Lattice LFE3-35EA-6FN484I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview and Application Guide
The Lattice LFE3-35EA-6FN484I is a member of the Lattice ECP3™ (EConomyPlus3) family, a series of low-power FPGAs designed for high-performance applications. This specific device, housed in a 6FN484 package, offers a compelling blend of high-speed serial connectivity, low power consumption, and a rich set of programmable logic resources, making it a versatile solution for a wide array of complex digital designs.
Core Architectural Features
At its heart, the LFE3-35EA contains approximately 33.5K LUTs (Look-Up Tables), providing substantial logic density for implementing complex state machines, data path control, and processing algorithms. The architecture is fortified with 2.488 Mbits of embedded memory, configured as block RAM (EBR). This on-chip memory is crucial for efficient data buffering, FIFO implementation, and coefficient storage without needing external memory components, thus reducing system cost and complexity.
A standout feature of the ECP3 family is its robust SERDES (Serializer/Deserializer) capability. The LFE3-35EA integrates multiple multi-protocol SERDES channels capable of operating at speeds up to 3.2 Gbps. These channels support a vast range of industry-standard protocols, including:
PCI Express (Gen1/Gen2 endpoint support)
Gigabit Ethernet (SGMII)
XAUI
CPRI/OBSAI
Serial RapidIO
This makes the device exceptionally well-suited for applications requiring high-speed backplane interfaces, fiber optic transceivers, or chip-to-chip communication.
Furthermore, the FPGA includes dedicated hard IP cores for PCIe and SGMII, offloading these complex functions from the programmable fabric. This not only simplifies design implementation but also enhances performance and reliability while minimizing power usage. The device also features PLLs (Phase-Locked Loops) and flexible I/O banks supporting common standards like LVCMOS, LVDS, and SSTL, ensuring easy interfacing with other system components.
Power and Performance Profile
A defining characteristic of the LFE3-35EA-6FN484I is its ultra-low power consumption. Built on a 65nm process technology, the ECP3 family utilizes Lattice's innovative design techniques to achieve significantly lower static and dynamic power than competing FPGAs. This attribute is paramount for thermally sensitive or power-constrained applications, such as portable equipment or systems requiring high reliability.
Target Applications
The combination of high-speed I/O, ample logic, and low power directs the LFE3-35EA towards several key markets:
1. Wireless Infrastructure: Ideal for implementing digital front-end (DFE) functions, radio control, and interface bridging (e.g., CPRI) in cellular base stations and remote radio heads.
2. Wireline Access & Networking: Used in routers, switches, and gateways for protocol bridging, packet processing, and managing Ethernet links.
3. Video and Imaging: Capable of handling video over IP, image processing, and display interface bridging (e.g., LVDS to HDMI).
4. Industrial and Automotive: Suitable for motor control, industrial networking, and system management where reliability and low power are critical.
5. Military/Aerospace: Its low power and high-performance I/O are beneficial for ruggedized communication and processing systems.
Design and Development Support
Lattice provides a complete ecosystem for developing with the LFE3-35EA. The Lattice Diamond® design software offers a comprehensive suite of tools for design entry, synthesis, place-and-route, and verification. Additionally, a wealth of pre-engineered IP cores is available to accelerate development and reduce time-to-market for standard functions and interfaces.
The Lattice LFE3-35EA-6FN484I FPGA emerges as a highly integrated and power-efficient platform, striking an optimal balance between performance, features, and cost. Its robust high-speed serial connectivity, substantial logic capacity, and dedicated hard IP make it an exceptional choice for designers tackling complex interface and control challenges in communication, industrial, and video systems.
Keywords: Low-Power FPGA, High-Speed SERDES, ECP3 Family, PCI Express, Embedded Memory
