I finally ordered me a couple ATF1504AS's from Mouser.

I also ordered a few PLCC-44 to DIP 40's that were really cheap.

However, I have no idea how it's mapped so it looks like I will be loosing 4 pins. So I may have to hack 4 wires somehow to get all of the pins.

Anyway, I know BDD has a standing offer to program these for people (thanks!) but I'd like to program them myself as I learn simple CPLD design.

So, that being said, are there any recommendations on building or buying a JTAG programmer for these? Are there any homebrew ways to build them or should I just buy one of the many cheap Chinese versions off eBay?

Is it worth spending more for a better quality one?

Thanks for any suggestions!

**EDIT**

Hmmm....I'm thinking I could take one of the ATF1504AS's and dead-bug it to a protoboard. Then solder in a JTAG connector. Might work better than the adapter that won't get here for another 3 weeks anyway. lol

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Cat; the other white meat.

Every pin on the 1504 is "live," so you definitely want all of them brought out. In POC V2, I used all of them.


Atmel produces a USB-compatible cable that you can connect to the JTAG port that you are going to build into your unit (that page also points to their ISP software, which you will need). Mouser shows two in stock, with a slightly lower price than quoted on the Atmel site.


Definitely. The Atmel part isn't that much money, all things considered. You'll have enough work developing functional logic without having to also contend with a substandard programming device that could end up damaging one of your CPLDs. With the Atmel part, you'll know that it will be compatible with their ISP software. I have the parallel port version and it works fine. I've used it several times to change the logic in-circuit in the 1504 in POC V2.

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x86?  We ain't got no x86.  We don't NEED no stinking x86!

Thanks for the reply. I added it to my project list. Hopefully, they will have some after the holidays.

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Cat; the other white meat.

Shhh...don't tell my wife...but I bought that cable as an early Christmas gift to myself. LMAO

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Cat; the other white meat.

That's great! However, and more importantly, what did you get her?

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x86?  We ain't got no x86.  We don't NEED no stinking x86!

I buy her stuff from Mouser all the time but she never seems to be into it. So I just use it myself. LOL

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Cat; the other white meat.