Microchip Technology AT17F040-30JC

Overview

AT17F040-30JC 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. It is used in industrial FPGA configuration systems requiring reliable, nonvolatile boot memory.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040-30JC datasheet, AT17F040-30JC pinout, AT17F040-30JC application, or AT17F040-30JC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 4-Mbit density, 8-lead LAP package (6 mm × 6 mm), 5,000 write-cycle endurance, ISP support via 2-wire bus, and compatibility with Master Serial mode FPGA configuration protocols.

Technical Context

The AT17F040-30JC implements a serial-access flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA configuration loading, using CLK-driven address incrementing and tri-state DATA output controlled by CE and RESET/OE. Its control logic directly interfaces with FPGA CCLK, DIN, and mode pins without external controllers.

It supports both flat-address (PAGE_EN = 0) and 4-page partitioned addressing (PAGE_EN = 1 with PAGESEL[1:0]), enabling multi-bitstream storage and selective reconfiguration. Cascading is enabled through CEO-to-CE chaining, with automatic DATA float and counter reset sequencing upon page or device boundary completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040-30JC is packaged in an 8-lead Leadless Array Package (LAP), 6 mm × 6 mm × 1 mm body, pin-compatible with 8-lead SOIC/VOIC footprints. Pitch is 1.27 mm; no leads extend beyond body-solder pads are on bottom perimeter.

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 AT17F040-30JC uniquely balances industrial temperature support, multi-vendor FPGA compatibility, and page-selectable reconfiguration-making it optimal for heterogeneous or upgradeable FPGA platforms requiring long-term supply stability.

Availability

AT17F040-30JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecommunications infrastructure, and FPGA-based test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended lifecycle commitments.

Supply support for AT17F040-30JC 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 simplify and harden FPGA configuration in mission-critical embedded systems-emphasizing robustness, ISP capability, and broad FPGA ecosystem interoperability without external controllers.

FAQ

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

The AT17F040-30JC serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstream data during power-up or reconfiguration. It interfaces directly with the FPGA's Master Serial mode pins (CCLK, DIN, INIT_B), eliminating the need for external controllers. The AT17F040-30JC ensures deterministic, repeatable FPGA initialization and supports in-system updates via its 2-wire ISP interface.

Does the AT17F040-30JC support cascading with other configuration PROMs?

Yes, the AT17F040-30JC supports hardware cascading via its CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin, which connects to the CE input of the next PROM in the chain. When the AT17F040-30JC completes its bitstream, CEO asserts low to enable the downstream device. This allows multi-FPGA systems or larger bitstreams to be distributed across several AT17F040-30JC units without software intervention.

What is the significance of the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL pins on the AT17F040-30JC?

PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] enable 4-way memory partitioning of the AT17F040-30JC's 4-Mbit space into independent 1-Mbit pages. When PAGE_EN is high, PAGESEL selects one of four address ranges (00000h–0FFFFh, etc.) for serial download. This allows a single AT17F040-30JC to store and selectively load multiple FPGA configurations-e.g., diagnostic, calibration, and production modes-without reprogramming.

Can the AT17F040-30JC be programmed in-circuit, and what is required?

Yes, the AT17F040-30JC supports in-system programming (ISP) via its 2-wire serial interface. To activate ISP, the SER_EN pin must be driven low, and a compatible programmer (e.g., Atmel ATDH2225 ISP Cable or third-party tools supporting the AT17F protocol) must apply valid clock and data signals to CLK and DATA. No high-voltage programming supply is needed-the AT17F040-30JC generates internal programming voltages from VCC.

Is the AT17F040-30JC compatible with Xilinx Virtex FPGAs, and how is pinout handled?

Yes, the AT17F040-30JC is explicitly compatible with Xilinx Virtex FPGAs, including support for the 20-lead PLCC Virtex pinout variant (though AT17F040-30JC itself uses the 8-lead LAP package). Its signal mapping-CLK to CCLK, DATA to DIN, CE and RESET/OE to corresponding FPGA control pins-matches Xilinx Master Serial timing requirements. The AT17F040-30JC datasheet confirms functional equivalence with XC17V/XC18V series PROMs in this configuration role.