Getting started with PLD is not difficult! TI helps you unlock a new experience in code-free logic design

As electronic products continue to miniaturize and integrate functions, the limitations of traditional discrete logic devices are becoming increasingly apparent. Texas Instruments (TI) recently released a new series of programmable logic devices (TPLDs), aiming to provide design engineers with more efficient, flexible, and simple logic devices and design tools through innovative low-threshold, high-integration solutions.

Why did TI choose to enter the PLD market?

When we unilaterally believe that the PLD market was created by companies such as Intel (Altera), AMD (Xilinx), Lattice and Microchip (Atmel), we have made a mistake.

In fact, TI is one of the earliest market leaders to enter programmable logic.

In 1970, TI developed a mask-programmable IC based on IBM's read-only associative memory (ROAM). The device, called TMS2000, was programmed by changing the metal layer during the IC production process. The TMS2000 had up to 17 inputs and 18 outputs, with 8 JK flip-flops for storage. TI coined the term programmable logic array (PLA) for this device.

PLD is considered a broader concept that covers a variety of programmable logic devices. In summary, unlike digital logic built using discrete logic gates with fixed functions, the functions of PLDs are undefined at the time of manufacturing. Before a PLD can be used in a circuit, it must be programmed to achieve the desired functions. Compared with fixed logic devices, programmable logic devices simplify the design of complex logic and provide superior performance. Unlike a microprocessor, programming a PLD changes the connections between the gates in the device.

What are the characteristics of TPLD?

Luke Trowbridge, marketing manager for logic products at Texas Instruments, said that when it comes to programmable devices, FPGAs and CPLDs are what come to mind. Indeed, these products have long occupied the mainstream market in the field of logic control. However, for applications that require a small number of logic gates (such as power timing control, battery management, etc.), these large-scale devices are often too complex and costly, and are not friendly in terms of power consumption and packaging.

The TPLD series launched by TI integrates up to 40 logic gates, including integrated logic functions, D-type flip-flops, pipeline delays, pattern generators, counters, delays, comparators, etc., which can simplify circuit design and help designers achieve higher integration and flexibility in a smaller space. It is suitable for application scenarios that require simple and powerful logic control.

Different from PLD, TI once again invented TPLD. The T here not only stands for TI, but also contains some more special elements.

Luke Trowbridge said that TI's logic product development mainly follows three development directions. First, it is more compact and integrated to reduce board space. Second, it is to optimize software programming capabilities. Third, it is to provide automotive and industrial grade products, including packaging, specifications, and qualification certification, gradually expanding from the consumer field.

TPLD1201 Block Diagram

Miniaturization and integration

德州仪器的TPLD系列通过集成逻辑门和模拟元件，能够减少94%的空间需求，使得PCB设计更加紧凑。这种小型化设计尤其适合手持设备、消费电子和汽车等应用，帮助设计工程师在有限的电路板空间中，集成更多的功能组件。德州仪器逻辑产品系统经理Jose Gonzalez表示，TPLD可以将十几种分立逻辑器件整合成一块IC，不仅显著减小了系统尺寸，同时还可以优化物料清单（BOM），简化采购流程，并缩短整个产品上市的时间。

Flexibility and no-code programming tools

Compared with traditional CPLD and FPGA, which require complex hardware description languages ​​(such as VHDL or Verilog) and expensive EDA tools, TI's TPLD series introduces InterConnect Studio, an intuitive code-free design tool. Through graphical (GUI) drag-and-drop operations, designers can complete logic configuration and circuit simulation without programming, greatly reducing the difficulty of development, and it is very friendly even to engineers without coding experience.

As Jose Gonzalez summarized, InterConnect Studio supports integrated operations from design to simulation and configuration, bringing a convenient and efficient development experience to design engineers. Development and simulation can be completed in just a few minutes, and prototype design can be completed in a few seconds.

InterConnect Studio interface

More reliable and more efficient

The new TPLD consumes 50% less power than similar products, and its quiescent current is less than 1 microampere, which is particularly friendly to battery-powered devices. In addition, the product has an ultra-wide temperature range of -40°C to 125°C and has passed AEC Q-100 certification, making it very suitable for harsh environment applications in the automotive and industrial fields. The product provides a variety of packaging options, including four common packages: VSSOP (DGS), X2QFN (RWB), SOT-5X3 (DRL), and SOT-23-THN (DYY), and supports automatic optical inspection.

Flexible application scenarios

Luke said that many applications require several to dozens of logic gates to implement, which is not suitable for FPGA or CPLD, which is also the original intention of TI to invest in TPLD. "We hope to use one IC to adapt to different application scenarios, which is more advantageous than discrete solutions or ASICs." Luke said.

The goal of the TI TPLD family is to help engineers quickly implement efficient logic designs in common but complex power management and signal control applications, such as:

Power timing control: TPLD can freely adjust the on and off time from tens of microseconds to several hours through flexible timer and timing control, and is used in products such as automobiles and notebooks.

Battery over-current and over-voltage detection: By integrating comparators and logic gates in the IC, TPLD can provide real-time over-current and over-voltage detection for the battery management system, ensuring the safety and life of the battery.

CANbus仲裁：在汽车应用场景中，TPLD支持多个逻辑门集成，显著减小了电路面积，并确保了数据传输的稳定性。

To demonstrate the advantages of TPLD in these applications, TI also provides a number of technical documents, including but not limited to window comparators, temperature monitors and temperature controllers, smart placeholder lighting, power timing control, configurable delay blocks and many other reference applications.

Wide deployment in logic products

According to Luke and Jose's summary, TI's logic products have a history of more than 60 years. As early as 1961, TI assisted NASA's Apollo mission and launched aerospace-grade logic ICs. In 1964, it launched commercial logic ICs. In 1984, it released the first automotive-grade logic chip. Since then, it has continued to innovate in packaging, process and other fields, including the launch of small-size packages such as X2SON, DYY, and DGS. "TI has become a market leader in discrete logic technology, providing a very complete range of categories, including standard logic devices and modern low-power logic product series." Luke concluded.

TI's extensive logic IC product portfolio

From concept to product, TI helps engineers achieve rapid innovation

TI's innovative practices have greatly lowered the technical threshold of PLD and achieved highly competitive product solutions.

In summary, by integrating logic gates and analog devices such as comparators and timers, Texas Instruments' TPLD series fully utilizes the company's advantages in analog and digital technology to achieve highly integrated, flexible and compact PLD products. At the same time, combined with industry-leading code-free programming tools, it greatly shortens the development cycle from concept to product.