Hi all,

I'm exploring getting into using GAL's or PAL's, but I've been having some trouble locating information about them - like how to program them, what I need to start working with them, etc.

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-Tony
KG4WFX

You won't find much in the way of programming...I've tried. It seems that the IC makers decided to only give the programming specs to the commercial programmer manufacturers. However, I have found a few links that contains schematics and code for building your own programmer. They are "hobby" grade and only work with specific parts.

I'll post the links when I get home.

As an alternative, you might be able to find someone with a programmer who can do the actual programming for you.

Hope this helps.

Daryl

GALBlast is the thing to get to program most common types of GAL. Full construction details & software are freely available. Just Google for it.

For generating the .jed files use WinCUPL or similar. There are a few free/trial versions floating about on the web. If you can't find one mail me privately.

Lee.

Thank you both for the info.

So far, the only thing I had found on my own was a homebrew type programmer for an Altera Max 7000 series device, I ordered it, but it seems to be taking the company forever to get it to me.

This info you both gave is good info and should hopefully get me going.

-T

_________________
-Tony
KG4WFX

I found my files. Galblast was one of them and it can be found here:
http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriang ... lblast.htm

The other was a gal programmer once found on the protel website. It would only program the 16V8 GALs. Its link does not work any more.

So, like Lee said, try Galblast.

Daryl

OK, I just have to know: what in the world is the difference between a GAL and a PAL?

A GAL is an advanced form of PAL. It is re-programmable, PALs are usually OTP only (PALCE being the exception) and it usually features more available program fuses that a similar PAL.

E.g. the 16x8 range of PALs include versions with extended feedback options, registered output options and tristate output options, the equivalent GAL has all these features in the same part.

The progress from PLA to PAL to GAL is much like the progress from PROM to EPROM to EEPROM.

Lee.

I believe it's brand names too. GAL (generic array logic) is Lattice's, PALCE is Cypress's, SPLD is Atmel's, PEEL (programmable electrically erasable logic) is somone else's... correct me if I'm wrong.

Actually, according to Cypress' site, SPLD is their name.

Anyway, thanks for the distinction. I hadn't seen the differences listed on any particular site I've checked up on, so at least I know I'm not missing anything important now.

http://www.dialelec.com/semiconductorprefixes.html is a usefull resource. 8^)=

Lee.

Ok, so I got some of the files, but I am still at a bit of a loss - namely.... how to code for them?

_________________
-Tony
KG4WFX

Google is your friend!

A quick search turned up these...
http://www.eng.mu.edu/~perezjc/eece143/Lecture04.pdf
http://www.eng.mu.edu/~perezjc/eece143/Lecture05.pdf
http://www.eng.mu.edu/~perezjc/eece143/Lecture06.pdf
Is this the kind of thing you want?

Lee.

Those will actually work quite nicely. For now I'm using Altera MAX 7000 series chips. During a google search about a week ago, I came across them and just got my cheapy programmer and a sample chip. I really like their software since it is graphical based and really easy to use. I will probably do more experimenting with WinCUPL tho, as I don't always need a 44 pin plcc in my designs

_________________
-Tony
KG4WFX