Microchip Technology AT17LV002A-10CU

Overview

AT17LV002A-10CU from Atmel is a 2-Mbit (2,097,152 × 1-bit) FPGA configuration EEPROM designed to store and serially load bitstream data into SRAM-based FPGAs including Altera APEX™ and FLEX®, Xilinx Virtex® and Spartan®, Lucent ORCA®, and Motorola MPA1000 devices. It operates at 3.3V (±10%) or 5.0V (±5% commercial / ±10% industrial), supports in-system programming via 2-wire bus, and features programmable reset polarity and cascading capability for multi-device configurations.

For engineers reviewing the AT17LV002A-10CU datasheet, AT17LV002A-10CU pinout, AT17LV002A-10CU application, or AT17LV002A-10CU equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2-Mbit density, TQFP-32 and PLCC-20 package options, 15 MHz max clock frequency (3.3V industrial), 100,000 write cycles endurance, and compatibility with master-serial FPGA configuration protocols.

Technical Context

The AT17LV002A-10CU implements a serial-access configuration memory architecture optimized for direct interface with FPGA master-serial mode: DCLK drives the internal address counter, DATA provides open-collector bi-directional configuration data output, and nCS/nCASC enable daisy-chained cascading. RESET/OE combines active-low reset and active-high output enable functions, with polarity programmable during programming.

It uses a low-power CMOS EEPROM process with internal voltage generation for programming, supports write protection via WP1 input (available on this variant), and enters standby mode (<150 µA ICCS at 3.3V industrial) when nCS is high. The READY pin signals power-on reset completion, and SER_EN must be tied to VCC during FPGA configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17LV002A-10CU is available in 32-lead TQFP (32A) and 20-lead PLCC (20J) packages. Both are RoHS-compliant, lead-free, and pin-compatible across the AT17LV family. The TQFP measures 7 mm × 7 mm × 1.0 mm; PLCC is 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 3.05 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17LV002A-10CU, the AT17LV002A-10JI offers guaranteed operation across -40°C to +85°C but shares identical electrical and functional behavior, while XC18V02 trades broader FPGA vendor compatibility and flexible packaging for tighter Xilinx integration and simplified layout in single-vendor designs.

Availability

AT17LV002A-10CU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration, telecom baseband FPGA load, avionics reconfigurable gate array, and medical imaging FPGA boot applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and dual-voltage flexibility.

Supply support for AT17LV002A-10CU 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

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and programmable logic solutions, with deep expertise in FPGA configuration and embedded system interfaces.

The AT17LV series was designed specifically to provide robust, pin-compatible configuration memory for multi-vendor SRAM-FPGA platforms, emphasizing ease of integration, in-system reprogrammability, and industrial-grade reliability.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17LV002A-10CU in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17LV002A-10CU serves as a dedicated serial configuration EEPROM that stores and delivers FPGA bitstream data during power-up or reset. It interfaces directly with the FPGA's master-serial mode using DCLK, DATA, nCS, and RESET/OE signals-eliminating the need for external controllers. Its 2-Mbit capacity supports large APEX, Virtex, and Spartan devices, and its programmable reset polarity ensures compatibility across FPGA families. The AT17LV002A-10CU is essential for reliable, repeatable FPGA initialization in production and field-deployed systems.

Which packages are supported by the AT17LV002A-10CU, and are they pin-compatible with other AT17LV variants?

The AT17LV002A-10CU is offered in 20-lead PLCC (20J) and 32-lead TQFP (32A) packages-both explicitly listed in Table 1 of the datasheet. These packages are pin-compatible across the AT17LV family (e.g., AT17LV512A, AT17LV010A), enabling scalable memory upgrades without PCB redesign. The 32A TQFP measures 7 mm × 7 mm × 1.0 mm; the 20J PLCC is 9.78 mm × 9.78 mm × 3.05 mm. Neither variant uses the 8-lead PDIP package. The AT17LV002A-10CU shares identical pin functions and placement with other high-density AT17LV devices in these two footprints.

Does the AT17LV002A-10CU support in-system programming (ISP), and what interface is required?

Yes, the AT17LV002A-10CU supports in-system programming via a 2-wire serial interface activated by pulling SER_EN low. During ISP, DATA and DCLK serve as bidirectional serial data and clock lines, respectively. Programming occurs at standard VCC (no super-voltage required), with internal charge pumps generating necessary programming voltages. The WP1 pin provides hardware write protection, and A2 enables device selection in multi-device programming setups. This capability allows field updates without removing the AT17LV002A-10CU from the board-critical for maintenance and firmware iteration.

How does the AT17LV002A-10CU handle cascading for configurations larger than 2 Mbit?

The AT17LV002A-10CU supports daisy-chain cascading using its nCASC output and nCS input. When the internal address counter reaches its maximum value (end-of-data), nCASC asserts low, disabling the current device's DATA driver and enabling the next device's nCS input. This allows seamless handoff to a second AT17LV002A-10CU or lower-density variant (e.g., AT17LV010A). Cascading preserves timing integrity and requires no external logic-only proper routing of nCASC→nCS between devices. The AT17LV002A-10CU's READY and SER_EN pins remain independently controllable per device in the chain.

What are the key reliability specifications of the AT17LV002A-10CU, and how do they impact long-term deployment?

The AT17LV002A-10CU guarantees 100,000 write cycles and 90 years of data retention at 85°C (industrial grade), validated under JEDEC standards. These specs directly enable long-life deployments in unattended equipment: industrial PLCs, telecom base stations, and medical scanners can undergo repeated field updates while maintaining configuration integrity over decades. Its low standby current (150 µA max at 3.3V industrial) further extends system uptime in battery-backed or energy-constrained applications. The AT17LV002A-10CU's reliability metrics exceed typical EEPROM alternatives, making it suitable for safety- and mission-critical FPGA configuration roles.