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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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16 years ago

Cyclone and Cyclone II compability

Hi Everyone,

I'm an beginner on FPGA technology, and probably i don't begin so good, i have one project make for Altera Cyclone EP1C12-PG240 and i want to add something on that project, and i'm thinking use the Altera Cyclone II EP2C15A.

But the are compatibles? is necessary big changes on PCB?

Probably theses questions are so stupid, but anyone can help me only with an yes/no?

Thanks anyway

5 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    I took a look on the MSXOneChip design, it's build around an EP1C12Q240 on a two-layer PCB. It utilizes 171 IO pins, so it can't be changed to any other PQFP chip without saving some IO pins.

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Thanks FvM one more time

    But i try compile and the project give me some errors here, i'll take a long time to figure it out.

    Maybe i'm making something wrong, but this can be other topic.

    If you have interest in MSXOneChip, or help me with this, please contact me.

    Anyway, for the time is this. thanks.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Basically, you have to create a pin assignment for the new chip. To check, if the design fits the new chip at all, you may want to remove all of the project's location assignments (it's done automatically when chnging the device) and try to compile it. You'll get an overview of resource utilization and achieve timing.

    You mentioned EP2C15A, which is only available in 256 pin FBGA package. Don't know, if it's suitable for your assembly technique. It also has less available IO pins than EP1C12Q240. EP3C16 could be used in QFP240 (less IOs than EP1C but more than EP2C) or FBGA256 package.

    The VHDL project would be sufficient to check for IO pin requirement, but you should also analyze the schematic for possible issues. Cyclone III needs a (possibly additional) 2.5V supply, but it can be provided by a small SOT23 regulator.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Thanks FvM

    i'll search how i can do, sorry about the stupid question.

    Anyway, it's for add somethings on project of MSXOneChip, i don't know if you know. i'll try make an MSX2+ compatible.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    --- Quote Start ---

    But the are compatibles? is necessary big changes on PCB?

    --- Quote End ---

    They are not pin-compatible.

    For a redesign, you may want to consider a change to EP3C16.