Introduction

Many power supply modules and power control ICs are used on evaluation boards for Intel's FPGA and CPLD products. In this column, we will introduce how to select devices and things to keep in mind when designing power supply circuits.

The memorable first installment is an introduction to ``What are the power supply specifications required by Intel FPGAs and what is the optimal power supply IC?''

Best power solution for FPGA

Intel's FPGA and CPLD products are broadly divided into four types, the Stratix®, Arria®, Cyclone®, and MAX® series in descending order of logic scale.
Each has different power supply specifications, but the power supplies that are always required are CORE and I/O.
The power supply specifications for the current lineup of Intel FPGAs and CPLDs are roughly as follows.

• CORE voltage range is 0.85V - 1.2V, required accuracy is ±30mV
• I/O voltage range is 1.2V - 3.3V, required accuracy is ±5%
• PLL analog voltage range is 1.8V or 2.5V, required accuracy is ±5%

Nowadays, the accuracy of CORE voltage required by FPGAs is becoming higher and higher, and Analog Devices' μModule🄬 series is a power supply solution that matches FPGAs.
(Of course, it can also be used for loads other than FPGA.)
When designing, please check detailed power specifications from Intel's Pin Connection Guideline and FPGA and CPLD device datasheets on the Intel web page.