Doesn't seem much more expensive than the FPGA MiniMig to start with.
Oh, but there is "more than meets the eye". Using a non-standard 64 bit core in the minimig FPGA brings any immediate benefits?
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Lets break it down what sparc has to offer.
Pros
- Good CPU architecture
- Not compatible with 68k
Cons
- Non standard. Most programmers are not interested in learning another CPU architecture (most are familiar with one only).
- No simple retail option to implement a non-FPGA version.
- Low speeds (unless you get a very expensive FPGA or mass produce it, in which case it becomes expensive).
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Not lets see the freescale 68k
Pros
- Well known architecture, many programmers and hardware engineers are familiar with it. Software cores are highly feasible.
- Compatible with motorola 68k line.
Cons
- Expensive hardware. Only the 68000 is cheap, price increases quite a bit for later versions. I am speaking about retail prices, if somebody can get it used at a lower price or even free does not guarantee everybody can get those prices.
- Low speeds
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Now lets see coldfire
Pros
- Easy to implement architecture. Partially compatible with 68k, just better.
- Cheap
- Embedded. Some versions include usb, ethernet & pci right on the chip.
Cons.
- Low speeds. Higher than 68k, on par with geode but still less than current procesors.
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Now lets see PPC
Pros
- Well known architecture
- Cheap
- Embedded.
Cons
- Not compatible with 68k
- Low speeds. better than coldfire,but still far from current speeds.
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Now lets see x86
Pros
- Well known architecture
- Fast
- Cheap
Cons
- Not comatible with 68k
- Needs lots of external support chips.
