The current technology enables the world to be more connected than ever before. Therefore, specialized devices will become more critical as the world becomes more interconnected. In addition, we need tools that are easier to use and cost-effective. QuickLogic specializes in developing advanced logic devices for cutting-edge technology at an affordable price.
QuickLogic is proud to introduce the EclipsePlus family of products. It is a new range of logic device families for cutting-edge FPGA-based designs. They offer significant performance improvements over previous generations of technology. In addition, they have minimal increases in silicon area and power requirements.
The EclipsePlus family of products includes the EclipsePlus H8. It is a low-power 8-bit processor core with a 16-bit instruction word width and the 45nm EclipsePlus UV1. Additionally, it is a high-performance 1GHz+ ultra-low-power 45nm 8-bit processor core with a 16-bit instruction word width. The EclipsePlus family also includes an extensive range of peripheral IP blocks. In addition, it contains peripherals commonly found in ASICs such as ADCs, DACs, PLLs, and timers that we can mix and match to meet your needs.
History of the EclipsePlus family
The EclipsePlus family of devices has roots in the original Eclipse family of products developed by QuickLogic. The Eclipse family was initially a low-cost, low-power, high-performance 8-bit processor for general applications. They developed it originally for use in QuickLogic’s flagship ULE cores. However, it quickly became popular with other third-party manufacturers such as Rayming PCB & Assembly. As a result, they also included it in their design platforms, making it one of the most widely used 8-bit cores available today.
The next iteration of the Eclipse family emerged when QuickLogic began to look at ultra-low-power electronic device applications. Specifically, applications that required approximately 1mW and a 0.1V power supply. QuickLogic created a new generation of Eclipse devices based on the EclipsePlus architecture to meet these requirements. However, it has a much more aggressive power reduction methodology. Again, the goal was to fuse out the design rules for everything necessary for each specific product and make it ultra-low power.
To achieve this, QuickLogic had to make several changes from the previous versions of the Eclipse family. The most obvious modification was reducing the operating voltage from 2V down to 0.8V, reducing 33 percent in voltage. Also, to achieve the same performance as previous versions, QuickLogic had to increase the logic gates and reduce the number of registers. The result of these changes is a new ultra-low power. It was also a low-cost processor core with a low-cost FPGA supporting an impressive performance/power ratio. This is ideal for ultra-large area FPGAs. [Taken from QuickLogic product brochure]
The introduction of the EclipsePlus family represented a significant improvement over the prior generation. It was ideally suited for high-performance applications that required high density (such as large-area FPGAs) and ultra-low power applications that needed to consume less than 1mW.
The latest innovation of the EclipsePlus family
The introduction of the EclipsePlus family was an important stage in the evolution of QuickLogic products. Still, recent technology advancements and increased demand for high-performance devices forced QuickLogic to design a new generation of Eclipse products. The result is a new family called the EclipsePlus H8, a low-power 8-bit processor core with a 16-bit instruction word width. Its artful design can keep pace with Moore’s Law and take advantage of newer 45nm process technologies.
The EclipsePlus H8 implements some significant improvements over existing 8-bit cores that have been around since the 80s. For example, the decreased gate count, register complement, and power consumption. In addition, the EclipsePlus H8 features a 16-bit instruction word width, and the core can have from 32 to 128 registers. A special feature of the EclipsePlus H8 is that it supports register stacking. This allows access to multiple registers with a single instruction. In addition, the EclipsePlus H8 provides up to 1K memory locations for local variables stack and DSP math operations.
The EclipsePlus H8 has been suitable for use in both FPGAs and ASICs. However, both architectures require different sets of standards and specifications. QuickLogic developed a special design methodology to meet these requirements. It allows for implementing the EclipsePlus H8 in FPGAs and ASICs. In addition, this new methodology will enable designers to modify their designs from one architecture to the other easily. They will not need to rewrite the core logic or retest at a higher integration level.
The EclipsePlus H8 consists of an efficient logic design method called Logic Compaction. It came with the first generation of Eclipse products. This provided designers with a high-density design method for implementing 8-bit applications in the ULE FPGA2.
Benefits of the EclipsePlus family
1. High performance
The EclipsePlus H8 core offers device manufacturers the ability to create high-performance, high-density FPGAs and ASICs that meet their customers increasing demand for larger quantities of more powerful devices. In addition, the EclipsePlus H8 provides designers with a cost-effective solution that they can use to implement not only high-level applications but also low-level embedded functions such as ultra low power monitoring and control devices.
2. Low power operation
The EclipsePlus UV1 core offers similar benefits to device manufacturers as the EclipsePlus H8 core. Still, instead of being used for high-performance applications, it has been designed for ultra-low power applications. It requires a maximum operating voltage of 0.6V.
