Lattice LC4064V-10TN44I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Power CPLD

The Lattice LC4064V-10TN44I represents a significant offering in the realm of Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), engineered for applications where low power consumption, design flexibility, and a small form factor are paramount. As part of Lattice Semiconductor's high-performance, ultra-low-power families, this device provides an optimal blend of capacity and efficiency for a wide array of modern electronic systems.

Architectural Core and Logic Capacity

At the heart of the LC4064V lies a robust architecture centered around a non-volatile, in-system programmable (ISP) fabric. This device features 64 macrocells, organized into multiple Function Blocks interconnected by a global routing pool. This structure ensures predictable, fast timing performance critical for state machine and glue logic applications. Each macrocell can be configured for combinatorial or registered operations, offering designers significant flexibility. The non-volatile nature of the configuration memory means the device is instant-on upon power-up, requiring no external boot configuration, which simplifies system design and enhances reliability.

Performance and Timing Characteristics

The `-10` in its part number denotes a pin-to-pin logic propagation delay as fast as 10 ns, enabling its use in systems with demanding timing requirements. The device supports internal clock frequencies of over 200 MHz, ensuring it can handle high-speed control logic and data gating tasks efficiently. This predictable timing model, a hallmark of CPLD architectures, eliminates the routing delays inherent in larger FPGAs, making it ideal for critical control path applications.

Power Efficiency: A Defining Feature

A cornerstone of the LC4064V-10TN44I's value proposition is its exceptionally low power consumption. Built on a mature, low-voltage process technology, it operates at a core voltage of 3.3V and interfaces with 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V systems, thanks to its multi-voltage I/O capability. Its static power consumption is remarkably low, measured in microamps (µA), making it perfectly suited for battery-powered and portable devices where extending operational life is crucial. This feature is a key differentiator against power-hungry alternatives.

Package and I/O Capabilities

The `TN44I` suffix specifies a thin quad flat pack (TQFP) package with 44 pins. This compact package is ideal for space-constrained PCB designs. The device offers up to 33 user-defined I/O pins, each capable of supporting various single-ended I/O standards (LVCMOS, LVTTL). These I/Os feature programmable slew-rate control and bus-keeper circuits to minimize noise and reduce overall system power.

Design and Development Support

Designing with this CPLD is streamlined through Lattice's proprietary ispLEVER Classic design software. This environment provides a complete suite of tools for design entry (schematic or HDL), synthesis, place-and-route, and programming. The use of industry-standard HDLs like Verilog and VHDL allows for rapid development and code reuse.

Target Applications

The combination of low power, small size, and instant-on operation makes the LC4064V-10TN44I ideal for a diverse set of applications, including:

Portable and handheld consumer electronics

System management and power sequencing in larger computing systems

Motor control and sensor interfacing in industrial environments

Communication infrastructure for bus bridging and protocol translation

Automotive electronics for control and dashboard functions

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LC4064V-10TN44I stands out as a highly efficient and reliable CPLD solution. Its non-volatile memory, ultra-low static power, and fast pin-to-pin timing offer a compelling package for designers tackling the challenges of power-sensitive and space-constrained modern electronics. It successfully bridges the gap between simple PLDs and larger, more complex FPGAs, providing just the right amount of logic with minimal overhead.

Keywords: Low-Power CPLD, Non-Volatile, In-System Programmable (ISP), TQFP Package, High-Speed Performance