Hi,
I currently have access to a large number of FPGA prototyping boards through my University. Unfortunately these boards are quite simple, wire-wrapping would need to be used to prototype memory or other peripherals. While ordinarily this wouldn't pose too much of a problem for me, I require a rather large amount of RAM (of the order of ~4Mbytes) for this project I will be working on.
Looking through electronic catalogues, I quickly realized that for one it is nearly impossible to find DRAM IC's in DIP packages (and that even if I could find them I would need a hella-lot of those 64Kb chips). The DRAM I could find is obviously only availible in surface mount type packaging. Ideally I'd love to get a custom PCB developped and get someone who could solder to work, but in my case I don't think it is an option as I don't have the time/money/experience/talent? to do so.
So basically does anyone have any suggestions?, do any vendors have a SDRAM protoboard (something like a couple MB of SDRAM on a board with prototyping headers)? how about using DIMMs instead of individual ICs?.
As a last resort, I might need to purchase an FPGA board from Memec, Xess, but personally I'd much rather work with a 1M+ Virtex devices availible from school then to have a fund such a board myself, which would be of much lesser quality. Does anyone have any other vendors to suggest, my requirements are having at least 2Mb of RAM and under 300$, and well at least 100k gates.
Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions!
Ed.