Lattice LCMXO640C-5TN144C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Cost, Low-Power FPGA

In the realm of programmable logic, FPGAs that balance capability, cost, and power consumption are in high demand for modern embedded and consumer applications. The Lattice LCMXO640C-5TN144C, a member of the Lattice MachXO™ family, stands out as a quintessential solution designed to address this need. This article provides a detailed technical overview of this specific device, highlighting its architecture, key features, and target applications.

Built on a proven, low-power process technology, the LCMXO640C-5TN144C is engineered for ultra-low power consumption, making it an ideal choice for power-sensitive and battery-operated devices. At its core, it features 640 Look-Up Tables (LUTs), which provide the fundamental logic capacity for implementing custom digital functions. This capacity is well-suited for tasks like glue logic consolidation, interface bridging, and control plane management, often replacing multiple fixed-function ICs with a single, reconfigurable chip.

The device's name reveals critical specifications: the ‘5’ denotes its performance grade, and the ‘TN144C’ specifies its package (Thin Quad Flat Pack) and pin count (144 pins). This package offers a compact footprint valuable in space-constrained PCB designs. A significant number of these pins are user-configurable I/Os, supporting a wide range of voltage standards (LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and LVDS), which provides exceptional flexibility for interfacing with other components in a system.

Beyond the programmable fabric, the LCMXO640C integrates dedicated hard intellectual property (IP) blocks that enhance its functionality without consuming general logic resources. It includes embedded block RAM (EBR) for data storage and FIFO buffers, as well as a flexible sysCLOCK® PLL for clock generation and management. These features are crucial for synchronizing internal operations and interfacing with external devices at different clock rates.

A cornerstone of the MachXO family is its non-volatile, instant-on capability. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the LCMXO640C configures itself immediately upon power-up. This feature is critical for applications requiring immediate operation after power-up and enhances system security and reliability by preventing configuration bitstream interception.

From a development standpoint, designers utilize the Lattice Diamond® or Lattice Radiant® software suites. These environments provide a comprehensive flow for design entry, synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation, fully supporting the device's capabilities and simplifying the implementation of complex logic.

Target Applications:

The combination of low cost, low power, and small form factor makes the LCMXO640C-5TN144C perfect for a diverse set of markets:

Consumer Electronics: Power management, sensor interfacing, and I/O expansion.

Communications Infrastructure: Protocol bridging and control logic for network cards.

Industrial Automation: Motor control, human-machine interface (HMI) control, and system monitoring.

Automotive: In-vehicle infotainment and driver assistance systems.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LCMXO640C-5TN144C is a highly optimized FPGA that successfully delivers a compelling mix of low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and integrated features. Its non-volatile nature and sufficient logic density make it an superior choice for replacing fixed-function ASICs and ASSPs, offering unparalleled design flexibility and faster time-to-market for a vast array of embedded applications.

Keywords:

Low-Power FPGA

Non-Volatile Configuration

MachXO Family

Glue Logic

Instant-On