February 2009 I
© 2009 Actel Corporation
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
with Flash*Freeze Technology
Features and Benefits
Low Power
Dramatic Reduction in Dynamic and Static Power Savings
1.2 V to 1.5 V Core and I/O Voltage Support for Low Power
Low Power Consumption in Flash*Freeze Mode Allows for
Instantaneous Entry to / Exit from Low-Power Flash*Freeze
Mode
Supports Single-Voltage System Operation
Low-Impedance Switches
High Capacity
250 k to 3 M System Gates
Up to 504 kbits of True Dual-Port SRAM
Up to 620 User I/Os
Reprogrammable Flash Technology
130-nm, 7-Layer Metal (6 Copper), Flash-Based CMOS Process
Live-at-Power-Up (LAPU) Level 0 Support
Single-Chip Solution
Retains Programmed Design when Powered Off
High Performance
350 MHz (1.5 V systems) and 250 MHz (1.2 V systems) System
Performance
3.3 V, 66 MHz, 66-Bit PCI (1.5 V systems) and 66 MHz, 32-Bit
PCI (1.2 V systems)
In-System Programming (ISP) and Security
Secure ISP Using On-Chip 128-Bit Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES) Decryption via JTAG (IEEE 1532–compliant)
•FlashLock
® to Secure FPGA Contents
High-Performance Routing Hierarchy
Segmented, Hierarchical Routing and Clock Structure
High-Performance, Low-Skew Global Network
Architecture Supports Ultra-High Utilization
Advanced and Pro (Professional) I/Os
700 Mbps DDR, LVDS-Capable I/Os
1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V Mixed-Voltage Operation
Bank-Selectable I/O Voltages—up to 8 Banks per Chip
Single-Ended I/O Standards: LVTTL, LVCMOS 3.3 V /
2.5 V / 1.8 V / 1.5 V / 1.2 V, 3.3 V PCI / 3.3 V PCI-X, and
LVCMOS 2.5 V / 5.0 V Input
Differential I/O Standards: LVPECL, LVDS, B-LVDS, and
M-LVDS
Voltage-Referenced I/O Standards: GTL+ 2.5 V / 3.3 V, GTL
2.5 V / 3.3 V, HSTL Class I and II, SSTL2 Class I and II, SSTL3
Class I and II (A3PE3000L only)
Wide Range Power Supply Voltage Support per JESD8-B,
Allowing I/Os to Operate from 2.7 V to 3.6 V
Wide Range Power Supply Voltage Support per JESD8-12,
Allowing I/Os to Operate from 1.14 V to 1.575 V
I/O Registers on Input, Output, and Enable Paths
Hot-Swappable and Cold-Sparing I/Os Programmable
Output Slew Rate and Drive Strength
Programmable Input Delay (A3PE3000L only)
Schmitt Trigger Option on Single-Ended Inputs (A3PE3000L)
Weak Pull-Up/-Down
IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) Boundary Scan Test
Pin-Compatible Packages across the ProASIC®3L Family
(except PQ208)
Clock Conditioning Circuit (CCC) and PLL
Six CCC Blocks, One with Integrated PLL (ProASIC3L) and All
with Integrated PLL (ProASIC3EL)
Configurable Phase Shift, Multiply/Divide, Delay
Capabilities, and External Feedback
Wide Input Frequency Range 1.5 MHz to 250 MHz (1.2 V
systems) and 350 MHz (1.5 V systems))
SRAMs and FIFOs
Variable-Aspect-Ratio 4,608-Bit RAM Blocks (×1, ×2, ×4, ×9,
and ×18 organizations available)
True Dual-Port SRAM (except ×18)
24 SRAM and FIFO Configurations with Synchronous
Operation:
250 MHz: For 1.2 V systems
350 MHz: For 1.5 V systems
ARM® Processor Support in ProASIC3L FPGAs
ARM Cortex™-M1 Soft Processor Available with or without
Debug
®
Table 1 • ProASIC3 Low-Power Product Family
ProASIC3L Devices A3P250L A3P600L A3P1000L A3PE3000L
ARM Cortex-M1 Devices 1M1A3P600L M1A3P1000L M1A3PE3000L
System Gates 250 k 600 k 1 M 3 M
VersaTiles (D-flip-flops) 6,144 13,824 24,576 75,264
RAM kbits (1,024 bits) 36 108 144 504
4,608-Bit Blocks 8 24 32 112
FlashROM Bits 1 k1 k1 k1 k
Secure (AES) ISP 2Yes Yes Yes Yes
Integrated PLL in CCCs 31116
VersaNet Globals 18 18 18 18
I/O Banks 4448
Maximum User I/Os 157 235 300 620
Package Pins
VQFP
PQFP
FBGA
VQ100
PQ208
FG144, FG256
PQ208
FG144, FG256, FG484
PQ208
FG144, FG256, FG484
PQ208 3
FG324, FG484, FG896
Notes:
