Implementation of serial peripheral interface slave device based on uncommitted logic arrays

Microcontrollers and microprocessors link to peripheral devices (sensors, converters, transceivers, memory modules) via communication interfaces. One of the most widespread interfaces is the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), characterized by simplicity, energy efficiency, and high-speed performance. The purpose of the study was to design an SPI bus Slave device based on uncommitted logic arrays technology. Uncommitted logic arrays are integrated circuit technology that is intermediate between full-custom integrated circuits and programmable logic devices in terms of power consumption, dimensions, development, and manufacturing cost. The SPI Slave device was designed using the computer-aided design system Kovcheg dedicated to the chosen technology. Layout synthesis using Kovcheg can be executed based on a circuit developed with a built-in graphics editor or based on structural descriptions in the Verilog hardware description language. A technique of digital device design using Kovcheg based on behavioral descriptions is proposed to optimize the design process. The SPI Slave device was manufactured, and experimental results of the fabricated microchip agree well with simulation results. The device is able to work properly at clock frequency up to 5 MHz. Tests of speed performance, interference resistance, and ability to operate at different voltage levels were carried out. Attained results imply that the proposed device can function as an SPI Slave unit to communicate control devices with embedded peripherals.