Where to find Altera PLDShell v5.0 Software

[laguna831]

It's been 10+ years since the last software download link request for a copy of Altera's PLDShell v5.0 software. Is there anyone who has a copy of this (or something equivalent and compatible)? I need it for a vintage computing presentation as part of a project, which includes programming a couple Altera EP300 series EPLDs. All possible links I have found are quite old and either dead/defunct.

 

[dpaul]

Altera is now Intel.
So have you checked Intel website for Alters's antiquated software.

 

[laguna831]

Yes, I did. If Intel did support it, they dropped their support for this software not too long after acquiring Altera. They are only pushing support for Quartus 2.

 

[FvM]

they dropped their support for this software not too long after acquiring Altera

I rather thought, support has ended at least 10 years ago...

As far as I'm aware of, EP300 series is compatible to industry standard PAL/GAL devices and should understand standard *.hex programing files.

With Altera PLDShell, you'll also need compatible programming hardware, isn't it? Won't it be easier to find some third party universal programmer supporting EP300 series?

 

[laguna831]

One would think that a generic universal programmer would contain compatibility for the complete EP300 series. Contrary to thought, they generally don't. The closest I have found is an Advin Pilot u84-Plus. It supports EP310s & EP320s (20-pin) but not EP324s (44-pin). The cheapest one I can find is on eBay for around $75 (others well above $150). The software is available on their site. The main reason I'm looking for the PLDShell software is because an old ALTERA master programmer is around $20-30, is powered by the rs232c port, supports all pre '95 hardware, and is driven by the programming software. In short, the PLDShell software would make things a whole lot more convenient for myself.