Lattice LCMXO2280C-3FTN324C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Cost FPGA

In the diverse landscape of programmable logic, FPGAs that balance capability, power efficiency, and cost are highly sought after for consumer, industrial, and communication applications. The Lattice LCMXO2280C-3FTN324C stands out as a prominent member of Lattice Semiconductor's ultra-low-cost Lattice MachXO™ family, engineered to provide a flexible and economical solution for system control, bridging, and I/O expansion tasks.

This specific device is housed in a 3FTN324C package, a 324-ball Fine-Pitch Thin Ball Grid Array (FTBGA). This compact package is designed for space-constrained applications, offering a robust physical interface while minimizing the PCB footprint. The part number denotes several key characteristics: 'LCMXO2' identifies it as part of the MachXO2 series, '2280' specifies the logic density, 'C' signifies the commercial temperature range (0°C to 85°C), '3' indicates the speed grade, and 'FTN324' defines the package type.

At the heart of this FPGA lies a programmable architecture featuring 2280 Look-Up Tables (LUTs). This logic density is adept for handling complex glue logic, integrating multiple discrete components, and implementing state machines and control functions. Beyond basic logic, the device is rich in embedded memory, boasting up to 76.8 Kbits of embedded block RAM (EBR). This memory is crucial for data buffering, FIFOs, and serving as scratchpad memory for soft processor cores.

A significant advantage of the MachXO2 platform is its non-volatile, flash-based configuration technology. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the LCMXO2280C-3FTN324C configures itself instantaneously upon power-up. This feature enhances security, reduces system component count, and simplifies board design, leading to lower overall bill-of-materials (BOM) costs.

The device offers a versatile I/O structure with support for multiple I/O standards, including LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and LVDS. This flexibility allows for seamless interfacing with a wide array of other components, such as processors, memory, and peripheral devices, across various voltage levels (1.2V to 3.3V). Furthermore, it includes dedicated hardware functions like a user-programmable internal oscillator and a hardened I2C logic core, further saving logic resources for more complex custom designs.

Power consumption is a critical design metric, and this FPGA is architected for exceptional low-power operation. Utilizing a 65nm non-volatile process technology, it maintains a very low static power consumption, making it suitable for power-sensitive and battery-operated applications.

In summary, the Lattice LCMXO2280C-3FTN324C is a highly integrated, cost-optimized FPGA that delivers a compelling mix of low power, instant-on capability, and sufficient logic density for a broad spectrum of control-oriented applications.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LCMXO2280C-3FTN324C is an outstanding low-cost FPGA solution, merging non-volatile flash technology with a balanced feature set of logic, memory, and flexible I/Os. Its instant-on capability and minimal power profile make it an ideal choice for designers seeking to reduce system cost and complexity without sacrificing programmability and performance in control and interfacing applications.

Keywords: Low-Cost FPGA, Non-Volatile, MachXO2, Instant-On, I/O Expansion.