AMD Launches Spartan UltraScale+ FPGAs for Edge

AMD, a provider of innovative computing solutions, has introduced the AMD Spartan™ UltraScale+™ FPGA family, augmenting its extensive lineup of AMD Cost-Optimized FPGAs and adaptive SoCs. Engineered to deliver efficient performance for diverse I/O-intensive applications at the edge, the Spartan UltraScale+ devices boast the industry’s highest I/O to logic cell ratio in FPGAs built on 28nm and lower process technology. They also offer up to 30 percent lower total power consumption compared to the previous generation and feature a robust set of security enhancements.

Kirk Saban, Corporate Vice President of the Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group at AMD, expressed pride in the Spartan FPGA family’s legacy spanning over 25 years, noting its integral role in various groundbreaking achievements. He emphasized the family’s evolution with enhanced security, common design tools, and prolonged product lifecycles, reinforcing AMD’s commitment to providing cost-optimized solutions to its customers.

The Spartan UltraScale+ FPGAs are specifically tailored for edge computing scenarios, boasting high I/O counts and flexible interfaces that facilitate seamless integration with multiple devices or systems, catering to the burgeoning demand for sensors and connected devices. With up to 572 I/Os and support for voltages up to 3.3V, these FPGAs enable versatile connectivity for edge sensing and control applications, all within a compact footprint.

Moreover, leveraging 16nm FinFET technology and hardened connectivity, the Spartan UltraScale+ family achieves up to a 30 percent reduction in power consumption compared to its predecessors. Additionally, it introduces support for LPDDR5 memory controllers and PCIe® Gen4 x8, ensuring both energy efficiency and future-proof capabilities for customers.

In terms of security, the Spartan UltraScale+ FPGAs boast cutting-edge features, including support for Post-Quantum Cryptography with NIST-approved algorithms to safeguard intellectual property against evolving cyber threats. Each device is equipped with a physical unclonable function, providing a unique fingerprint for added security. Furthermore, measures such as PPK/SPK key support and enhanced single-event upset performance enhance tamper resistance and system reliability.

To support designers, AMD provides comprehensive tools and software platforms, including the AMD Vivado™ Design Suite and Vitis™ Unified Software Platform, streamlining the development process from design to verification.

Sampling and evaluation kits for the AMD Spartan UltraScale+ FPGA family are slated for release in the first half of 2025, with documentation available now and tools support expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, underscoring AMD’s dedication to empowering its customers with cutting-edge solutions.