New
From: Theo <theom+news@chiark.greenend.org.uk>
Date: 12 Nov 2019 10:49:28 +0000 (GMT)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
Michael Kellett <mk@mkesc.co.uk> wrote:
> On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
> > You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.
> > 
> > To me, it looks like they've nailed.
> > 
> > To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
> > 
> > https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
> > 
> Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set 
> of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
> The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK, 
> but they have no parts.
> Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.

For some reason all their parts are listed as discontinued at LCSC:
https://lcsc.com/brand-detail/11936.html

(I haven't used LCSC as such, but I've used their PCB arm JLCPCB.com and
they've been fine.  It's all prototyping orders, though, not production)

Theo

Article: 161507
Subject: Re: Lattice XO3D New
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:47:36 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 4:10:10 AM UTC-5, Michael Kellett wrote:
> On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
> > You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.
> > 
> > To me, it looks like they've nailed.
> > 
> > To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
> > 
> > https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
> > 
> Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set 
> of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
> The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK, 
> but they have no parts.
> Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.

I can't even download anything.  They tell you to sign up but once I fill in the form it tells me I haven't filled in everything.  Their chat is down.  I give up. 

-- 

  Rick C.

  - Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  - Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161508
Subject: Re: Lattice XO3D New
From: Michael Kellett <mk@mkesc.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:23:52 +0000
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 13/11/2019 07:47, Rick C wrote:
> On Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 4:10:10 AM UTC-5, Michael Kellett wrote:
>> On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
>>> You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.
>>>
>>> To me, it looks like they've nailed.
>>>
>>> To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
>>>
>>> https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
>>>
>> Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set
>> of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
>> The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK,
>> but they have no parts.
>> Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.
> 
> I can't even download anything.  They tell you to sign up but once I fill in the form it tells me I haven't filled in everything.  Their chat is down.  I give up.
> 
Curses !
I was hoping it was just me.

MK

Article: 161509
Subject: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 05:19:04 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 13/11/2019 07:47, Rick C wrote:
> On Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 4:10:10 AM UTC-5, Michael Kellett wrote:
>> On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
>>> You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee =
series.
>>>
>>> To me, it looks like they've nailed.
>>>
>>> To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
>>>
>>> https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
>>>
>> Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set
>> of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
>> The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK,
>> but they have no parts.
>> Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.
>
> I can't even download anything.  They tell you to sign up but once I fill=
 in the form it tells me I haven't filled in everything.  Their chat is dow=
n.  I give up.
>
Curses !
I was hoping it was just me.

I'm starting to wonder if they are a real company or not...=20

I recall looking at the RISC-V products a while back and I think they have =
a combined part FPGA/MCU (the holy grail for me).  I don't recall if they h=
ad suitable packages for my needs though.  Or maybe I just wasn't satisfied=
 with the tools?? Just can't recall.  I seem to recall everything I got abo=
ut the parts actually came from a source other than their web site.  Is ano=
ther company involved in distributing or marketing this company's devices?=
=20

They almost seem to be selling swampland in Florida. =20

--=20

  Rick C.

  - Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  - Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161510
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 05:41:18 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
Now I think I am remembering the AG6K and AG10K from AGM, who's parts are a=
lso mostly discontinued. =20

Here is an interesting MCU/FPGA from their web site.=20

http://www.alta-gate.com/products.aspx?lang=3D&id=3D66&p=3D15

I believe when I dug around I found AGM was connected to another company in=
 an unclear manner, maybe it was Gowin, can't remember.  It may have been A=
nlogic, or maybe that's the 'A' in AGM... lol=20


Here is an excerpt from a two year old press release...=20

"AGM has independent intellectual property rights in software and circuits.=
 In terms of products, it is currently compatible with mainstream manufactu=
rers and the software and hardware ecology is unchanged. The internal inter=
face of the chip is compatible with mainstream manufacturers, and the PCB b=
oard level can be directly replaced and compiled with AGM software. Import =
programming. AGM currently supplies devices that can be directly replaced: =
=EF=81=AC CPLD series for ALTERA MAX II series, including EPM240T100, EPM57=
0T144, EPM570T100; =EF=81=AC Mini1K series 1K (QFN48), providing cost-sensi=
tive design solutions for LATTICE iCE series; =EF=81=AC low-end FPGA SoC Se=
ries for ALTERA Cyclone-IV EP4CE6, EP4CE10, EP4CE22; =EF=81=AC High-end FPG=
A SoC series BlueWind for the Xilinx Virtex series."

