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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Vulcan ASIC announced Moon in May 2000 as a synthesizable 32-bit Java processor core intended for embedded system-on-chip designs, including implementations in constrained CPLD devices. It was processor IP for integration into customer designs—not a retail CPU. Moon divided Java bytecode among direct hardware execution, microcode, and external handling to balance capability against limited programmable-logic resources.
What was Vulcan ASIC’s Moon processor?
Moon was a hardware implementation of Sun Microsystems’ Java Virtual Machine, designed for ROM-driven embedded applications. Vulcan initially implemented the synthesizable core in VHDL. Its stack-based, von Neumann architecture shared instruction and data memory, and its configurable I/O bus could be set from 8 to 32 bits. The design also used prefetching to execute multiple instructions in a cycle. EE Times’ 2000 report described the launch and its intended CPLD market.
How could a Java processor fit into a CPLD?
Moon did not require every Java bytecode operation to be implemented as dedicated hardware. It partitioned execution into three paths: bytecodes could be handled directly in hardware, executed through microcode, or handled externally. That division let designers trade implementation resources and execution approach for a target device and application, rather than treating the JVM as a single fixed block.
This approach was aimed at ROM-driven embedded systems, where a compact processor core could be integrated alongside application-specific logic. The core’s configurable bus width offered another implementation choice, but the historical material does not provide a complete device-by-device resource or performance comparison.
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#1 Best Overall
- The UnoProLogic is a complete Development board featuring the Altera 5M570 CPLD. The board includes a USB to Serial interface. The USB to Serial Interface provides an on board programming of the CPLD using JTAG and provides bidirectional communications with a Host PC. The 5M570 CPLD has 440 MacroCells and on chip Flash to store user code once the power is removed.
- The MAX V CPLD is a great chip to learn programmable logic with. The MAX V is a complete chip programmed using JTAG. The chip can be re-programmed thousands of times making it perfect for development projects. The UnoProLogic board comes complete with all regulators, oscillators and connectors to provide a complete development system for beginners.
- On Board Four Channel ADC with 300KB/sec Sample Rate. Inputs/Outputs: 24 -- 5 Volt tolerant. I/O's are protected with 74LVCH4245 8-Bit Bus transceivers. USB Interface: 480 Mbps data transfers. User code will transparently connect with the ActiveHost API running on the Windows API. All software is Open Source
- JTAG Programmer: The 5M570 is programmed by the FT2232H Chip Through the Quartus Software. All that is needed to program the board is a USB-C cable. Just connect to an open USB port on your Windows Laptop. Then program using the Altera Quartus Prime Lite Software. The Quartus software is free and downloaded from the Altera website. The UnoProLogic user manual walks the user through the Getting Started process with all software and hardware.
- Full Open Source software allows the user to create unique projects for specific applications. Detailed user manual and data sheet describes the board. Please visit the UnoLogic product page under the earthpeopletechnology website to access all schematics, user manual, data sheets and project files.
What implementation and performance did Vulcan report?
Vulcan reported fully functional silicon in Altera APEX 20K technology. Separately, EE Times reported that the company had Moon running in its laboratory at 100 MHz in a 0.35-micron processor in 2000. These are historical implementation reports, not a guarantee of clock speed in every CPLD, FPGA, or ASIC design. EE Times’ launch coverage is the source for the laboratory figure.
Vulcan also claimed Moon used one-third of the silicon area of Sun’s picoJava II layout. That was a vendor claim reported in 2000, not an independently reproduced comparison; it should not be treated as a general area benchmark. Embedded.com’s report covers the claim.
Rank #2
- XC9572XL Chip: Advanced CPLD chip delivers reliable performance for embedded system development and experimental projects
- JTAG Interface: Features standard JTAG interface for stable connections and efficient programming with common development tools
- Programmable LEDs: Four programmable LEDs provide clear visual feedback for circuit status monitoring and learning applications
- Dual Voltage Support: Integrated 5V to 3.3V voltage conversion chip ensures safe use and compatibility with various components
- Complete IO Access: All IO ports are accessible with standard 6.1x4.8cm compact design for versatile prototyping and testing scenarios
A 2006 technical paper, citing Vulcan’s Moon2 documentation, gives a minimum implementation cost of 27K gates plus 3 KB of ROM and 1 KB of single-port RAM. This is a secondary historical figure for Moon2, not a verified specification for every Moon implementation. The paper on Java processors for embedded applications is the source for that figure.
