IGLOO2 flash FPGA targets integration and security
The IGLOO2 family ranges from $7 for 6000 logic elements up to 150,000 logic elements and so is aimed at industrial applications as well as the existing commercial aviation, defense, communications and security applications where Microsemi is a strong player.
The non-volatile flash-based IGLOO2 FPGAs adds a higher number of general purpose input/outputs (GPIOs), 5G SERDES interfaces, and PCI Express endpoints with a high performance memory subsystem integrated into the silicon.
The routing architecture is new for this family to support the higher density and new timing tools support the design flow says Paul Ekas, vice president of marketing for SoCs at Microsemi. "We have very good timing tools," he said. "The routing interconnect is unique – its a totally different architecture with asymmetric delays through the logic and that gives us flexibility in the timing."
The family requires only two power supplies, versus three for competitive devices. Additionally, the non-volatile configuration of IGLOO2 eliminates the requirement for external flash memory, providing the system architect with a higher level of system integration, performance and reliability.
Microsemi has already engaged with lead customers who plan to use IGLOO2 in a range of products from industrial controllers, Ethernet switches, FADEC engine controllers to missile systems.
“Our new IGLOO2 FPGAs allow us to address a broader range of opportunities as well as expand our presence in key vertical markets where Microsemi has a strong footprint,” said Esam Elashmawi, vice president and general manager of Microsemi’s SoC product group. “With our comprehensive product portfolio, Microsemi is the only semiconductor company to offer programmable solutions, analog, digital and mixed-signal ICs under one umbrella. This unique strategic advantage allows us to provide our customers with system-level solutions that lower bill-of-material costs and power consumption in a wide range of products.
“The IGLOO2 FPGA family follows the successful launch of our SmartFusion2 SoC FPGAs last year, which are shipping to customers now,” said Elashmawi. “The launch of two major FPGA families within a year exemplifies Microsemi’s continued commitment to invest in industry leading advanced SoC and FPGA products.”
The built-in high-performance memory subsystem (HPMS) that embeds common user functions such as the industry’s largest monolithic embedded SRAM memory blocks. These memories provide fast, predictable low latency to time critical embedded applications such as video, embedded graphics functions and real time Ethernet. Included in the HPMS is up to 512Kbytes of flash memory which allows users to store pertinent system data such as Ethernet MAC IDs, user keys, system configuration and system personalization data. This feature also enables secure boot functions for industry leading processors by storing secondary boot loaders securely on-chip. In addition, the HPMS integrates two DMA controllers and a two-port memory cache (DDR bridges) to efficiently move data within and in-and-out of the device to external DDR3 memories for these embedded time critical applications.
The family delivers the industry’s lowest static power by providing 10 times lower static power than comparable FPGAs by using the Flash*Freeze real-time power management mode from the previous generation.
To protect valuable customer IP, the family includes built-in design security for all devices including root-of-trust applications. Additionally, IGLOO2 FPGAs continue Microsemi’s dominance in SEU immunity due to the inherently reliable flash-based FPGA fabric, ideal for safety critical, mission critical and high temperature systems, including industrial and M2M designs that need to be secured.
Designers can use the Libero SoC software toolset for designing IGLOO2 FPGAs. Libero SoC includes FPGA development tools from leading EDA vendors such as Mentor Graphics and Synopsys that includes the routing algorithms for this generation of devices. These tools, combined with tools developed by Microsemi, allow customers to quickly and easily manage their Microsemi FPGA designs. An intuitive user interface and push button design flow guide users through the flow while organizing design files and seamlessly managing exchanges between the various tools.
The mid-range 50,000 logic element device, the M2GL050, is shipping in volume production now with subsequent device configurations rolling out throughout 2013 and early 2014. IGLOO2 FPGAs will be available in extended temperature offerings of up to 125 degrees centigrade temperature junction. The low-cost IGLOO2 Evaluation Kit will be available in August 2013. Pricing for IGLOO2 starts at less than $7USD for high volume orders.
www.microsemi.com
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