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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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21 years ago

Speed grade 7 as config controller on Cyclone DK?

Hello,

Is there any reason for using a CPLD (in this case EPM7128AETC100) with speed grade 7 as the configuration controller on the Cyclone Development Kit? The timing analyzer from Quartus shows that the fmax is 123.46 MHz for the speed grade 7 and 94.34 MHz for a device with speed grade 10. Speed grade 10 would be enough for a board which is running with a 50 MHz oscillator and would be much cheaper.

Please comment my thoughts.

Bye,

niosIIuser

2 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    IMHO, you should have no problem using the -10 speed grade. While you're at it, why don't you use the EPM3128ATC100-10? It is cheaper yet. Note that these devices are not pin-compatible.

    Actually, if you are creating your own PCB, you should look into the new MAX II architecture. I think you'll like it:

    www.altera.com/max2

    -Terry
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor
    21 years ago

    The only problem with MaxII being that you can't buy them yet.

    That fact drove me to the EP1C3TC100 on my current board, which is a wee bit of overkill, but then I dropped the separate microcontroller and added a Nios-16 and all was swell...