Lattice LC4128V75TN144-10I: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the CPLD

The Lattice LC4128V75TN144-10I represents a specific implementation within the mature yet enduringly popular family of Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) from Lattice Semiconductor. Designed for high-performance, low-power control and glue logic applications, this device offers a reliable and deterministic alternative to FPGAs in many system designs. This article provides a detailed technical examination of its architecture, key features, and target applications.

At its core, the LC4128V-75 denotes a device with 128 macrocells. The macrocells are the fundamental logic units within the CPLD, each capable of implementing a combination of logic functions. These macrocells are grouped into Function Blocks that are interconnected via a global routing pool, ensuring predictable and fast signal delays. This non-FPGA architecture is a hallmark of CPLDs, providing a critical advantage: deterministic timing. Unlike FPGAs, where routing delays can vary significantly between compilations, the fixed interconnect structure of a CPLD like the LC4128V allows for consistent performance every time the design is programmed.

The part number provides specific details about the component:

LC4128V: The core product family and macrocell count.

75: Indicates the performance grade, with -10 being 10ns pin-to-pin delay and -75 being 7.5ns. The -10I suffix specifically confirms a maximum pin-to-pin delay of 10ns, enabling high-speed operation for control-oriented tasks.

TN144: This specifies the package type—a Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP)—and the pin count, which is 144 pins.

10I: The 'I' denotes the industrial temperature range, meaning the device is rated to operate reliably in environments from -40°C to +100°C.

Key technical specifications solidify its position as a robust solution for industrial and communications applications. It features 3.3V core voltage with 5V tolerant I/Os, allowing it to interface seamlessly with both older 5V and newer 3.3V logic families. The device offers 75MHz maximum operating frequency and up to 119 user I/O pins on the 144-pin package, providing ample connectivity. It is in-system programmable (ISP) via a standard JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) interface, facilitating easy prototyping and field updates.

The non-volatile nature of the technology is a significant benefit. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs that require an external boot PROM, the LC4128V is based on non-volatile E²CMOS® technology. This means the configuration is stored directly on the chip and instantly available upon power-up, enhancing system security and reliability while simplifying board design.

Target applications for the LC4128V-75TN144-10I are diverse, typically focusing on areas where its strengths are paramount. These include:

Address decoding and bus interfacing in microprocessor systems.

Power-on sequencing and system control logic.

Data path control and glue logic integration.

Serial communication port management (e.g., UART, SPI, I²C).

Level shifting and signal translation between different voltage domains.

ICGOODFIND: The Lattice LC4128V75TN144-10I is a highly capable CPLD that excels through its deterministic timing, non-volatile instant-on configuration, and robust 5V tolerant I/O. It remains a go-to solution for designers needing reliable control logic, interface bridging, and system management in industrial, communications, and embedded computing systems, where its simplicity and performance predictability outperform more complex FPGA alternatives.

Keywords:

CPLD

Deterministic Timing

Non-Volatile

5V Tolerant I/O

Macrocell