05:59 <key2> so if I understand well, CertusPro-NX has a hardblock PCIe 4x gen3 , but, you need to buy the license 6k USD (mouser) :/

05:59 <key2> what's next ? pay for the DSP and the BRAM ?

06:04 <mwk> ... I mean, with all the software-limitted FPGAs out there, you already do

06:04 <mwk> that and the LUTs, even

06:16 <key2> well it was a good replacement for the xilinx, 28nm, smaller package ...

06:16 <key2> could make some M2 form factor pcie gen3 4x

06:18 <key2> to me it sounds like buying a computer, but the seller tells you that you need to pay a license if you want to use the USB ports :)

06:19 <key2> unless, they have a special license themself with Synopsys, where they do some kind of revenue sharing: "the block is in the fpga but we pay you only if customer needs it"

12:25 <whitequark> <key2> "to me it sounds like buying a..." <- intel does this

12:25 <whitequark> there are hardware blocks in the newer CPUs that require additional activation. something about video decoding, i don't exactly recall

12:26 <whitequark> and of course it's prevalent everywhere else. Teslas, for example

12:26 <whitequark> even Raspberry Pi has this

12:26 <d1b2> <Darius> bloody Broadcomm..

12:27 <whitequark> it's actually "bloody MPEG-LA"

12:27 <whitequark> broadcom could have easily made all the ICs two bucks more expensive

12:40 <d1b2> <Darius> but muh shareholder dividends 🙄

14:22 <gatecat> key2: I think the license is only for the wrapper and wizard, not to instantiate the underlying hard block and setting all the parameters on it yourself

14:23 <gatecat> but do beware that officially the CertusPro NX devices do need a Radiant license to make non-trial bitstreams that don't timeout after like a few hours regardless of what blocks you use

14:24 <mwk> .. trial bitstream?

14:24 <mwk> is that... serious?

14:27 <cr1901> That's not a good look ._.

15:38 <key2> radian licence is one thing

15:39 <key2> licence for hard block is another, but yes I get your point