Lattice LC4128V-10TN144I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD
The Lattice LC4128V-10TN144I is a high-performance, low-power Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) from Lattice Semiconductor's ispMACH® 4000V family. Designed for a wide array of general-purpose logic integration applications, this device combines a robust architecture with in-system programmability, making it a versatile solution for bridging, interfacing, and control functions in modern electronic systems.
Architectural Core: The Macrocell Array
At the heart of the LC4128V lies a familiar CPLD structure centered around a programmable interconnect matrix that routes signals to multiple Logic Blocks. Each block contains 16 Macrocells, and with a total of 128 macrocells, the device offers substantial logic capacity. Each macrocell is configurable for sequential or combinatorial logic operations, featuring a programmable D/T flip-flop and dedicated logic for efficient arithmetic functions. This granular control allows designers to implement complex state machines, counters, and decoders with high efficiency.
Performance and Timing Characteristics
The `-10` in its part number denotes a pin-to-pin logic propagation delay of 10 ns, enabling high-speed operation for critical control paths. The device supports clock frequencies exceeding 200 MHz, ensuring it can handle demanding timing requirements. This predictable timing model, a hallmark of CPLD architectures, simplifies the design process by eliminating the complex routing delays associated with FPGAs, making it ideal for "glue logic" and real-time control applications where timing is paramount.
Power Efficiency and Voltage Operation
A key feature of the 4000V family is its low-power operation. The LC4128V-10TN144I operates on a 1.8V core voltage with 3.3V or 2.5V I/O capability, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to 5V or 3.3V core CPLDs. This makes it exceptionally suitable for portable, battery-operated, and other power-sensitive consumer and communication products.
Package and I/O Capabilities
The `TN144` suffix indicates a Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package with 144 pins. This surface-mount package offers a compact footprint while providing 101 user-defined I/O pins. These I/O pins are organized into banks and are highly flexible, supporting various single-ended I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS) and featuring programmable bus maintenance and pull-up resistors. This flexibility allows for easy interfacing with a multitude of processors, memory chips, and peripheral devices.
In-System Programmability (ISP) and Design Flow
A defining characteristic of this CPLD is its advanced in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) interface. This allows for programming and reprogramming of the device after it has been soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB), drastically simplifying prototyping, field upgrades, and design iterations. Design implementation is supported by Lattice's ispLEVER® design software, which provides a complete flow from design entry and synthesis to fitting, timing analysis, and programming file generation.
Target Applications
The combination of density, speed, and low power targets the LC4128V-10TN144I at a diverse set of applications, including:
System Configuration and Control: Managing power-up sequences and reset distribution.
Data Communication and Bridging: Interfacing between processors and peripherals with different voltage levels or protocols (e.g., SPI to parallel).
Portable and Consumer Electronics: Where low power and small form factors are critical.
Industrial Control Systems: Implementing reliable state machines and interface logic.
ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LC4128V-10TN144I stands as a highly capable and energy-efficient CPLD, offering an optimal blend of predictable performance, high integration, and design flexibility. Its 128-macrocell capacity, 10ns speed, and 1.8V core make it a powerful yet prudent choice for consolidating logic and reducing system component count across a wide spectrum of electronic designs.
Keywords: CPLD, Low-Power, In-System Programmability (ISP), 1.8V Core, 128 Macrocells
