1.1. Advantages of Using Altera Devices as I/O Expanders
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Programmable logic capability |
Together with the I/O expander, you can integrate other functions in the programmable device. For example, you can integrate LED drivers or bus-bridging logic. Furthermore, with the user flash memory (UFM) in the MAX II, MAX V, or MAX 10 devices, you can also integrate functions that use memory. This capability allows you to reduce component count across the board. |
| MultiVolt I/O support |
The Altera programmable devices support MultiVolt I/O capability. You can use this capability to interface with I/O pins with voltages of 3.3 V, 3.0 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.5 V, and 1.2 V. Using this capability, you can implement voltage-level shifting to interface your newer 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.5 V, or 1.2 V with older 3.3 V devices. |
| Large number of I/O pins |
The large number of I/O pins available in the Altera programmable devices make them ideal for implementing microcontroller I/O expansion. For example, with 500 I/O pins, you can implement 62 units of 8 bit ports. |
| In-system programmability |
With in-system programmability (ISP), you have the added flexibility of reprogrammability on the board. |