This looks like an interesting possibility, as it contains FLASH/EEPROM, SRAM, I/O, and a PLD.

There's a problem for students, beginning with the packaging, though, unless they're using the PLCC-52 versions of this former "WSI" chip. Secondly, it apparenlty presents the same problems as the i8255 in terms of timing restrictions, albeit at a faster pace. By that, I mean that it is not fast enough to keep up with fast one-clockers or four-clockers, or the like, but it is at least twice as fast as the fastest 8255's.

Another issue appears to be that many of the versions are no longer available, i.e. they're listed as "no longer in catalog."

There's one major mystery, however, and maybe someone can clear that up. How, exactly, is one supposed to program these devices? There's plenty of reference in the datasheet(s) to JTAG programming, and even some specification. However, there's no indication at all of what sort of software tool one is supposed to use to effect this programming process, particularly with respect to the internal PLD. Has anyone here ever used one of these devices? How did you program the FLASH/EEPROM? How did you program the PLD? I ask this because, while web search reveals lots of references to WSI-provided software to handle this, none of ST's pages seem aware of it.

Now ... how avaiable are these parts, and what do they cost? Has anyone here actually used one? Does anyone use 'em today? If not, why not?

RE