Distributed RAM and sysMEM Embedded Block RAM (EBR)

The MachXO PLD family features two different types of memories:

A. Distributed Memories

LUTs in PFU blocks can be configured as single or dual port 16X2 bit Memories.

B. Embedded Block RAM (EBR)

To store large amounts of data, MachXO 1200 and MachXO 2280 PLDs provide dedicated 9Kbit blocks of memory. These blocks can be configured as single, pseudo-dual port or dual-port RAM memory. These blocks can also be configured as FIFOs with dedicated control - saving device logic resources for user logic.

Distributed and EBR memories can be cascaded in width and depth to create larger memories. Further, by pre-loading these RAM memories during configuration, ROM (RAM without a write port) can be realized.

The distributed RAMs are ideal for creating small data buffers such as those typically used in bus bridging and bus interface applications. The Figure below illustrates efficient (X16 times capacity improvement) use of this approach as compared to standard registers.