Mike Harrison wrote:
> I'm looking at a possible application and trying to figure the relative costs of FPGA/CPLD versus
> MCU.
> I can do it with a microcontroller, but the only MCUs with the hardware I need (TFT LCD controller)
> tend to come with lots of other stuff (ethernet, large flash, USB etc.) which I don't need.
>
> As it can be hard to get 'real' prices of FPGAs without talking to all the distis etc. I wonder if
> anyone can suggest parts to look at .
>
> Rough reqiurement is :
>
> Cheapest in 100x qtys for total solution inc. config and power supply ( from 3.3v supply), below
> about GBP5(US$7.5)
> Not BGA
> Readly available : ex-stock or sensible leadtimes (2 weeks)
> A couple of RAM blocks, around 1K byte each
> about 60 IOs, all 3.3v
> 30MHz clock
> Logic equivalent to around 100 CPLD macrocells
> Free or low cost (<$500) design software
>
> The Xilinx S3A/AN-50 is the cheapest I've found so far, but is a a bit over-specced.
> CPLDs seem to get expensive above 72 cells and don't tend to have RAM
>
Take a look at Xilinx Spartan 2E, they are just a bit more expensive,
but no problem on availability.

I buy them 25 at a time, for about US $12 each. You might get them down
about where you want the price in 100 Pc quantity.
I use the TQ144 package, no problem hand soldering or cheap reflow.

Jon