Helion Vision Selects the LatticeXP2 FPGA for its Next Generation Camera Modules

Unique Combination of Power, Small Footprint, and High Security Were Critical Factors In Selection Process

Lattice Semiconductor  today announced that Helion GmbH, Duisburg, Germany, a leading developer of OEM CMOS cameras, OEM CMOS camera modules and CMOS sensor support chips, has selected the LatticeXP2™ family of non-volatile FPGAs in the design of its next generation of camera modules. Helion already uses LatticeXP™ and MachXO™ non-volatile devices in its existing NanoVesta series of camera modules to perform image data parameterization, image data processing and overlay functions.

The next generation of camera modules from Helion, planned for release in early 2008, will use the LatticeXP2 FPGAs for Helion’s IONOS-series to perform all necessary image-processing tasks in real time with a very low latency. “The LatticeXP2 FPGA supports a 5Mpixel imager with up to 12 frames per second and 5 lines of latency,” said Dr. Arndt Bussmann, chief technical officer at Helion. “The LattticeXP2 device is the only FPGA available in the marketplace that is powerful enough, small enough and secure enough to perform the image processing tacks required for our newest high performance camera modules.”

“Since we announced the LatticeXP2 non-volatile FPGA family just over four months ago, customer response to the new devices has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Stan Kopec, Lattice corporate vice president of marketing. “The LatticeXP2 FPGA, with its combination of both SRAM and Flash memory on a single die, is the only true 90nm non-volatile device in the industry. Unlike so-called non-volatile FPGAs with a stacked die architecture, our LatticeXP2 FPGAs deliver the maximum benefits of non-volatility: instant-on, very high security and a single-chip design solution.”

About the LatticeXP2 FPGA Family

The non-volatile LatticeXP2 family combines a Look-up Table (LUT)-based FPGA fabric with Flash non-volatile cells on a 90nm process technology, in an architecture called flexiFLASH™. The flexiFLASH approach provides benefits such as instant-on operation, a small footprint, on-chip storage with FlashBAK™ embedded block memories, Serial TAG memory and the highest design security. LatticeXP2 devices also support live updates with Lattice’s unique TransFR™ technology, 128-bit AES design encryption and dual-boot technologies. The family consists of five devices ranging between 5K and 40K LUTs in a wide variety of packages.

About Helion GmbH

As an international operating company located in Duisburg, Germany, Helion GmbH offers a variety of services in the field of CMOS image technology, including the design and volume delivery of diverse products. Helion’s range of business activities is complemented by its application oriented design activities and diversified services. Helion develops and manufactures customized digital camera systems. Helion’s diversified technical expertise ranges from product design and development to volume manufacturing. As a supplier for many industry segments, Helion offers products featuring excellent performance and supreme quality for its customers’ special applications. Projects fully benefit from the outstanding expertise of Helion’s staff, accumulated during many years of practical experience in research and product development.

For more information, visit www.helionvision.com/index-en.php.

About Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation provides the industry's broadest range of Programmable Logic Devices ( PLD), including Field Programmable Gate Arrays ( FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Devices ( CPLD), Mixed-Signal Power Management and Clock Generation Devices, and industry-leading SERDES products.

Lattice continues to deliver "More of the Best" to its customers with comprehensive solutions for system design, including an unequaled portfolio of high-performance, non-volatile and low-cost FPGAs.

Lattice products are sold worldwide through an extensive network of independent sales representatives and distributors, primarily to OEM customers in communications, computing, industrial, consumer, automotive, medical and military end markets. For more information, visit http://www.latticesemi.com