Microchip Technology AT17F32-30BJC

Overview

AT17F32-30BJC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 32-Mbit in-system programmable serial configuration PROM designed to store and deliver FPGA bitstreams in Master Serial mode. It features 3.3V operation, 5V-tolerant I/O, 33 MHz serial download speed, 10,000 write cycles endurance, and 44-lead PLCC packaging for compatibility with SRAM-based FPGAs including Xilinx Spartan/Virtex, Altera FLEX/APEX/Stratix, and Lattice ORCA devices.

For engineers reviewing the AT17F32-30BJC datasheet, AT17F32-30BJC pinout, AT17F32-30BJC application, or AT17F32-30BJC equivalent, key selection criteria include cascading support via CEO/CE daisy-chain, page-selectable 4×8-Mbit memory partitioning, ISP capability via 2-wire bus, low-power standby current (<3 mA), and commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) compliance.

Technical Context

The AT17F32-30BJC implements a serial flash memory architecture optimized for FPGA configuration sequencing, using CLK-synchronized DATA output with automatic address incrementing and tri-state control via RESET/OE and CE. Its internal logic supports both single-device boot and multi-device cascaded chains through CEO-driven CE enablement.

It operates in two distinct modes: SER_EN = High enables FPGA configuration mode with PAGESEL[1:0]/PAGE_EN-controlled 4-page addressing (000000h–1FFFFFh total); SER_EN = Low activates 2-wire ISP programming mode where A2 serves as device select and internal charge pumps enable 3.3V-only programming without external high-voltage sources.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17F32-30BJC is housed in a 44-lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) package per JEDEC MS-018 AC, with 1.27 mm pitch, 17.5 mm × 17.5 mm body, and J-lead profile suitable for socketed or surface-mount applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC18V04, AT17F32-30BJC offers 8× more density, 5V-tolerant control pins, and integrated page management; versus AT17F040, it trades 8 Mbit of capacity for lower cost and proven qualification in commercial temperature applications.

Availability

AT17F32-30BJC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, telecom baseband units, medical imaging systems, aerospace avionics, and FPGA-based test equipment requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17F32-30BJC 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, qualify, and support the AT17F family of FPGA configuration PROMs with full backward compatibility and long-term product assurance.

The AT17F series was designed specifically for reliable, high-speed serial configuration of SRAM-based FPGAs in commercial and industrial environments - emphasizing ease of integration, ISP flexibility, and cascading scalability without external controllers.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17F32-30BJC in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17F32-30BJC serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstream data during power-up or reconfiguration. It interfaces directly with SRAM-based FPGAs in Master Serial mode, using CLK from the FPGA to synchronize data delivery on the DATA line. The AT17F32-30BJC eliminates the need for external microcontrollers by embedding all timing and address-generation logic internally, making it a self-contained solution for FPGA initialization.

Does the AT17F32-30BJC support in-system programming (ISP), and how is it enabled?

Yes, the AT17F32-30BJC supports ISP via a 2-wire serial interface. Programming mode is activated by driving the SER_EN pin low, which reconfigures DATA and CLK as bidirectional SDA/SCL lines and enables A2 as device select. Internal charge pumps generate required programming voltages from the 3.3V supply, so no external high-voltage source is needed. The AT17F32-30BJC is supported by Atmel's ATDH2200E kit and third-party programmers compliant with the AT17F Programming Specification.

How does the PAGE_EN and PAGESEL[1:0] feature work in the AT17F32-30BJC?

When PAGE_EN is driven high, the AT17F32-30BJC divides its 32-Mbit address space into four 8-Mbit pages (000000h–07FFFFh, 080000h–0FFFFh, etc.), selected by the logic levels on PAGESEL0 and PAGESEL1. This allows a single AT17F32-30BJC to store and rapidly switch between up to four independent FPGA configurations - useful for multi-mode operation, field upgrades, or safe boot fallback. If paging is unused, PAGE_EN must be held low to enable full linear addressing across the entire 32-Mbit range.

Can multiple AT17F32-30BJC devices be cascaded, and what is required for proper chaining?

Yes, AT17F32-30BJC devices support daisy-chain cascading. The CEO output of one device must be connected to the CE input of the next. When the first AT17F32-30BJC completes its data stream, CEO goes low, enabling the second device's DATA output. CLK remains common across all devices. To ensure synchronized reset across the chain, RESET/OE should be tied together and pulsed low after configuration. This topology scales memory capacity while preserving timing integrity and requiring no additional control logic.

What are the power supply requirements and thermal characteristics of the AT17F32-30BJC?

The AT17F32-30BJC operates from a single 3.3V supply (2.97 V to 3.63 V) with typical active current of 50 mA and standby current below 3 mA. Its 44-lead PLCC package has θJA = 50°C/W and θJC = 15°C/W, supporting operation from 0°C to +70°C. A 0.2 µF decoupling capacitor between VCC and GND is recommended. The READY pin provides an open-collector power-on reset indicator, requiring a 4.7 kΩ pull-up if used for FPGA synchronization.