Altera Classic PLCC Programming

[Altera_Forum]

Hi there, just joined the forum. 

 I have a problem with obsolete Classic PLCC chips, being: EP1810LC-25T, which is used to control an embedded controller with a Motorola 68020 CPU.  The seems to a version issue with the code, EP1810LC-25T chips with a Date code of AC9707 run the controller code correctly, but any chip that has a later date code does not function correctly.  I am also told that the EP1810LC-25T can not be erased, but the documentation indicates that code erasure is possible.   I would appreciate any advice on this matter.  Derek

[Altera_Forum]

HI Derek, 

 Not sure I can help you regarding the date code part of your question, but I can shed some light on the Erasure of the EP1810.  Check out the ordering info from a 1991 Altera Data Book.  Link from my Hobby electronics Website.  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_classic_part_numbers.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_classic_part_numbers.jpg)  The "EP1810LC" part number as you can see from the diagram the "L" indicates a one-time-programmable component.  It could be that components after a particular date that were normally OTP, became Electronically Erasable. For instance the EP1810LC components.  See this page From a 2001 Datasheet: http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_part_numbers.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_part_numbers.jpg) As you can see in the form from the link above....for the "L" suffix EP1810 components, the OTP is no longer indicated.  However I'm not %100 sure that this is the case.   Regards, -Gerry

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Derek, 

 Another note to add,  It could be that the only EP1810 components that can be erased are the UV WINDOW based components.  I'm thinking the component would have to be EEPROM based in order for it to be erased using a programmer.  So far as I can see from the datasheets, all the EP1810* components are EPROM based only.  Comparing this to the Altera MAX 7000S component which is Electronically Erasable, Clearly indicates that they are EEPROM based. (MAX 7000S Datasheet link below)  http://www.altera.com/literature/ds/m7000.pdf (http://www.altera.com/literature/ds/m7000.pdf)   Regards, -Gerry

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Gerry, 

 Thank you for the prompt reply.  The Altera EP1810LC PLCC is used in an interface card for the Sinclair QL, which adds 2Mb ram and a 68020 CPU running at 20Mhz.  The EP1810LC only seems to work if chip has a date code of: C9707 or earlier. I am not sure why this is.  Can you recommend a replacement and a suitable programmer, my HILO ALL03a Programmer can use an adapter to program the EP1810, but I can find the adapter.   So I guess it is a new programmer.  Derek

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Derek, 

 I'm assuming you have the original .POF file for the EP1810LC component?  Considering the date code issue....the UV Windowed EP1810JC components are probably a good choice. They are identical except for the UV window for Erasure.  Here is one on eBay:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/ep1810jc-35-altera-windowed-plcc-vintage-ep1810jc-pulls-/390098103756?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item5ad3a8adcc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ep1810jc-35-altera-windowed-plcc-vintage-ep1810jc-pulls-/390098103756?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item5ad3a8adcc)  I normally use my Altera Master programming Unit using the PLAD3-12 MPU base Adapter and the PLEJ1810 Adapter for programming these components.  However a complete working system are few and Far between.  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_001.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_001.jpg)  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_012.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_012.jpg)  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_002.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/adapters/altera_adapter_002.jpg)  They do pop up on eBay from time to time but it's the Rare LP6 PC Logic Programming cards that are hard to find.  I actually have two complete Altera MPU systems. One Altera PL-ASAP2 model and one PL-APU model (USB version).  If this is just a one time programming of a chip that you need to perform,  I can do this for you if need be.  However, another system that you could use would be a DATA I/O "Labsite" or "Unisite" Universal programmer with the appropriate adapters. On eBay there are many Unisite Programmers that come with the needed  68 PIN socket adapter. The particular adapter is called The "CHIPSITE" adapter which is an adapter panel housing 7 different chip sockets.  Here is a Unisite listed on eBay that has this adapter included with it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/data-i-o-991-0014-unisite-universal-programmer-site-48-/330713635404?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item4d00119a4c (http://www.ebay.com/itm/data-i-o-991-0014-unisite-universal-programmer-site-48-/330713635404?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0&hash=item4d00119a4c)  I also admin a Yahoo group devoted to DATA I/O programmers. We have many Gurus for these systems who have joined over the years. So if ever you decide to get one, we can help troubleshoot your hardware and software if need be.   We have around 300 members to date. Group Link posted below: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/data_io_eprom/ (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/data_io_eprom/)  Let me know how things go.  Kind Regards, Gerry O'Brien

[Altera_Forum]

Hi,  

 I am still trying to programme a EP1810LC, but a EP1810JC, looks to be a good substitute.  But I can not find a find suitable programmer, suggestions have been: PL-APU with a PLEJ1810 adapter. Cannot find any on eBay or elsewhere.  I am wondering if an Altera Blaster can programme the EP1810JC or is there a modern equivalent to to EP1810.  Derek

[Altera_Forum]

--- Quote Start ---  Hi,   I am still trying to programme a EP1810LC, but a EP1810JC, looks to be a good substitute.  But I can not find a find suitable programmer, suggestions have been: PL-APU with a PLEJ1810 adapter. Cannot find any on eBay or elsewhere.  I am wondering if an Altera Blaster can programme the EP1810JC or is there a modern equivalent to to EP1810.  Derek  --- Quote End ---    Hi Derek,  First off,  How are you planning on Programming this chip? Do you have the .SOF image file?  or a Schematic/VHDL/Verilog source code to synthesize ?  Also, The ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster programmers are a JTAG interface based programmer. These programmers can only Program components that support a JTAG Interface.  (4 or 5 interface pins on the CHIP to send/receive the Programming Data.)  The EP1810 chip does not support a JTAG Interface, so unfortunately you can not program it with a JTAG based Programmer.   Again, there are the DATA I/O Unisite Programmers on eBay that you can use to Program the PLCC-68 pin CPLDs. But they do run around $200 or more.  Again, if you only need a few Chips programmed, I can perform this task for you if you want to mail me the Blanks and provide the Image file.    Other than that, you will have to bite the Bullet and Purchase a Professional Universal programmer.  Hope this helps, Regards, -Gerry

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Gary, 

 I want to programme a EP1810, which is aintegral part of some vintage Sinclair QL expansion boards and PC ISA card that uses the EP1810 for the on board logic. I had guessed that the EP1810 did not have a JTAG interface, I was just asking the question.  I omly have the JEDEC file, which I am hoping can be imported into the programmer software. The source code is proably lost and only the Jedec file exists. I suppose the Jedec file could be disassmbled, but that maybe very difficult.  I live in the UK, which I think that sending to you maybe a little expensive. I am keen to get a programmer myself.  There are some PLAD3-12 MPU base Adapters on ebay, but no LP6 Logic Card. The shipping from USA maybe more than cost of the interface.  Do you of any other programmers other than the DATA I/O Unisite Programmer. I have a HILO Systems ALL03a programmer that has the programming software, but need a special adapter, maybe easier to make the adapter to suit the programmer and the Altera chip.  Derek  Derek