Microsemi – Ariane Supplyes FPGA Development Platform Supporting Smart Grid and Electric Vehicle Standards

Microsemi FPGAs installed on Ariane Controls development platform
- ProASIC3 FPGA increases flexibility for development platforms for electric vehicle charging standards

May 31, 2011 – Microsemi Corporation (NASDAQ: MSCC), a semiconductor technology provider for smart, security, and connect industries, announced that it is partnering with powerline communication (PLC) developer Ariane Controls to supply the industry's first FPGA development technology platform capable of supporting the emerging growth sector of electric vehicle charging and related smart grid standards.

Arrian Controls' AC-CPM1 AutoGrade J2931 evaluation and development board leverages the performance and flexibility of Microsemi's ProASIC®3 Flash FPGA to accelerate the design cycle of systems implementing the automotive standard J2931, suitable for communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSEs). Microsemi's ProASIC3 FPGA products are the only solutions in the industry that meet Grade 1 AEC-Q100 automotive certification at a maximum junction temperature of 135°C.

“We are very pleased to be playing a key role in leading the development of core standards for electric vehicles and smart grid applications,” said Esam Elashmawi, Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi’s SoC Product Group. “The AC-CPM1 AutoGrade J2931 platform integrates Microsemi’s automotive-grade FPGA products, which provide low power consumption and flexibility, with Arrian Controls’ PLC technology.” “As the J2931 standard continues to evolve, this platform provides automotive manufacturers with a highly efficient and adaptable development environment. Microsemi’s FPGA products also offer an ideal solution for producing smart car charging systems as these standards are finalized and ratified,” he said.

Ariane Controls' AC-CPM1 AutoGrade J2931 platform utilizes Microsemi's ProASIC3 Flash FPGA products to operate Ariane's proven PLM-1 IP blocks. These blocks provide a simple, robust, and cost-effective method for data transfer over existing wires. Microsemi's ProASIC3 Flash FPGA products significantly reduce self-heating issues and enable operation at higher temperatures, thereby increasing design margins and extending product lifespan. Unlike SRAM-based FPGA products, ProASIC3 Flash FPGA products withstand neutron-induced film errors and eliminate the risk of configuration memory upsets.