Latest FPGAs enable manufacturers to continually enhance their mobile devices

Lattice Semiconductor has unveiled its new iCE40 UltraLite FPGA, which enables manufacturers to accelerate the time-to-market of new mobile devices that incorporate unique and compelling features. The newest addition to Lattice’s successful iCE40 Ultra product family, the iCE40 UltraLite FPGA is the industry’s most compact and lowest power device. Its combination of exceptionally low power consumption, an extremely small footprint and a high level of integration enable manufacturers to easily add multiple capabilities and features to their mobile devices, says the company. Features include : 1 - The ability to function as a TV remote control thanks to its IR control and learning mode capability. 2 - RGB LED control to simulate multi-colour breathing effects for notification. 3 - White LED control to enable a flashlight function on smartphones. 4 - Motion gesture capability that reduces the need to use the touch screen to awaken devices and launch applications. 5 - A high accuracy pedometer that requires very little power. 6 - Maximized battery life as it eliminates the need for less efficient microcontrollers and can minimize the use of devices’ power-hungry application processors. “Our new iCE40 UltraLite device is the latest example of our commitment to enable manufacturers to continually enhance their smartphones, wearables and other mobile devices to improve the user experience and to compete in a crowded marketplace,” said Keith Bladen, vice president of marketing, Lattice. “Compelling features such as remote control, barcode, pedometer, power management and many other capabilities make the iCE40 UltraLite device ideal for size constrained, power sensitive and cost-conscious mobile devices, for both the consumer and industrial hand-held markets.” Mr. Shinsuke Yoshizaki, senior manager of the Hardware Development Center for Fujitsu Ltd’s Mobile Phones Unit, added: “We anticipate that Lattice Semiconductors’ new iCE40 UltraLite device will enable us to shorten the development times of our future mobile and wearable platforms. The ultra-low power requirements of the iCE40 UltraLite device combined with its extremely small footprint will also allow us to enhance the functional flexibility of our wearables at a lower cost compared to ASIC developments.”