Microchip Technology AT17F040-30VJI

Overview

AT17F040-30VJI 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 3.3 V ±10%, supports 5 V-tolerant I/O, delivers up to 33 MHz serial download speed, and features cascading capability via CEO/CE daisy-chain.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040-30VJI datasheet, AT17F040-30VJI pinout, AT17F040-30VJI application, or AT17F040-30VJI equivalent, this device serves as a dedicated FPGA configuration memory with industrial-grade temperature support (–40°C to +85°C), low-power standby mode (<1 mA), and 2-wire ISP programming - critical for reconfigurable logic systems requiring field-upgradable bitstreams.

Technical Context

The AT17F040-30VJI implements a serial-access flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA master serial configuration mode. Its control interface (CLK, CE, RESET/OE, SER_EN) directly synchronizes with FPGA CCLK and mode pins, eliminating need for external controllers. Internal address counter and tri-state DATA output enable seamless bitstream streaming into SRAM-based FPGAs.

It supports both flat-address (PAGE_EN = Low) and 4-page partitioned addressing (PAGE_EN = High with PAGESEL[1:0]), enabling multi-bitstream storage and selective reconfiguration. Cascading is implemented via CEO-to-CE chaining, where CEO asserts Low upon end-of-data to trigger next device in chain - a hardware-level daisy-chain protocol independent of host intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040-30VJI is packaged in a 20-lead PLCC (package code "20J") with 1.27 mm lead pitch, body dimensions 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 3.94 mm, and JEDEC MS-018 AA compliance. Pin 1 identifier is marked by a corner chamfer.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V04 and LX1000-4M, the AT17F040-30VJI uniquely combines vendor-agnostic FPGA compatibility, integrated page-select logic, true 2-wire ISP, and industrial temperature support in a single 20-pin PLCC footprint - making it optimal for flexible, field-upgradable embedded logic systems.

Availability

AT17F040-30VJI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, and avionics applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F040-30VJI 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 standardize FPGA configuration across multi-vendor platforms, emphasizing ease of integration, in-system reprogrammability, and robust operation in harsh environments - directly addressing design challenges in reconfigurable computing systems.

FAQ

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

The AT17F040-30VJI functions as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstreams during power-up or reconfiguration. It interfaces directly with the FPGA's master serial mode pins (CCLK, DIN, INIT_B), eliminating need for external controllers. The AT17F040-30VJI handles address sequencing, data output timing, and cascading via CEO/CE - making it a self-contained, plug-and-play solution for SRAM FPGA configuration.

Does the AT17F040-30VJI support in-system programming, and what interface is required?

Yes, the AT17F040-30VJI supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface activated when SER_EN is driven Low. Programming occurs at standard 3.3 V supply - no external high-voltage sources are needed. The AT17F040-30VJI is supported by Atmel's ATDH2200E programmer and third-party industry tools. This capability allows field updates of FPGA configurations without removing the device from the PCB.

How does the AT17F040-30VJI handle multiple FPGA configurations or daisy-chained devices?

The AT17F040-30VJI supports both multi-configuration storage and daisy-chaining. With PAGE_EN High and PAGESEL[1:0], its 4 Mbit memory is split into four 1 Mbit pages for selective bitstream loading. For cascading, the CEO output of one AT17F040-30VJI connects to the CE input of the next device; CEO asserts Low after final bit transmission, enabling automatic handoff. This allows single-CCLK control of multiple FPGAs or larger bitstreams.

What is the role of the READY pin on the AT17F040-30VJI, and how should it be used?

READY is an open-collector reset status indicator on the AT17F040-30VJI. It is driven Low during power-on reset and released (tri-stated) once internal initialization completes. A 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor is recommended. This signal can synchronize FPGA configuration start or notify system controllers that the PROM is ready - ensuring deterministic timing in safety-critical or tightly coupled logic systems using the AT17F040-30VJI.

Is the AT17F040-30VJI pin-compatible with other members of the AT17F family, such as the AT17F080-30VJI?

No, the AT17F040-30VJI is not pin-compatible with the AT17F080-30VJI in the same package variant. While both are offered in 20-lead PLCC (20J), the AT17F080-30VJI requires additional pins for higher-density addressing (e.g., A17–A19), resulting in different pin assignments for PAGESEL, PAGE_EN, and READY. The AT17F040-30VJI uses only 8 functional pins in 20-PLCC; the remaining pins are NC or repurposed - confirming non-interchangeability without layout revision.