Engineers, students, and hobbyists can explore the uses of
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) using the EPXKIT. The EPXKIT
contains a 240-page textbook, a small circuit-board, the PLDshell
FPGA-programming software, and a cable for downloading from a PC printer
port into the circuit-board. The EPXKIT requires the use of a '386 or
better DOS PC with at least 2 MB of memory.

The text, _FPGA Workout_, presents 13 experiments starting with
combinational logical and ending with the creation of a 4-bit
microcomputer using the Altera EPX780 FPGA. Each experimental circuit is
described using the PLDasm hardware-description language provided by the
PLDshell programming software. PLDasm lets you describe a logic circuit
using truth-tables, state-tables, or Boolean equations. These descriptions
are compiled into a form that you can download into an EPX780 FPGA and
test in a real circuit. The book also describes how to construct your own
FPGA prototyping environment for around $120.

Instead of building your own prototyping environment, you can purchase the
epXboard. The epXboard is a 4"x 2" circuit-board with a socket for an
EPX780 FPGA. Logic designs are loaded into the epXboard through a cable
from the PC printer port. Then, LEDs on the epXboard allow you to see the
results of the logic operations as you enter test conditions from the PC
keyboard. You can also insert the epXboard into a standard breadboard and
connect other chips to the FPGA for more advanced experiments. Multiple
epXboards can even be cascaded for very large logic designs. (Each EPX780
can hold the equivalent of 3,500 gates.)

 Availability:  world-wide
 Pricing:  _FPGA Workout_  --  $23.45   All prices include 2-day
           NFXKIT          -- $165.95   priority shipping in the U.S.
 Contact:  David Van den Bout
           X Engineering Software Systems (XESS)
           2608 Sweetgum Drive
           Apex, NC 27502
           (800) 549-9377  or  (919) 387-0076
           devb @ vnet.net

Additional Information:

 1) Send a message to devb@vnet.net with a subject of fpga.
    We'll send our on-line order form.  Include your mailing
    address and we'll send you a product brochure.
 2) Anonymously login to ftp.vnet.net and go to directory
    pub/xess.  You will find an order form, the PostScript
    file for the epXboard manual, and the PostScript file for
    the manual cover which has a picture of the epXboard.

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