Lattice LCMXO2280C-5FTN324C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Cost FPGA
The Lattice LCMXO2280C-5FTN324C is a prominent member of the Lattice MachXO™ family, a series of non-volatile, instant-on FPGAs designed to bridge the gap between traditional CPLDs and higher-density FPGAs. It is engineered to provide a flexible, low-power, and cost-effective solution for a wide array of applications, including system management, bus bridging, power-up control, and general-purpose logic integration.
Architectural Prowess and Core Features
At the heart of this device lies a robust and efficient programmable architecture. It features 2,280 Look-Up Tables (LUTs), which serve as the fundamental building blocks for implementing custom logic functions. This logic density is sufficient for a vast number of control and interfacing tasks, making it an ideal "glue logic" device. A key advantage of the MachXO family is its non-volatile flash technology. This allows the device to be live at power-up (instant-on) without the need for an external boot PROM, simplifying board design and improving system reliability.
The device is housed in a 5FTN324C package, which denotes a fine-pitch, lead-free (5), Flip-Chip (FN) package with 324 pins. This package type offers a compact footprint, which is crucial for space-constrained applications. The -5 speed grade indicates a mainstream performance level, balancing timing closure with power consumption.
I/O Capabilities and Versatility
The LCMXO2280C boasts a highly flexible I/O structure. It supports a wide range of single-ended and differential I/O standards, including LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, HSTL, and LVDS. This versatility enables seamless interfacing with various processors, memory devices, and other peripherals operating at different voltage levels (1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V). The inclusion of LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for high-speed data transmission with low noise, suitable for serial communication.
Embedded Memory and System Resources
Beyond pure logic, the device integrates embedded block RAM (EBR). This on-chip memory (up to 73.5 Kbits in this density) is invaluable for implementing small FIFOs, buffering data, or storing configuration parameters, reducing the need for external memory components and further lowering the total system cost.
Low Power Consumption
A defining characteristic of this FPGA is its focus on low power consumption. The use of flash-based technology eliminates the static power draw associated with the configuration SRAM in many other FPGAs. Furthermore, Lattice's design techniques ensure dynamic power remains low, making it suitable for portable, battery-powered, or thermally sensitive equipment.
Design and Development Support
Designing with the LCMXO2280C-5FTN324C is supported by the Lattice Diamond® and Lattice Radiant® software suites. These environments provide a complete front-to-back design flow, including synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. The availability of pre-engineered IP cores for common functions like SPI, I²C, and timers significantly accelerates the development process.
The Lattice LCMXO2280C-5FTN324C stands out as a highly optimized solution for cost- and power-sensitive designs. Its non-volatile, instant-on nature, combined with a flexible I/O structure and sufficient logic density, makes it an exceptional choice for control-oriented applications. It successfully delivers the programmability of an FPGA with the convenience and low power of a CPLD, offering engineers a powerful tool to simplify system architecture and reduce overall bill-of-materials costs.
Keywords:
1. Non-Volatile FPGA
2. Low-Power
3. Instant-On
4. Cost-Effective
5. LVDS I/O
