Lattice LC4064V-75TN44: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD for Space-Constrained Designs

In the realm of digital logic design, where physical board space is often at a premium, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) offer a powerful blend of flexibility, integration, and non-volatile configuration. The Lattice Semiconductor LC4064V-75TN44 stands as a quintessential example of this category, engineered specifically to deliver high performance and reliability in compact, low-power applications. This article provides a detailed technical examination of this versatile CPLD.

The LC4064V is part of Lattice's high-performance ispMACH® 4000V CPLD family. Fabricated on an advanced CMOS process, its core operates at 1.8 volts, enabling significantly lower power consumption compared to older 3.3V or 5V CPLD architectures. This makes it exceptionally suitable for battery-powered and portable electronics where every milliwatt counts. The "-75" suffix denotes a maximum pin-to-pin delay of 7.5ns, ensuring swift signal propagation critical for high-speed control logic, interface bridging, and glue logic functions.

At the heart of the device are 64 macrocells, organized into four Function Blocks. Each macrocell can be independently configured for combinatorial or registered operations, providing a robust and flexible logic resource. With up to 32 inputs and 32 I/Os, the device can interface with a wide array of external components, including memories, sensors, and communication buses. The non-volatile E²CMOS® technology is a key feature, meaning the device retains its programming configuration upon power-down and instantly becomes operational at power-up, eliminating the need for an external boot PROM.

The "TN44" package designation refers to its 44-pin Thin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (TQFP). This surface-mount package has a very small footprint and a low profile, which is a primary reason for its selection in space-constrained PCB layouts found in consumer electronics, communication subsystems, and industrial control modules. Despite its small size, the package offers a sufficient number of I/O pins to implement complex logic interfaces.

Designing with the LC4064V is streamlined by Lattice's ispLEVER® design software. The tool suite supports all stages of development, from design entry (using VHDL, Verilog, or schematic capture) and functional simulation to fitting, timing analysis, and programming. The device is in-system programmable (ISP) via a standard 4-wire JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface, allowing for rapid design iterations and field firmware updates without physically removing the chip from the circuit board.

ICGOOODFIND: The Lattice LC4064V-75TN44 emerges as an optimal solution for designers tackling the challenges of miniaturization and power efficiency. Its combination of a low-voltage core, deterministic timing, non-volatile memory, and a compact TQFP package solidifies its role as a cornerstone for implementing critical control and interface logic in modern, dense electronic assemblies.

Keywords: Low-Power CPLD, Space-Constrained Design, In-System Programmable (ISP), Non-Volatile Configuration, TQFP Package.