This seems to be saying they are legally supplying copies of other company'=
s chips including Lattice, Altera (Intel) and Xilinx.  I also found a news =
article with an interesting leadin.=20

https://www.electronicsweekly.com/news/business/china-fpga-strategy-takes-s=
hape-2017-10/

I didn't know any of this was banned or restricted.=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  + Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  + Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161511
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: lasselangwadtchristensen@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 13 Nov 2019 16:44:57 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>

https://hackaday.com/2019/11/03/the-5-fpga/

https://www.seeedstudio.com/Sipeed-Tang-Nano-FPGA-board-powered-by-GW1N-1-FPGA-p-4304.html

Article: 161512
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Brane2 <brankob@avtomatika.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2019 07:45:04 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
I managed to install Gowin EDA on Linux ( Gentoo) - both versions - Windoiws ( it seems to start under Wine) and Linux version.

Haven't tried to work with Win version yet.

I've got Linux version to start, but it Synplify Pro part stubbornly refuses to recognise license file...

BTW, they've just announced first FPGA with a friggin Bluetooth stack...

Article: 161513
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:49:37 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 10:45:08 AM UTC-5, Brane2 wrote:
> I managed to install Gowin EDA on Linux ( Gentoo) - both versions - Windo=
iws ( it seems to start under Wine) and Linux version.
>=20
> Haven't tried to work with Win version yet.
>=20
> I've got Linux version to start, but it Synplify Pro part stubbornly refu=
ses to recognise license file...
>=20
> BTW, they've just announced first FPGA with a friggin Bluetooth stack...

And an ARC processor.  Seems it has been around a while and is not a red he=
aded step child, but has been used quite a bit.  I've just never heard of i=
t. =20

They seem to provide packages that are useful and not BGAs, so that's a big=
 plus for me.  But if I can't get data sheets and can't get parts, it's a n=
o-go for sure.=20

When simple things get complex my frustration drives all knowledge out of m=
y mind.  Right now I just rediscovered that the GW1N is a family, not a par=
t size and they have up to 9000 LUT4s in an 88 pin, QFN package.  Edge sell=
s the 4608LUT4 QFN88 (GW1NR-LV4QN88C5) for under $4. =20

--=20

  Rick C.

  -- Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  -- Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161514
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:58:39 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 8:19:08 AM UTC-5, Someone Else wrote:
> On 13/11/2019 07:47, Rick C wrote:
> > On Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 4:10:10 AM UTC-5, Michael Kellett wrote:
> >> On 12/11/2019 01:09, Brane2 wrote:
> >>> You might be interested in gowin's program, especially their LittleBee series.
> >>>
> >>> To me, it looks like they've nailed.
> >>>
> >>> To me, this is everything that MachXO3 should have been...
> >>>
> >>> https://www.gowinsemi.com/en/
> >>>
> >> Have you worked out where to buy parts from Gowin? They have a small set
> >> of third rate distributors, none of whom seem to hold stock.
> >> The US distributor (edge Electronics), lists some prices that look OK,
> >> but they have no parts.
> >> Until they get parts into a distributor I've heard of, not much use.
> >
> > I can't even download anything.  They tell you to sign up but once I fill in the form it tells me I haven't filled in everything.  Their chat is down.  I give up.
> >
> Curses !
> I was hoping it was just me.
> 

I think I cracked the code.  I was at this page and tried to download the tools.  That took me to a signup page and that seemed to work.  It is not real clear that it worked, but it seems to have.  :) 

https://alcom.be/category/overview/electronic-component-solutions/semiconductors/gowin-semiconductor/programmable-logic-gowin-semiconductor/

-- 

  Rick C.

  -+ Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  -+ Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161515
Subject: Re: Gowin Semiconductor, Real or Fake?
From: Brane2 <brankob@avtomatika.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Nov 2019 23:41:02 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
Yeah, forgot to warn you.

