Lattice LC4128V-10T100I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD

In the realm of digital logic design, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) remain a cornerstone for "glue logic," system configuration, and control applications. Among these, the Lattice LC4128V-10T100I stands out as a robust and highly integrated solution from Lattice Semiconductor's high-performance family. This article provides a detailed technical examination of this specific CPLD, its architecture, key features, and target applications.

The LC4128V-10T100I is built upon a traditional, deterministic CPLD architecture centered around a Programmable Interconnect Matrix (PIM). This structure connects multiple Function Blocks, ensuring predictable and fast signal propagation delays, a critical advantage over FPGAs for control-oriented tasks. The device's identity is decoded from its part number: "4128" indicates 128 macrocells, "V" signifies low-voltage operation, "10" represents a 10ns pin-to-pin delay, and "T100I" denotes a 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package.

Key technical specifications define the capabilities of this component. It features 128 macrocells, organized into 8 Function Blocks, providing a substantial amount of programmable logic for its class. With 64 I/O pins (of the 100 total pins), it offers ample connectivity for interfacing with other system components like memory, sensors, and communication buses. A standout feature is its non-volatile, in-system programmable (ISP) technology. This allows the device to be reconfigured instantaneously upon power-up without an external boot PROM, simplifying board design and enabling remote field updates. The "V" in its name highlights its operation at 3.3V core voltage with 5V tolerant I/Os, making it ideal for mixed-voltage environments. The advertised 10ns maximum pin-to-pin delay ensures excellent performance for high-speed state machines and address decoding.

The combination of non-volatile programming and deterministic timing makes the LC4128V-10T100I exceptionally well-suited for a variety of applications. It is commonly employed as a "power-on" management and control unit, sequencing the startup and shutdown of more complex processors and FPGAs. Its use extends to interface bridging and protocol conversion, such as translating between SPI, I2C, and parallel buses. Furthermore, it is perfect for implementing state machines, address decoders, and custom logic functions that offload simple but critical tasks from a main CPU, thereby improving overall system efficiency and reliability.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LC4128V-10T100I is a high-performance, 128-macrocell CPLD characterized by its non-volatile storage, deterministic timing, and 3.3V core with 5V tolerant I/Os. It serves as an ideal, single-chip solution for system control, management, and logic integration in a wide array of embedded and digital systems.

Keywords:

1. CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device)

2. Non-volatile

3. Macrocell

4. Deterministic Timing

5. In-System Programmable (ISP)