1. Refer to the Cortex-M1 product brief for more information.
2. AES is not available for ARM-enabled ProASIC3L devices.
3. For the A3PE3000L, the PQ208 package has six CCCs and two PLLs.
v1.3
II v1.3
I/Os Per Package 1
ProASIC3L
Low-Power
Devices A3P250L 2A3P600L A3P1000L A3PE3000L
ARM
Cortex-M1
Devices M1A3P600L M1A3P1000L M1A3PE3000L 3
Package
I/O Type
Single-
Ended I/O 4Differential
I/O Pairs
Single-
Ended I/O 4Differential
I/O Pairs
Single-
Ended I/O 4Differential
I/O Pairs
Single-
Ended I/O 4Differential
I/O Pairs
VQ100 68 13
PQ208 151 34 154 35 154 35 147 65
FG144 97 24 97 25 97 25
FG256 157 38 177 43 177 44
FG324 ––––––221110
FG484 235 60 300 74 341 168
FG896 ––––––620310
Notes:
1. When considering migrating your design to a lower- or higher-density device, refer to the packaging section of the
datasheet to ensure you are complying with design and board migration requirements.
2. For A3P250L devices, the maximum number of LVPECL pairs in east and west banks cannot exceed 15.
3. ARM Cortex-M1 support is TBD on this device.
4. Each used differential I/O pair reduces the number of single-ended I/Os available by two.
5. FG256 and FG484 are footprint-compatible packages.
6. "G" indicates RoHS-compliant packages. Refer to "ProASIC3L Ordering Information" on page III for the location of the
"G" in the part number.
7. For A3PE3000L devices, the usage of certain I/O standards is limited as follows:
– SSTL3(I) and (II): up to 40 I/Os per north or south bank
– LVPECL / GTL+ 3.3 V / GTL 3.3 V: up to 48 I/Os per north or south bank
– SSTL2(I) and (II) / GTL+ 2.5 V/ GTL 2.5 V: up to 72 I/Os per north or south bank
8. When the Flash*Freeze pin is used to directly enable Flash*Freeze mode and not as a regular I/O, the number of single-
ended user I/Os available is reduced by one.
Table 2 • ProASIC3L FPGAs Package Sizes Dimensions
Package VQ100 PQ208 FG144 FG256 FG324 FG484 FG896
Length × Width
(mm\mm)
14 × 14 28 × 28 13 × 13 17 × 17 19 × 19 23 × 23 31 × 31
Nominal Area
(mm2)
196 784 169 289 361 529 961
Pitch (mm) 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Height (mm) 1.00 3.40 1.45 1.60 1.63 2.23 2.23
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
v1.3 III
ProASIC3L Ordering Information
Speed Grade
Blank = Standard
1 = 15% Faster than Standard
A3P1000L FG
_
Part Number
ProASIC3L Devices
1
Package Type
VQ =Very Thin Quad Flat Pack (0.5 mm pitch)
144 I
Package Lead Count
G
Lead-Free Packaging
Application (Temperature Range)
Blank = Commercial (0°C to +70°C Ambient Temperature)
I= Industrial (
40°C to +85°C Ambient Temperature)
Blank = Standard Packaging
G= RoHS-Compliant (Green) Packaging
250,000 System Gates
A3P250L =
600,000 System Gates
A3P600L =
1,000,000 System Gates
A3P1000L =
3,000,000 System Gates
A3PE3000L =
ProASIC3L Devices with Cortex-M1
600,000 System Gates
M1A3P600L =
1,000,000 System Gates
M1A3P1000L =
3,000,000 System Gates
M1A3PE3000L =
PQ =Plastic Quad Flat Pack (0.5 mm pitch)
FG=Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (1.0 mm pitch)
IV v1.3
Temperature Grade Offerings
Speed Grade and Temperature Grade Matrix
Contact your local Actel representative for device availability:
http://www.actel.com/contact/default.aspx.
