What's the reason for the version number in the VERA chip?

[grml]

Because, once again, having version numbers is essential for software products.

Apparently we're talking about different things, because I wanted to talk about having version numbers in single hardware components, the reasons why it's done, and the possible long-term consequences of making them available in the "normal" interface of the component just like it's part of its everyday operation (as opposed to something special that only matters in a special device mode)

But if it's a software product we're talking about now for some reason, then yeah, there's no harm in version numbers.

[TomXP411]

Because, once again, having version numbers is essential for software products.

Apparently we're talking about different things, because I wanted to talk about having version numbers in single hardware components, the reasons why it's done, and the possible long-term consequences of making them available in the "normal" interface of the component just like it's part of its everyday operation (as opposed to something special that only matters in a special device mode)

But if it's a software product we're talking about now for some reason, then yeah, there's no harm in version numbers.

VERA is a combination of hardware and software. The FPGA hardware is not likely to change much, but the bitstream will definitely change over time. That's what the serial number is; a way to identify the bitstream currently loaded into the flash ROM that feeds the FPGA.

[DragWx]

I like this because it simplifies hardware detection.

For example, in devices where there are incremental but compatible upgrades to the hardware (e.g., MSX1/2/+, Super/Gameboy/Color, Adlib/Soundblaster) how do you detect you have an OPL2 or an OPL3? How do you detect you have a TMS-9918 or a V9938?

A lot of the time, detection looks like "do this sequence of things with the registers, and the result you get back determines whether you have A or B". In the VERA's case, the sequence is just simply "read this register and the number you get back is the thing you have", and I like that a lot.