Out in Front: August 15, 1996

A new class of devices, "system-programmable gate arrays" (SPGAs), has emerged from an alliance between Actel and Synopsys. To make the device, Actel is licensing Synopsys' cell-based array (CBA) architecture and linking it on the same chip with an antifuse FPGA logic block. The resulting device can have a large, dedicated block of mask-programmed logic surrounded by programmable logic. The chip offers high-density logic suitable for complete systems yet provides the flexibility to adapt the core logic to a wide range of applications. A major benefit of using both CBA and FPGA technology on one chip instead of using a separate gate array and FPGA is the ability to avoid the on- and off-chip buffer delays. Avoiding these delays improves speed and reduces latency for the logic.

The SPGAs should be useful in both application- and customer-specific versions. Actel will design application-specific versions around a core operation, such as standard-bus operations (PCI, Universal Serial Bus, or FireWire), data communications, and DSP applications (filters and video). The application-specific versions will retain the short time-to-market and flexibility advantages of FPGAs and offer the integration of large, fixed, logic blocks.

Actel is targeting the customer-specific versions at large customers wanting to develop their own custom designs yet needing on-chip programmable logic for flexibility. For example, telecomm companies can use the programmable logic to adapt to local telecomm standards or updated standards without mask changes.

Actel is working with major customers to define the first application- and customer-specific versions. The company expects to announce the first products within nine months.

—by Doug Conner

Actel, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 739-1010, http://www.actel.com