Lattice LC4032ZC-5TN48C: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the Low-Power CPLD

The Lattice LC4032ZC-5TN48C represents a specific implementation within Lattice Semiconductor's enduring ispMACH® 4000ZE family of CPLDs. Renowned for its ultra-low power consumption and small form factor, this device is engineered for cost-sensitive, power-conscious applications requiring glue logic, interface bridging, and control functions. This overview delves into its core architecture, key features, and target applications.

Architecture and Core Specifications

At its heart, the LC4032ZC is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD). Its architecture is based on a macrocell array structure, which offers predictable, pin-to-pin timing crucial for control-oriented designs. The "32" in its name denotes 32 macrocells, which serve as the fundamental logic units. These macrocells can be configured for combinatorial or registered logic operations, providing design flexibility.

The device is built on a non-volatile, in-system programmable (isp) technology. This means the configuration is stored on-chip in EEPROM cells, allowing the device to be reprogrammed multiple times—even after being soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This feature significantly simplifies prototyping, testing, and field updates.

Key Features and Performance

The most defining characteristic of the 4000ZE family, and this device in particular, is its exceptionally low power consumption. It operates at a 1.8V core voltage, which is a primary driver for its reduced power draw compared to older 3.3V or 5V CPLDs. This makes it ideal for battery-operated and portable electronics.

The -5 speed grade indicates a maximum pin-to-pin delay of 5.0 ns, enabling support for clock frequencies well above 100 MHz. This performance is more than adequate for handling slow to medium-speed interface protocols and managing control signals in embedded systems.

The package is a 5mm x 5mm, 48-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP), identified by the -TN48C suffix. This compact package offers a balance between a small PCB footprint and a sufficient number of I/O pins (34 dedicated user I/Os), making it suitable for space-constrained designs.

Target Applications

The combination of low power, small size, and CPLD determinism opens a wide range of applications for the LC4032ZC-5TN48C, including:

Portable and Battery-Powered Devices: Such as smartphones, tablets, and handheld medical instruments for power management and I/O expansion.

Consumer Electronics: Used for power sequencing, signal gating, and interface bridging (e.g., between SPI, I2C, and sensor interfaces) in digital cameras, displays, and set-top boxes.

Communications Systems: Employed for bus arbitration, address decoding, and protocol translation in network equipment.

Industrial Control: Utilized for managing control logic and state machines in industrial automation systems with robust reliability.

ICGOO

The Lattice LC4032ZC-5TN48C stands as a highly optimized solution for modern design challenges. Its ultra-low 1.8V core power, predictable CPLD timing, and tiny 5mm x 5mm package form a compelling value proposition. For engineers needing to implement reliable control logic, perform interface level shifting, or consolidate multiple discrete logic ICs into a single, reprogrammable chip without sacrificing power budgets or board space, this device remains a relevant and powerful choice.

Keywords:

1. Low-Power CPLD

2. 1.8V Core Voltage

3. In-System Programmable (isp)

4. 32 Macrocells

5. TQFP-48 Package