Lattice LCMXO3LF-1300E-5UWG36ITR1K: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Power FPGA
The Lattice LCMXO3LF-1300E-5UWG36ITR1K is a member of the Lattice MachXO3™ family, representing a significant advancement in low-power, programmable logic solutions for a wide array of consumer, industrial, and communications applications. This FPGA is engineered to deliver an optimal balance of power efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and performance in a minimal footprint.
At the core of this device is its non-volatile, flash-based technology. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the MachXO3 devices instantiate logic instantly upon power-up. This feature eliminates the security and design complexity concerns associated with external configuration bits and significantly reduces total system cost. The "LF" in the part number specifically denotes the low-power variant, which leverages a 65nm process node to achieve exceptionally low static power consumption, often in the range of microamps (µA) for standby current. This makes it an ideal candidate for battery-operated and always-on applications.
The device offers a substantial amount of programmable logic with 1280 Look-Up Tables (LUTs), providing ample resources for implementing complex state machines, glue logic, and interface bridging functions. It also includes 92 Kbits of embedded block RAM (EBR) and 79 Kbits of distributed RAM, offering flexible memory options for data buffering and storage. Furthermore, it features 56 programmable I/O pins that support a range of popular single-ended I/O standards (LVCMOS, LVTTL) and differential I/O standards (LVDS, BLVDS, LVPECL). This flexibility allows for seamless interfacing with processors, memory, sensors, and other peripheral devices.
The specific package, 5UWG36ITR, is a 3.5mm x 3.5mm, 36-ball WLCSP (Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package). This ultra-miniature package is one of the smallest in the industry, enabling designers to integrate programmable logic into space-constrained designs like wearables, portable medical devices, and compact sensor modules. The "ITR" suffix indicates that it is supplied on a tape and reel for high-volume, automated assembly.
Key features that define its utility include:
Instant-On Operation: The device is operational in milliseconds, enabling immediate system functionality.
High I/O to Logic Density Ratio: Its architecture is optimized for control-oriented and "green" applications requiring numerous I/Os without excessive logic.
Enhanced System Integration: Features like on-chip oscillators, user flash memory (UFM), and hardened I2C and SPI interfaces reduce component count and simplify board design.
High Reliability: The single-chip, flash-based structure is inherently immune to configuration upsets caused by neutron-induced soft errors.
ICGOOODFIND: The Lattice LCMXO3LF-1300E-5UWG36ITR1K FPGA stands out as a premier solution for designers prioritizing ultra-low power consumption, miniaturization, and ease of use. Its unique combination of non-volatile technology, a tiny form factor, and sufficient logic capacity makes it a powerful enabler for the next generation of innovative, compact, and energy-efficient electronic products.
Keywords: Low-Power FPGA, MachXO3, Flash-Based, WLCSP, Instant-On
