eslapion
Well-known member
PLAnkton U17 has been a very popular product since it's introduction back in August 2015. More than 4000 units have been sold since, a number which I find stunning after all this time.
Back then, me and co-creator Fredric Blåholtz expected to sell a few hundreds. With lots of luck maybe 1000. We were quite surprised with the demand and the very positive reception.
However, time has passed and a few potential improvements have been noted.
For one thing, a genuine Commodore PLA signals at a voltage between 3.7 and 4.5 volts. Usually hovering around 4.3 volts. PLAnkton feeds the XC9536XL core CPLD at 3.7-3.8 volts and while this is within the requirements to be representative of a good PLA, it is beyond the recommended operating voltage defined by the manufacturer. At the same time, it is somewhat too low when compared to a genuine Commodore PLA.
Also, even when using the low power mode of the XC9536XL and slew rate limiters built into this type of IC, PLAnkton's slew rate signaling remains much higher than a genuine old PLA.
PLAnkton EV resolves these issues by adding a CMOS buffer which is powered at 4.3V while the CPLD is now powered at 3.3V. The buffer uses legacy CMOS technology which has a low slew rate nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs and is powered at a voltage which also allows it to signal a higher voltage, now also nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs. PLAnkton EV uses a tiny amount of extra power because of the presence of the CMOS buffer but still consumes less than 30mA compared to the 100mA used by an original MOS 906114-01 or 82S100.
More than 100 units have already been sold elsewhere. EV means Exact Voltage. Better pins are installed with 10uin (0.25um) gold plating on the pins. (Mill-Max 350-10-164-00-006000 MADE IN USA)
Priced at 16.50$US (14.75 Euros). Quantity discounts are applicable; 20% starting at 5 units, 25% off starting at 10 units, distributor pricing starting at 25 units.
Shipping to the USA is 8$US, Australia/NZ is 10$US, UK/Europe is 8 Euros. Shipping to Canada requires you provide a postal code.
Payments by Paypal only!
Custom versions are available on request with different or no pins.
This product was designed and is assembled and tested in Canada by legally certified Engineers or Junior Engineers.
Back then, me and co-creator Fredric Blåholtz expected to sell a few hundreds. With lots of luck maybe 1000. We were quite surprised with the demand and the very positive reception.
However, time has passed and a few potential improvements have been noted.
For one thing, a genuine Commodore PLA signals at a voltage between 3.7 and 4.5 volts. Usually hovering around 4.3 volts. PLAnkton feeds the XC9536XL core CPLD at 3.7-3.8 volts and while this is within the requirements to be representative of a good PLA, it is beyond the recommended operating voltage defined by the manufacturer. At the same time, it is somewhat too low when compared to a genuine Commodore PLA.
Also, even when using the low power mode of the XC9536XL and slew rate limiters built into this type of IC, PLAnkton's slew rate signaling remains much higher than a genuine old PLA.
PLAnkton EV resolves these issues by adding a CMOS buffer which is powered at 4.3V while the CPLD is now powered at 3.3V. The buffer uses legacy CMOS technology which has a low slew rate nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs and is powered at a voltage which also allows it to signal a higher voltage, now also nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs. PLAnkton EV uses a tiny amount of extra power because of the presence of the CMOS buffer but still consumes less than 30mA compared to the 100mA used by an original MOS 906114-01 or 82S100.
More than 100 units have already been sold elsewhere. EV means Exact Voltage. Better pins are installed with 10uin (0.25um) gold plating on the pins. (Mill-Max 350-10-164-00-006000 MADE IN USA)
Priced at 16.50$US (14.75 Euros). Quantity discounts are applicable; 20% starting at 5 units, 25% off starting at 10 units, distributor pricing starting at 25 units.
Shipping to the USA is 8$US, Australia/NZ is 10$US, UK/Europe is 8 Euros. Shipping to Canada requires you provide a postal code.
Payments by Paypal only!
Custom versions are available on request with different or no pins.
This product was designed and is assembled and tested in Canada by legally certified Engineers or Junior Engineers.
Last edited: