LSI Logic Corp is claiming a breakthrough with its system-on-a- chip designs (SOC), adding a field programmable gate array core to its CoreWare library. An FPGA is a programmable logic device (PLD) – a kind of logic chip that can be programmed and reprogrammed by the end user. LSI has licensed the programmable core technology from Los Gatos, California-based start-up Adaptive Silicon Inc.
LSI envisage SOC designs which incorporate FPGAs being used in digital cellular, data networking and telecoms equipment. For instance, telecommunications and baseband equipment could be updated to keep in line with new telecoms standards. FPGAs also allow in-field upgrades and bug fixes variations in SOC products intended for multiple uses.
This FPGA design is a logical progression of the work that LSI has already been doing. Chris Keil, corporate marketing manager for LSI, said that equipment manufacturers often used FPGA-based systems in prototype and early-to-market devices. These FPGAs are then ported onto a single cell. However, device manufacturers often want to keep some programmable functions and so use the SOC with an additional FPGA. Moving all of the functions of a system onto a single die reduces power consumption and cost.
LSI will manufacture the 0.18 micron SOC components at its Gresham, Oregon plant. It expects to start sending out the initial samples to customers in the first half of next year.
