FPGA

[DavidB]

Is anyone doing anything with Altera or Xilinx (VHDL) platforms instead of using a microcontroller.

[Mdtoday]

Is anyone doing anything with Altera or Xilinx (VHDL) platforms instead of using a microcontroller.

Hi DavidB,

I have used an Xilinx platform design for PI detector in the past but the cost and availability of DSP processors these days I personally don't see any real advantage.
While you can have a virtual custom or standard IP embedded on FPGA, use an external ADC etc and have a wonderfully slim lined PCB, my view is this.
Unless you use these things (including VHDL) every day or proficient in coding, don't bother
Unless you are going market a product, the numbers don't stack up.

On the flip side'
If you are proficient or have a liking for FPGA, then go for it!
I dropped the idea for a commercial unit simply because the devices I was using at the time was dropped from manufacturers line up, not once but twice, a real pain when PCB designs are done.
If you do go this path, I recommend designing a daughter board standard with the FPGA on it, all other circuits on a motherboard.

Good luck with it anyway.

Regards

Brian

[Altra]

Is anyone doing anything with Altera or Xilinx (VHDL) platforms instead of using a microcontroller.

JL King was experimenting with one here.

http://www.geotech1.com/forums/showt...ed-PI-Detector