Programmable logic devices are increasingly being used in automotive applications to replace ASICs and ASSP devices. Actel FPGAs are based on nonvolatile technology (flash and antifuse). Actel FPGAs are not susceptible to neutron-induced firm errors, and this makes them the only FPGA technology suitable for critical automotive applications such as power train and safety. Refer to the Product Selector Guide for a listing of Actel devices that offer Automotive solutions.

Actel has reliable solutions to meet any of your most demanding automotive applications.

Actel's rich legacy of developing robust military and aerospace FPGAs has demonstrated our technology's unique advantages in critical applications. Chances are, if it moves, Actel FPGA devices ensure it does so safely. Therefore, automotive suppliers rely on Actel FPGAs—the only FPGAs with the technology to create reliable automotive sub-systems.

Low Power

Actel's low-power Automotive ProASIC3 flash FPGAs significantly reduce self-heating issues and allow for higher temperature operation, increased design margin, and ultimately contributes to longer product life expectancy. Actel offers the industry's lowest power automotive-grade FPGAs.

Qualification

Actel FPGAs address multiple issues associated with the qualification of automotive electronics:

• AEC-Q100 automotive qualification — Actel offers the only Grade 1 AEC-Q100 automotive qualification FPGA device that supports junction temperatures up to 135°C. Actel AEC-Q100-qualified automotive devices ensure the highest quality automotive FPGA solution.
• We're here for the long haul — Unlike ASSP devices, Actel FPGAs have long life spans and Actel has an industry-leading track record on product availability. This makes Actel FPGAs ideal solutions for telematics applications. Forget about receiving end-of-life notices before your next in-dash infotainment system gets into production. Choosing an FPGA with an automotive pedigree ensures not only security of supply but also parts that meet the highest quality requirements demanded of today's systems.
• Greater than the sum of the parts — Like ASICs, Actel's nonvolatile FPGAs significantly reduce total bill-of-materials (BOM) costs especially when compared to alternative FPGA technologies. Therefore, Actel devices simplify supply chain and qualification activities and reduce product life-time costs.
• One part, many projects — Unlike ASICs, Actel FPGAs can be configured for multiple designs and our customers report cost savings on simplified device qualification and lower unit cost through volume pricing.

Reliability

Actel FPGAs are not susceptible to neutron-induced firm errors, which means that they can be used in powertrain and safety-critical systems without the risk of configuration memory upset associated with SRAM-based FPGAs:

• Neutron-induced firm errors are a significant quality concern contributing 1,000s of failures in time (FIT) for SRAM-based FPGAs. Actel nonvolatile FPGAs do not exhibit this failure mode.
• Neutron-induced firm errors can result in logic errors in SRAM-based FPGAs, and liability concerns caused by firm errors have been raised within the automotive industry. It is impractical to prevent firm errors in SRAM-based FPGAs and difficult to detect that an error has occurred.
• Actel FPGAs are available in extended temperature ranges up to 150°C junction temperature (antifuse technology) and 135°C junction (ProASIC3 T-Grade devices).
• Nonvolatile FPGAs typically consume less power than competing SRAM-based FPGA devices. High-power consumption and heat dissipation are highly correlated to reduce mean time before failure in high reliability systems.

Industry-Standard Compliant

• Production Parts Approval Process (PPAP) Support — Actel offers industry-standard PPAP documentation for ProASIC3,ProASIC^PLUS, and eX devices. For other families, please contact your local Actel Sales representative for additional information.
• TS16949 — Actel Automotive products are certified to TS16949 meeting stringent quality management controls to provide for continual improvement, defect prevention, and reduction of variation and waste in the supply chain.

Cost

Actel's single-chip, nonvolatile FPGAs offer dramatic cost savings over alternative solutions across the entire product life.