You have to register adn login first.

Also, even after that downloads happen to fail.

It helps to start them by clicking the same link some time after that ( about a minute later).

I still haven't cracked the Synario licence.

I think I've stumbled over some document describing manual tweaking of the licence needed, but can't find it now...

Article: 161516
Subject: AGM AG6K SoC
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2019 12:33:14 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
I found the part I had been interested in, the AGM AG6K SoC with a 250 MHz =
ARM Cortex processor, 6,000 LE FPGA, 128 kB SRAM, 12 bit ADC, all in a 100 =
pin QFP package.  Works for many of my apps although these days I'd prefer =
an 88 pin QFN I think.  Good density and still works with 6/6 mil design ru=
les, but it has that thermal pad in the center while makes vias difficult u=
nderneath the package, so maybe 100 pin QFP is better still unless you are =
really constrained for space.=20

Still, I don't see a way to buy this part.  So the Gowind parts have that b=
ig advantage.  It looks like you can actually buy them.=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  - Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  - Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161517
Subject: Re: AGM AG6K SoC
From: Brane2 <brankob@avtomatika.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 08:44:15 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
From alta-gate ?

I don't see any link to a IDE for their chips.

How is one supposed to generate bitstream for this ?

Article: 161518
Subject: Re: AGM AG6K SoC
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 11:10:47 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 11:44:20 AM UTC-5, Brane2 wrote:
> From alta-gate ?
>=20
> I don't see any link to a IDE for their chips.
>=20
> How is one supposed to generate bitstream for this ?

There parts seem to be compatible with other company's products...=20


AGM has independent intellectual property rights in software and circuits. =
In terms of products, it is currently compatible with mainstream manufactur=
ers and the software and hardware ecology is unchanged. The internal interf=
ace of the chip is compatible with mainstream manufacturers, and the PCB bo=
ard level can be directly replaced and compiled with AGM software. Import p=
rogramming. AGM currently supplies devices that can be directly replaced: =
=EF=81=AC CPLD series for ALTERA MAX II series, including EPM240T100, EPM57=
0T144, EPM570T100; =EF=81=AC Mini1K series 1K (QFN48), providing cost-sensi=
tive design solutions for LATTICE iCE series; =EF=81=AC low-end FPGA SoC Se=
ries for ALTERA Cyclone-IV EP4CE6, EP4CE10, EP4CE22; =EF=81=AC High-end FPG=
A SoC series BlueWind for the Xilinx Virtex series.


I know in the past Altera has prevented the use of the bitstreams generated=
 with their tools, so I even if someone could legally make a bit stream com=
patible chip, I don't know how they could program it without writing the to=
ols separately.  The web site does say to contact them about tools and prod=
uct, so I guess they have their own tools and are not yet working through d=
istribution.=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  + Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  + Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161519
Subject: Re: Lattice MachXO2/XO3/XO3D vs ECP5
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 11:45:34 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Friday, November 8, 2019 at 1:17:37 AM UTC-5, Brane2 wrote:
> XO families only contain FLASH, they are not flash absed AFAIK.
>=20
> That is, during the initialisation FLASH still gets internally copied to =
SRAM.

Yes, but it is very fast, less than a ms in the XP part I use. =20


> If the FLASH onboard is the reason for the price, why is 7kLUT XO2 or XO3=
 so much more expensive than 12kLUT ECP + much bigger SPI FLASH ?

Without the flash the entire chip can be made on a smaller geometry and so,=
 much smaller and cheaper.  That is what Xilinx was saying in this forum ma=
ny years ago as the basis for saying flash FPGA can't compete.  Yes, flash =
FPGA can't compete at the high end.  But there is still a market for flash =
based devices in the low end. =20

I've always preferred the flash parts because of the simplicity of use and =
field programming.  My real issue with the SRAM based part though is usuall=
y the packaging.  Along with not being low end oriented the other makers li=
ke the high pin count packages that are harder to use. =20

--=20

  Rick C.

  + Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  + Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161520
Subject: AGM vs. Gowin
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 16:38:44 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
My holy grail has always been a simple CPU combined with a smallish FPGA.  =
There are a few out there, very few, but none of them are available in appr=
opriate packages and inexpensive. =20

I've found a couple of Chinese startups that seem to have some interesting =
devices.  AGM has the AG6K, a 6k LUT with 250 MHz ARM in a QFP100, pretty m=
uch the perfect part.  Trouble is I can't tell if this company is real.  Or=
 maybe they are targeting customers buying millions with nothing to offer t=
he smaller users. =20

Another is by Gowin.  They actually make several.  They have options for ex=
tra memory along with an ARM CPU and 2 or 4 kLUTs.  But they fall down on t=
he packaging.  They offer a 48QFN and a couple of other larger packages, bu=
t nothing suitable.  They use the 88QFN and 100QFP, but not for the ARM ver=
sion.  They even have a version with a Bluetooth stack, but for some reason=
 that uses an ARC processor (not that it's a problem) and still comes up ve=
ry short in the packaging/IO count.  Gowin seems a bit more real, but still=
 hard to find anyone selling their product line.=20

The docs from both companies are not so easy to glean info from.  I guess t=
hat goes with the territory of start ups.=20

So close and yet so far...=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  - Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  - Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161521
Subject: Re: AGM vs. Gowin
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2019 10:42:47 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
I had a talk with the Gowin folks.  They have plans for FPGA/CPU in a 48 pi=
n package, to be out 1Q2020, but not nearly enough I/Os, only 30ish (don't =
recall the exact number).  To bring the chip out in a larger package with m=
ore I/Os means they need a customer with plans to use the device in large n=
umbers.  My quantities aren't enough. =20

On the other hand, an email I sent to AGM has not received a reply.  That s=
eems pretty clear.  They are only dealing with large customers and won't be=
 selling through distribution for some time.=20

Anlogic is another FPGA startup, but I see no sign they are selling to smal=
l buyers.  Their chip is used for a RISC-V board as a soft core on the EG4S=
20.  Again, I haven't been able to contact them.  In fact, their web site i=
s all in Chinese.  Maybe I need to learn a new language.=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  + Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  + Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161522
Subject: Re: AGM vs. Gowin
From: Richard Damon <Richard@Damon-Family.org>
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2019 17:14:54 -0500
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On 11/16/19 7:38 PM, Rick C wrote:
> My holy grail has always been a simple CPU combined with a smallish FPGA.  There are a few out there, very few, but none of them are available in appropriate packages and inexpensive.  
> 
> I've found a couple of Chinese startups that seem to have some interesting devices.  AGM has the AG6K, a 6k LUT with 250 MHz ARM in a QFP100, pretty much the perfect part.  Trouble is I can't tell if this company is real.  Or maybe they are targeting customers buying millions with nothing to offer the smaller users.  
> 
> Another is by Gowin.  They actually make several.  They have options for extra memory along with an ARM CPU and 2 or 4 kLUTs.  But they fall down on the packaging.  They offer a 48QFN and a couple of other larger packages, but nothing suitable.  They use the 88QFN and 100QFP, but not for the ARM version.  They even have a version with a Bluetooth stack, but for some reason that uses an ARC processor (not that it's a problem) and still comes up very short in the packaging/IO count.  Gowin seems a bit more real, but still hard to find anyone selling their product line. 
> 
> The docs from both companies are not so easy to glean info from.  I guess that goes with the territory of start ups. 
> 
> So close and yet so far... 
> 

Microsemi (now part of Microchip) has some smaller FPGAs (with an
optional Arm Cortex M3) in a 144QFN. Its a bit bigger than you are
talking about

