Traditionally, portable system designers have used ASICs and ASSPs to implement memory interfaces, I/O expansion, power-on sequencing, discrete logic functions, display, and other functions. Cost limitations, power and cooling restrictions, and board space requirements often limit the use of PLDs in these applications. Today, however, innovations in CPLDs in power reduction, cost optimization, and small form-factor packaging allow PLDs to replace or augment ASICs, ASSPs, and discrete devices.
Author: Martin S. Won, Senior Member of Technical Staff, Customer Success Programs, Altera Corporation
Mr. Won’s focus is on customer applications for programmable logic devices. In addition, he founded Altera’s customer training program and managed several other technical and marketing programs. Mr. Won holds a BSEE degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
