TELDIX’s Common Processor Module Leverages Live at Power-Up, Security and Firm-Error Immunity of Actel’s ProASIC Plus FPGAs

The processor module contains two Actel ProASIC Plus APA150 FPGAs with identical functionality that are used to implement various functions, including built-in self-test, watchdog and interrupt control functions, as well as security functions for external flash memories and custom system timers for synchronizing the various system boards. The ProASIC Plus parts also integrate parallel I/Os, an I2C-interface and special reset functions.
“We decided to use Actel ProASIC Plus FPGAs because of their live at power-up nature, their inherent immunity against firm errors and the inherent security of design ¾ benefits not offered by SRAM parts,” explained Michael Feigenbutz, group leader, computer development at TELDIX. “The parts’ in-system programmability played a critical role by allowing us to quickly implement changes during the development process. Further benefit was derived by allowing us to reduce the total system cost and offering space savings, as Actel FPGAs do not require a boot PROM.”
Actel distributor MSC Germany provided TELDIX with comprehensive assistance with the initial design and technical support to help realise the project in a timely fashion.
“The common processor module developed by TELDIX once again demonstrates that flash FPGAs are being increasingly used as highly secure alternatives to SRAM parts and that manufacturers of high-reliability equipment, such as avionics and weapons systems, continue to profit from the inherent benefits of our programmable logic devices,” said Ken O’Neill, director, military and aerospace product marketing at Actel. “Actel’s ProASIC Plus devices are a great fit for mission-critical applications that require levels of security beyond that provided by SRAM-based FPGAs.”

About ProASIC Plus

The ProASIC Plus family consists of devices ranging from 75,000 to 1 million system gates. The combination of a fine-grained, single-chip ASIC-like architecture and nonvolatile flash configuration memory makes Actel’s ProASIC Plus offering a strong ASIC alternative. The devices are live at power-up, low power, highly secure, resistant to neutron-induced firm errors and require no separate configuration memory, all characteristics shared by ASICs. In addition to commercial and industrial temperature ranges, Actel’s ProASIC Plus FPGAs are offered in military temperature and Mil-Std 883B versions. The ProASIC Plus architecture and design methodology support popular FPGA and ASIC tool flows, reducing time to market and permitting designers to migrate easily between FPGA and ASIC solutions.

About the Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the world's most capable and dynamic swing-role combat aircraft. Developed by Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Eurofighter Typhoon will fulfill Air Force requirements well into the mid-21st Century. The aircraft is in full production and, having achieved Type Acceptance, the first of the 620 Eurofighter Typhoons planned for the four Partner Nations were delivered in 2003, and will continue to be delivered throughout 2005.