Hi I believe you will find a state machine compiler in the web version of Quartus. I know it's there in the full version. It has some nice features if you are after a provably "fail safe" machine.
There is also a simple version of the NIOS processor available that may fit into the larger CPLD's. It and a reasonable set of peripherals would definitely fit into a set of chips. I'm not sure exactly what the authorities wold make of a micro controller made within a CPLD. I know what I would think, but their's is indeed the only opinion that matters. Bob On Feb 5, 2010, at 5:18 PM, Didier Juges wrote: > I am not trying to replace the exact functionality of a processor with > something else, but simply in general terms for those cases where a processor > is not a practical solution, I would like to be able to use a small CPLD or > FPGA to obtain similar equivalent functionality, which is that of a power > supply monitor/remote controller. > > I would not consider ladder logic an adequate substitute, at least for the > level of complexity that we normally require (I am replacing a ladder logic > controller with a processor in another project, so I know in that case the > functionality gap). There is a state machine at the core, but a great many > peripheral functions. > > I checked the Actel parts suggested earlier, and they look promising. > > Didier > > ------------------------ Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless thingy while I do > other things... > > -----Original Message----- > From: paul swed <[email protected]> > Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:14:32 > To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement<[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Small CPLD/FPGA for microcontroller replacement > > Didier that is indeed a tall order. > But at least since the system already exists you have the established > requirements in hand. > So my question is (And I am uneducated in DO-254) is a state machine okay? > Because it sounds like thats what you are forced into. If true then its much > more like the traditional relay logic ladder type of solution. Which has > been pretty good for the railroads for 100 years. > Other comment is perhaps this particular thread rapidly goes offline to > respect others. > > On Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 9:04 AM, Didier Juges <[email protected]> wrote: > >> It looks like I will have to get educated on CPLD/FPGAs on short notice. >> >> My application at the moment will be the replacement of small >> microcontrollers for military and commercial aviation projects that do not >> want/tolerate software/firmware (some customers and government regulations >> do not consider CPLD/FPGA to be containing software, which to a large >> extent >> is a matter of opinion, but this is not a thread I wish to start at this >> time). The FAA in particular puts a much greater burden on microcontrollers >> than CPLD/FPGAs when it comes to demonstrating compliance to DO-254 in >> safety critical applications like battery charging. >> >> The microcontrollers I have been using are typically from 20 to 100 pins >> (Silabs 8051 family) with a lot of integrated peripherals. I understand I >> will have to use external peripherals like ADC, DAC, probably clock >> oscillator and such with a CPLD/FPGA, where these functions are currently >> integrated in my microcontrollers. >> >> Part of the requirement is that the devices be immune (as much as >> practical) >> from SEU malfunction. I was told Atmel (or Actel?) makes flash-based small >> FPGAs that may fit the bill. Most SRAM devices are deemed to be excessively >> sensitive to SEU, even though I cannot imagine how a CPLD/FPGA could be >> made >> that does not use SRAM at all. Maybe it's a matter of quantity? A few >> working registers may be an acceptable risk, but the entire device >> operating >> from SRAM is not acceptable? >> >> I am looking for any information/recommendation on which families to look >> into. >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> Didier KO4BB >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On >> Behalf Of John Miles >> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 8:43 PM >> To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement >> Subject: Re: [time-nuts] CPLDs for clock dividers >> >> Yeah, Xilinx 11 is pretty nice. I'm usually allergic to IDEs, especially >> theirs, but I've been pretty happy with 11 so far. I find myself using it >> instead of my tried-and-true makefile for FPGA work, and that's saying >> something. >> >> -- john, KE5FX >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] >> To unsubscribe, go to >> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >> and follow the instructions there. >> > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] > To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. > _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