Package A3P250L A3P600L A3P1000L A3PE3000L
ARM Cortex-M1 Devices M1A3P600L M1A3P1000L M1A3PE3000L
VQ100 C, I
PQ208 C, IC, IC, IC, I
FG144 C, I C, I C, I
FG256 C, I C, I C, I
FG324 –––C, I
FG484 C, I C, I C, I
FG896 –––C, I
Notes:
1. C = Commercial temperature range: 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature.
2. I = Industrial temperature range: –40°C to 85°C ambient temperature.
Temperature Grade Std. –1
C 1✓✓
I 2✓✓
Notes:
1. C = Commercial temperature range: 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature.
2. I = Industrial temperature range: –40°C to 85°C ambient temperature.
v1.3 1-1
1 – ProASIC3L Device Family Overview
General Description
The ProASIC3L family of Actel flash FPGAs dramatically reduces dynamic power consumption by
40% and static power by 50%. These power savings are coupled with performance, density, true
single-chip, 1.2 V to 1.5 V core and I/O operation as low as 1.2 V, reprogrammability, and advanced
features.
Using Actel's proven Flash*Freeze technology enables users to shut off dynamic power
instantaneously and switch the device to static mode without the need to switch off clocks or
power supplies while retaining internal states of the device. This greatly simplifies power
management on a board done through I/Os and clocks. In addition, optimized software tools using
power-driven layout provide instant push-button power reduction.
Nonvolatile flash technology gives ProASIC3L devices the advantage of being a secure, low-power,
single-chip solution that is live at power-up (LAPU). ProASIC3L offers dramatic dynamic power
savings giving the FPGA users flexibility to combine low power with high performance.
These features enable designers to create high-density systems using existing ASIC or FPGA design
flows and tools.
ProASIC3L devices offer 1 kbit of on-chip, reprogrammable, nonvolatile FlashROM storage as well
as clock conditioning circuitry (CCC) based on an integrated phase-locked loop (PLL). ProASIC3L
devices support devices from 250 k system gates to 3 million system gates with up to 504 kbits of
true dual-port SRAM and 620 user I/Os.
M1 ProASIC3L devices support the high-performance, 32-bit Cortex-M1 processor developed by
ARM for implementation in FPGAs. ARM Cortex-M1 is a soft processor that is fully implemented in
the FPGA fabric. It has a three-stage pipeline that offers a good balance between low-power
consumption and speed when implemented in an M1 ProASIC3L device. The processor runs the
ARMv6-M instruction set, has a configurable nested interrupt controller, and can be implemented
with or without the debug block. ARM Cortex-M1 is available for free from Actel for use in M1
ProASIC3L FPGAs.
The ARM-enabled devices have Actel ordering numbers that begin with M1 and do not support
AES decryption.
Flash*Freeze Technology
The ProASIC3L devices offer Actel's proven Flash*Freeze technology, which allows instantaneous
switching from an active state to a static state. ProASIC3L devices do not need additional
components to turn off I/Os or clocks while retaining the design information, SRAM content, and
registers. Flash*Freeze technology is combined with in-system programmability, which enables
users to quickly and easily upgrade and update their designs in the final stages of manufacturing
or in the field. The ability of ProASIC3L devices to support a wide range core voltage (1.2 V to 1.5 V)
allows for an even greater reduction in power consumption, which enables low total system power.
When the ProASIC3L device enters Flash*Freeze mode, the device automatically shuts off the clocks
and inputs to the FPGA core; when the device exits Flash*Freeze mode, all activity resumes and
data is retained.
The availability of low-power modes, combined with a reprogrammable, single-chip, single-voltage
solution, make ProASIC3L devices suitable for low-power data transfer and manipulation in
portable media, secure communications, radio applications as well as high performance portable,
industrial, test, scientific, and medical applications.