3. EclipsePlus Design Methodology
The EclipsePlus design methodology offers device manufacturers a cost-effective solution for implementing high-performance, high-density FPGAs and ASICs at a fraction of the cost of other top-down methodologies. The EclipsePlus design methodology depends on a combination of super structured programming, logic compaction, and register stacking. It is programmable in VHDL, Verilog, and C, allowing designers to quickly and easily implement their designs in FPGAs and ASICs.
The devices that comprise the latest Eclipse family devices are below.
- QL7180-7PS484C
- The QL7180-6PS484C
- QL7180-4PS484I
- The QL7120-T6PS484C
- QL7120-6PQ208C
- The QL7120-4PQ208C
- QL7100-6PQ208
- The QL7100-4PQ208I
Standard features for the EclipsePlus family
1. Embedded Computational Units
All members of the EclipsePlus family, except for the EclipsePlus UV1 core, offer embedded computational units (ECU) that can help implement various embedded functions. For example, ECUs provide integrated signal processing, DSP, and DMA functions. In addition, the ECUs include an on-chip memory that we can configure as a programmable memory bank.
2. Embedded Instruction Decoders (ED)
All members of the EclipsePlus family support embedded instruction decoders (ED). It helps reduce the size requirements of embedded applications. In addition, EDs accelerate high-speed execution in all significant microprocessors by allowing instructions to be fetched efficiently from off-chip memories. Thereby, it reduces the performance penalty caused by bringing instructions from on-integrated memories such as SRAM.
3. Advanced Clock Network
All members of the EclipsePlus family support a flexible clock network that we can configure to meet designers’ requirements. The clock network supports a FIFO-based counter, jitter, and input/output buffers. The clock network can also be helpful for direct interface with off-chip memories or peripheral devices.
key features include:
a) Four phase-locked loops: We use these to control peripherals such as external memory interfaces, serial ports, analog to digital converters, and counters. One is used to control the internal oscillator. The other three can be helpful for 3 different clock frequencies.
b) 16 I/O controls: These control the internal multiplexers and registers. Additionally, they control the interconnecting signals between the various units.
c) 20 quad-net networks: We use these to interconnect the various units. Generally, these contain either a FIFO or a counter to control data transfer between the CPU and other components.
d) Nine global clock networks: We use these to control the K, L, and M network, memory refresh, and special features such as the serial interface. One of the clocks is dedicated, while the others are available for higher-speed connections.
4. Programmable I/O
The members of the EclipsePlus family offer programmable input/output (I/O) units that provide designers with a flexible and cost-effective method for implementing custom I/O peripheral functions. The I/O unit consists of three outputs and two programmable FIFOs. The on-chip voltage regulator can control power dissipation.
Key features include:
a) High-performance enhanced I/O: These offer designers the ability to implement a wide range of I/O functions in low-power, high-performance packages. A single VDD line and two programmable sub-registers are helpful for control. We can configure each one independently to select any I/O port.
b) Programmable slew rate control: We can configure the slew rate to support AC or DC I/O connections.
c) On-chip voltage regulator: The regulator allows designers to power the I/O multiplexer and registers from 1.0 volt to 3.3 volts.
d) Three register configurations: These three programmable sub-registers can be configured to control the operation of the I/O. The first two are programmable independently, while we can configure the third as an output or input.
e) Eight independent I/O banks: Each programmable sub-register can control up to 8 I/O banks.
f) SSTL3, SSTL2, GTL+, PCI, LVCMOS, and LVTTL: The EclipsePlus family offers a wide selection of I/O standards. The LVCMOS, GTL+, SSTL2, and SSTL3 are available on the EclipsePlus UV1 core.
5. Embedded Dual-Port SRAM
The members of the EclipsePlus family offer embedded dual-port SRAMs that we can use to implement a wide range of memory applications. The dual-port SRAM consists of two banks, each of which has an independent address bus, a data bus, and input/output pins. The memory operates at speeds up to 167Mhz and has an on-chip voltage regulator that allows powering from 1.0 volt to 3.3 volts.
Key features include:
1) Configurable and cascadable: The memory configuration is programmable and cascadable. High-speed RAMs are supported, allowing users to configure up to 8MB of DRAM.
2) FIFO/ROM/ RAM wizard for automatic configuration: The EclipsePlus family of tools includes a RAM/ROM/FIFO wizard that automatically allows users to perform complex configuration tasks.
3) 82,900 RAM bits: Each one of the RAM banks has access to up to 82,900 bits. This is sufficient for up to eight banks of DRAM or up to 82,900 bits of ROM.
4) High-performance SRAM blocks: The number of SRAM bits available depends on the configuration. Bit sizes from 32 to 2,304 bits are supported.
