FPGA Configurator Provides Miniaturized, High Speed Configuration Solution for Altera FPGAs

Typical configuration circuits for large FPGAs include two to eight flash memory devices, a CPLD for management, and several passive components. The FC512 integrates this complete circuit into a single BGA package to minimize PCB board space and reduce design complexity.

The FC512 utilizes full 32-bit configuration, providing the fastest system-on time for embedded applications, and the ability to configure large FPGAs within the 100ms PCIe limit. The FC512 has been designed and tested to be used with latest generation devices including Altera Stratix V and Arria V FPGAs.

Through ISI’s involvement with customers using FPGAs in high performance applications, we identified an opportunity to shrink and simplify the configuration circuit, said Mark Gilliam, vice president marketing at ISI. To address this, we leveraged our advanced packaging capabilities to integrate a CPLD and 512 Mb of QSPI Flash into a single 13x13mm BGA package.

We are pleased to partner with ISI to deliver the FPGA Configurator. says Jeffrey Wimett, PCI Express marketing manager at Altera, Many of Altera’s Stratix V and Arria V GZ customers are building PCIe Gen3 based systems today, and this innovative solution will help them save board space and reduce the cost of their products.

The FC512 is shipping to early access customers now, and will be in full volume production in the second quarter of 2013.