ProASIC3L Device Family Overview
1-2 v1.3
Flash Advantages
Low Power
The ProASIC3L family of Actel flash-based FPGAs provide a low-power advantage, and when
coupled with high performance, enables designers to make power-smart choices using a single-
chip, reprogrammable, and live-at-power-up device.
ProASIC3L devices offer 40% dynamic power and 50% static power savings by reducing the core
operating voltage to 1.2 V. In addition, the Power Driven Layout (PDL) feature in Libero®
Integrated Design Environment (IDE) offers up to 30% additional power reduction. With
Flash*Freeze technology, ProASIC3L is able to retain device SRAM and logic while dynamic power is
reduced to a minimum, without the need to stop clock or power supplies. Combining these
features provides a low-power, feature-rich and high-performance solution.
Security
Nonvolatile, flash-based ProASIC3L devices do not require a boot PROM, so there is no vulnerable
external bitstream that can be easily copied. ProASIC3L devices incorporate FlashLock, which
provides a unique combination of reprogrammability and design security without external
overhead, advantages that only an FPGA with nonvolatile flash programming can offer.
ProASIC3L devices utilize a 128-bit flash-based lock and a separate AES key to secure programmed
intellectual property and configuration data. In addition, all FlashROM data in ProASIC3L devices
can be encrypted prior to loading, using the industry-leading AES-128 (FIPS192) bit block cipher
encryption standard. AES was adopted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) in 2000 and replaces the 1977 DES standard. ProASIC3L devices have a built-in AES
decryption engine and a flash-based AES key that make them the most comprehensive
programmable logic device security solution available today. ProASIC3L devices with AES-based
security allow for secure, remote field updates over public networks such as the Internet, and
ensure that valuable IP remains out of the hands of system overbuilders, system cloners, and IP
thieves. The contents of a programmed device cannot be read back, although secure design
verification is possible.
Security, built into the FPGA fabric, is an inherent component of the ProASIC3L family. The flash
cells are located beneath seven metal layers, and many device design and layout techniques have
been used to make invasive attacks extremely difficult. The ProASIC3L family, with FlashLock and
AES security, is unique in being highly resistant to both invasive and noninvasive attacks. Your
valuable IP is protected and secure, making remote ISP possible. A ProASIC3L device provides the
most impenetrable security for programmable logic designs.
Single Chip
Flash-based FPGAs store their configuration information in on-chip flash cells. Once programmed,
the configuration data is an inherent part of the FPGA structure, and no external configuration
data needs to be loaded at system power-up (unlike SRAM-based FPGAs). Therefore, flash-based
ProASIC3L FPGAs do not require system configuration components such as EEPROMs or
microcontrollers to load device configuration data. This reduces bill-of-materials costs and PCB
area, and increases security and system reliability.
Live at Power-Up
The Actel flash-based ProASIC3L devices support Level 0 of the LAPU classification standard. This
feature helps in system component initialization, execution of critical tasks before the processor
wakes up, setup and configuration of memory blocks, clock generation, and bus activity
management. The LAPU feature of flash-based ProASIC3L devices greatly simplifies total system
design and reduces total system cost, often eliminating the need for CPLDs and clock generation
PLLs. In addition, glitches and brownouts in system power will not corrupt the ProASIC3L device's
flash configuration, and unlike SRAM-based FPGAs, the device will not have to be reloaded when
system power is restored. This enables the reduction or complete removal of the configuration
PROM, expensive voltage monitor, brownout detection, and clock generator devices from the PCB
design. Flash-based ProASIC3L devices simplify total system design and reduce cost and design risk
while increasing system reliability and improving system initialization time.
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
v1.3 1-3
Reduced Cost of Ownership
Advantages to the designer extend beyond low unit cost, performance, and ease of use. Unlike
SRAM-based FPGAs, flash-based ProASIC3L devices allow all functionality to be live at power-up; no
external boot PROM is required. On-board security mechanisms prevent access to all the
programming information and enable secure remote updates of the FPGA logic. Designers can
perform secure remote in-system reprogramming to support future design iterations and field
upgrades with confidence that valuable intellectual property cannot be compromised or copied.
Secure ISP can be performed using the industry-standard AES algorithm. The ProASIC3L family
device architecture mitigates the need for ASIC migration at higher user volumes. This makes the
ProASIC3L family a cost-effective ASIC replacement solution, manipulation in portable media and
secure communications, radio applications as well as high performance portable Industrial, test,
scientific and medical applications.
