Microchip Technology AT17F040-30CI

Overview

AT17F040-30CI 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/Spartan/Virtex, Altera FLEX/APEX, and Lucent ORCA devices. It operates at 3.3V ±10%, supports 33 MHz serial download, offers 5,000 write cycles, and features 5V-tolerant I/O pins.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040-30CI datasheet, AT17F040-30CI pinout, AT17F040-30CI application, or AT17F040-30CI equivalent, this device serves as a dedicated FPGA configuration memory with cascading support, ISP capability via 2-wire bus, and industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The AT17F040-30CI implements a serial-access flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA master-serial configuration mode. Its control logic synchronizes directly with FPGA CCLK, uses RESET/OE for address counter reset and DATA tristate, and employs CEO for daisy-chain cascading. PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] enable 4-page partitioning of the 4-Mbit address space (00000h–3FFFFh).

It supports two operational modes: SER_EN = High for FPGA configuration (33 MHz max clock), and SER_EN = Low for 2-wire ISP programming at VCC only. The device integrates internal pull-up (20 kΩ) on DATA, RESET/OE, and SER_EN, and internal pull-down (30 kΩ) on PAGE_EN and PAGESEL pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040-30CI is packaged in an 8-lead Leadless Array Package (LAP), 6 mm × 6 mm × 1 mm, pin-compatible with 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 and AT17LV040, the AT17F040-30CI uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, 5V-tolerant I/O, and 4-page partitioning-enabling robust, multi-configuration FPGA deployment in harsh or adaptive systems without redesign.

Availability

AT17F040-30CI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, FPGA-based test equipment, aerospace avionics, and 5G baseband processing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F040-30CI 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.

The AT17F Series was designed specifically to provide cost-effective, in-system programmable configuration memory for SRAM-based FPGAs-including Xilinx, Altera, and Lucent devices-with emphasis on industrial reliability and seamless integration into master-serial configuration architectures.

FAQ

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

The AT17F040-30CI serves as a dedicated serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstreams during power-up or reconfiguration. It interfaces directly with SRAM-based FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx Virtex, Spartan, Altera FLEX) in master-serial mode, using CLK, DATA, CE, and RESET/OE signals. Its 4-Mbit capacity supports mid-range FPGA configurations, and its industrial temperature rating ensures reliability in demanding environments. The AT17F040-30CI eliminates the need for external controllers during configuration.

Does the AT17F040-30CI support in-system programming (ISP), and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17F040-30CI supports in-system programming via a 2-wire serial interface. ISP is enabled by driving the SER_EN pin Low, which places the device into programming mode. In this mode, the A2 pin acts as a chip-select signal, and DATA serves as a bidirectional line for data transfer. Programming occurs at the nominal VCC supply (3.3V); no external high-voltage programming signals are required. The AT17F040-30CI is compatible with Atmel's ATDH2200E programmer and third-party industry-standard tools.

What are the key timing parameters for the AT17F040-30CI during FPGA configuration?

During FPGA configuration (SER_EN = High), the AT17F040-30CI supports a maximum CLK frequency of 33 MHz. Key AC parameters include TCAC (CLK to DATA delay) ≤30 ns, TOE (OE to DATA delay) ≤55 ns (industrial), and TSCE (CE setup to CLK) ≥25 ns (industrial). These specifications ensure reliable synchronization with FPGA CCLK and DIN timing windows. The device also guarantees TDF (CE/OE to DATA float) ≤15 ns, supporting clean signal transitions during cascaded reads.

Can multiple AT17F040-30CI devices be cascaded, and how does CEO signaling work?

Yes, multiple AT17F040-30CI devices can be cascaded in a daisy-chain configuration. The CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin of one device connects to the CE (Chip Enable) pin of the next. When the first device completes its bitstream, CEO goes Low, enabling the second device's DATA output. This automatic handoff continues down the chain. CEO remains Low while CE is Low and OE is High, then follows CE until OE goes Low. This mechanism ensures seamless, glitch-free multi-device configuration without external logic.

What package options are available for the AT17F040-30CI, and what does the "-30CI" suffix indicate?

The AT17F040-30CI is offered in the 8-lead Leadless Array Package (LAP), 6 mm × 6 mm × 1 mm, pin-compatible with 8-lead SOIC/VOIC footprints. The "-30CI" suffix denotes: "30" = speed grade (33 MHz max configuration clock), "C" = industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and "I" = 8-lead LAP package. Other variants include -30JI (20-lead PLCC) and -30VJI (20-lead PLCC with Virtex pinout). The AT17F040-30CI is not available in 44-lead packages - those are reserved for the higher-density AT17F080.