March 2009

Platform Management Using Low-Cost, Non-Volatile MachXO PLDs

Power-up control, general purpose I/O expansion, voltage level translation and interface bridging are common functions in telecom infrastructure, server and industrial applications. System designers are turning to the use of programmable logic devices (PLDs) to implement these functions in their designs due to the inherent time-to-market and design flexibility advantages they offer over ASICs and ASSPs. By using PLDs in their designs, designers can respond to changing market standards and requirements within a compressed window of opportunity. In addition, PLDs enable designers to reduce the total system cost by integrating discrete logic components combined with a small footprint, minimizing PCB space.

Application Example

The figure below shows a typical platform management application for communications infrastructure and server applications.

Typical PLD Usage in a Server Application

The following lists the general requirements for this application:

• Instant-on (control power-up sequencing of other devices in a particular sequence to ensure that they operate correctly)
• 3.3V Power Supply (operate directly from a 3.3V power rail)
• Robust 3.3V I/O and Voltage Level Translation (connect to multiple devices that operate at different voltages within a system)
• Interface Bridging and I/O Versatility (connect devices with different I/O interfaces)
• System Integration (integrate discrete logic including I/O expanders, voltage translators and voltage regulators)
• Remote Field Upgrades (update logic while the device is deployed in the field)

MachXO PLD Family

Lattice’s MachXO PLD family is an ideal fit for the platform management functions described above. Combining an optimized look-up table (LUT) architecture with low-cost embedded Flash process technology, the instant-on, easy-to-use MachXO devices are the most versatile, non-volatile PLDs for low-density applications. MachXO PLDs provide several key system integration benefits that ultimately reduce total system cost. The MachXO Mini Development Kit and free downloadable reference designs provide designers a complete low-cost solution to jump start their designs quickly and effectively.  

To Learn More

For a more detailed look at how low-cost non-volatile PLDs can be used for platform management functions, see the Platform Management Using Low-Cost Non-Volatile PLDs white paper.