🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <92254.103444LEEK@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> <LEEK@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> writes:
>A trademark identifies a line of products so that it won't be confused
>with something similar.  I mean is there any difference between
>
>  PAL16V8     (one-time programmable, fuse based, AMD)
>  GAL16V8     (EEPROM based, erasable, Lattice)

Can I use a PAL16R4 in place of a PAL16R8 because they both go by the
trademark PAL and so I don't have to worry about confusing one product
with a similar product?

You are making unwarranted assumptions. PALs do not have to be one time
programmable. Two counter examples are the AMD PAL CE and the Lattice
GAL devices. Yes, a GAL is a PAL, although not all PALs are GALs.
Another counter example is the UV erasable PALs.

Nor does a GAL have to come from Lattice. GAL simply means generic
array logic, that is, a 16V8 can replace any of 16R4, 16R6, or 16R8.
THAT is what the GENERIC means.

It so happens that Lattice invented the concept (and they deserve
kudos for their cleverness) but the programming algorithm is no
more related to whether a device is a GAL than to whether a device
is an EPROM or FLASH or EEPROM etc.

If you ask for a GAL 16V8 and don't specify which vendor, then you have
no cause to complain if you don't get the vendor you wanted (but didn't
ask for).

-- 
My opinions are my own.