Microchip Technology AT17F040A-30QC

Overview

AT17F040A-30QC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 4-Mbit FPGA configuration PROM designed for serial master-mode loading of SRAM-based FPGAs including Altera FLEX®, Cyclone™, and Stratix® devices. It delivers 3.3V output capability, 5.0V-tolerant I/O pins, in-system programmability via 2-wire bus, and supports fast serial download up to 33MHz.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F040A-30QC datasheet, AT17F040A-30QC pinout, AT17F040A-30QC application, or AT17F040A-30QC equivalent, this device serves as a dedicated nonvolatile configuration memory with page-select capability, cascading support, and industrial-grade (-40°C to +85°C) operation in both 8-pad LAP and 20-lead PLCC packages.

Technical Context

The AT17F040A-30QC implements a serial flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA bitstream delivery, using DCLK as a bidirectional clock (input during ISP, output during configuration) and DATA as an open-collector bi-directional line. Its control logic integrates power-on reset, page-select decoding (PAGE_EN + PAGESEL[1:0]), and cascade signaling (nCASC).

It operates in two distinct modes: SER_EN = High enables FPGA configuration mode with tri-state DATA output, nCS-controlled address incrementing, and READY-driven reset status indication; SER_EN = Low activates 2-wire ISP programming at 3.3V with internal charge-pump voltage generation and A2-based device selection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F040A-30QC is available in the 20-lead PLCC (Package Code J) - a plastic J-leaded chip carrier measuring 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 3.81 mm, JEDEC MS-018 compliant, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and Sn/Ag/Cu (RoHS-compliant) finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V04 and AT17F040A-30CU, the AT17F040A-30QC provides unique 5V-tolerant I/O and integrated page-select logic-enabling flexible multi-bitstream management and broader FPGA vendor compatibility-while its PLCC package offers through-hole or reflow-compatible assembly with proven mechanical robustness.

Availability

AT17F040A-30QC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, communications infrastructure, defense electronics, and test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AT17F040A-30QC 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

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for legacy Atmel FPGA configuration products, including documentation, programming tools, and long-term supply assurance.

The AT17FxxxA series was developed specifically to provide cost-effective, in-system programmable configuration memory for SRAM-based FPGAs from multiple vendors, emphasizing ease of integration, industrial temperature operation, and field-upgradability.

FAQ

What is the function of the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL pins on the AT17F040A-30QC?

The PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] pins enable the AT17F040A-30QC's four-page memory partitioning feature. When PAGE_EN is high, the 4-Mbit address space is divided into four 1-Mbit pages; PAGESEL[1:0] selects which page is active during serial download. This allows a single AT17F040A-30QC to store and retrieve up to four independent FPGA configuration bitstreams without external logic. When PAGE_EN is low, the device operates in linear mode across the full 00000h–3FFFFh address range.

Can the AT17F040A-30QC be used with Xilinx FPGAs?

Yes, the AT17F040A-30QC is compatible with Xilinx SRAM-based FPGAs including the XC4000, Spartan, and Virtex families when configured in Master Serial mode. Although the datasheet emphasizes Altera compatibility, it explicitly states support for "Xilinx/Atmel/Other" in the ordering code description and confirms simple interface to SRAM FPGAs. The AT17F040A-30QC's DCLK output, DATA line, and nCS control match Xilinx Master Serial timing requirements, and its 3.3V/5V-tolerant I/O ensures safe interfacing.

What programming hardware is required to program the AT17F040A-30QC in-system?

The AT17F040A-30QC supports in-system programming (ISP) via its 2-wire serial interface when SER_EN is pulled low. Compatible hardware includes the Atmel ATDH2225 ISP cable, Atmel ATDH2200E Programming Kit, or third-party programmers that implement the AT17FxxxA 2-wire ISP protocol. No external high-voltage programming supply is needed-the AT17F040A-30QC generates internal programming voltages. Standard 3.3V system power suffices for full read/write/erase operations.

How does the nCASC pin function in a daisy-chained configuration using multiple AT17F040A-30QC devices?

In a daisy chain, the nCASC pin of each AT17F040A-30QC drives the nCS pin of the next device. When the first AT17F040A-30QC completes its configuration data output, nCASC goes low, enabling the second device's DATA output. This handoff continues down the chain, allowing sequential configuration of multiple FPGAs or expansion beyond 4-Mbit capacity. The nCASC signal remains low as long as nCS is low and RESET/OE is high, ensuring clean inter-device handover without bus contention.

Is the AT17F040A-30QC RoHS-compliant and what package type does the 'QC' suffix indicate?

Yes, the AT17F040A-30QC is RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and halogen-free, as confirmed by its 'U' suffix in the full ordering code (AT17F040A-30JU) and explicit mention of "Green (Lead/Halide-free/ROHS compliant) Package Options" in the datasheet. The 'QC' suffix is a manufacturer-specific variant code indicating the 20-lead PLCC package ('J') with industrial temperature grade ('C') and green finish ('U'), per Atmel's ordering convention-where 'Q' maps to the PLCC body style and 'C' denotes -40°C to +85°C operation.