FPGA Platform Moves Into Low-Cost Markets

Providing a cost-reduced solution for applications where I/O count matters more than logic density, the Spartan-3A family of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) reportedly support the industry’s widest range of I/O standards, 26 to be exact. Built on 90-nm technology, the platform consists of five devices offering up to 1.4 million system gates and 502 I/Os. They also feature advances in power management, device configuration, and design security. In terms of power management, the devices employ a suspend mode with over 40% static power reduction, wake-up time of less than 100 µs, and system-level synchronization across time domains. Configuration capabilities include source-synchronous interfacing technology and multi-boot capabilities with integrated watchdog supervision. Additionally, the Spartan-3A devices are said to be the first FPGAs to offer a unique DeviceDNA serial number, a permanent ID code that safeguards hardware and software IP and allows users to implement custom algorithms that enable authentication, deter cloning, and control IP activation. Engineering samples of the XC3S700A and XC3S1400A are shipping now with the XC3S50A, XC3S200A, and XC3S400A coming in the first quarter of 2007. Prices for the 3S700A and 3S1400A are $11.95 and $16.95 each/250,000, respectively. XILINX INC., San Jose, CA. (408) 559-7778.