Microsemi ACT 2 Family FPGAs Datasheet Overview

Category: Electronics, Microsemi Corp, Programmable Logic ICS

The Microsemi ACT 2 Family FPGAs datasheet details a range of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that deliver high-performance logic solutions for various applications. The datasheet emphasizes the family’s capacity to replace traditional logic packages with higher gate density and integrated macro functions.

Product Specifications

The ACT 2 product line boasts gate arrays of up to 8,000 gates, which are equivalent to 20,000 programmable logic device (PLD) gates, thereby potentially replacing up to 200 transistor-transistor logic (TTL) packages or up to eighty 20-pin programmable array logic (PAL) packages. The family offers up to 232 programmable logic modules, a maximum of 998 flip-flops, and includes a comprehensive design library with over 500 macro functions.

These FPGAs typically find applications in places where a large number of TTL or PAL packages would otherwise be needed. The design utility is enhanced thanks to single-module sequence and wide-input combinatorial functions, and the hardware’s configuration is made simple with up to 998 user input/output pins.

Performance and Technology

Performance features of ACT 2 FPGAs include 16-bit counters and accumulators that can operate at frequencies up to 105 MHz, with a 16-bit accumulator performance reaching up to 39 MHz. The devices are built using 1.0 micron CMOS technology and feature two in-circuit diagnostic probe pins to enhance functionality and maintenance capabilities.

Clock management is facilitated by two high-speed, low-skew clock networks and IO drive current can reach up to 10 mA. Notably, the logic is nonvolatile and user-programmable, offering the reliability of being fully tested before shipment.

Package Options and Ordering Information

Several package options are available including ceramic pin grid array (CPGA), plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC), plastic quad flat pack (PQFP), very thin quad flat pack (VQFP), thin quad flat pack (TQFP), and ceramic quad flat pack (CQFP). The ordering code configuration provides choices among various temperature ranges suitable for commercial, industrial, and military applications, as well as lead count and lead-free options. The -2 speed grade denotes devices that are approximately 25% faster than the standard speed.

Different part numbers signify varying gate capacities: A1225 for 2,500 gates, A1240 for 4,000 gates, and A1280 for 8,000 gates. According to the datasheet note, the performance benchmarks utilize the PREP Benchmarks, Suite #1, Version 1.2 and are representative of -2 speed devices under commercial worst-case operating conditions.

Key Takeaways

In summary, the Microsemi ACT 2 Family FPGAs are versatile and robust, suited for replacing multiple TTL or PAL packages with fewer FPGA devices, offering enhanced design capabilities, and supporting a range of applications with high-speed performance and a choice of packaging options.