6. Flexible Programmable Logic
The members of the EclipsePlus family offer programmable logic (PL) blocks we can use to implement a wide range of digital-specific functions. The PL blocks are based on standard low-power SRAMs and provide power dissipation from 1.0 volt to 3.3 volts.
EclipsePlus is used for programmable logic interfaces, enabling designers to implement custom electrical interfaces in a low-cost and high-performance package. Programmable interconnections between the external PL blocks represent a reduction in on-chip die area, and we can use it for custom timing cycles, control loops, and peripheral logic. Programmable input/output (I/O) is also available.
The programmable interconnections between the two PL blocks can implement numerous clock-based control loops, including clock recovery, filtering, equalization, and interconnecting signals. The interconnections also allow for data transfer between the two blocks. In addition to internal programmable logic, the EclipsePlus features lightning-fast response using on-chip FIFOs (and the lower power requirements of FIFO designs) as well as on-chip input/output buffers.
Key features include:
a) 347 I/O pins: Each PL has more than 350 I/O pins, allowing designers to create a wide range of devices. The number of I/O pins depends on the PL configuration and the RAM used for programmable logic.
b) 583,008 system gates: Each PL has a programmable gate configuration that we can use for standard logic functions, custom circuits, or logic blocks. The number of gates depends on the PL configuration.
c) 4,032 logic cells: Each PL can be a programmable logic cell configuration. The number of cells depends on the PL configuration.
d) 2.5 V VCC capable I/O: The I/O pins are capable of operating at either 2.5 volts or 3.3 volts, allowing them to interface with a wide variety of devices.
e) 0.25 µm five-layer metal CMOS process: The EclipsePlus can take full advantage of the superior performance of a five-layer metal CMOS process. As a result, the power dissipation is less than 45 mW at 167 MHz and can be reduced to 35 mW if needed.
f) Multi-path programming support: Designers can program different blocks based on the application requirements.
EclipsePlus family software development platforms
The EclipsePlus family includes several different software development platforms that support the complete range of member parts.
1. Third party
Third-party developers can customize any member of the EclipsePlus family. They can either develop their device drivers or software packages with the EclipsePlus.
The EclipsePlus is licensed to third parties as a complete package, providing a wide range of programmable logic functions, memory, and I/O interconnections. In addition, EclipsePlus’s features and a large number of configurable I/O pins make it an ideal platform for developing custom logic blocks.
The EclipsePlus hardware is also available to third parties as a supply source for customization and assembly of their own custom devices. This cost-effective solution allows loose coupling of the EclipsePlus design to unique needs.
2. Embedded designers
Software developers can use EclipsePlus features to develop their custom software components. The EclipsePlus provides a platform for developing custom digital-specific applications and reduces the cost of developing custom digital-specific products compared to FPGA devices. In addition, developers can translate their software into the appropriate PL configuration and create an EclipsePlus device using the EclipsePlus hardware with minimal changes to the developer’s code.
This is possible with all members of the EclipsePlus family, providing an open platform that allows third-party developers to customize programmable logic in a low-cost, high-performance package.
EclipsePlus programming environment
The EclipsePlus can develop custom logic elements rapidly using a familiar set of tools. After developers have created their software, a full range of options is available to configure their customized EclipsePluss. In addition to configuring internal programmable logic, external I/O level can be helpful, and the on-chip FIFO/ROM/RAM wizard can configure the configuration easily.
3. Designers with existing code
Developers can customize an existing design for use with an EclipsePluss. For example, they can create an EclipsePlus configuration to match the device they are developing or program their new customized device directly from their existing code.
The EclipsePlus is a family of products based on the same design. However, the devices differ in hardware configuration and features. The table below summarizes the features of all three current members of the family:
The EclipsePlus family has two significant sub-families: 1) a low-cost, high-performance PL solution designed for custom logic applications, and 2) an advanced PL solution designed to help design cost-effective FPGA digital specific components, supporting external memory and I/O interconnections, as well as fast clock recovery.
The EclipsePlus family of products is available through a wide range of distributors and directly from Quicklogic.
Quicklogic provides a fully digital design environment to support the EclipsePlus. In addition, the software development tools make digital design easier, faster, and more cost-effective by providing a standard set of tools. These tools include:
EclipsePlus designers can implement a wide range of devices with the same design flow for FPGAs, including custom logic blocks or custom digital-specific components such as VCOs, PLLs, SerDes elements, and complex components data converters.
4. Free, open-source software
The EclipsePlus design is available as free, open-source software. The EclipsePlus design file is available on the Quicklogic website. The source code files are also included in the distribution of the EclipsePlus design and provide a complete description of its architecture.
Quicklogic also publishes an EclipsePlus project on Github, providing a full description of each member part and its associated sources. FPGAs are widely used for complex digital applications such as high-performance image processing and video processing because they provide a wide range of programmable functions with low power consumption.
