Microchip Technology AT17F040-30CC

Overview

AT17F040-30CC from Atmel is a 4-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store FPGA bitstreams for SRAM-based FPGAs including Xilinx XC3000/XC4000/XC5200/Spartan/Virtex, Altera FLEX/APEX, Lucent ORCA, and Atmel AT40K/AT94K devices. It operates at 3.3V ±10%, supports 5V-tolerant I/O, delivers up to 33 MHz serial download speed, and features cascading capability via CEO/CE daisy-chain.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040-30CC datasheet, AT17F040-30CC pinout, AT17F040-30CC application, or AT17F040-30CC equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping (8-lead LAP), real-world FPGA configuration use cases, and validated alternative parts for industrial-grade reconfiguration systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with ISP support.

Technical Context

The AT17F040-30CC implements a serial-access flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA master serial mode configuration. Its control logic directly interfaces with FPGA CCLK, DIN, and mode pins-no external controller required-and uses RESET/OE for address counter reset and DATA tri-state control.

It supports two operational modes: standard FPGA configuration (SER_EN = High) and 2-wire in-system programming (SER_EN = Low). Page-select logic (PAGESEL[1:0] + PAGE_EN) enables partitioning the 4 Mbit address space into four 1 Mbit segments, allowing multi-bitstream storage and selective loading without external logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040-30CC is packaged in an 8-lead Leadless Array Package (LAP), 6 mm × 6 mm × 1 mm body, pin-compatible with standard 8-lead SOIC/VOIC footprints. This compact surface-mount package supports high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA configuration memory applications.

Compared with XC18V04, AT17F040-30CC adds ISP, page-select, and cascading - enabling field upgrades and modular bitstream management. Against AT17LV040, it provides assured supply continuity and updated reliability characterization for harsh-environment deployments.

Availability

AT17F040-30CC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, telecom line cards, and defense radar signal processors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT17F040-30CC includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and programmable logic solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The AT17F Series was designed specifically to replace UV-erasable EPROMs and parallel PROMs in FPGA configuration systems - delivering serial simplicity, in-system reprogrammability, and industrial-grade reliability for SRAM-based programmable logic.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17F040-30CC in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17F040-30CC serves as a serial configuration PROM that loads the bitstream into SRAM-based FPGAs such as Xilinx Spartan or Virtex devices upon power-up or reset. It replaces parallel PROMs and eliminates the need for external controllers by directly interfacing with FPGA CCLK and DIN pins. The AT17F040-30CC ensures deterministic, repeatable configuration essential for industrial and telecom applications where boot reliability is critical.

Does the AT17F040-30CC support in-system programming, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17F040-30CC supports in-system programming via a 2-wire serial interface. Programming mode is activated by driving the SER_EN pin Low, which reconfigures DATA and CLK as bidirectional ISP lines. The AT17F040-30CC performs internal voltage boosting - no external VPP supply is needed. This capability allows field updates without removing the device from the PCB, making the AT17F040-30CC ideal for remote or inaccessible installations.

Which FPGA families are explicitly compatible with the AT17F040-30CC according to official documentation?

Official Atmel documentation confirms compatibility with Xilinx XC3000, XC4000, XC5200, Spartan, and Virtex FPGAs; Altera FLEX and APEX devices; Lucent ORCA FPGAs; and Atmel's own AT40K and AT94K families. The AT17F040-30CC matches pin functions (e.g., CEO-to-CE daisy-chain, RESET/OE synchronization) and timing parameters (e.g., TOE ≤ 55 ns) required by these devices' master serial configuration protocols.

What is the role of the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL pins on the AT17F040-30CC?

PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] enable 4-way memory partitioning of the AT17F040-30CC's 4 Mbit address space into four 1 Mbit pages. When PAGE_EN is High, PAGESEL[1:0] selects one of four segments (00–11), allowing storage and selective loading of multiple FPGA configurations - e.g., factory default, field upgrade, safety mode, or diagnostic bitstream. This feature is absent in legacy PROMs and makes the AT17F040-30CC uniquely suited for adaptive reconfigurable systems.

Can the AT17F040-30CC be used in daisy-chain configurations, and how is this implemented?

Yes, the AT17F040-30CC supports daisy-chaining via its CEO (Chip Enable Output) and CE (Chip Enable) pins. When the first AT17F040-30CC completes its bitstream, CEO goes Low, enabling the CE input of the next device in the chain. This cascaded architecture allows seamless expansion beyond 4 Mbit - for example, three AT17F040-30CC units provide 12 Mbit total capacity while sharing a single CCLK line and minimizing FPGA pin usage. The AT17F040-30CC's CEO timing (TOCE ≤ 60 ns) ensures robust inter-device handoff.