Understanding Microchip FPGAs

Microchip's FPGA portfolio includes innovative architectures designed for various applications from low-power embedded systems to high-performance computing. Our portfolio includes the low-power PolarFire family, the system-in-package SmartFusion family, and specialized solutions for specific applications.

Key Advantages of Microchip FPGAs:

  • Low power consumption with advanced process technologies
  • Integrated microcontroller subsystems (SmartFusion)
  • Comprehensive security features
  • Extensive IP library and design tools
  • Long-term product support and reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PolarFire and SmartFusion FPGAs?

PolarFire FPGAs are optimized for low-power, high-performance applications with a focus on efficiency. SmartFusion devices integrate a full ARM Cortex-M microcontroller subsystem with FPGA fabric, creating a single-chip solution for mixed-criticality systems. Both offer excellent technical support through our FAE team.

Which FPGA is best for my security-focused application?

For security-focused applications, we recommend the PolarFire FPGA family with advanced security features including hardware security manager, secure bitstream encryption, and tamper detection. Our technical team can provide specific recommendations based on your security requirements.

FPGA Product Specifications

Part Number Family Logic Elements Memory (KB) DSP Blocks I/Os Package Supply Voltage Price (250)
MPF300TS-1FGG484I PolarFire 300K 27 224 269 FBGA-484 1.0V $425.00
MPF300S-1FGG484I SmartFusion 300K 29 256 269 FBGA-484 1.0V $485.00
MPF1000T-1FCG1152E PolarFire 1M 108 784 666 FCBGA-1152 1.0V $1,250.00
IGLOO2GL1000 IGLOO 1M 72 576 367 FBGA-620 1.2V $895.00
MPF3000T-1FCG1152I PolarFire 3M 288 2304 666 FCBGA-1152 1.0V $2,450.00
RT54S00-3A PolarFire 4M 384 3072 877 FCBGA-1760 1.0V $4,200.00
SmartFusion2 M2S090TS SmartFusion 90K 27 160 480 FCBGA-1144 1.0V $385.00
IGLOO2GL050 IGLOO 50K 12 56 155 FBGA-256 1.2V $125.00

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How to Choose the Right FPGA for Your Application

Selecting the right FPGA depends on your application's performance, power, and integration requirements. Our technical experts recommend considering these key factors:

Performance Needs

Consider the required logic density, memory resources, and DSP blocks for your application. Higher-performance devices offer more resources but may consume more power. The PolarFire family provides high performance with low power consumption.

Power Requirements

For low-power applications, the PolarFire family features advanced process technology that significantly reduces power consumption. For power-limited applications, consider the device's static and dynamic power specifications.

Integration Requirements

If your application requires both FPGA fabric and microcontroller functionality, consider the SmartFusion family which integrates a full ARM Cortex-M microcontroller subsystem with the FPGA fabric.

Security Needs

Applications with security requirements should consider devices with integrated security features like hardware security managers, secure bitstream encryption, and tamper detection capabilities.

Need help with your selection? Contact our FAE team for personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements.

FAE Insights: FPGAs in High-Reliability Applications

According to our field application engineers, Microchip's FPGAs are particularly well-suited for high-reliability applications in aerospace, defense, and industrial automation. The radiation-tolerant PolarFire family is designed specifically for space applications.

The SmartFusion family is favored for applications requiring mixed-criticality systems where both real-time control and programmable logic are needed. The integrated ARM Cortex-M subsystem provides reliable control while the FPGA fabric handles custom logic functions.

Our FAE team has extensive experience with high-reliability implementations and can provide guidance on design practices, radiation considerations, and long-term support.

Ready to Start Your Design with Microchip FPGAs?

Get in touch with our technical experts for product selection, sample requests, and design support.