Designer is easy to use, not that many features, can easily be scripted up 
(designer.exe "script: xxxx.tcl"), supports SDC constraints, P&R and 
FlashPro download very slow (and I mean slow!), good support (at least in my 
case),impossible to install under Linux (at least I failed), nice parts like 
the A3PE3000-PQ208 not available for some time to come (AFAIK).  I would go 
for just Designer, synthesis either Precision or Synplify, and I would 
advice to get a JTAG debugger like Dialite or FS2.

The days of C-Module only FPGA's like the A1010 and tools like ACTMap and 
Asyl+ are long gone :-)

Hans
www.ht-lab.com


"jweissberg" <weissber@NOSPAMusc.edu> wrote in message 
news:dnahm5$i7v$1@gist.usc.edu...
> I'm considering these parts for a new design, and the low static power and 
> small footprint, instant-on features seem nice.  In terms of performance 
> or density, this app is not demanding at all, but we want more headroom 
> than a CPLD gives.
>
> I haven't used Actel parts or SW for over 10 years - how have 
> design/supply/support experiences been on ProAsic3E??  How decent are the 
> Actel tools for HDL based designs?  I'm very familiar with the Xilinx IDE. 
> I'd be in the 30K device to start with.
>
> If you want to keep your #$%! answers more private, you can mail me 
> directly.  I can sum up for the group later.
>
> Thanks in advance!
> 

jweissberg wrote:

> I'm considering these parts for a new design, and the low static power and
> small footprint, instant-on features seem nice.  In terms of performance or
> density, this app is not demanding at all, but we want more headroom than a
> CPLD gives.
>
> I haven't used Actel parts or SW for over 10 years - how have
> design/supply/support experiences been on ProAsic3E??  How decent are the
> Actel tools for HDL based designs?  I'm very familiar with the Xilinx IDE.
> I'd be in the 30K device to start with.
>
> If you want to keep your #$%! answers more private, you can mail me
> directly.  I can sum up for the group later.
>
> Thanks in advance!
I think that Lattice FPGA merits detailed consideration.
It has internal flash for loading  with copy protection bit.

"jweissberg" <weissber@NOSPAMusc.edu> schrieb im Newsbeitrag 
news:dnahm5$i7v$1@gist.usc.edu...
> I'm considering these parts for a new design, and the low static power and 
> small footprint, instant-on features seem nice.  In terms of performance 
> or density, this app is not demanding at all, but we want more headroom 
> than a CPLD gives.
>
> I haven't used Actel parts or SW for over 10 years - how have 
> design/supply/support experiences been on ProAsic3E??  How decent are the 
> Actel tools for HDL based designs?  I'm very familiar with the Xilinx IDE. 
> I'd be in the 30K device to start with.
>
> If you want to keep your #$%! answers more private, you can mail me 
> directly.  I can sum up for the group later.
>
> Thanks in advance!
>

Actel SW is second worst (frst place is hold by Atmel) - but its maybe 
matter of taste.

There are actually no really issues getting your VHDL into the Actel chip.
The toolchain isnt as comfortable but it works and the resulting desings 
work too.

Pricing seems a bit heavy
A3P250-VQ100 is 20$ USD in small quantity
A3PE600 - 55USD

Antti 

I'm considering these parts for a new design, and the low static power and 
small footprint, instant-on features seem nice.  In terms of performance or 
density, this app is not demanding at all, but we want more headroom than a 
CPLD gives.

I haven't used Actel parts or SW for over 10 years - how have 
design/supply/support experiences been on ProAsic3E??  How decent are the 
Actel tools for HDL based designs?  I'm very familiar with the Xilinx IDE. 
I'd be in the 30K device to start with.

If you want to keep your #$%! answers more private, you can mail me 
directly.  I can sum up for the group later.

Thanks in advance!