If you are interested in a programmable device compiler then read on.

I have information packets for ABEL and CUPL. If you want to see the 
packets then let me know. I will send them out on a distribution list to 
anyone interested. I also have demonstration software for ABEL, CUPL 
and XILINX on the PC in my office, if anyone wants to look at them.

Here is a summary of the software.

We currently have PALASM2 and AMAZE programmable device assemblers in both 
DOS and VAX/VMS formats. These products are FREE from AMD/MMI and SIGNETICS
respectively. They are good for devices from those companies, and second
sources. e.g PALASM2 does not program AMD PAL18L8s, but this may have been
corrected since AMD bought MMI. AMAZE covers mostly FPLAs (IFLs). I have not
used a recent version of AMAZE so if someone knows of expanded capabilities
please let me know. 
Neither program works with some of the newer devices like EPLDs (ALTERA,
INTEL) and ERASICs. PALASM2 (DOS vesion only) can program state machines, and
has a simple MINIMIZER algorithm. 

PALASM2 and AMAZE are assemblers. The logic equation input is restricted to a 
strict set of rules that are determined by the device being programmed.

CUPL and ABEL are compilers. Logic equation entry is free format and device 
independent. Tables and state machine descriptors can be used as well as 
standard logic equations. Vectors and macros allow great flexability in both 
design specification and simulation. The same design specification could be 
used for a  PAL, PLA, GAL or EPLD. Design time with a logic compiler is
probably half that of an assembler. Debug time is probably half to one tenth 
depending on design complexity and use of the simulator.

Cost:
PALASM2 and AMAZE : FREE

ABEL : DATA I/O, Redmond, WA
ABEL on microvax : $3995, includes 1 year maintenence ($600 value)
ABEL under DOS on a PC : $2275, includes 1 year maintenance
ABEL version 3.1 ships in February

CUPL : LOGICAL DEVICES INC, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
CUPL on VAX (unlimited users) : $3495
CUPL on VAX (MAX 3 users) : $2495
CUPL under DOS single user : $1250
CUPL maintenance : $360 for 1 year, $595 for 2 years.
CUPL version 3.0 is "Upcoming" and will add the EP1800 from Altera/Intel and a 
few other new devices.

I am interested in getting either ABEL or CUPL, mainly because I want to 
prototype a custom chip using mainly programmable logic, and because I have 
used as many as 6 PAls in a production game and find PALASM2 error prone and 
cumbersome. I need feedback from the other engineers on their potential usage.
See the next mail message for a feedback questionaire.

Comparison of ABEL versus CUPL.
This is a transcript of an excerpt from a marketing newsletter dated 3rd
quarter '88. put out by EXEL who makes the 78c800 ERASIC. 

PLD Software: ABEL vs CUPL
Comparisons of the two most widely-used PLD design software packages, ABEL and 
CUPL, seem never-ending. In actuality, these best-known logic compilers are 
no longer in a two horse race.

Data I/O's ABEL is now, because of its recent enhancements (rev. 3.0), the 
industry's recognised leader. ABEL supports more manufacturers' devices 
(Altera, Cypress, Intel) and has improved its syntax, logic reduction and 
simulator. It has the ability to handle asynchronous or multi-level logic 
(such as ERASIC's) and configurable flip-flops, which include resets-presets.

CUPL, in direct contrast, is an orphan looking for a home. It was originally 
the property of Assisted Technology and in 1986 was acquired by Personal CAD 
Systems (PCAD). CUPL has since been sold to Logical Devices Inc. of Florida.

CUPL has not been enhanced in over two years and no enhancements are 
projected for the near future. Moreover, PCAD evidently did not provide 
Logical Devices with CUPL source codes, so when EXEL attempted to create an 
enhancement package for use with CUPL (similar to MultiMap/Multisim, our ABEL 
enhancement software), our efforts met without success.

ABEL is the only universal logic compiler that has made a long-term 
commitment to its original customers and to the established design 
community.