MAX 10 FPGAs from Altera blend programmable logic and analogue
Altera has formally introduced its MAX 10 FPGAs, that it previewed in May 2014; they are Altera’s latest addition to its Generation 10 family. Using TSMC’s 55 nm embedded flash process technology, they are non-volatile FPGAs with dual-configuration flash,, DSP, analogue and embedded processing capabilities in a small-form-factor, low-cost, instant-on programmable logic device. First chips in the family are available now together with support in a Quartus II software update, evaluation kits, design examples, documentation, training and design services. The products bridge the CPLD and FPGA market sectors, Altera says.
The flash memory is large enough for two complete configuration files, that are loaded into SRAM – the logic is conventional SRAM-based FPGA from Altera’s other ranges – at power-up or on command, in around 10 msec. You can use the twin configurations for alternative functionality, for secure field update or to hold a back-up function set. Altera says it decide not to place a hard processor core on the chips, using instead its Nios II soft core, which is itself configurable to use under 5k logic elements (Les) down to as few as 800 Les; the device family spans 2k to 50k LE capacity. Nios II is “more than adequate” for the processing power required by the type of designs that Altera envisages for the devices, the company says.
Altera positions the chips as reducing overall bill-of-material costs while increasing board reliability. The highly integrated, non-volatile FPGAs provide up to 50% board area savings compared to other low-cost FPGAs by integrating into a single chip:
- Up to 50K logic elements;
- Flash memory blocks (user flash and dual-configuration flash);
- Analogue-to-digital converters;
- Embedded memory and DSP blocks;
- DDR3 external memory interfaces;
- Embedded processing with Nios II cores;
- Up to 500 user I/O;
- Integrated power regulator.
These key features funtion at system-level by enabling MAX 10 FPGAs to perform several important system functions, such as an instant-on configuration, fail-safe upgrades, system monitoring and system control.
For system management applications, instant-on allows MAX 10 FPGAs to be the first usable device on a system board and control the bring-up of other board components. In data path applications, instant-on allows MAX 10 FPGAs to provide responsive user interaction when powered on.
Analogue blocks include ADCs and temperature sensing diodes, and up to 18-channel multiplexing. The integrated analogue functionality allows MAX 10 FPGAs to be used in applications that require system monitoring, such as temperature control and touch-panel human-machine interface control. Integrated analogue blocks reduce board complexity, lower latency and deliver more flexible sample-sequencing, including 2-channel simultaneous sampling.
The device’s integrated functions combined with small package options (as small as 3 x 3 mm) make MAX 10 FPGAs an effective solution for space-constrained systems, such as automotive and industrial applications. In advanced communications, compute and storage applications, MAX 10 FPGAs can efficiently manage complex control functions, while performing system configuration, interface bridging, power sequencing and I/O expansion.
Altera suggests that benefits of integration and package size are enhanced when used alongside Altera’s Enpirion power devices, for which fully validated Enpirion power reference designs are available, optimised for use with MAX 10 FPGAs, lowering design risk and simplifying board design.
MAX 10 FPGAs are available in commercial, industrial and automotive (AEC-Q100) temperature grades. There are evaluation kits, downloadable design examples, and free MAX 10 FPGA development software. Evaluation kits start at $30, and the smallest (2k LE) chips will be around $1.50 in volume.
Altera; www.altera.com/max10
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