LatticeXP2 FPGA flexiFLASH and FlashBAK

The flexiFLASH architecture found in the LatticeXP2 FPGA relates to the on-die FLASH memory and contains the following features; Instant-on configuration, small footprint, single chip, FlashBAK technology and serial TAG memory.

One of the main features of this architecture is called FlashBAK.  FlashBAK allows EBR (Embedded Block RAM) data to be written and stored in the configuration Flash memory.  Flash to EBR transfer occurs as part of the device startup or by user command, and an EBR to FLASH transfer will occur upon user command.  The ability to store information such as CPU instructions, error codes, coefficients, system calibrations, graphical system configuration and startup data provides the benefit of having the information instantly available the next time the system starts.  Additionally, keeping the EBR data on-die also secures the designs operating data.

The FlashBAK feature allows system designs with greater flexibility, smaller foot print and better security then other FPGA solutions.

Comments

[Mack]

Hi Kerry,

FlashBAK sounds great... but as usual, we want more :)

Are there any plans for selective FlashBak in later FPGAs? (i.e. save a single EBR instead of all of them). I understand that this will complicate things on the die, but it has some security and power usage advatnages..

[Kerry Howell]

Mack, thank you for the feedback. I have sent your request on to the product teams.