FWIW, Altera also provides its FPGA tools free (as in beer). Since version 9.0, they also provide the GNU/Linux version! [1] Last time i checked, the limitations were mostly on their more advance/automated tools (SOPC builder, Nios II softcore, multiprocessor, etc.).
I've used the affordable Xilinx ML401 (495$US) and Altera DE2 (269$US) quite alot (to teach at university). They're pretty versatile boards with enough features to have lots of fun. Their biggest shortcoming is the lack of decent analog inputs (besides audio jacks routed directly in an audio codec) and DACs/ADCs outside the audio codec. I'm not saying "go buy one of these", I just say have a look, you might like 'em. Cheers, -Pascal [1] https://www.altera.com/download/software/quartus-ii-we -- Homepage (http://organact.mine.nu) Debian GNU/Linux (http://www.debian.org) COMunité/LACIME: École de technologie supérieure (http://www.comunite.ca) _______________________________________________ Ghdl-discuss mailing list [email protected] https://mail.gna.org/listinfo/ghdl-discuss