Firm-Error Immunity
Firm errors occur most commonly when high-energy neutrons, generated in the upper atmosphere,
strike a configuration cell of an SRAM FPGA. The energy of the collision can change the state of the
configuration cell and thus change the logic, routing, or I/O behavior in an unpredictable way.
These errors are impossible to prevent in SRAM FPGAs. The consequence of this type of error can be
a complete system failure. Firm errors do not exist in the configuration memory of ProASIC3L flash-
based FPGAs. Once it is programmed, the flash cell configuration element of ProASIC3L FPGAs
cannot be altered by high-energy neutrons and is therefore immune to them. Recoverable (or soft)
errors occur in the user data SRAM of all FPGA devices. These can easily be mitigated by using error
detection and correction (EDAC) circuitry built into the FPGA fabric.
Advanced Flash Technology
The ProASIC3L family offers many benefits, including nonvolatility and reprogrammability, through
an advanced flash-based, 130-nm LVCMOS process with 7 layers of metal. Standard CMOS design
techniques are used to implement logic and control functions. The combination of fine granularity,
enhanced flexible routing resources, and abundant flash switches allows for very high logic
utilization without compromising device routability or performance. Logic functions within the
device are interconnected through a four-level routing hierarchy.
Advanced Architecture
The proprietary ProASIC3L architecture provides granularity comparable to standard-cell ASICs. The
ProASIC3L device consists of five distinct and programmable architectural features (Figure 1-1 on
page 1-4 and Figure 1-2 on page 1-4):
FPGA VersaTiles
Dedicated FlashROM
Dedicated SRAM/FIFO memory
Extensive CCCs and PLLs
I/O structure
The FPGA core consists of a sea of VersaTiles. Each VersaTile can be configured as a three-input
logic function, a D-flip-flop (with or without enable), or a latch by programming the appropriate
flash switch interconnections. The versatility of the ProASIC3L core tile, as either a three-input
lookup table (LUT) equivalent or a D-flip-flop/latch with enable, allows for efficient use of the
FPGA fabric. The VersaTile capability is unique to the Actel ProASIC family of third-generation-
architecture flash FPGAs. VersaTiles are connected with any of the four levels of routing hierarchy.
Flash switches are distributed throughout the device to provide nonvolatile, reconfigurable
interconnect programming. Maximum core utilization is possible for virtually any design.
In addition, extensive on-chip programming circuitry allows for rapid, single-voltage (3.3 V)
programming of ProASIC3L devices via an IEEE 1532 JTAG interface.
ProASIC3L Device Family Overview
1-4 v1.3
Figure 1-1 • ProASIC3L Device Architecture Overview with Four I/O Banks (A3P250L, A3P600L, and A3P1000L)
Figure 1-2 • ProASIC3EL Device Architecture Overview
ISP AES
Decryption*
User Nonvolatile
FlashRom
Flash*Freeze
Technology
Charge
Pumps
RAM Block
4,608-Bit Dual-Port
SRAM or FIFO Block
(A3P600L and A3P1000L)
RAM Block
4,608-Bit Dual-Port
SRAM or FIFO Block
VersaTile
CCC
I/Os
Bank 0
Bank 3Bank 3
Bank 1Bank 1
Bank 2
4,608-Bit Dual-Port SRAM
or FIFO Block
VersaTile
RAM Block
CCC
Pro I/Os
4,608-Bit Dual-Port SRAM
or FIFO Block
RAM Block
ISP AES
Decryption*
User Nonvolatile
FlashRom
Flash*Freeze
Technology
Charge
Pumps
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
v1.3 1-5
Flash*Freeze Technology
The ProASIC3L devices offer Actel's proven Flash*Freeze technology, which enables designers to
instantaneously shut off dynamic power consumption while retaining all SRAM and register
information. Flash*Freeze technology enables the user to quickly (within 1 µs) enter and exit
Flash*Freeze mode by activating the Flash*Freeze (FF) pin while all power supplies are kept at their
original values. In addition, I/Os and global I/Os can still be driven and can be toggling without
impact on power consumption; clocks can still be driven or can be toggling without impact on
power consumption; and the device retains all core registers, SRAM information, and states. I/O
states are tristated during Flash*Freeze mode or can be set to a certain state using weak pull-up or
pull-down I/O attribute configuration. No power is consumed by the I/O banks, clocks, JTAG pins, or
PLL. Flash*Freeze technology allows the user to switch to active mode on demand, thus simplifying
the power management of the device.
