Jeff & Others,
I hope TS comes through with a way to do user FPGA code for the
TS-7800. I know they are *VERY* busy at the moment, but the main
problem is that a lot of the current TS-7xxx boards make extensive use
of SD cards, and Technologic Systems' SD interface is provided by the
FPGA.
What may be needed is a lower performance 'open' source SD interface
which is usable, if slower, which can be provided to keep the systems
operational. Unfortunately, this development would take TS quite a lot
programming effort, for very little return.
The current solution is to add the TS-7KV as an FPGA daughter card
which can be reprogrammed as needed. You can use or ignore the video
interface, and the 8MB video buffer RAM can be used for sample buffers
etc. While this solution may not be optimum, it is the most realistic
solution at the moment.
If you absolutely need the FPGA on the 7800 to be custom, I think in
the short term
you'll need the programming support of TS. I can vouch
for their competence, as I had a custom TS-7300 FPGA image produced
for me which implemented the 800x600 as well as quad FIFO buffered
quadrature decoders.
There are some trade offs when buying products from relatively small
companies such as Technologic Systems, but they are more often than
not the same companies that are pushing the boundaries the quality and
pricing for their products is amongst the best I have come across.
Regards,
PJE
--- In .com, Jeff Weaver <..> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I understand if they cannot release the source because it is licensed
> from someone else.
>
> I can make due if I have to scrap the PC /104 and use something else
> like a USB connection to my peripherals. That way I'd use
t
he entire
> FPGA for my own purposes.
>
> At a minimum, this means having access to the schematics and a linux
> utility to reprogram the fpga given a bit file.
>
> Some release notes and sample designs for the board interface logic
> (they must own that unless they outsourced the entire design) would be
> appreciated too :-)
>
> TS: Is this something you can do? If not, what can you provide for us
> TS7800 users who are looking to work with the FPGA features?
>
> Jeff