Low power CPLDs alternatives? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 10:52:03 am
content: This year I wanted to design something around the low power Lattice LC4032ZC, for the small footprint, decent price, and availability of tools. However it seems that it is going to be out of stock for a long time...Are there similar less well known devices around? Even if they approach the complexity of an FPGA, if the price is right, low power is a must (1.8V is ok) and they are available I would settle for that...

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 11:01:03 am
content: Well I saw the ICE40LP384-SG32 which could be available sometime this year...

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 11:49:22 am
content: What's low power for you? Is it low power consumption while switching at max speed? Is it 1.8V operation? Is it standby current?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 11:51:54 am
content: Quote from: MasterTech on January 10, 2022, 10:52:03 amAnd Lattice now charge $590 per year for the ISPLever software needed to use these devices

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 11:55:14 am
content: Have you looked at Lattice XO2 ? ZE series have micropower standby modes and single-digit milliamp static core current draw.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 05:40:14 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on January 10, 2022, 11:55:14 amYep.Or you also have the iCE40 UltraPLus- supported by Lattice Radiant with a free license. Static current is 75 µA. Definitely higher than for the LC4032ZC, but if it happens to meet your requirements...

author: EverydayMuffin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2022, 07:28:07 pm
content: Have you looked at Microchip/Microsemi IGLOO Nano? Maybe AGLN010 or AGLN020. These are Flash-based FPGAs which will be lower standby current and about 10x lower standby power than some of the Lattice devices mentioned in this thread. They make good CPLD replacements.Microchip AGLN010 has typical Standby Current of 1.9uA and Standby Power of 2uW.Lattice ispMACH 4032ZE has typical Standby Current of 10uA and Standby Power of 18uW.Lattice XO2-256 has typical Standby Current of 18uA and Standby Power of 22uW.https://www.microsemi.com/document-portal/doc_view/130695-ds0110-igloo-nano-low-power-flash-fpgas-datasheet

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 08:13:51 am
content: The igloo AGLN010 seems nice specially the low power but it is 5€ vs 1€ for the ICE40LP, the ICE40 Ultra plus is a bit cheaper...Considering the Isplever is subscription based and the ICecube2 is still free, I think the best choice is to use a ICE40LP

author: EverydayMuffin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 12:03:15 pm
content: Quote from: MasterTech on January 11, 2022, 08:13:51 amInteresting, I didn't realise Lattice had so many different tools, depending on which device is being used.https://www.latticesemi.com/Support/LicensingLattice ispMACH 4000 supports ispLEVER Classic (paid)Lattice MachXO2 supports Diamond (free)Lattice iCE40 UltraPlus supports Radiant (free)Lattice iCE40 LP supports iCEcube2 (free)And for fairness...Microchip IGLOO Nano supports Libero SoC v11.9 (free)Quote from: SiliconWizard on January 10, 2022, 05:40:14 pmiCE40 UltraPlus is standby current of 100uA according to datasheet.iCE40LP has a standby current of 21uA.I still think IGLOO Nano is best option, seen as though the tool is free and standby current is 1.9uA.

author: PartialDischarge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2022, 02:00:59 pm
content: Quote from: EverydayMuffin on January 11, 2022, 12:03:15 pmTheir tools and documentation seems nice, but a x5 price...If I can't meet the total current draw with the ICE40LP then I'll consider this one.