Dialog Semiconductor plc and Flex Logix Technologies, Inc. have announced a strategic agreement whereby Dialog will license Flex Logix’s EFLX Embedded Field-ProgrammablGate Array (eFPGA) technology for use in high volume semiconductor ICs, and the EFLX Compiler to program these embedded FPGAs.
EFLX is a low-power, fully functional FPGA that is integrated into SoCs, microcontrollers and other standard or custom ICs, rather than serving as a standalone chip. EFLX cores can be used to upgrade I/O protocols, change encryption algorithms to improve security, enable elements of software-defined radio or accelerate data center algorithms. In addition, EFLX can be leveraged by manufacturers or end-users to upgrade both new products and individual systems already in the field.
The EFLX arrays are programmed using Verilog or VHDL. The EFLX Compiler takes the output of a synthesis tool such as Synopsys Synplify and handles packing, placement, routing, timing and bitstream generation. When loaded into the array, the bitstream programs it to implement the desired RTL function.
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“Adding eFPGA functionality to our products will give our customers the flexibility to keep pace with rapidly changing market needs,” said Davin Lee, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Advanced Mixed Signal Business Group at Dialog Semiconductor, in a statement. “By partnering with Flex Logix and leveraging its EFLX eFPGA, there is a massive opportunity to increase the configurability of future Dialog products within several of our target markets, such as IoT, computing, storage and mobile.”