Software for ACTEL FPGA A1020A ?

[marcopolo]

Hi,

Do you know if it is possible to find the software to develop on Actel A1020A FPGA?
A friend of mine can get 25 for free in PLCC 5V.

Thanks,
Marc

[EverydayMuffin]

For ACT1 devices like this one, you need to use Libero IDE (not Libero SoC).

https://www.microsemi.com/product-directory/design-resources/1751-libero-ide#downloads

[marcopolo]

Thanks for the information.
I didn't know that an A1020 was a member of the ACT1 family.

There is just a small problem, this software costs $2995 

[EverydayMuffin]

Thanks for the information.
I didn't know that an A1020 was a member of the ACT1 family.

There is just a small problem, this software costs $2995 

You only need a Gold License which is $995, not exactly cheap but still less than $2995!

In saying that, the Arrow Everest Board is $549.00 and comes with a free Gold License, so this is a cheaper way to get the license, and you get a kit to play with!

https://www.arrow.com/en/products/everest-dev-board-es/arrow-development-tools

Edit: Adding links for the ACT1 RevA and RevB datasheets

RevA: https://4donline.ihs.com/images/VipMasterIC/IC/MSCO/MSCOS04951/MSCOS04951-1.pdf?hkey=EC6BD57738AE6E33B588C5F9AD3CEFA7
RevB: https://www.microsemi.com/document-portal/doc_view/130666-act-1-series-fpgas-datasheet

[mikeselectricstuff]

Are you aware that these devices are only one-time programmable ?

[marcopolo]

NO 

[SiliconWizard]

Yeah. Besides those are very small FPGAs by today's standards. They are 20 years old. Unless you had a very specific reason for using them, don't bother.

[marcopolo]

Yes, you're right but it was just for the fun of using old FPGAs and because they were offered to me for free.
But no free software and OTP, so I stop there.

[amspire]

I think I have a tube of them. Burning the fuses took a high current and anything less then perfect contacts with the chip in the programmer used to result in useless failed chips. Hurt when each chip was about $20 each.