Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN144C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview and Application Guide
The Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN144C represents a specific configuration within Lattice Semiconductor's mature but highly effective ispMACH 4000ZE CPLD family. This device combines a proven, low-power architecture with a robust package, making it a continued choice for a wide array of control and interfacing applications in modern electronic systems. This article provides a detailed technical overview and practical guidance for leveraging this component.
Architectural Foundation: The ispMACH 4000ZE CPLD
At its core, the LC4128ZE is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD). Its architecture is based on a macrocell-based structure organized into logic blocks. The "128" in its name denotes it contains 128 macrocells, which are the fundamental logic units. Each macrocell can be configured to perform combinatorial or registered logic functions, providing a flexible and dense logic fabric.
A key feature of the 4000ZE family is its ultra-low power consumption, achieved through an advanced CMOS process. The device operates on a 1.8V core voltage with 3.3V, 2.5V, or 1.8V I/O capabilities, making it ideal for power-sensitive and battery-operated applications. Furthermore, it offers 5ns pin-to-pin logic delays, enabling its use in systems requiring high-performance control logic.
Decoding the Part Number: LC4128ZE-7TN144C
LC4128ZE: Indicates the family (ispMACH 4000ZE) and the number of macrocells (128).
-7: Signifies the speed grade. Here, `-7` denotes a 7ns maximum pin-to-pin delay, which is the performance grade.
TN: Refers to the package type. `TN` stands for a Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP), a surface-mount package with leads on all four sides.
144: This is the number of pins in the package. The 144-pin count offers a significant number of user I/O pins for interfacing.
C: Often indicates a commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C).
Key Features and Specifications
128 Macrocells: Provides ample logic capacity for glue logic, state machines, and address decoding.
1.8V Core Voltage with MultiVolt I/O: Ensures low dynamic and standby power while maintaining compatibility with 3.3V, 2.5V, and 1.8V system voltages.
7ns Pin-to-Pin Delay: Offers high-speed performance for critical control paths.
144-Pin TQFP Package: Provides a compact footprint and facilitates easier PCB routing and manufacturing compared to larger BGAs.
In-System Programmable (ISP): Allows for reprogrammable logic via the JTAG (IEEE 1532) interface, enabling easy field upgrades and design iterations.
Non-volatile E²CMOS Technology: The configuration is retained upon power-down, eliminating the need for an external boot PROM.
Application Guide
The LC4128ZE-7TN144C excels in applications that require quick, deterministic logic and low power. Its primary roles include:
1. System Integration and Glue Logic: It is perfect for replacing multiple discrete logic ICs (e.g., AND, OR gates, flip-flops), thereby reducing board space and component count. This includes generating chip selects, wait states, and control signals for processors and memory.
2. Interface Bridging and Protocol Translation: The device can act as a bridge between different voltage domains or communication protocols, such as between a 3.3V microprocessor and a 5V peripheral, or between SPI and I²C buses.
3. Power Management Sequencing: Its deterministic timing is ideal for implementing precise power-up and power-down sequencing logic for FPGAs, ASICs, and other system components.
4. Control Plane Management: In communications and networking equipment, it is often used for managing control and status registers, interrupt aggregation, and fan speed control.
5. Portable and Battery-Powered Devices: Due to its inherently low power consumption, it is a strong candidate for handheld instruments, consumer electronics, and medical devices where extending battery life is critical.
Design Considerations
When designing with this CPLD, engineers should:
Utilize Lattice's development tools, such as Lattice Diamond or ispLEVER, for design entry (VHDL/Verilog), synthesis, and place-and-route.
Pay careful attention to I/O banking rules to ensure correct voltage levels for interfacing devices.
Leverage the JTAG port not only for programming but also for boundary-scan testing to assist in PCB bring-up and debugging.
ICGOOODFIND
The Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN144C is a highly capable and reliable CPLD solution that strikes an excellent balance between logic density, low power consumption, and high performance. Its non-volatile, reprogrammable nature and extensive I/O capabilities make it an indispensable component for system control, integration, and interface management across a diverse range of industries, from consumer electronics to industrial automation.
Keywords:
1. CPLD
2. Low-Power
3. Programmable Logic
4. Interface Bridging
5. TQFP
