copying a GAL/PAL

[Martin Bishop]

>Grant Stockly wrote on 18 January 2008 at 19:20

At 03:00 PM 1/16/2008, you wrote:
>can someone provide the specifics? I keep getting
>badgered LOL ever since I announced I own an XT-IDE
>card. The one I have is pretty simple, just some OTS
>logic, but for the PAL (or is it a GAL - damn wish I
>had a GAL-PAL LOLOLOLOLOL). Therefore I need to have a
>way to duplicate such, so at least I can provide a
>path for those that want such a card.
>  Of course this will involved desoldering. Not that
>big a deal, I feel I can lay the component side in a
>tray filled with cool water (with even a fish pump to
>course fluid past the pins) and go to town. If I don't
>need to remove the chip, please let me know. Gracias
>Amigos!
>  Then again if anyone can provide a known working
>schematic/plan for such a card, that would be all the better.

You don't need any water.  Good desoldering tools would be required.
[DrB] I've had Multibus 2 backplane connectors (86 pins) salvaged from
backplanes for reuse on in-service systems.  Pukka kit and experience
are essential.  For DIY you could use
http://www.amazon.com/Aoyue-Profesional-Repair-Rework-Station/dp/B000HDJ
5J2 a bit high end but you need the desoldering iron.  If this seems
expensive have a look at (Cooper Tools) Weller's offerings - it's cheep.
Very interested in hands on reports of whether (a posteriori) it's good
value.
[DrB] Your best approach to GAL/PAL extraction is a friendly wireman.

There are reverse engineering plants in China that specialize on 
copying PALs, GALs, etc.  I haven't done it, but know of someone who 
has.  He pays about $30 or so a piece plus shipping.  I think there 
are places in the US that do this, but they charge $1000+ (to operate 
a $100 device they bought from China...).
[DrB] If the security fuse isn't set you can read GALs & PALs on a
programmer.  Otherwise, you have to work the problem...  Very old
devices will require "classic" programmers.  The best, inexpensive
device I'm aware of is the Galep
http://www.conitec.net/english/index.htm very interested in alternates. 

What is the part number of the PAL?
[DrB] Not the OEMs sticker (although that is interesting), but the chip
vendors part number, date code, etc.  A JPEG image would be ideal.

Copying the PAL will most likely destroy it. 
[DrB] Not due to reading it on a "programmer".  However, you would wish
to (at least) socket it or replace it with a (socketed) copy.
Obviously, open top reverse engineering would leave you with an ornament
/ trophy.

[DrB] Another issue is wheter you can obtain equivalent parts.
Sometimes, to avoid timing or signal integrity issues, you have to
replace GALs/PALs with devices of the same silicon generation.  Can you
obtain the old chips in small quantities ?

HTH 

Martin