Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN100I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD

In the realm of digital logic design, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) remain a cornerstone for "glue logic," system configuration, and control applications. Among these, the Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN100I stands out as a robust and highly capable solution, balancing density, performance, and power efficiency. This article provides a detailed technical examination of this specific CPLD model.

The LC4128ZE-7TN100I is a member of Lattice Semiconductor's high-performance, low-power ispMACH® 4000ZE CPLD family. The "128" in its designation signifies its capacity, containing 128 macrocells, which are the fundamental building blocks of logic within the device. This provides a sufficient logic resource count to integrate numerous discrete logic components into a single, compact package, simplifying board design and reducing overall system cost.

A key feature of this device is its ultra-low power consumption. Built on a low-power, advanced CMOS process, it operates at a nominal core voltage of 3.3V but is designed for exceptional power efficiency, making it an ideal choice for portable, battery-powered, and power-sensitive applications. The "ZE" suffix specifically denotes this zero-power (standby) feature, where the device draws minimal current when inactive.

The part number "-7TN100I" provides critical information about its performance, package, and temperature grade. The "-7" indicates a 7ns pin-to-pin logic propagation delay, enabling high-speed operation for a wide array of control and interfacing tasks. The "TN100" specifies a 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package, a surface-mount type that offers a good balance between physical size and pin count for easy soldering and PCB integration. Finally, the "I" signifies that the device is rated for the Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C), ensuring reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions beyond the standard commercial range.

The device is in-system programmable (ISP) via a standard 4-pin JTAG (IEEE 1532) interface. This allows for rapid prototyping and easy field upgrades without removing the chip from the circuit board, significantly streamlining the manufacturing and development process. Furthermore, its 5V tolerant I/O pins allow for seamless interfacing with legacy 5V logic systems, providing great flexibility in mixed-voltage design environments.

Internally, the CPLD utilizes a familiar and deterministic PAL®-like architecture. This structure offers fast, predictable timing performance, which is often preferable over FPGAs for simple, combinational, or state machine logic where timing must be guaranteed.

ICGOOODFIND: The Lattice LC4128ZE-7TN100I is a highly integrated, power-efficient, and reliable CPLD. Its combination of 128 macrocells, ultra-low power consumption, 7ns high speed, industrial temperature rating, and 5V I/O tolerance makes it an excellent choice for a vast array of applications, including power management sequencing, interface bridging, data encryption/decryption control, and system configuration in communications, computing, and industrial systems.

Keywords: CPLD, Low Power, 128 Macrocells, JTAG Programming, Industrial Temperature