Searching a microcontroller

[lgbeno]

Lattice would be a good choice.  Very cost effective and you don't need anything fancy.

[lgbeno]

Wrt the USB blaster clones, they are pretty much equivalent to the authentic. I know that altera is using terasic as a recommended source and these days the terasic-blaster is identical to USB-blast.  Only difference is a flex vs ribbon cable.

[Christe4nM]

Mind though that if you are going the CPLD/FPGA way that you will work a lot with development tools, and you'll want those to be working fine. VHDL/Verilog, as well as getting an understanding of how you must approach hardware description as opposed to programming an MCU is a steep learning curve already if you're new to programmable logic.
Now I hear many complain about the Xilinx IDE, that it is a pain in the @#$. For me reason enough to start with Altera devices using both the TerasIC DE0-nano and MAX-II micro kit. The Quartus II IDE works fine for me, and is overwhelming enough if you're starting out.

Bottom line: don't just go for the least amount of money involved. You want development tools that are supporting you to your goal. Those are free, yes, but manufacturer specific. So even though that may mean you need to invest a little more money in a dev-kit with a device from a specific manufacturer: I'd say do it, and you won't regret it.

I don't know anything about Lattice though, so others may comment on them.

[mrflibble]

There is not really a need for a development board. The XC9572XL devices also come in a PLCC package which you can use on vero board with a socket:

Yeah, there is no need. But having a ready to go dev board IS damn convenient and helps you get started. The learning curve for programmable logic can be enough as it is. No need to add potentially dodgy DIY attempts to the mix. Especially since somne fairly cheap dev boards are available. So if you are just getting started I would say get a dev board. If you are experienced with programmable logic & tool chain already, sure roll your own. The main reason for this is to limit to amount of unknowns for someone just starting out.

[pyroesp]

I have a little bit of knowledge in VHDL. I had to make a project on a spartan 3E board.
I made a sort of VGA screensaver, with an animated alien of space invader moving on the screen. Nothing too fancy.

[TheRevva]

I've not read EVERY post on this thread, but I've read enough to get the general context.
The OP was initially asking for a microcontroller with LOTS of I/O (30 pins), LOTS of speed (40MHz / 40MIPS), and 5V capabilities.
I completely agree that this would be the WRONG way (tm) to approach the intended task, but...
There ARE devices out there that DO seem to fulfill the requests of the OP.

Take for example the Freescale MC9S12XDP512
These puppies were intended for use in the automotive industry (just trivial stuff like controlling your EFI and ignition... Nothing important... LOL)
Almost EVERY I/O pin can be configured for 3.3v I/O or 5V I/O under software control (i.e. internal level shifters)
It's got up to 144 pins (so I'm pretty sure we could find 30 at random for the task at hand)
Not only does it have the 9S12 core running at 40MHz (50MHz on some variants), it also has an XGATE co-processor running at TWICE the core speed.
(I'd imagine using the XGATE to decode the incoming address lines as well as the bulk of the signal routing on the data lines)
It's a bit limited with only 512kB of flash (although I think 1MB versions exist too)

So...
Q: COULD this device do what the OP wants?
A: Probably, but with HORRENDOUS difficulty - I'm only up to page 950 of the datasheet, so there's a few hundred pages I'm not yet familiar with.  (Yes, it is SERIOUSLY 1348 pages in length!!!)
Q: SHOULD this device be used for this purpose?
A: I think it'd be easier to 'clone' the original cartridges outright!

Perhaps Dave could design one of these suckers into his LT3080 based Lab power supply though (since he's designed in just about EVERY OTHER possible bell and whistle... LOL)
The last version of the PSU I saw didn't have a CAN bus to go with the Ethernet, RS232 etc, so this chip could give him FIVE CAN bus connections.
<Grins>

[Zeta]

For original OP requirements I would recommend a PSOC5LP (or PSOC3) device from Cypress. The PSOC5 are Cortex-M3 devices with 1.7V - 5.5V operation, run at 67MHZ (max) comes in packages with lots of IOs and has an easy to use USB module and supporting libraries for drivers. The PSOC3s are quite similar ut with a single cicle 8051 core.

Moreover, the PSOC5's internal UDBs (universal digital blocks) are basically PLDs blocks programmable in verilog that can do the decoding you need without cpu intervention.

[pyroesp]

I've bought a cpld board and I might buy another board and usb blaster from a teacher.
So, I'm pretty much set for playing around with CPLDs.

Thanks for all the replies and help guys. 

[flynnjs]

I'm glad you've decided to go the CPLD route as it is best way for what you're trying to do.

However, out of interest, a microcontroller that seems to match your original ask is probably the Freescale PX series.

[pyroesp]

Hello guys,

I know I said I'm not too fond of buying stuff from China, but I did it anyways...
I bought an Altera MAX II EPM240T100C5N with a USB Blaster. I'm still thinking about buying some from farnell.
It came in today !

I've downloaded the latest version (12.1) of Quartus II Web Edition from Altera (it took like 4 to 5 hours to download and install  )

Then I made a quick and easy clock divider (20MHz to 2Hz). Took me a while to get it all set correctly but I managed to get it all compiled, assign the correct pins, etc, and it works !

I got two issues with hardware and software.
I couldn't get the pins assigned, but I just did it wrong  .

The other issue is when I plugged the USB cable in the USB Blaster and PC, nothing happened. The power LED turned on but nothing popped up on windows (new device detected, installing driver etc).
Cheap ass USB cable was damaged ! I changed the cable and it works very well.

Anyways, everything works nice.
Thanks again for everyone's help.