Clear Logic has introduced a new member of its CL7000A family of 3,3-V Link Processed Logic Devices (LPLDs). The CL7256A is 100% socket-compatible with Altera's MAX 7256A PLD, but has a 45% smaller die, typically consumes 30% less power and costs up to 60% less than the Altera device, claims Clear Logic.
According to the manufacturer, CL7256A LPLDs can directly accept MAX 7256A programming files because they have coarse grained logic structures that are similar to those in the MAX device, including macrocell arrays and a central signal routing matrix. However, Clear Logic's unique LPLD architecture allows the CL7256A to offer the same functionality as Altera's MAX 7256A, including pin-outs and I/O loading, with 250 000 fewer transistors. The vastly smaller number of transistors in the Clear Logic device results in a die size that is 45% smaller than Altera's and consumes 30% less power, says the company.
Don Knowlton, Clear Logic's Vice President of Marketing, said "Any designer or buyer who has specified MAX 7256A CPLDs should seriously consider our CL7256A LPLDs as replacements in his bill of materials. The CL7256A and the MAX device are absolutely interchangeable in the same socket, on the same board. Since Clear Logic ships configured sample parts, free of charge, to any designer who submits a CL7256A programming file, there is absolutely no risk at all. The designer simply submits the MAX programming file to our website, www.clear-logic.com. Within two to three weeks we ship configured parts that can be plugged directly into the socket. There is no cost and no more than five minutes of the designer's time associated with this process.
Link technology
Clear Logic's LPLD products do not need any of the transistors that exist in the MAX interconnect array, and only a single transistor for each input term in the AND array. CL7256A interconnect functions and input terms are configured by severing vertical links in vias on the CL7256A die. In contrast, each connection point in the MAX 7256A programmable interconnect array (PIA) contains eleven transistors. Six of these handle programming and data storage. Four more transistors control bus contention by holding the signal off during power up. One more MAX 7256A PIA transistor switches the logic path. In addition, six transistors are necessary to program each MAX 7256A input term; three to control the signal, and three to control the inverted signal. Clear Logic says that all of these transistors result in a large MAX 7256A die, and a correspondingly high price.
The major reduction in transistor count in the CL7256A LPLD results in a reduction in capacitance, giving an internal active power saving of 15% to 50%, compared to the MAX CPLD. In addition, unused product term inputs are permanently disabled in the Clear Logic device. This means that static power drain is up to 75% less than for a programmable device, depending upon the product term utilisation of the specific customer design.
Clear Logic offers the same production packages and speed grades as Altera's EPM7256A.
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