The FF pin (active low) can be routed internally to the core to allow the user's logic to decide when
it is safe to transition to this mode. It is also possible to use the FF pin as a regular I/O if
Flash*Freeze mode usage is not planned, which is advantageous because of the inherent low-
power static and dynamic capabilities of the ProASIC3L device. Refer to Figure 1-3 for an
illustration of entering/exiting Flash*Freeze mode.
VersaTiles
The ProASIC3L core consists of VersaTiles, which have been enhanced beyond the ProASICPLUS®
core tiles. The ProASIC3L VersaTile supports the following:
All 3-input logic functions—LUT-3 equivalent
Latch with clear or set
D-flip-flop with clear or set
Enable D-flip-flop with clear or set
Refer to Figure 1-4 for VersaTile configurations.
Figure 1-3 • ProASIC3L Flash*Freeze Mode
Actel ProASIC3L
FPGA
Flash*Freeze
Mode Control
Flash*Freeze Pin
Figure 1-4 • VersaTile Configurations
X1
Y
X2
X3
LUT-3
Data Y
CLK
Enable
CLR
D-FF
Data Y
CLK
CLR
D-FF
LUT-3 Equivalent D-Flip-Flop with Clear or Set Enable D-Flip-Flop with Clear or Set
ProASIC3L Device Family Overview
1-6 v1.3
User Nonvolatile FlashROM
Actel ProASIC3L devices have 1 kbit of on-chip, user-accessible, nonvolatile FlashROM. The
FlashROM can be used in diverse system applications:
Internet Protocol addressing (wireless or fixed)
System calibration settings
Device serialization and/or inventory control
Subscription-based business models (for example, set-top boxes)
Secure key storage for secure communications algorithms
Asset management/tracking
Date stamping
Version management
The FlashROM is written using the standard ProASIC3L IEEE 1532 JTAG programming interface.The
core can be individually programmed (erased and written), and on-chip AES decryption can be used
selectively to securely load data over public networks, as in security keys stored in the FlashROM for
a user design.
The FlashROM can be programmed via the JTAG programming interface, and its contents can be
read back either through the JTAG programming interface or via direct FPGA core addressing. Note
that the FlashROM can only be programmed from the JTAG interface and cannot be programmed
from the internal logic array.
The FlashROM is programmed as 8 banks of 128 bits; however, reading is performed on a byte-by-
byte basis using a synchronous interface. A 7-bit address from the FPGA core defines which of the 8
banks and which of the 16 bytes within that bank are being read. The three most significant bits
(MSBs) of the FlashROM address determine the bank, and the four least significant bits (LSBs) of
the FlashROM address define the byte.
The Actel ProASIC3L development software solutions, Libero IDE and Designer, have extensive
support for the FlashROM. One such feature is auto-generation of sequential programming files
for applications requiring a unique serial number in each part. Another feature allows the inclusion
of static data for system version control. Data for the FlashROM can be generated quickly and
easily using Actel Libero IDE and Designer software tools. Comprehensive programming file
support is also included to allow for easy programming of large numbers of parts with differing
FlashROM contents.
SRAM and FIFO
ProASIC3L devices have embedded SRAM blocks along their north and south sides. Each variable-
aspect-ratio SRAM block is 4,608 bits in size. Available memory configurations are 256×18, 512×9,
1k×4, 2k×2, and 4k×1 bits. The individual blocks have independent read and write ports that can be
configured with different bit widths on each port. For example, data can be sent through a 4-bit
port and read as a single bitstream. The embedded SRAM blocks can be initialized via the device
JTAG port (ROM emulation mode) using the UJTAG macro.
In addition, every SRAM block has an embedded FIFO control unit. The control unit allows the
SRAM block to be configured as a synchronous FIFO without using additional core VersaTiles. The
FIFO width and depth are programmable. The FIFO also features programmable Almost Empty
(AEMPTY) and Almost Full (AFULL) flags in addition to the normal Empty and Full flags. The
embedded FIFO control unit contains the counters necessary for generation of the read and write
address pointers. The embedded SRAM/FIFO blocks can be cascaded to create larger configurations.
