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From: geoff@hls0.hls.oz (Geoff Bull)
Newsgroups: comp.lsi,comp.lsi.cad,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: no PALASM90 on workstations
Keywords: PAL PALASM AMD
Message-ID: <846@hls0.hls.oz>
Date: 10 Aug 90 00:51:20 GMT
References: <833@hls0.hls.oz> <1990Aug5.070528.4522@amd.com> <1990Aug5.161336.18508@ameristar> <1990Aug6.004614.24315@amd.com> <1990Aug7.162347.1597@mdivax1.uucp>
Reply-To: geoff@hls0.highland.oz.au (Geoff Bull)
Organization: Highland Logic Pty. Ltd. , Moss Vale NSW, Australia.
Lines: 53

In article <1990Aug7.162347.1597@mdivax1.uucp> mdivax1!moss (Barry Moss) writes:
>This article is a follow-up to posts by Phil Ngai and Rick Spanbauer discussing
>why AMD's PALASM is not available on Sun workstations and runs only under 
>MS-DOS.

>2. Why do I want software tools that will run on my Sun workstation?
>   Well, every hardware designer at MDI has a Sun 3 workstation on his or
>   her desk.  The only PC's we have in engineering are a few lab machines
>   for running emulators.  So why should I try to justify a) requisitioning
>   another computer to further clutter my desk (Management: You want a
>   Sun and a PC!!!!) or b) try to schedule time on one of the lab PCs?

Brings back memories of the days when I had a Macintosh for documentation,
a PC running DOG for using CUPL, and another PC running Daisy DNIX
for schematic entry. One of the bean counters came through one day and I
had to write a report on why engineers need THREE computers.

>   As we've told a number of vendors recently, if you want us to use
>   your parts we need tools (not necessarily free) which will run on
>   Sun workstations.  Interestingly enough, most of the FPGA vendors
>   have announced they will have Sun compatible versions of their
>   software. Some of them will even link up with our CAD system (Valid
>   Logic)!

Every engineer here has a Sun 3 or 4. We have one PC to run software
for those applications only available under the DOG operting system.

I know of numerous organisations that are turfing there PCs
and getting Suns for their engineers.
I know my productivity has doubled since getting a Sun
(except when I have to use the DOG PC)
We use Valid too!

>3. What do Sun users do for support to design PALs, etc?
>   Well, if you have enough money to buy a Sun, then you should be
>   prepared to pay for a commercial PLD design package (like ABEL or
>   Minc) which runs on a Sun.  Of cource, if some of the PLD/FPGA
>   vendors start to realize that they are losing business by not
>   providing support for the Sun or other workdstations, then maybe
>   they will reconsider their PCs only position
>

Anyway, I nice fast cheap PC is know longer a reality
A Sun 4/20 (SPARC SLC) with 8MB DRAM and 200MB disk sells
in this country for around A$8000 (US$6240).
A similarly configured 486 costs about double that,
a 386 about the same!
SO PCs just don't make sense anymore!
-- 
Geoff Bull (Senior Engineer)	Phone  : (+61 48) 68 3490
Highland Logic Pty. Ltd.	Fax    : (+61 48) 68 3474
348-354 Argyle St		ACSnet : geoff@highland.oz.au
Moss Vale, 2577, AUSTRALIA