Microchip Technology AT17F080A-30JI

Overview

AT17F080A-30JI from Microchip Technology (formerly 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 operates at 3.3V ±10%, supports 33 MHz serial download, offers 5,000 write cycles, and features cascading capability via nCASC output for multi-device daisy-chain configurations.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F080A-30JI datasheet, AT17F080A-30JI pinout, AT17F080A-30JI application, or AT17F080A-30JI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), 20-lead PLCC or 32-lead TQFP package compatibility, 2-wire ISP programming support, page-selectable memory partitioning, and FPGA master serial mode timing compliance.

Technical Context

The AT17F080A-30JI implements a serial flash memory architecture with dedicated control logic for FPGA configuration sequencing, supporting both single-device and cascaded configurations. Its DCLK output drives FPGA clock inputs directly, while RESET/OE and nCS jointly manage address counter reset and DATA tri-state behavior during power-up and reconfiguration.

Page-select functionality (PAGESEL0/PAGESEL1 with PAGE_EN) enables four independent 2-Mbit partitions for storing multiple bitstreams; READY provides open-collector power-on reset status indication, and SER_EN toggles between FPGA configuration mode (High) and 2-wire ISP programming mode (Low).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F080A-30JI is available in 20-lead PLCC (package code J) and 32-lead TQFP (package code Q); this variant uses the 20-lead PLCC package per ordering information.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V08PC44C, AT17F080A-30JI offers broader FPGA vendor compatibility and hardware page management; versus AT17F080-30JU, it shares identical functionality but uses conventional leaded finish suitable for non-RoHS manufacturing lines.

Availability

AT17F080A-30JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, aerospace ground support, and FPGA-based instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F080A-30JI 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 continues to manufacture, support, and extend the AT17Fxxx family of FPGA configuration PROMs.

The AT17FxxxA series was originally developed by Atmel to provide cost-effective, in-system programmable serial memory for SRAM-based FPGAs across industrial, communications, and test equipment markets.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17F080A-30JI in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17F080A-30JI functions as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstream data on power-up or command. It interfaces directly with SRAM-based FPGAs in Master Serial mode using DCLK and DATA signals, eliminating need for external controllers. Its 8-Mbit capacity supports medium-to-large FPGA configurations, and its industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation in demanding environments. The AT17F080A-30JI also supports in-system programming via SER_EN for field updates.

Does the AT17F080A-30JI support cascading with other configuration PROMs?

Yes, the AT17F080A-30JI supports hardware cascading through its nCASC output pin, which drives the nCS input of the next PROM in a daisy chain. When the internal address counter reaches its maximum value (0x7FFFF for AT17F080A-30JI), nCASC asserts Low to enable the downstream device. This allows multiple AT17F080A-30JI units to collectively configure FPGAs requiring more than 8 Mbit of configuration storage, with automatic handoff managed entirely in hardware without software intervention.

How does the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL pin functionality work on the AT17F080A-30JI?

When PAGE_EN is driven High, the AT17F080A-30JI divides its 8-Mbit address space into four 2-Mbit pages; PAGESEL0 and PAGESEL1 select one of these pages (00–11) for serial readout. This enables storage and dynamic selection of up to four distinct FPGA configurations - e.g., for test, calibration, safety, and operational modes - without requiring separate PROMs. If paging is unused, PAGE_EN must remain Low to access the full linear address space (0x00000–0x7FFFF). The AT17F080A-30JI implements this logic in hardware with no firmware overhead.

What programming methods are supported by the AT17F080A-30JI?

The AT17F080A-30JI supports two programming modes: standard serial configuration (SER_EN = High) for FPGA bitstream loading, and 2-wire in-system programming (SER_EN = Low) for field updates. Programming is performed at 3.3 V only; internal charge pumps generate required high voltages. It is compatible with Atmel's ATDH2200E programmer and industry-standard third-party programmers. No external high-voltage supply or special adapters are needed - all programming signals (DATA, DCLK, SER_EN, A2) are 3.3 V–compatible and 5 V tolerant.

Is the AT17F080A-30JI pin-compatible with earlier Atmel configuration PROMs like the AT17F040A?

Yes, the AT17F080A-30JI shares identical pinouts and electrical characteristics with the AT17F040A-30JI in both 20-lead PLCC and 32-lead TQFP packages, as confirmed in Table 1 of the datasheet. Functionally, all control signals (nCS, RESET/OE, DCLK, SER_EN, nCASC, PAGE_EN, PAGESEL[1:0], READY) operate identically; only memory depth differs (8 Mbit vs. 4 Mbit). This allows drop-in replacement in existing designs where increased configuration storage is required, provided PCB layout accommodates the same package footprint.