Lattice LCMXO640E-3TN100C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Cost, Low-Power FPGA

In the realm of programmable logic, FPGAs that balance capability with extreme power and cost efficiency are in high demand for modern embedded applications. The Lattice LCMXO640E-3TN100C stands out as a pivotal solution in this space, representing the core strengths of Lattice Semiconductor's low-power FPGA philosophy. This article provides a detailed technical overview of this specific device.

Part of the Lattice MachXO™ family, the LCMXO640E is engineered from the ground up for ultra-low power consumption and a minimal form factor. The "-3" speed grade denotes a robust commercial-grade part capable of operating at mainstream performance levels. The "TN100C" suffix specifies the package (6x6 mm TQFP) and pin count (100 pins), making it suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.

At its heart, the device features 640 Look-Up Tables (LUTs), which serve as the fundamental building blocks for creating custom digital logic. This logic density is ideal for implementing glue logic, bus bridging, I/O expansion, and power management control in larger systems. It provides sufficient resources to integrate multiple discrete components into a single, reprogrammable chip, thereby reducing overall system cost and board space.

A key attribute of the MachXO architecture is its non-volatile, flash-based configuration. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the LCMXO640E-3TN100C configures itself instantaneously upon power-up. This feature enhances security, simplifies the board design, and eliminates the boot time delay, which is critical for power-on sequencing and control applications.

The device excels in its power performance, typically consuming as low as 19 µW in standby mode. This makes it a perfect fit for battery-operated and always-on applications where every microwatt counts. Furthermore, it supports 1.2V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V logic interfaces, offering tremendous flexibility for interfacing with a wide array of processors, sensors, and memory devices without needing additional level translators.

The 100-pin TQFP package offers 80 user I/O pins, a substantial number for a device of this size. These I/Os are highly flexible and support common standards like LVCMOS and LVTTL. For communication, the FPGA can be configured to implement various protocols, including I²C, SPI, and even simple UARTs directly in its fabric, acting as a versatile interface aggregator.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LCMXO640E-3TN100C is a highly optimized FPGA that successfully delivers a potent combination of low cost, minimal power draw, and high integration. Its instant-on, non-volatile nature and small footprint make it an superior choice for replacing fixed-function ASICs and ASSPs in a vast array of consumer, industrial, and communication applications where efficiency and reliability are paramount.

Keywords: Low-Power FPGA, Non-Volatile Configuration, MachXO Family, Ultra-Low Power Consumption, Cost-Optimized