CPLD programming: Difference between revisions
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If there should a currently unknown bug which inhibits the ATW800/2 from working properly, it might be necessary. | If there should a currently unknown bug which inhibits the ATW800/2 from working properly, it might be necessary. | ||
The firmware is stored inside the flash memory build into the CPLD and requires special hardware and | The firmware is stored inside the flash memory build into the CPLD and requires special hardware, cable and software to reprogram it. | ||
This hardware is called '''USB Blaster''' and was originally made by Altera (now Intel), the manufacturer of the CPLD used on the ATW800/2. Sadly this programmer is not available in its original version anymore. | === Hardware === | ||
This hardware is called '''USB Blaster''' and was originally made by Altera (now Intel), the manufacturer of the CPLD used on the ATW800/2. Sadly this programmer is not available in its original version anymore. Later the market was swamped with cheaper clones and even cheaper know-offs. To make things worse, they all ''look'' the same! You can't tell them apart from just a photo, you need to see the inside. | |||
==== The good ==== | |||
As said, the original USB Blaster from Altera is not available anymore. Used ones are still very expensive (>$/€200). | |||
==== The bad ==== | |||
Around 2005 the first clones appeared on the market. Initially they were 1:1 copies. They obviously work fine but are hard to find now. | |||
==== ...and the ulgy ==== | |||
asdas | |||
=== Software === | |||
To make things worse, the CPLD is long time EOL and so is the software needed to program that thing. The software is still available for free but it does not play well with recent OS versions. The most recent supported Windows is version 10, the Linux version comes in a ''huge'' (4GB) VM image incl. the Linux kernel etc. which is IMHO a total overkill for just programming the CPLD. | To make things worse, the CPLD is long time EOL and so is the software needed to program that thing. The software is still available for free but it does not play well with recent OS versions. The most recent supported Windows is version 10, the Linux version comes in a ''huge'' (4GB) VM image incl. the Linux kernel etc. which is IMHO a total overkill for just programming the CPLD. | ||
That said, we recommend using a (virtual) Windows XP, 7 or 10 installation with the programming tool provided in our public share, wich is a comparably mere 122MB, located in "Firmware\CPLD_Absinth". | That said, we recommend using a (virtual) Windows XP, 7 or 10 installation with the programming tool provided in our public share, wich is a comparably mere 122MB, located in "Firmware\CPLD_Absinth". | ||
Revision as of 19:16, 18 June 2025
(Re)Programming/flashing the CPLD (nicknamed "Absinth") should normally not be needed. If there should a currently unknown bug which inhibits the ATW800/2 from working properly, it might be necessary.
The firmware is stored inside the flash memory build into the CPLD and requires special hardware, cable and software to reprogram it.
Hardware
This hardware is called USB Blaster and was originally made by Altera (now Intel), the manufacturer of the CPLD used on the ATW800/2. Sadly this programmer is not available in its original version anymore. Later the market was swamped with cheaper clones and even cheaper know-offs. To make things worse, they all look the same! You can't tell them apart from just a photo, you need to see the inside.
The good
As said, the original USB Blaster from Altera is not available anymore. Used ones are still very expensive (>$/€200).
The bad
Around 2005 the first clones appeared on the market. Initially they were 1:1 copies. They obviously work fine but are hard to find now.
...and the ulgy
asdas
Software
To make things worse, the CPLD is long time EOL and so is the software needed to program that thing. The software is still available for free but it does not play well with recent OS versions. The most recent supported Windows is version 10, the Linux version comes in a huge (4GB) VM image incl. the Linux kernel etc. which is IMHO a total overkill for just programming the CPLD.
That said, we recommend using a (virtual) Windows XP, 7 or 10 installation with the programming tool provided in our public share, wich is a comparably mere 122MB, located in "Firmware\CPLD_Absinth".