Microchip Technology AT17F16A-30JI

Overview

AT17F16A-30JI 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, fast 33 MHz serial download speed, and supports cascading for multi-FPGA or high-density configurations. Used with Altera FLEX®, Cyclone™, Stratix™, and Atmel AT40K/AT94K devices.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F16A-30JI datasheet, AT17F16A-30JI pinout, AT17F16A-30JI application, or AT17F16A-30JI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial-grade temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), PLCC-20 package compatibility, 2-wire ISP capability via SER_EN, page-selectable memory partitioning, and low-power standby current ≤3 mA.

Technical Context

The AT17F16A-30JI operates as a dedicated serial configuration memory with FPGA-facing control logic: DCLK drives FPGA clock input, DATA serves as bidirectional serial data line (open-collector), and nCASC enables daisy-chain cascading by asserting nCS of the next device. Its internal address counter auto-resets on power-up and responds to RESET/OE (active-low reset / active-high output enable).

It implements dual-mode operation: SER_EN = High enables FPGA configuration mode (DCLK output, DATA output); SER_EN = Low activates 2-wire ISP programming mode (DCLK input, DATA bidirectional). PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] support four 4-Mbit pages when enabled-enabling selective reconfiguration without full reload.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V04 and AT17F002-30JC, the AT17F16A-30JI uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, 16-Mbit density, native cascading, and page-selectable reconfiguration - making it optimal for scalable, upgradable FPGA systems where future-proofing and field update capability are mandatory.

Availability

AT17F16A-30JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, defense electronics, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F16A-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 maintains full support for legacy Atmel FPGA configuration products, including datasheets, programming tools, and long-term supply commitments.

The AT17FxxA series was designed specifically for reliable, low-overhead FPGA configuration in industrial and mission-critical systems - emphasizing simplicity, cascade scalability, and in-field reprogrammability without external controllers.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the AT17F16A-30JI?

The AT17F16A-30JI is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C. This range is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Operating Conditions tables of the official datasheet (Rev. 3474A–CNFG–6/04). The "I" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes industrial temperature qualification, making AT17F16A-30JI suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as factory floors, outdoor telecom cabinets, and vehicle-mounted systems without thermal derating.

Does the AT17F16A-30JI support in-system programming (ISP)?

Yes, the AT17F16A-30JI supports in-system programming via its 2-wire serial interface activated by pulling SER_EN low. During ISP mode, DCLK becomes an input and DATA operates bidirectionally, allowing field updates using industry-standard programmers or Atmel's ATDH2225 ISP Cable. The device performs internal voltage boosting - no external high-voltage supply is needed - and retains full 3.3V operation throughout programming and verification cycles.

Can the AT17F16A-30JI be used with Xilinx FPGAs?

The AT17F16A-30JI is not natively compatible with Xilinx Master Serial mode, which requires different timing, signaling, and PROM command sets. While it may be adapted via custom logic or microcontroller bridging, the datasheet explicitly lists compatibility only with Atmel AT40K/AT94K and Altera FLEX®, Excalibur™, Stratix™, Cyclone™, and APEX™ devices. For Xilinx designs, dedicated Xilinx Platform Flash PROMs (e.g., XCFxx series) are recommended to ensure guaranteed timing compliance and configuration reliability.

What is the purpose of the READY pin on the AT17F16A-30JI?

The READY pin on the AT17F16A-30JI is an open-collector output that is actively driven low during internal power-on reset and released (tri-stated) once initialization completes. This provides a hardware-synchronized signal for FPGA or system controller reset sequencing. When used, a 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor is recommended. READY ensures the FPGA does not begin configuration until the AT17F16A-30JI is fully ready - preventing bitstream corruption due to premature clocking or data access.

How does cascading work with multiple AT17F16A-30JI devices?

Cascading uses the nCASC output of one AT17F16A-30JI connected to the nCS input of the next device. When the first device outputs its final bit, nCASC goes low, enabling the second device's DATA output while disabling the first. This handoff is autonomous and requires no FPGA intervention. All devices share the same DCLK and DATA lines, forming a daisy chain. Up to eight devices can be cascaded per Altera documentation, extending total configuration capacity to 128 Mbits while preserving single-clock, single-data wiring.