FPGA allows smartphone to perform sensor hub functions

From wearables to smartphones, the iCE40 LM family of devices offer exceptionally low power consumption and an extremely small footprint, and have been specifically designed to enable manufacturers of mobile consumer products to implement top of line features fast and efficiently, without sacrificing performance.

The low power iCE40 LM device allowed ZTE to set the Star 2 apart by implementing critical always-on functions. In the crucial battle to reduce energy consumption, it can recognise various gestures and activities while the application processor remains inactive, significantly reducing power usage. Minimising the application processor usage allows ZTE to maximise the battery life of the Star 2.

ZTE considered a software-based solution for IR remote control, but integrated hard IP found in Lattice’s iCE40 LM offered better reliability and performance. ZTE was able to individually decide which functions to incorporate, targeting the features of each model, while simultaneously saving board space, cost and power.

“Lattice’s programmable solution allows ZTE to achieve high performance while meeting low power targets, making it possible to implement key differentiating features in our smartphones,” said Ling Xiaobing, Product Manager, ZTE. “The solution's flexibility makes it the right choice for fast implementation of its features.”

“Lattice’s low power, small size, low cost iCE40 FPGAs are widely used in smartphone, tablet and IoT devices,” commented Subra Chandramouli, Director of Marketing, Lattice. “The ZTE Star 2 shows how customers can provide flexible integration, add differentiation, boost performance, save system power and reduce BOM cost.”