New Packaging Reduces FPGA Footprints Used In Portables

These chip-scale packages for the eX family of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) boast of the smallest footprint in the industry for devices of comparable density. First introduced in September 2000, the eX family consists of three devices: the eX64, eX128 and eX256 with system gate densities of 3,000, 6,000 and 12,000, respectively. A range of chip-scale packages are being offered, including 49-, 128- and 180-ball packages. The eX family of devices, already optimized for portable applications, will have its space requirements on pc boards further reduced with the new packages. The eX family is currently being designed into cable and xDSL modems, digital photography products, MP3 Internet recorders/players, PDAs, and digital set-top boxes. The eX64, the 3,000-gate device, is available now in a 49-ball chip-scale package for $3.00/piece in quantities of 10,000. ACTEL CORP., Sunnyvale, CA. (888) 992-2835.