Lattice LCMXO1200C-4FTN256C-3I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Cost FPGA

The Lattice LCMXO1200C-4FTN256C-3I is a prominent member of the Lattice MachXO™ family of non-volatile FPGAs, engineered to bridge the gap between traditional CPLDs and high-end FPGAs. It is specifically designed for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where instant-on operation, low power consumption, and a small form factor are paramount. This device exemplifies the trend of providing maximum programmability and integration at the lowest possible system cost.

At the heart of this FPGA lies a programmable architecture based on Look-Up Tables (LUTs). The "1200" in its nomenclature denotes 1200 LUTs, which serves as a fundamental measure of its logical capacity. This density is well-suited for a vast array of control and interfacing functions, such as bus bridging, I/O expansion, power-up sequencing, and system configuration management. The device operates at a core voltage of 1.2V, contributing significantly to its low power profile, making it an excellent choice for portable and battery-powered equipment.

A key advantage of the MachXO family is its integrated non-volatile Flash configuration memory. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the LCMXO1200C configures itself instantly upon power-up, simplifying board design and enhancing system security and reliability. The "-3I" speed grade indicates a worst-case performance of 3.0 ns for a pin-to-pin logic propagation delay, ensuring robust timing for most control logic applications.

The package, FTN256, is a 256-ball Fine-Pitch Thin Ball Grid Array (ftBGA). This compact package (17x17mm) offers a high number of user I/Os in a very small footprint, which is critical for modern, space-constrained electronic designs. The device supports a wide range of I/O standards, including LVCMOS (1.8V to 3.3V), LVTTL, and PCI, providing immense flexibility for interfacing with various processors, memory, and peripheral components.

Furthermore, the device includes embedded block RAM (9.8 Kbits) and distributed RAM, allowing for efficient implementation of small FIFOs, buffers, and data storage. It also features a user-programmable sysCLOCK PLL for clock generation, multiplication, and division, eliminating the need for external clock management components.

In summary, the Lattice LCMXO1200C-4FTN256C-3I stands out as a highly integrated, flexible, and power-efficient solution. Its blend of non-volatility, modest logic capacity, and a rich feature set in a tiny package makes it an ideal programmable logic platform for applications in consumer electronics, communications infrastructure, industrial control, and computing systems.

ICGOODFIND: This FPGA is a top-tier choice for designers seeking to minimize cost and power without sacrificing programmability or integration for glue logic and system control tasks.

Keywords: Low-Cost FPGA, Non-Volatile, MachXO, Instant-On, ftBGA Package