PLL and CCC
ProASIC3L devices provide designers with flexible clock conditioning circuit (CCC) capabilities. Each
member of the ProASIC3L family contains six CCCs. One CCC (center west side) has a PLL.
The six CCC blocks are located at the four corners and the centers of the east and west sides. One
CCC (center west side) has a PLL.
All six CCC blocks are usable; the four corner CCCs and the east CCC allow simple clock delay
operations as well as clock spine access.
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
v1.3 1-7
The inputs of the six CCC blocks are accessible from the FPGA core or from one of several inputs
located near the CCC that have dedicated connections to the CCC block.
The CCC block has these key features:
Wide input frequency range (fIN_CCC) = 1.5 MHz up to 250 MHz
Output frequency range (fOUT_CCC) = 0.75 MHz up to 250 MHz
2 programmable delay types for clock skew minimization
Clock frequency synthesis
Additional CCC specifications:
Internal phase shift = 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Output phase shift depends on the output
divider configuration.
Output duty cycle = 50% ± 1.5% or better
Low output jitter: worst case < 2.5% × clock period peak-to-peak period jitter when single
global network used
Maximum acquisition time is 300 µs
Exceptional tolerance to input period jitter— allowable input jitter is up to 1.5 ns
Four precise phases; maximum misalignment between adjacent phases of 40 ps × 250 MHz /
fOUT_CCC
Global Clocking
ProASIC3L devices have extensive support for multiple clocking domains. In addition to the CCC
and PLL support described above, there is a comprehensive global clock distribution network.
Each VersaTile input and output port has access to nine VersaNets: six chip (main) and three
quadrant global networks. The VersaNets can be driven by the CCC or directly accessed from the
core via multiplexers (MUXes). The VersaNets can be used to distribute low-skew clock signals or for
rapid distribution of high-fanout nets.
I/Os with Advanced I/O Standards
The ProASIC3L family of FPGAs features a flexible I/O structure, supporting a range of voltages
(1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V wide range, and 3.3 V). ProASIC3L FPGAs support different I/O
standards, including single-ended, differential, and voltage-referenced (ProASIC3EL only). The I/Os
are organized into banks, with two, four, or eight (ProASIC3EL only) banks per device. The
configuration of these banks determines the I/O standards supported. For ProASIC3EL, each I/O
bank is subdivided into VREF minibanks, which are used by voltage-referenced I/Os. VREF minibanks
contain 8 to 18 I/Os. All the I/Os in a given minibank share a common VREF line. Therefore, if any I/O
in a given VREF minibank is configured as a VREF pin, the remaining I/Os in that minibank will be
able to use that reference voltage.
Each I/O module contains several input, output, and enable registers. These registers allow the
implementation of the following:
Single-data-rate applications (e.g., PCI 66 MHz, bidirectional SSTL 2 and 3, Class I and II)
Double-data-Rate applications (e.g., DDR LVDS, B-LVDS, and M-LVDS I/Os for point-to-point
communications, and DDR 200 MHz SRAM using bidirectional HSTL Class II).
ProASIC3L banks support LVPECL, LVDS, B-LVDS, and M-LVDS. B-LVDS and M-LVDS can support up to
20 loads.
Wide Range I/O Support
Actel ProASIC3L devices support JEDEC-defined wide range I/O operation. ProASIC3L devices
support both the JESD8-B specification, covering 3 V and 3.3 V supplies, for an effective operating
range of 2.7 V to 3.6 V, and JESD8-12 with its 1.2 V nominal, supporting an effective operating
range of 1.14 V to 1.575 V.
Wider I/O range means designers can eliminate power supplies or power conditioning components
from the board or move to less costly components with greater tolerances. Wide range eases I/O
bank management and provides enhanced protection from system voltage spikes, while providing
the flexibility to easily run custom voltage applications.
ProASIC3L Device Family Overview
1-8 v1.3
Part Number and Revision Date
Part Number 51700100-001-4
Revised February 2009
List of Changes
The following table lists critical changes that were made in the current version of the document.
