Close

Replicating (or reprogramming) the PLD

A project log for Repairing the Amrel PPS-2322

Even without schematics, some persistence pays off

cliffweb03Cliffweb03 03/23/2025 at 21:530 Comments

There is a 16V8B series PLD (Programmable Logic Device) on the computer board. The PLD's data-sheet indicates that the device is rated for 20 years of data (configuration) retention. As these instruments are now going on 30+ years, this poses a vulnerability. Another blogger and I worked together to determine the necessary logic equations to replicate its function. His power supply was a Motech PPS-1002 and while there are differences his map of the computer board is largely identical to the PPS-2322. As such, these equations ought to work for everything in the PPS series.

The design files used by WinCUPL and the Burn-Ready .jed file are available as files linked to this project. While I tested this using old Lattice Semi GAL16V8B chips, it should also burn to the ATMEL version(s) of the 16V8B available as new stock from the typical electronic parts catalog companies.

Discussions