Upgrading Q40 to 68060 CPU

[Silvester]

For the programmer you need no license file.

Thanks, I'll register to gain access to file (though why they need personal phone/address is questionable). Thanks for patience in providing helpful pointers/info, it is difficult to know what is relevant/required when you're on the blind side of the subject.

I should have programmer and some 80MHz ispLSI1016 in a few weeks

[Peter]

As I wrote earlier, I can also program the chips for you. I'm impressed that you invest the time to build a PLCC programming adaptor.
One hint if you plan to run the progrtamming software under Windows 10 64 bit: It sometimes happens that the adaptor is not seen although the driver is correctly installed. In that case it helps to plug the USB connection out and in again.

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi Peter,

I downloaded the Windows version of ispVMSystemV17.9 as you directed, which I loaded on to a Windows 7 32Bit Netbook, which I use for the Q68 FPGA programming.

The software recognised the HW-USBN-2A programming adapter and imported the Q60 JED files, ready for programing the ispLSI1016.

I just to build a little circuit to connect the programming pins.

Do I need a resistor in the Vcc line and a Capacitor between /ispEN and GND?

[Peter]

Do I need a resistor in the Vcc line and a Capacitor between /ispEN and GND?

No. You need a decoupling capacitor between VCC and GND. What should a resistor in VCC be good for?
/ispEN can be directly connected to GND.
I have no further components (except a power LED plus series resistor, which are not required.)

[Silvester]

As I wrote earlier, I can also program the chips for you. I'm impressed that you invest the time to build a PLCC programming adaptor.

I'm keen to have hands-on experience of tools/software. Breakout board for PLCC is also going to be useful for other projects (I also have programmer and some Xilinx XC9536/72, both voltages) I'd like to try out. Nothing ambitious, just tinkering

One hint if you plan to run the progrtamming software under Windows 10 64 bit: It sometimes happens that the adaptor is not seen although the driver is correctly installed. In that case it helps to plug the USB connection out and in again.

I shall try the Linux installation (ispvm_v17_9_linux.tar.gz) instead.

[Peter]

Another thought: There are two variants of pin headers for Lattice, 5x2 and 8x1. If you chose the latter you'll also be able to update Q68 FPGAs.

[Derek_Stewart]

Another thought: There are two variants of pin headers for Lattice, 5x2 and 8x1. If you chose the latter you'll also be able to update Q68 FPGAs.

Hi Peter,

That is what I am proposing to do.

I will look into the question of Q60 production after I have completed the outstanding Q68 orders.

[Silvester]

BTW what oscillator speed did you use for RC66, is it 66.666MHz or 66.000MHz ?

[Derek_Stewart]

BTW what oscillator speed did you use for RC66, is it 66.666MHz or 66.000MHz ?

There was 3 varieties of Q60: 60Mhz, 66Mhz, 80Mhz

The oscillator fitted to the respective Q60 board were:

Q60-60: 60Mhz for the RC50A
Q60-66: 66Mhz for the RC50A
Q60-80: 80Mhz for the LC75
Q40i : 80Mhz for the RC40 (68040 halfs the clock speed)

The Q40i, had 128Mb ram. The 'i' Improved, was to differentiate from the previous Q40 boards.

Not what some one was written in Wilkipedia, the Q40i was not made to replace the Q40. This was clearly wrong, this seems a tepresentive entry in Wikipedia.

The Q40i was a board made to order for customer who wanted a Q40. but not a Q40 made by that nice QL supier from Brighton...

[Silvester]

I was going to order suitable oscillator. I know the RC66 CPU is rated for 66.667MHz, but I was unsure whether logic is configured for 66.000MHz. Both speeds are available in DIP14 oscillators.