• ProASIC^PLUS Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is ProASIC^PLUS?
ProASIC^PLUS is Actel's new second-generation high-performance flash FPGA family. The 0.22µ flash based CMOS ProASIC^PLUS family combines the advantages of ASIC design and the benefits of a programmable device that is nonvolatile. ProASIC^PLUS has the following attributes:

• ProASIC^PLUS combines reprogrammability with nonvolatility
• Provides a single chip solution
• Delivers low power consumption
• Offers more memory, logic, and routing resources
• Features high performance PLLs, LVPEC and 50 MHz PCI
• Supports ISP using a microprocessor interface
• Has a robust design security feature
• Applications in Computing, Communications, Industrial Control Instrumentation and Avionics best suit the capabilities of ProASIC^PLUS.

2. How does ProASIC^PLUS fit into the Actel product offering?
Actel offers products in two non-volatile technologies, antifuse and flash. ProASIC^PLUS standard FPGAs are based upon Actel's flash technology. ProASIC^PLUS is single chip, nonvolatile, live at power-up and supports high design security similar to antifuse but is also reprogrammable. ProASIC^PLUS is an enhanced performance family that also extends the density range of the existing ProASIC flash product offering. It offers a fine-grained architecture that is ASIC-like in design methodology and allows you to use your existing ASIC design tools and flow to quickly get your design into production. During development the reprogrammable feature reduces the costs of time and materials in a redesign. With a 1 million system gates it is Actel's largest FPGA and the world's largest flash FPGA that is targeted at the ASIC replacement market.

3. What design methodology is used for ProASIC^PLUS?
The ProASIC^PLUS design flow is the same as that used for an ASIC design or can also be designed using a FPGA flow. Our Designer software interfaces with synthesis tools from Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor Graphics and Synplicity. There are simulation interfaces with some of these same ASIC tool vendors and static timing support from Prime Time. The Designer software provides place and route along with timing. We also have an integrated tool suite with third party software available using our Libero software product.

4. How is ProASIC^PLUS programmed by the user?
There are now four ways to program our new flash product:

• Support from Silicon Sculptor for off board programming
• Silicon Sculptor ISP programming can be done with a header on the board
• Actel has a new portable ISP programmer to used with a programming header
• ISP can also be supported with an on board microprocessor

5. How secure is a ProASIC^PLUS design?
With design security being so important to protect your IP in more complex circuits we have provided a way to lock your design. There are from 51 up to 263 bits that can be used to program a user key. Additionally the characteristics of the flash technology keeps your design secure even from rigorous deprocessing techniques. ProASIC^PLUS is the most secure FPGA device available and is even more secure than an ASIC. This is fast becoming a critical feature in today's competitive market. For more detailed information on the security features of Actel's flash technology, visit the FlashLock page.