Lattice Semiconductor Corporation

Robert A Simon

Om P Agrawal

Kerry A Ilgenstein

Claudia A Stanley

Larry R Metzger

Xiaojie (Warren) He

An improved, scalable CPLD device has a two-tiered hierarchical switch construct comprised of a Global Switch Matrix (GSM) and an even number of Segment Switch Matrices (SSM's). An even number of Super Logic Blocks (SLB's) are coupled to each SSM. Each SSM and its SLB's define a segment that couples to the GSM. Each SLB has a relatively large number of inputs (at least 80) and can generate product term signals (PT's) that are products of independent input terms provided from the SSM to the SLB inputs. Some of the product terms generated within each SLB are dedicated to SLB-local controls. Each SLB has at least 32 macrocells and at least 16 I/O pads which feedback to both to the local SSM and the global GSM. 100% intra-segment connectivity is assured within each segment so that each segment can function as an independent, mini-CPLD. Each SSM has additional lines, dedicated for inter-segment (global) communications. The large number of parallel inputs to each SLB ease implementation of 64-bit wide designs. Symmetry within the design of each segment allow for more finely-granulated implementations such as for 32 or 16-bit wide designs.

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Robert A Simon