Previous Version Changes in Current Version (v1.3) Page
v1.2
(February 2009)
The "I/Os Per Package 1" table was revised to change the number of differential
I/O pairs for A3PE3000L from 300 to 310.
II
Table 2 · ProASIC3L FPGAs Package Sizes Dimensions is new. II
v1.1
(July 2008)
The "Advanced and Pro (Professional) I/Os" section was revised to add two
bullets regarding wide range power supply voltage support.
I
3.0 V wide range was added to the list of supported voltages in the "I/Os with
Advanced I/O Standards" section. The "Wide Range I/O Support" section is new.
1-7
v1.0
(April 2008)
As a result of the Libero IDE v8.4 release, Actel now offers a wide range of core
voltage support. The document was updated to change 1.2 V / 1.5 V to 1.2 V to
1.5 V.
N/A
51700100-001-1
(April 2008)
This document was divided into two sections and given a version number,
starting at v1.0. The first section of the document includes features, benefits,
ordering information, and temperature and speed grade offerings. The second
section is a device family overview.
N/A
51700100-001-0
(January 2008)
Reference to M1A3P250L was removed from Table 1 · ProASIC3 Low-Power
Product Family, the "I/Os Per Package 1" table, the "ProASIC3L Ordering
Information" section, and the "Temperature Grade Offerings" table. The table
note regarding M1A3P250L was removed from the "I/Os Per Package 1" table.
I, II, III, IV
ProASIC3L Low-Power Flash FPGAs
v1.3 1-9
Datasheet Categories
Categories
In order to provide the latest information to designers, some datasheets are published before data
has been fully characterized. Datasheets are designated as "Product Brief," "Advance,"
"Preliminary," and "Production." The definitions of these categories are as follows:
Product Brief
The product brief is a summarized version of a datasheet (advance or production) and contains
general product information. This document gives an overview of specific device and family
information.
Advance
This version contains initial estimated information based on simulation, other products, devices, or
speed grades. This information can be used as estimates, but not for production. This label only
applies to the DC and Switching Characteristics chapter of the datasheet and will only be used
when the data has not been fully characterized.
Preliminary
The datasheet contains information based on simulation and/or initial characterization. The
information is believed to be correct, but changes are possible.
Unmarked (production)
This version contains information that is considered to be final.
Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
The products described in this document are subject to the Export Administration Regulations
(EAR). They could require an approved export license prior to export from the United States. An
export includes release of product or disclosure of technology to a foreign national inside or
outside the United States.
Actel Safety Critical, Life Support, and High-Reliability
Applications Policy
The Actel products described in this advance status document may not have completed Actel’s
qualification process. Actel may amend or enhance products during the product introduction and
qualification process, resulting in changes in device functionality or performance. It is the
responsibility of each customer to ensure the fitness of any Actel product (but especially a new
product) for a particular purpose, including appropriateness for safety-critical, life-support, and
other high-reliability applications. Consult Actel’s Terms and Conditions for specific liability
exclusions relating to life-support applications. A reliability report covering all of Actel’s products is
available on the Actel website at http://www.actel.com/documents/ORT_Report.pdf. Actel also
offers a variety of enhanced qualification and lot acceptance screening procedures. Contact your
local Actel sales office for additional reliability information.
Actel and the Actel logo are registered trademarks of Actel Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their owners.
Actel is the leader in low-power and mixed-signal FPGAs and offers the most comprehensive portfolio of
system and power management solutions. Power Matters. Learn more at www.actel.com.
Actel Corporation
2061 Stierlin Court
Mountain View, CA
94043-4655 USA
Phone 650.318.4200
Fax 650.318.4600
Actel Europe Ltd.
River Court,Meadows Business Park
Station Approach, Blackwater
Camberley Surrey GU17 9AB
United Kingdom
Phone +44 (0) 1276 609 300
Fax +44 (0) 1276 607 540
Actel Japan
EXOS Ebisu Buillding 4F
1-24-14 Ebisu Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150 Japan
Phone +81.03.3445.7671
Fax +81.03.3445.7668
http://jp.actel.com
Actel Hong Kong
Room 2107, China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong
Phone +852 2185 6460
Fax +852 2185 6488
www.actel.com.cn
51700100-001-4/2.09