On 02/03/12 22:33, Mouse wrote:
Yessss...assuming the binary blob the FPGA vendor
requires you to use
to convert it into something the chip can take (a) doesn't explode on
your changed code and (b) is still runnable by then (does its
license-to-use expire? does it depend on an OS whose license-to-use
expires? does it insist on phoning home? etc).
That's one of the reasons I used Altera parts over Xilinx. Quartus Web
Edition is free, doesn't need activating, and can be grabbed from
Altera's FTP site.
Current versions are borderline garbage (SignalTap is utterly broken).
10.0 is the last one which properly works, and only on XP; I don't think
SignalTap debugging has ever worked on the Linux version.
That and Altera are better at keeping their parts in the supply chain.
Too many times I've sent out RFQs for Xilinx parts during pre-qual, only
to be told "Oh, it'll take N weeks for us to get you some of those."
Usually N is around 20...
Altera stuff I can get off the shelf from Farnell.
--
Phil.
classiccmp at philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/