Lattice LCMXO2-1200HC-6TG100I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of Low-Power FPGA Capabilities and Applications
The Lattice Semiconductor MachXO2™ series represents a significant leap in low-power, low-cost programmable logic, with the LCMXO2-1200HC-6TG100I standing out as a versatile and highly capable member of this family. Engineered for a wide array of consumer, industrial, and communications applications, this FPGA combines a robust feature set with the power efficiency critical for modern, portable, and always-on devices.
At its core, the LCMXO2-1200HC-6TG100I is built on a 65nm non-volatile CMOS technology. This foundational choice is pivotal, as it eliminates the need for an external boot PROM, simplifies the board design, and allows for instant-on operation. The device features 1200 Look-Up Tables (LUTs), a sweet spot for bridging, control, and co-processing functions. This logic density is sufficient to integrate multiple functions that would typically require several discrete ICs, thereby reducing system component count, board space, and overall bill of materials cost.
One of the most compelling attributes of this FPGA is its exceptionally low static power consumption. Leveraging Lattice's proven ultra-low power technology, the device can achieve static power as low as 19 µW, making it an ideal candidate for battery-powered and power-sensitive applications. This is further enhanced by programmable sleep modes that allow designers to minimize power during inactive periods.
Beyond the core programmable fabric, the LCMXO2-1200HC is rich in embedded memory and hardened system blocks. It includes 88 Kbits of embedded block RAM (EBR) for data buffering and storage, alongside up to 73 bits of user flash memory (UFM) for non-volatile storage of system parameters or small code segments. A key differentiator for the MachXO2 family is its integration of hardened IP blocks. The device includes a built-in I2C and SPI controller, enabling easy communication with peripheral sensors and chips without consuming valuable general-purpose logic resources. Furthermore, it features a pre-engineered Dual Clock FIFO block, streamlining data transfer between clock domains—a common challenge in complex digital designs.
The -6TG100I package offers a substantial number of user I/Os in a compact 6x6 mm, 100-ball TQFP package. These I/Os support a wide range of voltage standards, including LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and LVDS, providing immense flexibility for interfacing with other components in a system. The device's programmable I/O buffers can be configured to meet various interface requirements, making it a true "interface agent."
The applications for the LCMXO2-1200HC-6TG100I are vast and varied. It is perfectly suited for:
System Management: Serving as a power-up sequencing and control logic hub in larger systems like servers or networking equipment.
Sensor Bridging and Aggregation: Interfacing between multiple sensors (using I2C, SPI) and a host processor (via parallel bus or SPI), performing initial data processing or filtering.
Industrial Control: Implementing glue logic, finite state machines (FSMs), and custom waveform generation for factory automation and motor control systems.
Consumer Electronics: Enabling product differentiation through custom logic in portable devices, smart appliances, and display interfaces.
Hardware Security: Utilizing its non-volatile nature to manage secure boot sequences and control access to critical system components.
ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LCMXO2-1200HC-6TG100I is a powerhouse of integration and efficiency. Its blend of non-volatile instant-on capability, ultra-low static power, and a suite of hardened system IP makes it an unparalleled solution for designers seeking to reduce system complexity, lower power consumption, and accelerate time-to-market for a diverse set of applications.
Keywords: Low-Power FPGA, Non-Volatile Technology, Hardened IP, System Control, Embedded Memory.
