Choosing the Right FPGA after the Papilio Pro: An SEO Guide

If you are searching for an FPGA to use after the Papilio Pro, you need to consider several factors including cost, performance, and availability. This guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure your content is optimized for Google's SEO standards.

Overview of FPGAs and Development Boards

When deciding on an FPGA, the variety available can be overwhelming. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of FPGA models to choose from. The choice narrows when it comes to development boards or FPGA development kits. These kits are more selectively offered for certain models as not all FPGA models reach the development kit stage.

The Papilio Pro: An Overview

The Papilio Pro is an open-source FPGA development board based on the Xilinx Spartan 6 LX FPGA. It offers a range of features including 48 I/O lines, a dual-channel USB integrated JTAG programmer, 64MB SDRAM, and a power-efficient switching power supply.

Technical Specifications of the Papilio Pro

The Spartan 6 model used in the Papilio Pro is the XC6SLX9, one of the cheaper and lower-performing models in the family. This model includes 9,152 logic cells. If you opt for the largest model in the family, the XC6SLX150T, you will have access to almost 150,000 logic cells, which is more than 15 times the capacity of the Papilio Pro's FPGA model.

Alternative FPGAs: Xilinx Spartan-6 Series

The Xilinx Spartan-6 series, which includes the Spartan 6 model used in the Papilio Pro, is quite popular. If you want to explore other models in this series, several boards are available. The list of development boards featuring Xilinx Spartan 6 FPGAs can be found on the Spartan-6 page, where around 30 to 40 different boards are listed.

Other FPGA Manufacturers

There are other manufacturers offering FPGAs, such as Altera (now Intel) and Microchip Technologies. Altera, with its comprehensive portfolio, has a strong presence in the FPGA market. Meanwhile, Microchip, after acquiring Atmel, offers a wide range of FPGA options beyond their primary PIC offerings.

Intel Altra FPGAs

Intel, which acquired Altera in 2015, showcases its FPGA portfolio on the Intel FPGA library. This includes various FPGA models suitable for different applications, ranging from research to commercial use.

Microchip FPGAs

Microchip, now part of Microchip Technology Inc., is a significant player in the FPGA market. Their total offering includes a diverse range of FPGA options. For more information, visit their FPGA overview page.

Cost Considerations

The cost of FPGAs and development kits can vary widely. Development kits for FPGAs range from around 50 to 100 USD to approximately 4,500 USD, depending on the model and its capabilities.

Conclusion

When choosing an FPGA after the Papilio Pro, consider not only the technical specifications but also the cost and availability of development kits. By carefully evaluating your needs and researching the options from different manufacturers, you can find the right FPGA for your project.

For more information, visit the following links:

Papilio Wiki Intel FPGA Library Microchip FPGA Overview Page