AMD in logic software, device drive

Electronic News, April 18, 1994

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. -- Advanced Micro Devices is aggressively repositioning itself in the programmable logic device market with a program to resell AMD-only versions of several PLD software packages. In addition, AMD will unveil a complex PLD with both Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) testing and 5-volt, incircuit programming capabilities--the first of a planned family of devices with both capabilities being introduced by the company this year.

In order to strengthen its FusionPLD PLD design software lineup, AMD will begin reselling AMD-only versions of third-party PLD software packages from MicroSim, Viewlogic and Data I/O. This follows on the heels of a recent strategic move by Quick-Logic to expand its software partnerships (EN, April 11).

Included in the new roster of AMD software design offerings are Design Center/AMD from MicroSim, AMD-ABEL and MACH fitters from Data I/O, and PROdeveloper/AMD and PROsynthesis/AMD from Viewlogic. Fitters for MACH devices are also included in all packages. Each new software package includes a set of offerings geared toward specific design needs. All packages are upgradable to universal systems supporting other PLD manufacturers and include technical support from each software developer. Most also include updates for one year. Each package also is compatible with AMD's FusionPLD program, offering customers access to FusionPLD tools at reduced cost.

Design Center/AMD, offered by MicroSim, is a tightly-integrated Windows-based tool with four major components: schematics; PLSyn synthesis tool; PLogic, providing functional and timing simulation; and Multiple Device Partitioning. AMD-ABEL, an AMD-only version of Data I/O's ABEL-5 software, is a PC-DOS package that offers certified behavioral-entry tools for synthesizing AMD MACH and PAL device designs. PROdeveloper/AMD, from Viewlogic is a Windows-based tool that can grow to meet designers' changing needs. It includes PROcapture schematic editor; PROsim simulator; AMD-ABEL compiler; fitters for all MACH devices; and PROwave waveform editor.

All of the software products are available through AMD, its partners and its distributors. Design Center/AMD starts at $2,750 for the standard kit. The advanced kit is $4,990 and included additional timing simulation and support for interactive crossprobing. An evaluation kit is available for $250. AMD-ABEL is $995, while Data I/O MACH Fitters for existing PC-DOS ABEL-5 systems are $450. PROdeveloper/AMD is $4,000 and will be available late June with a PROsynthesis/AMD option for $1,995.

Meanwhile, AMD also plans a new strategy to address industrial markets but details remain sketchy; it will firm up plans within 30 days. "We see growing demand for industrial products," said Chris Henry, AMD's director of marketing, adding that AMD has noted continued growth in what it terms the classic CMOS programmable market (or GAL-type), but at a declining rate. "We are formalizing our industrial program, which will include both classic CMOS programmable devices as well as CPLDs that will address such issues as extended temperature range."

In addition, AMD rolled out the 5,000-gate MACH445-15/20YC; it is architecturally identical to the earlier-introduced MACH435 (EN, Dec 6, 1993), with the addition of JTAG testing and 5-volt incircuit programming. The MACH445 is targeted at such applications as high-speed control functions, synchronous and asynchronous logic, random logic, gate array replacement functions and control, plus data path and interface functions.

In accordance with the IEEE 1149.1 standard, JTAG support allows designers to perform inter-connectivity tests between devices while on-board rather than the typical bed-of-nails testing currently used. The 5V programming allows designers to program and reprogram devices in-circuit, minimizing the number of handling steps required for high pin-count, fine-pitched packages. With printed circuit board traces decreasing in width by a factor of 10, and IC packages by a factor of eight, the probability of damage to the leads during conventional programming increases.

The MACH445 features 128 macrocells, 15 nanosecond logic propagation delays and up to 20 product terms per function, a 50MHz fMAX (maximum frequency--using global clock), 70 inputs with pull-up resistors, 64 outputs and 192 flip-flops. Designed with double-metal CMOS electrically erasable technology, the MACH445 uses multiple switch matrices--input, central and output--said to permit 100 percent routability and allow logic to be changed while retaining the original pinouts and performance (needed for in-circuit reconfigurations).

Each of the MACH445's eight PAL blocks have a 2-to-1 macrocell to I/O ratio, with the ability to handle up to 33 input functions. This feature makes the part suited to emerging 32-bit microprocessor bus interfaces and address decoding applications. The AMD MACH445-15/20YC in 100-pin PQFP package is $45.65 in quantities of 100. Samples are available with quantity production slated by the end of April. A 5V, in-circuit programming kit is also available at no charge to AMD customers.