EX128-TQ100

Embedded FPGAs

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits (ICs) consisting of an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and programmable interconnects. They are typically used for high speed control, computational intensive or low level embedded systems applications. FPGAs provide much better flexibility and reduce time-to-market for new products compared to traditional Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

This paper discusses the EX128-TQ100, an embedded FPGA from Lattice Semiconductor. The EX128-TQ100 is a low power and low cost FPGA based on the latest LatticeECP2M architecture. The device houses array of CLBs, embedded RAM blocks, and two hardened multipliers. It is available in a 456-pin BGA package, with 64 I/Os, 4 LVDS pairs and 4 GTP transceivers.

Architecture and Features

The EX128-TQ100 incorporates the latest LatticeECP2M architecture, which consists of 14-bit DSP blocks and powerful PCIe Gen2 IP support to provide enhanced performance, low power and low cost. The device has a total of 64 I/Os with an I/O voltage range from 1.2V to 2.5V, as well as four 3.3V LVDS pairs and four GTP transceivers. It also has an internal oscillator and clock conditioning with 2 dedicated pins for clock input and 4 for clock output. The device has a total of 8 DLLs for clock multiplication.

The device supports up to 8 Kbits of instruction memory and 8 Kbits of data memory, including two banks of embedded Dual-Port RAM blocks. The device also has two hardened 24x16-bit multipliers and two Timer/Counter blocks dedicated to programmable system control. The Timer/Counter blocks also support a variety of pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM) functions.

Furthermore, the EX128-TQ100 features a wide variety of security features to prevent against accidental or malicious programming. The device also provides a high level of design flexibility for configuring the device for various applications.

Application Examples

The EX128-TQ100 is well suited for applications such as automotive, industrial, consumer and industrial control. The device can be used to control systems such as motor and solenoid control, low cost digital data acquisition, and act as a communication bridge between processor cores and a wide range of peripherals.

For example, in automotive applications the device can be used to provide low-cost, real-time, motor and effector control as well as in-vehicle communication and data acquisition. In industrial control and consumer electronics applications, the device can be used for low-cost, low-power, embedded control systems for tasks such as flow control, machine control and low cost sensor systems with data logging capabilities.

Conclusion

The EX128-TQ100 from Lattice Semiconductor is a low-power and low-cost Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The device implements the latest LatticeECP2M architecture with a total of 64 I/Os, 4 LVDS pairs and 4 GTP transceivers. It has a wide variety of security features, and provides a high level of design flexibility for configuring the device for various applications. The device can be used in various applications including automotive, industrial, consumer and industrial control. All these features make the EX128-TQ100 an ideal choice for low cost, real-time embedded control systems.