Lattice LC4128V-5TN128C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD

The Lattice LC4128V-5TN128C represents a specific member of the high-performance, low-power ispMACH® 4000ZE CPLD family from Lattice Semiconductor. This device is engineered to provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for a wide array of general-purpose logic integration tasks, serving as a "glue logic" replacement, interface bridging, and control function implementation in complex digital systems.

Architectural Core: The Macrocell Array

At the heart of the LC4128V-5TN128C lies a robust CPLD architecture centered around a programmable logic array interconnected via a global routing pool (GRP). This design ensures predictable timing and high-performance signal routing across the device. The logic is implemented through 128 macrocells, which are grouped into blocks. Each macrocell contains programmable combinational logic and a configurable register that can be set for D, T, SR, or JK flip-flop operation, with dedicated clock, reset, and clock enable signals. This granular control allows designers to efficiently implement both state machines and combinatorial functions.

Key Specifications and Performance

The device is built on a 5-nanosecond pin-to-pin logic propagation delay (tPD), enabling a maximum operating frequency of over 200 MHz for many designs. This speed makes it suitable for high-speed control and address decoding in modern systems. It features 64 logic inputs and 96 I/O pins, offering a generous interface to the external world. The non-volatile, in-system programmable (ISP) E²CMOS® technology is a critical feature, allowing the device to be reprogrammed an unlimited number of times even after being soldered onto a circuit board. This drastically simplifies prototyping, debugging, and field upgrades.

Power Efficiency and Packaging

A standout characteristic of the "V" and "ZE" series is its focus on low power consumption. The LC4128V-5TN128C operates on a 1.8V core voltage with 3.3V, 2.5V, or 1.8V I/O support, making it ideal for power-sensitive and battery-operated portable applications. The "TN128C" suffix denotes its 128-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package, which is a surface-mount package with a low profile, suitable for space-constrained PCB designs.

Design and Development Support

Development for this CPLD is supported by Lattice's ispLEVER® Classic design software suite. This environment provides a complete flow from design entry (using schematic, VHDL, or Verilog) through synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and finally, programming file generation. The software includes powerful tools for simulation and static timing analysis, ensuring that performance requirements are met before committing to hardware.

Target Applications

The combination of density, speed, and low power positions the LC4128V-5TN128C perfectly for numerous applications. It is commonly found in:

Interface bridging (e.g., translating between SPI, I²C, and UART protocols).

Power management sequencing and control in multi-voltage systems.

Address decoding and bus interfacing in microprocessor and microcontroller systems.

Data path control and initialization for FPGAs and ASICs.

System configuration and control in communications, computing, and industrial equipment.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LC4128V-5TN128C is a highly capable and versatile CPLD that successfully balances high performance, low power consumption, and design flexibility. Its predictable timing model, non-volatile memory, and 128-macrocell capacity make it an enduringly popular choice for engineers needing to consolidate logic, manage I/O expansion, and implement reliable control functions across a diverse range of electronic products.

Keywords:

1. CPLD

2. Macrocell

3. Low-Power

4. In-System Programmable (ISP)

5. Interface Bridging