Article: 161523
Subject: Re: AGM vs. Gowin
From: Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2019 21:31:36 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
On Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 5:14:57 PM UTC-5, Richard Damon wrote:
> On 11/16/19 7:38 PM, Rick C wrote:
> > My holy grail has always been a simple CPU combined with a smallish FPG=
A.  There are a few out there, very few, but none of them are available in =
appropriate packages and inexpensive. =20
> >=20
> > I've found a couple of Chinese startups that seem to have some interest=
ing devices.  AGM has the AG6K, a 6k LUT with 250 MHz ARM in a QFP100, pret=
ty much the perfect part.  Trouble is I can't tell if this company is real.=
  Or maybe they are targeting customers buying millions with nothing to off=
er the smaller users. =20
> >=20
> > Another is by Gowin.  They actually make several.  They have options fo=
r extra memory along with an ARM CPU and 2 or 4 kLUTs.  But they fall down =
on the packaging.  They offer a 48QFN and a couple of other larger packages=
, but nothing suitable.  They use the 88QFN and 100QFP, but not for the ARM=
 version.  They even have a version with a Bluetooth stack, but for some re=
ason that uses an ARC processor (not that it's a problem) and still comes u=
p very short in the packaging/IO count.  Gowin seems a bit more real, but s=
till hard to find anyone selling their product line.=20
> >=20
> > The docs from both companies are not so easy to glean info from.  I gue=
ss that goes with the territory of start ups.=20
> >=20
> > So close and yet so far...=20
> >=20
>=20
> Microsemi (now part of Microchip) has some smaller FPGAs (with an
> optional Arm Cortex M3) in a 144QFN. Its a bit bigger than you are
> talking about

Yes, I'm familiar with the general features of the Microsemi (now Microchip=
?, formerly Actel) line.  The QFP144 is wider than the board I want to put =
this chip on.  The QFP100 barely fits.  A QN88 is a good fit if the undersi=
de pad doesn't get in the way of routing vias, but I think it will be ok.  =
I have five resistor packs on the other side of the board, but they might n=
ot be needed with a new FPGA.  They are mostly just insurance of I/Os being=
 in the right state after power up and before configuration is complete.  A=
lso, their parts with the ARM are rather pricey. =20

Lattice has a newer XO3D in a 100QFP that should do the job.  A bit more th=
an I'd like to pay, but workable.  The Chinese parts could be the perfect f=
it if both they and the company making them are real enough.  If I have to =
I can use another old part like the Spartan 3A, but how much longer will th=
ey be affordable nearing the 20 year point?  If none of the Chinese parts w=
ork out, it will be the XO3D or a BGA.  High pin count BGAs tend to cost mo=
re and the finer design rules for the PWB make that cost more too.=20

--=20

  Rick C.

  - Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
  - Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

Article: 161524
Subject: New coding method for a state machine in groups in HDL
From: Weng Tianxiang <wtxwtx@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:27:38 -0800 (PST)
Links: << >>  << T >>  << A >>
Hi everyone,

Welcome all critics from ones who are interested in coding state machine that seems to many as matured, but  can be further improved.

Here is a coding snippet for new method you can immediately understand what will happening for coding a state machine.

type State_Machine_t is (
  First_group : (s1, s2, s3),
  Second_Group : (s4, s5, s6),
  Third_Group ; (s7, s8, s9)
);
signal State_Machine, State_Machine_Next : State_Machine_t ; 

Here is only one sentence that tells you what you can do with new method:
Any state machine's states can be grouped together in coding in HDL at one's discretion and each group acts like a small state machine sharing a same initial state and all act together as coordinated as a full state machine.

Here is a famous paper about the method with 244 cites, using probability theory:
 http://www.scarpaz.com/2100-papers/Low%20Power/00503933.pdf

But my patent describes a new simpler and perfect method using group theory:

Patent:10482208, "Coding and synthesizing a state machine in state groups"

https://patents.justia.com/search?q=tianxiang+weng 

Thank KJ for helping me to improve the patent text.

Thank you. 

Weng



Site Home   Archive Home   FAQ Home   How to search the Archive   How to Navigate the Archive   
Compare FPGA features and resources   

Threads starting:
1994JulAugSepOctNovDec1994
1995JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1995
1996JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1996
1997JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1997
1998JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1998
1999JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1999
2000JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2000
2001JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2001
2002JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2002
2003JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2003
2004JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2004
2005JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2005
2006JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2006
2007JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2007
2008JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2008
2009JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2009
2010JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2010
2011JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2011
2012JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2012
2013JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2013
2014JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2014
2015JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2015
2016JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2016
2017JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2017
2018JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2018
2019JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2019
2020JanFebMarAprMay2020

Authors:A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Custom Search