Not very long ago, working with digital logic meant wiring up dozens (or hundreds) or 7400-series ICs. But today design engineers use programmable logic devices -- devices like the Altera MAX7000 series CPLDs (sometimes known as FPGAs). These chips have a wealth of logic gates and flip flops (up to 3200 usable gates in this case) plus a giant programmable switch. You use software on your PC to design and test your logic design and the software figures out how to program the switch to connect your logic inside the gate. After your program the device, it is like a custom IC -- at least, until you decide to reprogram it.

The ABX84 kit makes it simple to experiment and build with the MAX7000 (EPM7064S, EPM7128S, or EPM7160S) complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The board and JTAG adapter will also work with the widely-available Atmel ATF15 family of CPLDs (see http://www.awce.com/atf15.htm). You get the following:

	An ABX84 board with three wire sockets for easy prototyping and one header that mates with a standard solderless breadboard (the board pictured above does not have headers and sockets installed --you decide where they go).
	An ACP1 JTAG programmer board that lets you program the chip from your PC's printer port.

You'll need a CPLD, a 5V power supply (like our PS-I), a breadboard, and a standard male/female 25 pin cable for your PC. You'll also need free software (MAX+PLUS II or Quartus) you can download from Altera. If you are using the Atmel parts, you'll need some free software from Atmel as well.

Please note that this is a kit and does require soldering and basic electronic tools. This allows you to customize the board to fit your needs. All the parts are through hole, and the solder masked board is very easy to assemble.

Don't know how to use programmable logic? No problem. Our free online tutorials will help you get started fast.

Prefer Xilinx? Check out the PBX84.