BusinessWire

March 25, 2008 05:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Nu Horizons Electronics Application Notes Accelerates Design Cycle When Using Xilinx and Micron Products

Step-by-Step Guide for Common Sub-systems targets Xilinx Spartan-3A/AN FPGAs and Micron DDR2 Memory Interfaces

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nu Horizons Electronics Corp. (NASDAQ: NUHC), a leading global distributor of advanced technology semiconductor, display, illumination, power and system solutions; today released the first in a new series of application notes aimed at assisting engineers in identifying each key element in the design process. This “Step-by Step Guide” focuses on interfacing the Micron MT47H family of DDR2 SDRAM to Xilinx Spartan 3A/AN FPGAs. The first step includes design examples that describe how to select from a range of possible products based on key design criteria. From there, the guide continues with making selections in a design tool to include or exclude specific features, how to make pin assignments to simplify routing and how to control signal routing during board layout to hit signal timing and skew requirements. All steps include a sufficient level of detail to provide the designer with relevant information to proceed quickly and easily from start to finish.

“There are many applications based on Xilinx Spartan FPGAs that require external Micron DDR2 memory. It is our goal is to make it easier for a broad range of customers to incorporate these key technologies into their products”, said Rita Megling, senior vice president of marketing for Nu Horizons. She further stated, “Over the course of the next year, a number of these guides will be produced based on the leading edge technology products available through Nu Horizons.”

Don Brady, director of North American distribution for Micron stated, “Micron is pleased to support Nu Horizons Step-by-Step Guides initiative, providing engineers with a concise reference tool that accelerates their design cycle. We are encouraged by their focus of empowering the engineering community with relevant design information.”

Information included in the guide is compiled from over seven different datasheets and application notes. It also includes an appendix that describes in detail how to use the Xilinx Memory Interface Generator (MIG) used to create the DDR2 memory controller. The design examples provided in the guide are based on a proven development board. In addition, the supporting website delivers easy access all source documentation, development board purchasing, or checking part availability from a centralized location. For more information, visit: http://www.nuhorizons.com/appnotes/AN086/index.asp.

About Nu Horizons Electronics Corp.

Nu Horizons Electronics Corp. is a leading global distributor of advanced technology semiconductor, display, illumination, power and system solutions to a wide variety of commercial original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and electronic manufacturing services providers (EMS). With sales facilities in 52 locations across North America, Europe and Asia and regional logistics centers throughout the globe, Nu Horizons partners with a limited number of best-in-class suppliers to provide in-depth product development, custom logistics and life-cycle support to its customers. Information on Nu Horizons and its services is available at http://www.nuhorizons.com.