Microchip Technology AT17F16-30TQI

Overview

AT17F16-30TQI from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store FPGA bitstreams for SRAM-based FPGAs including Xilinx Virtex®, Spartan®, and Altera APEX™ devices. It operates at 3.3 V ±10%, supports up to 33 MHz serial download, delivers 5 V-tolerant I/O, and features cascading CEO output for daisy-chained configurations in industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

For engineers reviewing the AT17F16-30TQI datasheet, AT17F16-30TQI pinout, AT17F16-30TQI application, or AT17F16-30TQI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial-grade reliability, TQFP-44 packaging with 0.8 mm pitch, 4-page memory partitioning via PAGESEL[1:0], 2-wire ISP capability, and compatibility with Master Serial mode FPGA boot architectures.

Technical Context

The AT17F16-30TQI implements a serial flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA configuration loading, using a synchronous master–slave interface where the FPGA's CCLK drives the device's CLK input and controls address incrementing. Its control logic decodes CE, RESET/OE, and SER_EN to manage tri-state DATA output, address counter reset, and mode selection between configuration read and 2-wire programming.

It supports four distinct operational modes: standard serial configuration (SER_EN = High), page-select configuration (PAGE_EN = High with PAGESEL[1:0]), cascaded daisy-chain operation (CEO → next CE), and in-system programming (SER_EN = Low). The READY pin provides open-collector power-on reset status indication, and internal pull-up/pull-down resistors on DATA, A2, and VCC simplify board-level interfacing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F16-30TQI is housed in a 44-lead Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP), 10 mm × 10 mm body, 1.0 mm thickness, 0.8 mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant and Pb/halide-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V02 and AT17F002-30TQI, the AT17F16-30TQI uniquely delivers 16 Mbit density, 4-page partitioning, and hardware-cascadable CEO in an industrial-grade TQFP-44 package-enabling scalable, multi-image FPGA systems without external glue logic or microcontroller intervention.

Availability

AT17F16-30TQI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, FPGA-based test equipment, and telecommunications infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AT17F16-30TQI 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 technical assistance.

The AT17F Series was originally developed by Atmel as dedicated serial configuration PROMs for SRAM-based FPGAs, emphasizing ease of integration, industrial reliability, and compatibility with Xilinx, Altera, and Lucent FPGA families.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17F16-30TQI in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17F16-30TQI serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers bitstream data to SRAM-based FPGAs such as Xilinx Virtex® and Altera APEX™ devices during power-up or reconfiguration. It operates in Master Serial mode, using the FPGA's CCLK signal to synchronize data transfer via the DATA pin. Its 16 Mbit capacity supports large, complex FPGA designs, and its industrial temperature rating ensures robustness in demanding environments. The AT17F16-30TQI is essential for reliable, repeatable FPGA initialization without external controllers.

Does the AT17F16-30TQI support in-system programming, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17F16-30TQI supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface. ISP is enabled by driving the SER_EN pin low, which places the device into programming mode and activates the A2 pin as a chip-select input. Standard industry programmers-including the Atmel ATDH2200E system-and third-party tools can then communicate with the device over the DATA and CLK lines. During normal FPGA configuration, SER_EN must remain high (typically tied to VCC), so the AT17F16-30TQI defaults to read mode unless explicitly switched to ISP.

How does the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] functionality work in the AT17F16-30TQI?

When PAGE_EN is driven high, the AT17F16-30TQI divides its 16 Mbit address space into four equal 4 Mbit pages. PAGESEL[1:0] selects one of these pages (00–11) to determine which configuration bitstream is loaded during serial download. This enables storage and runtime selection of up to four distinct FPGA configurations-for example, factory default, calibration, safety mode, and field upgrade images. If PAGE_EN remains low, the full 16 Mbit space is used as a single contiguous block. The AT17F16-30TQI implements this entirely in hardware, requiring no firmware or external logic.

Can multiple AT17F16-30TQI devices be cascaded, and what is required to implement daisy-chaining?

Yes, AT17F16-30TQI devices support hardware daisy-chaining via the CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin. To cascade two devices, connect the CEO output of the first AT17F16-30TQI to the CE input of the second. When the first device reaches its final address, CEO goes low, enabling the second device to begin outputting its data stream. No additional control logic or timing compensation is needed-the AT17F16-30TQI handles handoff automatically. This allows seamless extension of configuration memory beyond 16 Mbit while maintaining strict timing alignment with the FPGA's CCLK.

What are the key electrical interface requirements for connecting the AT17F16-30TQI to a Xilinx FPGA?

The AT17F16-30TQI interfaces directly with Xilinx FPGAs in Master Serial mode: CLK connects to the FPGA's CCLK output; DATA connects to the FPGA's DIN input; RESET/OE and CE are driven by FPGA configuration control logic or pull-up/down resistors; and CEO may feed CE of a downstream PROM. All control inputs are 5 V-tolerant, simplifying connection to 3.3 V FPGA I/O banks. A 0.2 µF decoupling capacitor is required between VCC and GND, and the READY pin should use a 4.7 kΩ pull-up if monitored. The AT17F16-30TQI meets all AC timing requirements for Xilinx XC3000 through Virtex® families as specified in DS033 and DS082.