NOW this item is fully assembled version for same price

What is it?

Very fundamental CPLD with writing circuit through USB interface. This is full fully assembled board and you can focus on programming. CPLD configuration can be made by Xilinx ISE and its configuration file can be uploaded through FTDI (USB) interface. The CPLD may surely be a bit ancient but actually same Verilog-HDL (or VHDL if you prefer) code can be implemented for up-to-date FPGA and this tiny CPLD board, it just matters of circuit size limitation.

Why did you make it?

We can find hundreds, millions FPGA board but I wonder if full-spec FPGA is really need for real Verilog-HDL beginner (actually like was me!). Before I made this one, I thought CPLD/FPGA is a kind of magic component which can be controlled by very high-skilled engineer but now I understand, the difference between CPLD and FPGA is just a matter of size (of course circuit implementation is different though) and if we learn Verilog-HDL (or VHDL) on any device even in small size CPLD, same code can be implemented in large size FPGA and required knowledge is exactly the same. We can extend knowledge and experience by this tiny board!

What makes it special?

Mostly, FPGA board is ready-made but never less than $50. Moreover, sometimes their peripheral are too much (bunch of LED or switch) for initial test. This board will enhance your knowledge and experience by your own made board. All of information including circuit and how-to-writing are already released at hackaday.com project: Very simple CPLD trainer Nothing is hidden in this board!

All of required parts (Xilinx XC9536, FTDI chip, 1uF 0608, PCB and USB connector and pin-header) are soldered on board!!