Microchip Technology AT17F080A-30JC

Overview

AT17F080A-30JC from Atmel is an 8-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store FPGA bitstreams for SRAM-based FPGAs including Altera Cyclone, Stratix, and APEX devices. It supports 3.3V operation with 5V-tolerant I/O, offers cascading capability via nCASC, and delivers up to 33 MHz serial download speed in Master Serial mode.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F080A-30JC datasheet, AT17F080A-30JC pinout, AT17F080A-30JC application, or AT17F080A-30JC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-Mbit density, PLCC-20 package compatibility, industrial-grade timing (30 ns AC specs), ISP support via SER_EN, and page-selectable memory partitioning for multi-bitstream systems.

Technical Context

The AT17F080A-30JC implements a serial flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA configuration, using a 2-wire ISP interface (SER_EN + DCLK) and Master Serial output mode where DCLK is driven by the device during configuration. Its internal logic includes a reset-synchronized address counter, open-collector DATA output with internal 20 kΩ pull-up, and cascade control via nCASC output that asserts low at end-of-memory to enable daisy-chained configurators.

Page selection is enabled via PAGE_EN high with PAGESEL[1:0] inputs, dividing the 8-Mbit space into four 2-Mbit partitions (00000h–1FFFFh, 20000h–3FFFFh, etc.). The READY pin provides open-collector power-on reset status indication, and standby current is ≤3 mA when nCS is high and SER_EN is high.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F080A-30JC is packaged in a 20-lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20), JEDEC MS-018 compliant, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and body dimensions 10.033 mm × 10.033 mm × 4.572 mm max. 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 XC18V08PC44C and MX25L8006EM1I-12G, the AT17F080A-30JC uniquely integrates FPGA-specific control logic (DCLK output, READY, nCASC), eliminates need for external sequencing, and enables field-upgradeable multi-image storage via hardware page partitioning - reducing BOM count and firmware complexity.

Availability

AT17F080A-30JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, avionics payload reconfiguration, medical imaging subsystems, and reconfigurable test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F080A-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.

The AT17FxxxA series was designed specifically to simplify and harden FPGA configuration in industrial, aerospace, and medical systems - emphasizing in-system programmability, cascading reliability, and multi-bitstream management without external controllers.

FAQ

What is the maximum serial download speed supported by the AT17F080A-30JC?

The AT17F080A-30JC supports serial download speeds up to 33 MHz in FPGA Master Serial configuration mode. This timing is verified under commercial conditions (0°C to +70°C) with proper signal integrity design. The device's TCAC (DCLK to Data Delay) is guaranteed ≤30 ns, enabling robust timing margins at this rate. AT17F080A-30JC does not require external clock generation - DCLK is driven by the device itself during configuration.

Does the AT17F080A-30JC support in-system programming (ISP), and what interface is required?

Yes, the AT17F080A-30JC supports in-system programming via a dedicated 2-wire serial interface activated by pulling SER_EN low. During ISP mode, DCLK serves as the clock input and DATA as bidirectional data line. Programming occurs at the standard 3.3V supply - no external high-voltage programming signals are needed. AT17F080A-30JC is compatible with Atmel's ATDH2200E programmer and industry-standard third-party programmers supporting the AT17FxxxA protocol.

How does the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL functionality work in the AT17F080A-30JC?

When PAGE_EN is driven high, the AT17F080A-30JC divides its 8-Mbit address space into four 2-Mbit pages (00000h–1FFFFh, 20000h–3FFFFh, etc.), selected by PAGESEL[1:0] inputs. This allows independent storage and retrieval of up to four FPGA bitstreams. If PAGE_EN remains low, the full 8-Mbit space is accessed linearly. These pins have no effect during ISP (SER_EN = low). AT17F080A-30JC's hardware-based paging eliminates need for external address decoding logic.

Can the AT17F080A-30JC be used with Altera FPGAs, and which families are explicitly supported?

Yes, the AT17F080A-30JC is explicitly compatible with Altera FLEX®, Excalibur, Stratix, Cyclone, and APEX™ FPGAs, as confirmed in Atmel's official documentation. Its timing parameters (e.g., TOE ≤ 55 ns, TCE ≤ 60 ns) meet Altera's Master Serial interface requirements. The AT17F080A-30JC interfaces directly using nCS, DCLK, DATA, and RESET/OE - no level-shifting or glue logic is required for Cyclone or Stratix devices operating at 3.3V I/O.

What is the purpose of the nCASC pin on the AT17F080A-30JC, and how is it used in cascaded configurations?

The nCASC pin on the AT17F080A-30JC is a cascade select output that goes low when the internal address counter reaches the end of its memory space. In daisy-chained configurations, nCASC of the first device connects to nCS of the second, automatically enabling the next device to begin outputting data. This hardware handoff eliminates timing-critical software coordination. AT17F080A-30JC's nCASC behavior is synchronized to DCLK and supports both flat and paged addressing modes - ensuring seamless expansion beyond 8 Mbit.