The EclipsePlus devices can meet the needs needed for design engineers, allowing them to implement very large systems at a low cost with high-performance capabilities.
Quicklogic is the only company that can offer a complete solution using an open-source design, software, and hardware.
The EclipsePlus Family is an open-source design that allows developers to customize a wide range of programmable logic elements and use them in FPGA design. The EclipsePlus devices depend on the same design used to manufacture the highly successful members of the Quicklogic family, providing advanced PL capabilities without the significant cost increase of development tools. In addition, the EclipsePlus can allow rapid implementation of custom digital-specific components at low cost and low power consumption by designers already familiar with FPGA designs for custom digital applications.
Installation
To install, first start the installation application:
1. Check the size of the EclipsePlus by clicking on the “Get File” button. This will download a file used to create a configuration file.
2. Open the “Eclipse-Plus-Firmware-[version]-BINARY-EN” (e.g., Eclipse-Plus-Firmware-1.2.2-BINARY-EN). If this is a .vhd file, copy it to a directory on your computer, then extract it using VC++ or some other C++ compiler generating tool.
3. Copy the “Eclipse-Plus-Firmware-1.2.2-BINARY-EN” file to the directory where you install your EclipsePlus, and rename it to “eclipseplus.hex”.
4. Open Upc_LcdxDriver_Win32 (EclipsePlus Projects) and select “run” from the top menu. The driver should then install automatically, displaying some messages about start-up and performing some initial configuration in your computer’s operating system for you.
5. If the driver does not install automatically, click “install” on the first screen of the driver, it will then run, and you must restart it whenever you want to open an EclipsePlus project.
6. Return to your EclipsePlus project directory and click on “open project” on the Upc_Lcd driver application that you see running on your computer’s desktop (or from a shortcut icon), giving an appropriate name in the open file dialogue box.
7. Your EclipsePlus should then start showing a blank screen for about two seconds before displaying whatever program you have written using the EclipsePlus controller (a typical program would require programming of various logic elements).
8. Close the Upc_Lcdx driver.
Usage
Developers can quickly and easily implement all the features of EclipsePlus digital designs, including all functions, inputs, and outputs of the design that are necessary for design engineers. The integration with an existing design using their existing code is also easily accomplished. Furthermore, many of the device settings are automatic, based on the model number of your device. The EclipsePlus uses a configuration file to determine basic settings such as clock frequency or power consumption which can be adjusted later if needed. Once the device is ready, you can download the controller application (which generates a lot of unnecessary code for no purpose) and use it with your system.
Suppose you have not already created a configuration file. In that case, you can create a copy of the generic configuration provided with the EclipsePlus design by clicking “Save as” in the “Save…” menu or by copying and pasting its contents into any file. This will set up all elements required to link your design using Device Manager in Eclipse. The configuration file contains all necessary settings during integration, including:
The programming model used is VHDL (a hardware description language). Using VHDL to program digital designs is the standard method in the industry and greatly simplifies the design flow.
Users then create a concrete VHDL file that describes all of the inputs and outputs of their system. This user-written VHDL part effectively replaces the “hardware description” part typically generated by FPGA tools. Next, we compile the resulting Once compiled. Finally, we execute the bitstream is held in memory and by the FPGA. Once the user has made some modifications to their design, they can then convert it back into a standard VHDL file that can configure the device with any FPGA tool.
Cost
The EclipsePlus design had low cost in mind. The design can operate on various FPGA devices using the same VHDL code. There are many different FPGA devices in widespread use, and the typical specifications of each device may be easily determined by looking them up in three sources:
A common distinction between FPGAs is their architecture. The EclipsePlus devices use an “abstract” architecture, allowing for much easier implementation on a wide variety of FPGAs that do not use the same layout.
Board Layout
The EclipsePlus can use a compact board layout and the fewest switches necessary. The framework can reduce unnecessary routing by providing a common framework for all the included functions, reinforcing the design philosophy. In addition, any unused components can be removed from their place on the board, leaving room for other items in a custom design. We implement the second iteration of each design on another bare circuit board (with the same basic dimensions) that uses the same wiring scheme as the main substrate but includes no extra parts.
This is useful if you use an existing board and do not want to move any significant components.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the EclipsePlus family can provide user-defined solutions for embedded applications. This supports advanced features such as programmable I/O, memory, SCSI, and serial ports. It is robust hardware that offers excellent performance. In addition, eclipsePlus family hardware is well-documented and free of patents.
The EclipsePlus core is the starting point for the entire design flow and is easy to use.
It can also be a stand-alone starting point and provides high performance and flexibility. The EclipsePlus core supports various peripherals such as I/O, memory, serial ports, and SCSI. In addition, a complete EclipsePlus board is available that supports these peripherals.