Was Moon a chip, an FPGA core, or licensable IP?
Moon was presented as retargetable processor IP for customer ASIC and programmable-logic designs, rather than as an off-the-shelf CPU. The reported APEX 20K silicon demonstrated an implementation in Altera technology; it does not mean Moon was itself a standard retail Altera chip. Vulcan also positioned the core as useful to ASIC teams prototyping and debugging embedded Java systems before producing a custom implementation. Altera’s partner-program context helps explain the programmable-logic relationship, while the launch details were reported by EE Times.
Rank #3
- Altera 5M570T100C5 CPLD chip with 440 MacroCells. The MegaProLogic is a complete CPLD Development Kit. All source files are provided along with a detailed user manual and datasheet to allow the user to create unique projects.
- Inputs/Outputs: 32 -- Selectable between 3.3Volts and 5 Volts. I/O's are protected with 74LVCH4245 8-Bit Bus transceivers. USB Interface: Eight bit data transfers. User code will transparently connect with the ActiveHost API running on the Windows PC. All software is Open Source
- Board Footprint Compatible with the Arduino Mega. Stackable headers connect the MegaProLogic directly to the Mega and Shields. Includes two PMOD connectors to connect directly with PMOD accessories.
- JTAG Programmer Built In: The CPLD is programmed on board. A single USB-C Cable is all that is needed. The MegaProLogic is 100% compatible with Quartus Prime Lite software. The software is a free download from Altera.
- Complete Development Kit with tutorials and source code. Please visit the MegaProLogic product page under the earthpeopletechnology website to access all schematics, user manual, data sheets and project files.
Can you still buy Moon or an evaluation board?
The historical announcements establish that Moon was offered as design IP, but they do not establish who owns Moon or Moon2 today, whether support continues, or whether a license, source files, or evaluation board can currently be purchased. No current retail product or board availability is established by those sources. Anyone seeking the core would need to verify its present ownership and licensing directly with a rights holder or successor before relying on it for a project.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Genuine Altera MAX II Chip: Features the original Altera MAX II EPM240T100 CPLD chip, providing high-performance logic solutions for complex engineering projects and applications.
- Comprehensive Development Platform: This development board is designed for engineers and hobbyists, offering a robust environment for prototyping and testing various digital designs.
- Flexible I/O Options: Equipped with multiple I/O ports and expansion connectors, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of peripherals and modules for enhanced project customization.
- User-Friendly Design: The board includes clear labeling and a compact layout, making it easy to set up and navigate, suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.
- Extensive Support Resources: Comes with ample documentation and community resources, ensuring users have access to valuable information and troubleshooting assistance throughout their development process.
Rank #4
- Altera 5M240 CPLD with 192 MacroCells. Beginners Programmable Logic Development Board. Fully compatible with the FREE version of Quartus Prime Lite. Detailed Documentation including schematics describes all aspects of the board.
- The BeeProLogic is the perfect introduction Development Board for Beginners interested in Programmable Logic. Users will create a project in the Intel Quartus Software Environment, synthesize their project code, download the file to the CPLD, then interact with Pushbuttons, LEDs and Analog Outputs.
- The BeeProLogic Does Not Include a Programmer. It does include an adapter that is compatible with any standard JTAG Blaster Programmer. JTAG Blaster is available for purchase separately.
- There are 11 Green LEDs that are available for the user to control with project code. There are 7 Pushbuttons readable on selected Inputs to the CPLD. A 10 pin connector has five General Purpose Inputs/Outputs for the user project code. An Eight Bit Digital To Analog Converter chip is available along with an 8 MBit Flash chip.
- Complete Documentation is available for download from the Earth People Technology website. This documentation inlcudes User Manual, Data Sheet, Schematics and source code and tutorials. Several Complete projects are included which are pre-compiled with source code.
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