logic gates you can use it as RAM. The XC4010 has
"400" CLBs (Complex Logic
blocks) and each logic block is capable of implementing a 4 x 16 (16
nybble) synchronous dual-port register file. So four CLBs give you 16 16
bit registers to play with with 396 CLBs left over.
The routing will kill you faster than you think. Though they are pretty
neat parts.
To Tonys comment about speed, yes the 50Mhz number is
deceptive in that
logic delays will make the effective speed slower. Several references have
placed the "effective" speed at 1/3 to 1/2 the FPGA's speed (or in this
case 16 - 25 Mhz) however for a bit more money, you can get a 200Mhz
version of the same part.
Doing actual project with 3030-50 parts 10mhz was pretty good for a sync
counter as a reliable figure though some would do as much as 16mhz.
Memory based parts like that have fairly high rounting node delays.
the payboac ofcourse is programability.
There is a very nice evaluation board for this part
available from
http://www.xess.com/FPGA/ that I've got and will be using in my first tests.
How many $$$ ?
I did a preliminary "floor plan" for the
PDP-8 and it used just under 1/3
of the 4010 (or 75% of a 4005 given the routing issues, which leaves enough
to do an M8660 serial port.)
Me I'd do a stretch-8 for fun. though yours sounds interesting too.
Allison