IGLOO PLUS Low Power Flash FPGAs
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industry-standard AES algorithm. The IGLOO PLUS family device architecture mitigates the need for
ASIC migration at higher user volumes. This makes the IGLOO PLUS family a cost-effective ASIC
replacement solution, especially for applications in the consumer, networking/communications,
computing, and avionics markets.
Firm-Error Immunity
Firm errors occur most commonly when high-energy neutrons, generated in the upper atmosphere, strike
a configuration cell of an SRAM FPGA. The energy of the collision can change the state of the
configuration cell and thus change the logic, routing, or I/O behavior in an unpredictable way. These
errors are impossible to prevent in SRAM FPGAs. The consequence of this type of error can be a
complete system failure. Firm errors do not exist in the configuration memory of IGLOO PLUS flash-
based FPGAs. Once it is programmed, the flash cell configuration element of IGLOO PLUS FPGAs
cannot be altered by high-energy neutrons and is therefore immune to them. Recoverable (or soft) errors
occur in the user data SRAM of all FPGA devices. These can easily be mitigated by using error detection
and correction (EDAC) circuitry built into the FPGA fabric.
Advanced Flash Technology
The IGLOO PLUS family offers many benefits, including nonvolatility and reprogrammability, through an
advanced flash-based, 130 nm LVCMOS process with seven layers of metal. Standard CMOS design
techniques are used to implement logic and control functions. The combination of fine granularity,
enhanced flexible routing resources, and abundant flash switches allows for very high logic utilization
without compromising device routability or performance. Logic functions within the device are
interconnected through a four-level routing hierarchy.
IGLOO PLUS family FPGAs utilize design and process techniques to minimize power consumption in all
modes of operation.
Advanced Architecture
The proprietary IGLOO PLUS architecture provides granularity comparable to standard-cell ASICs. The
IGLOO PLUS device consists of five distinct and programmable architectural features (
Figure 1-1 onFlash*Freeze technology
FPGA VersaTiles
Dedicated FlashROM
Dedicated SRAM/FIFO memory
Advanced I/O structure
The FPGA core consists of a sea of VersaTiles. Each VersaTile can be configured as a three-input logic
function, a D-flip-flop (with or without enable), or a latch by programming the appropriate flash switch
interconnections. The versatility of the IGLOO PLUS core tile as either a three-input lookup table (LUT)
equivalent or a D-flip-flop/latch with enable allows for efficient use of the FPGA fabric. The VersaTile
capability is unique to the Actel ProASIC family of third-generation-architecture flash FPGAs. VersaTiles
are connected with any of the four levels of routing hierarchy. Flash switches are distributed throughout
the device to provide nonvolatile, reconfigurable interconnect programming. Maximum core utilization is
possible for virtually any design.
In addition, extensive on-chip programming circuitry allows for rapid, single-voltage (3.3 V) programming
of IGLOO PLUS devices via an IEEE 1532 JTAG interface.
The AGLP030 device does not support PLL or SRAM.