Microchip Technology AT17F040A-30JC

Overview

AT17F040A-30JC from Atmel is a 4-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store and deliver FPGA bitstreams in Master Serial mode. It delivers 4,194,304 × 1-bit storage, supports 3.3V operation with 5V-tolerant I/O, enables daisy-chain cascading via nCASC, and operates across -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range for embedded reconfigurable logic systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040A-30JC datasheet, AT17F040A-30JC pinout, AT17F040A-30JC application, or AT17F040A-30JC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 20-lead PLCC package, 33 MHz max serial download speed, ISP capability via 2-wire bus, page-selectable memory partitioning, and compatibility with Atmel AT40K/AT94K and Altera FLEX/Cyclone FPGAs.

Technical Context

The AT17F040A-30JC implements a serial flash-based configuration memory architecture with dedicated control logic for FPGA boot sequencing. Its DCLK output drives FPGA DCLK input directly, while RESET/OE manages address counter reset and DATA tri-state control, and nCS enables chip-select gating during active configuration cycles.

It supports both single-device and cascaded configurations: nCASC asserts low upon end-of-data to enable the next device in chain, and PAGE_EN/PAGESEL[1:0] allow 4-way memory partitioning (00000h–3FFFFh total) for multi-bitstream storage without external logic. SER_EN high enables FPGA configuration mode; SER_EN low activates 2-wire ISP programming at VCC only.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040A-30JC is packaged in a 20-lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), JEDEC MS-018 compliant, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and body dimensions 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 4.57 mm (max height). Pin 1 identifier is marked with 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 MX25L4005, AT17F040A-30JC provides direct FPGA Master Serial compatibility, 5V-tolerant control pins, hardware page selection, and integrated cascade signaling-reducing FPGA resource usage, PCB complexity, and boot-time uncertainty.

Availability

AT17F040A-30JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, communications infrastructure, and defense electronics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for AT17F040A-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 AT17FxxxA series was designed specifically to simplify and accelerate FPGA configuration in SRAM-based systems-delivering plug-and-play serial PROM functionality with cascading, page selection, and ISP capabilities.

FAQ

What is the maximum serial configuration clock frequency supported by AT17F040A-30JC?

The AT17F040A-30JC supports up to 33 MHz serial download speed in FPGA configuration mode. This is enabled by tight AC timing parameters including TCAC ≤30 ns (DCLK to DATA delay) and TLC/THC ≥15 ns (DCLK low/high time), ensuring reliable bitstream delivery to SRAM FPGAs without external clock division.

Does AT17F040A-30JC support in-system programming (ISP), and how is it activated?

Yes, AT17F040A-30JC supports 2-wire serial ISP. It is activated by driving the SER_EN pin low, which places the device into programming mode using the DATA and DCLK pins as bidirectional serial bus lines. The internal charge pump generates programming voltages-no external high-voltage supply is needed.

Can AT17F040A-30JC store multiple FPGA configuration bitstreams, and how is switching managed?

Yes, AT17F040A-30JC supports four independent bitstreams via hardware page partitioning. When PAGE_EN is high, the 4 Mbit address space divides into four 1 Mbit pages selected by PAGESEL[1:0]. Switching occurs dynamically by changing PAGESEL inputs and issuing a new configuration cycle-no reprogramming required.

What is the function of the READY pin on AT17F040A-30JC, and how should it be used?

The READY pin on AT17F040A-30JC is an open-collector output driven low during power-on reset and released (high-impedance) once internal logic stabilizes. It must be externally pulled up (e.g., 4.7 kΩ to VCC) and connected to FPGA INIT_B or system reset controller to prevent premature FPGA configuration before voltage rail stability.

Is AT17F040A-30JC compatible with Altera Cyclone FPGAs, and what interface signals are required?

Yes, AT17F040A-30JC is explicitly compatible with Altera Cyclone devices in Master Serial mode. Required connections are: DATA → FPGA DIN, DCLK → FPGA DCLK, nCS → FPGA nCONFIG (via optional buffer), RESET/OE → FPGA nSTATUS (with appropriate logic), and READY → FPGA CONF_DONE or system reset sync.