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Using the BeMicroSDK to run Propeller1 — Parallax Forums

Using the BeMicroSDK to run Propeller1

overclockedoverclocked Posts: 80
edited 2014-08-08 15:14 in Propeller 1
Hi,

I already own an BeMicroSDK (and 3 other FPGA-boards) that seem to suit this project fine. It actually got the same FPGA as the Nano-board so it should work just fine.

I also already wired up card to the 80-pin connector on it to be able to interface my own ArcadeExtender card.
This gives the connectors to:
- 12-bit VGA
- Simple "SpaceInvaders" Stereo Sound
- PS/2 connector
- Atari/amiga Joystick
- MIDI-in
- SD-Card

So for now I just need to unpack these board.

Some questions: I just built the project wtih Quartus 13.0.1 and got: 67% logic usage and about 103Mhz of top-level Freq-max

- Why isn't any of the Multipliers (0/132) used? Doesn't Propeller use MUL?
- All Cogs seem to be able to run at least 230Mhz, could they be used as that? internal higher clock?

Comments

  • pik33pik33 Posts: 2,366
    edited 2014-08-08 11:21
    Prop doesn't use mul.
    Try increase clock until it stop working :)
  • overclockedoverclocked Posts: 80
    edited 2014-08-08 11:32
    Yea and big question. On a platform without comport and no prop.prog. what is the easiest way to use the normal toolchain for the prop?
  • KyeKye Posts: 2,200
    edited 2014-08-08 11:54
    There're MUL and MULS opcodes that were never implemented in the propeller instruction set. You could implement them to give yourself multiply and multiply signed support. However, none of the tool-chains will use those instruction. To put the instructions in your code you'll have to declare them as data.

    If you have any USB to FTDI cables/chips you are fine. The prop plug is just an FTDI chip. Same type of thing that is used by the Arduino/etc. All you need to do is connect GND, DTR, RX, and TX.
  • TubularTubular Posts: 4,702
    edited 2014-08-08 14:07
    Your board sounds very interesting. It'll go a lot of the way between bridging what we have on a DE0 vs all the connectors on a DE2. Hopefully it'll "just work" (most likely)

    I had a quick look last night at what else is available for that connector. There are some analog devices SDP boards and adapter too.
  • overclockedoverclocked Posts: 80
    edited 2014-08-08 15:14
    Yea I'll find it and at least give you a peek at what it looks like when everything is connected.
    The end-part (my ArcadeExtender) can be seen here..
    ArcadeExtender

    And the picture is taken from my crazy project to show the famous TestCard picture..
    http://wedmark.se

    I    've bough the 80-pin connector board that had a prototype area.
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