Date: 03/11/2008

New version of FPGA family from Actel at price of below $1

Actel Corporation introduced nano versions of its IGLOO and ProASIC3 FPGAs, targeted at the high-volume, portable consumer market.
With power consumption of 2 microwatts (2 µW), IGLOO nano FPGAs range in densities from 10k to 250k system gates. These devices support 1.2V to 1.5V core and I/O operation, ultra-low-power FlashFreeze mode with bus hold capability, as well as advanced I/O features, such as hot swapping and Schmitt trigger inputs.

Actel will offer its low-power IGLOO nano FPGAs in a 3x3mm package.
The company is also enhancing its standard commercial ambient operating temperatures, offering new ranges for IGLOO nano FPGAs from -20°C to +70°C.

Both IGLOO nano and ProASIC3 nano FPGAs, in densities of 60k, 125k and 250k gates, are immediately available in volume with zero lead times.

Price: In high volume, pricing for the 10k-gate A3PN010 starts at $0.69 in a QNG48 package and $0.49 in known good die. Actel will offer over 50 product variants under $1 for high-volume applications.

For immediate prototyping and programming, designers can leverage the Actel IGLOO Icicle Kit immediately available for $99. The 1.4" x 3.6" kit features ultra low-power attributes, flexible implementation options and battery-saving advantages of the company's standard low-power IGLOO FPGA for portable applications. The kit also enables designers to easily and rapidly program, evaluate and modify their IGLOO-based portable designs.

In November, Actel plans to offer a low-cost nano starter kit, priced at $49.95 and fitted with an IGLOO AGLN250 in a VQG100 package. With multiple voltage levels provided, this board allows quick prototyping and access to all I/O pins.