GALs are reprogrammable unlike PALs, so treat this as a firmware update. Downloading the fuse map into such IC is an insignicant effort. Redisigning the equations is the smarter thing to do, especially if it can save your buffer. Is there a proof the rumored problems were due to the lack of that WE signal buffering? It may not only be buffer loading capability that could be beneficial, it may be the delay it introduces.

It seems a bit like trolling to me. On the one hand you have a problem with SMT components and would like THT, on the other hand you don't see a problem with reprogramming the GAL which requires a programmer and not everyone has one. In my upgraded PCB the original GAL can be used, that was the intention.

The routing of the #WE signal was clearly problematic in the original design.

Quoting from the document "Memory upgrade module specifications Revision 1.1" by Creative Labs: To minimise capacitive loading seen by EMU8000, a 74F244 buffer with 33ohm damping resistor at the output is needed on the address and control signals.

So connecting a #WE output from EMU8000 only via damping resistor directly to a total of sixteen #WE inputs on double-sided 32MB module means 127pF* capacitive loading. That's quite a lot.

*according to Micron datasheet for 4Mx32 DRAM SIMM

Trolling you say. Problem you say. I would say your thinking is not very logical. There is no connection between using/or just soldering SMDs and having a GAL programmer. In fact historically these PLDs first appeared in DIL/TH packages and just years later PLCC variants emerged. The default programmer's sockets are in 99% of programmers DIL/ZIF. I hardly can imagine people building your PCB without programming GALs themselves! It is nonsense to propose to throw away already built SIMCONNs and transfer/use GAL chips in your PCB. These days GAL programmers are dirt cheap, some are even homebrew. On the other hand I have designed numerous devices and their PCBs that use such simple PLDs. And I can tell you -- programming of PLDs and PCB routing go hand in hand. Because just by swapping pins in the fusemap one can simplify the PCB routing significantly, reduce the number of vias, etc. Last but not least for homebrew projects it is best to use TH components. One day you will get older too and you will start having problems with SMDs, etc.

georgel reappears on the forums and instant argument with somone. Best to ignore him HMX

badmojo wrote on 2025-11-30, 22:22:

georgel reappears on the forums and instant argument with somone. Best to ignore him HMX

When you have no arguments, or the conversation is above your level of competency, sure you exactly can ignore me. Otherise most likely silently, sometimes unaware, you are using my products and knowledge.

badmojo wrote on 2025-11-30, 22:22:

georgel reappears on the forums and instant argument with somone. Best to ignore him HMX

this tbh