Lattice MACH110-15JC-18JI: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of a High-Performance CPLD
The Lattice MACH110-15JC-18JI stands as a quintessential representation of the high-performance Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) technology that powered a generation of digital design. Part of the venerable MACH (Macro Array CMOS High-density) family from Lattice Semiconductor, this device combines a robust architecture with predictable timing, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of glue logic, state machine, and control processing applications.
Architectural Prowess and Core Structure
At its heart, the MACH110 is built upon a deterministic, PAL-based architecture. This core comprises two primary elements: the Programmable Logic Block and the Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA). The device integrates multiple high-speed PAL blocks interconnected via a central, global routing pool—the PIA. This structure ensures that signal paths between any two logic blocks have consistent, predictable delays, a critical advantage over FPGAs for timing-critical control applications.
The MACH110-15JC specifically features a 44-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package, denoted by the "JC" suffix. The "15" indicates a maximum pin-to-pin delay of 15 ns, guaranteeing high-speed operation. The "18JI" segment of the part number further specifies the device's speed grade and industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), making it suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Key Technical Specifications and Features
High Density: With an equivalent logic density of approximately 110 PLD macrocells, it offered significant logic integration capabilities for its time.
High Performance: The 15 ns maximum propagation delay ensures rapid response times, crucial for bus interfacing and state machine control.
5V Operation: As a cornerstone of its era, it operates on a 5-volt power supply, compatible with the vast majority of contemporary logic families like TTL.
In-System Programmability (ISP): While the specific -15JC variant may require a programmer, the MACH family supports ISP via a 4-pin JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface, allowing for convenient field upgrades and prototyping.
100% Routability: The global PIA guarantees that 100% of design changes can be routed without affecting initial timing, streamlining the design iteration process.
Design and Application Advantages
The primary strength of the MACH110 CPLD lies in its predictable timing model. Unlike FPGAs, where routing delays can vary significantly with design changes, the fixed interconnect delay of the PIA in the MACH110 means that timing performance remains consistent throughout the design cycle. This makes it exceptionally reliable for implementing finite state machines (FSMs), address decoders, and complex bus interfacing logic where setup and hold times are paramount.
Its applications were vast, including:
System glue logic integration (e.g., combining multiple TTL components into a single chip).
Central Control Unit for managing system-level functions.
High-speed address decoding in memory and I/O systems.
Protocol conversion and interface bridging (e.g., between PCI and a local bus).
Programming and Development
Design entry for the MACH110 was typically accomplished using hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog, or through schematic capture. Lattice's development software, such as the ispLEVER tool suite, provided a complete environment for design synthesis, fitting, and timing simulation. The tools were renowned for generating highly accurate timing reports, leveraging the device's deterministic architecture to give designers supreme confidence in their timing closure.
ICGOODFIND: The Lattice MACH110-15JC-18JI is a classic high-performance 5V CPLD, prized for its deterministic timing model, 15 ns speed, and robust 44-pin PLCC packaging. It remains a benchmark for reliable control logic in industrial systems, offering a perfect blend of density, speed, and design predictability for a multitude of digital applications.
Keywords: CPLD, Deterministic Timing, Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA), JTAG Interface, High-Density Logic
