New small form-factor CPLDs ideal for high-volume handheld devices

The folks at Lattice Semiconductor have announced two new, small-footprint packages for their popular ispMACH 4000ZE CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices). They say that this makes these devices the best-in-class choice for use in high volume, handheld designs that demand extremely low power.

The ispMACH 4000ZE is a new generation, ultra-low-power CPLD family based on Lattice's existing ispMACH 4000 CPLD architecture. The ispMACH 4064ZE device is available now in a 64-ball ucBGA (ultra chip scale BGA) package with a 4mm by 4mm footprint; the ispMACH 4128ZE device is available in a 132-ball ucBGA package with a 6mm by 6mm footprint. This enable both devices to accommodate the very tight space constraints common with portable and handheld equipment. In fact, the new space-saving packages enable designers to use these ispMACH 4000ZE devices in a board space that is 36% smaller than previously possible.

Ultra-low-power
The ispMACH 4000ZE family in-system programmable CPLD family is ideal for low power, high volume portable applications, with typical standby current as low as 10µA. The ispMACH 4000ZE devices operate from a nominal 1.8-volt power supply with operation extended down to 1.6-volts, accommodating extended end-of-battery-life voltages that can provide useful added margin for many systems. The family offers enhanced system features such as Power Guard dynamic power reduction; per pin pull-up, pull-down or bus keeper control; an on-chip user oscillator and timer; and input hysteresis. The Power Guard feature lowers power consumption by selectively disabling unused input pins so their switching does not consume dynamic power needlessly.

Flexible 5-volt-tolerant I/Os simplify system integration
The ispMACH 4000ZE devices' 5-volt tolerant I/Os are claimed to be unique among the current generation of CPLD families. These I/Os may be used for connecting to TTL and PCI interfaces with no external components, which make them ideal for connecting to legacy chips and interfaces.

The ispMACH 4000ZE devices have two I/O banks, each with its own power supply voltage that can be set at the appropriate level to support LVTTL and LVCMOS 3.3, 2.5, 1.8 and 1.5-volt outputs. The device input buffers have programmable thresholds that support the above standards independent of the I/O bank voltage. Extended range 3.3-volt I/O current is supported, instead of the more common narrow range version.

The ispMACH 4000ZE family also offers "always on" input hysteresis for each pin. This feature provides improved noise immunity for 3.3V and 2.5V inputs. An internal oscillator also is provided for use in miscellaneous housekeeping functions such as watchdog "heartbeat" functions, digital de-glitch circuits, and control state machines.

Design tools
The ispMACH 4000ZE family is supported by Lattice's ispLEVER Classic design tool suite, which is available for free download from www.latticesemi.com. The ispLEVER Classic design software includes all the tools necessary to take a project from concept to programmed device: project management; HDL, ABEL, and schematic design entry; module integration; fitting; timing analysis; and programming.

Pricing and availability
Both the ispMACH 4064ZE device in the new 64-ball ucBGA package and the ispMACH 4128ZE device in the new 132-ball ucBGA package are now released for volume production and are immediately available.

The rest of the packages in this product family are also shipping in volume. All ispMACH 4000ZE family package options are Pb-free and RoHS-compliant. Pricing for the ispMACH 4064ZE device and the ispMACH 4128ZE device in their new packages is as low as $0.85 and $1.60, respectively, in the high-volumes typically associated with handheld equipment.