As a hobbyist, my ears perk up at "lowest cost FPGA'. My low-end projects use XC6SLX9-2TQG144C chips, but they can be overkill
for some logic. Is it time to get excited? Let's take a look.
Hobbyist friendly package, like a TQFP or the like? Oh, it's a STQFN. I will grumble, but at least it's not a BGA, so with care I can solder this.
The lack of 3.3v I/O isn't a showstopper, but I'd have to think if I can rework some potential projects to run at 2.5v or deal with level shifting.
I'm not a company, so I'm not likely to get a free eval board. So can I buy it? Well yes, not very many around, and prices are all over the map
from $126 (Digikey) to $292 (Verical). I know eval boards are ridiculously priced (usually), but still seems kinda costly for a low cost FPGA.
Speaking of which, what does this chip cost and can I actually buy it? Hmm, neither Digikey nor Mouser even lists the chip (SLG47910V),
not a good sign for easy availability. Oh, it's listed at Avnet. Except they have no inventory. And no pricing?? What does this thing actually cost?
?
When can I actually buy chips???
So I went to the Renasas site, surely they have pricing and inventory? Nope, no pricing information, and their "buy now" takes me to Avnet. Gee thanks. Sigh.
I'm no longer excited. Guess I'll check back on these chips in 6 months to see if anything has changed.