Silicon Blue launches 40nm fgpas

Programmable logic developer Silicon Blue is sampling the iCE40 mobileFPGA family, which includes devices targeted at smartphones and tablets. Fabricated on TSMC's 40nm low power standard cmos process, the LP and HX families provide twice the logic capacity of the company's 65nm iCE65 devices. "We've proven our technology leadership with iCE65 and are on track to ship approximately 10million units this year," said ceo Kapil Shankar. The LP series, aimed at smartphones, and the HX series, designed with tablets in mind, offer sensor management and high speed custom connectivity. Silicon Blue calls its technology Custom Mobile Devices (CMDs). There are five devices in both series, with capacities ranging from 640 to 16,192 logic cells. However, while the HX range offers higher performance, it consumes more power. Both versions come in 2.5 x 2.5mm micro plastic bgas, Shankar added: "We've taken the next bold step with CMDs by extending video performance capability for smartphones to 525Mbit/s, enabling HD720p 60Hz (1280 x 720) and HD1080p 30Hz (1920 x 1080). For tablets, CMDs can now support WUXGA (1920x1200) with dual LVDS, HD720p 60Hz (1280x720) and HD1080p 30Hz (1920x1080)."

Another 40nm family, code named San Francisco, will be announced later in 2011.