Microchip Technology AT17F16A-30JC

Overview

AT17F16A-30JC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store and deliver FPGA bitstreams in Master Serial mode. It delivers 3.3V-compatible output, 5V-tolerant I/O pins, supports cascading via nCASC, operates at up to 33 MHz download speed, and is qualified for commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) in 20-lead PLCC package.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F16A-30JC datasheet, AT17F16A-30JC pinout, AT17F16A-30JC application, or AT17F16A-30JC equivalent, key selection criteria include FPGA configuration interface compatibility (Altera FLEX®, Cyclone™, Stratix™), ISP capability via 2-wire bus, page-selectable memory partitioning, and low-power standby current (<3 mA).

Technical Context

The AT17F16A-30JC implements a serial flash-based configuration memory architecture with integrated logic for automatic address counting, tri-state control of DATA during reset/cascade, and page-selectable 4×4-Mbit partitions. Its DCLK pin functions as output during FPGA configuration and input during ISP programming.

Control logic responds directly to FPGA signals: nCS enables data output and counter increment, RESET/OE resets counters and tri-states DATA, while SER_EN selects between FPGA configuration (High) and 2-wire ISP mode (Low). PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] jointly enable deterministic multi-bitstream retrieval without external controller intervention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F16A-30JC is packaged in a 20-lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC), JEDEC MS-018 Variation AA compliant, with 1.27 mm lead pitch and body dimensions 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 3.94 mm (D × E × A).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V02 and AT17F002-10JU, AT17F16A-30JC uniquely combines 16-Mbit density, 5V-tolerant I/O, 4-page memory partitioning, and robust 10,000-cycle endurance - making it suitable for high-complexity, field-reprogrammable FPGA systems where scalability and long-term maintainability are critical.

Availability

AT17F16A-30JC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, defense electronics, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for AT17F16A-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

Microchip Technology acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for legacy Atmel FPGA configuration PROMs, including datasheets, programming tools, and long-term supply commitments.

The AT17FxxA series was designed specifically for seamless, controller-less configuration of SRAM-based FPGAs - targeting applications where reliability, field upgradeability, and minimal board footprint are essential.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17F16A-30JC in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17F16A-30JC serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstreams during power-up or reconfiguration. It interfaces directly with SRAM-based FPGAs (e.g., Altera Cyclone, Stratix) in Master Serial mode, eliminating the need for external controllers. The AT17F16A-30JC handles address sequencing, data timing, and cascade handoff autonomously - ensuring deterministic, repeatable FPGA initialization without software intervention.

Does the AT17F16A-30JC support in-system programming, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17F16A-30JC supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface. ISP is activated by driving the SER_EN pin Low, which reconfigures DCLK and DATA as bidirectional programming lines. The AT17F16A-30JC integrates on-chip charge pumps to generate programming voltages - enabling full read/write operations at 3.3V without external high-voltage supplies. This capability allows field updates of FPGA configurations without removing the AT17F16A-30JC from the PCB.

How does the page-select feature of the AT17F16A-30JC improve system flexibility?

The AT17F16A-30JC's PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] pins enable partitioning of its 16-Mbit memory into four independent 4-Mbit pages. When PAGE_EN is High, users can selectively load different FPGA configurations (e.g., calibration mode, diagnostic mode, production mode) by setting PAGESEL[1:0] to 00, 01, 10, or 11. This eliminates the need for multiple PROMs or external multiplexing logic - simplifying board design while enabling runtime reconfiguration. The AT17F16A-30JC retains this functionality across all operating conditions without performance penalty.

What are the key electrical differences between the AT17F16A-30JC and the AT17F16A-30CC?

The AT17F16A-30JC and AT17F16A-30CC share identical electrical specifications - including 2.97–3.63 V supply range, 33 MHz max download speed, 10,000 write cycles, and 5V-tolerant I/O - but differ exclusively in packaging and temperature grade. The AT17F16A-30JC uses a 20-lead PLCC package and is rated for commercial temperature (0°C to +70°C), whereas the AT17F16A-30CC uses an 8-lead LAP package and shares the same commercial rating. Pinout, timing, and functional behavior are fully consistent between both variants of the AT17F16A-30JC.

Can the AT17F16A-30JC be used with Xilinx FPGAs, or is it limited to Altera devices?

The AT17F16A-30JC is explicitly compatible with Altera FLEX®, Excalibur™, Stratix™, Cyclone™, and APEX™ FPGAs per official documentation, and its timing and signaling align with Altera's Master Serial protocol. While Xilinx FPGAs typically use XCFxx PROMs with proprietary protocols, the AT17F16A-30JC may operate with certain Xilinx devices in generic serial mode if timing and voltage levels match - however, Microchip does not validate or guarantee such use. For guaranteed interoperability, the AT17F16A-30JC should be deployed with Altera-compatible FPGAs as specified in the AT17F16A-30JC datasheet.