Bemicro SDK, where or how to buy?

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

 I would like to buy a Bemicro SDK. I have tried to buy it in arrownac.com (US site) but it was not possible. I had several problems trying to order and finally, when I could order, 1 week later they tell me there is no stock. It was quite annoying.  So, could anybody tell me where else I can buy it?  Thank you!  Best, Caco

[Altera_Forum]

Is there something in particular about the BeMicro-SDK that you wanted to test? 

 I would recommend the Terasic DE0-nano as an alternative low-cost board.  I have the BeMicro, BeMicro-SDK, and DE0-nano, and they're all comparable.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply. 

 Well, actually what I like about the Bemicro SDK is the SD card reader and Ethernet port. I don't care much about other peripherals but these two would be nice to have. I would like to play and learn a bit more of FPGAs usage (I have almost no experience), add some NIOS core(s) and (if possible) an OS on top of that. I thougth the Bemicro SDK was a good and cheap choice from Altera, and also I found examples online.  Do you have any advice? Thanks!  Best, Caco

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Caco, 

 Ok, so the Ethernet does not exist on the other boards.  You could add Ethernet to the BeMicro using the adapter boards Hitex makes for their microcontroller boards  http://www.lpctools.com/hitexlpc-comboardforhitexlpc-stick.aspx  I haven't used that particular board, but I have used these:  http://www.lpctools.com/hitexlpc-protoboardforhitexlpc-stick.aspx  The Terasic boards do not contain Ethernet until you get into the more expensive DE2 series. However, if you are in a university, you might be eligible for a discount  http://www.altera.com/education/univ/materials/boards/unv-dev-edu-boards.html  The Cyclone IV GX Starter kit is another option (still more expensive than the BeMicro-SDK though)  http://www.altera.com/products/devkits/altera/kit-cyclone-iv-starter.html  You could also look on eBay and see what boards are being offered there. If you find one that looks good, ask the forum if anyone has used it.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks Dave. It looks like a good option. The thing is that at the moment I haven't found a website where to order a BeMicro either. 

I'll check in ebay and maybe I'll ask here. Thanks.  Cheers, Caco

[Altera_Forum]

Be very careful with the BeMicro, IIRC they decided to use a mobile DDR SDRAM that requires a special IP to use, and that IP requires a license. 

The DE0 doesn't have this problem.

[Altera_Forum]

--- Quote Start ---  Be very careful with the BeMicro, IIRC they decided to use a mobile DDR SDRAM that requires a special IP to use, and that IP requires a license. The DE0 doesn't have this problem.  --- Quote End ---    Good point - the BeMicro-SDK has LPDDR which Altera's IP does not support, but the BeMicro has plain-old SRAM, so its easy to support.  Cheers, Dave