Microchip Technology AT17LV002A-10JI

Overview

AT17LV002A-10JI from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2-Mbit FPGA configuration EEPROM designed for serial loading of SRAM-based FPGAs including Altera FLEX®/APEX™, Xilinx Spartan®/Virtex®, and Lucent ORCA® devices. It operates at 3.3V (±10%) or 5.0V (±10% industrial), supports in-system programming via 2-wire bus, features programmable reset polarity, and delivers 90-year data retention at 85°C. Its primary circuit role is nonvolatile configuration memory enabling automatic power-up initialization.

For engineers reviewing the AT17LV002A-10JI datasheet, AT17LV002A-10JI pinout, AT17LV002A-10JI application, or AT17LV002A-10JI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature support (-40°C to +85°C), cascading capability via nCASC/nCS daisy-chain, standby current ≤150 µA at 5V, compatibility with Altera EPC2 replacement requirements, and TQFP/PLCC package options.

Technical Context

The AT17LV002A-10JI implements a serial-access configuration memory architecture synchronized to DCLK rising edges, with address counter control governed by RESET/OE and nCS logic states. Its internal oscillator enables autonomous timing during FPGA master serial mode, and SER_EN toggles between FPGA loading (High) and 2-wire ISP programming (Low).

It supports cascaded daisy-chain operation via nCASC output driving the nCS input of subsequent configurators, and includes write-protection logic (WP1 active on this variant) and programmable reset polarity stored in EEPROM bytes. The device uses a low-power CMOS EEPROM process with 100,000 write cycles endurance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17LV002A-10JI is available in 20-lead PLCC (20J) and 32-lead TQFP (32A) packages. Both are RoHS-compliant surface-mount packages with industrial-grade thermal performance (θJA = 90°C/W for PLCC, 50°C/W for TQFP).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17LV002-10JI and XC18V02VQ44C, the AT17LV002A-10JI uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, cascading capability, programmable reset polarity, and WP1-based memory protection - making it the only option supporting mixed-vendor FPGA fleets in harsh environments.

Availability

AT17LV002A-10JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, telecom baseband units, defense avionics, medical imaging systems, and test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17LV002A-10JI 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 programmable logic configuration products, including long-term manufacturing and documentation access.

The AT17LV series was designed specifically for reliable, low-maintenance FPGA configuration in industrial and infrastructure applications - emphasizing data retention, wide temperature operation, and daisy-chain scalability over consumer-grade speed or density.

FAQ

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

The AT17LV002A-10JI serves as a dedicated serial configuration EEPROM that stores and delivers the bitstream to SRAM-based FPGAs during power-up or reset. It interfaces directly with FPGA control signals (DCLK, nCS, RESET/OE) in Master Serial mode, eliminating the need for external microcontrollers. Its 2-Mbit capacity supports high-density devices like Altera EPC2 replacements, and its READY pin enables precise FPGA startup synchronization. The AT17LV002A-10JI performs this role autonomously using its internal oscillator and address counter.

Does the AT17LV002A-10JI support in-system programming, and what interface is required?

Yes, the AT17LV002A-10JI supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface using SER_EN, DATA, and DCLK pins. When SER_EN is pulled Low, the device enters ISP mode and accepts programming commands and data through the bidirectional DATA line synchronized to DCLK. This eliminates the need for socketed programmers or board removal. The AT17LV002A-10JI does not support JTAG programming - all ISP operations rely exclusively on the 2-wire method defined in the Atmel specification.

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

The AT17LV002A-10JI supports hardware cascading via its nCASC output and nCS input. When the address counter reaches its maximum value, nCASC drives Low, disabling the current device's DATA output and signaling the next device in the chain to enable its own DATA line via its nCS input. This daisy-chain mechanism allows multiple AT17LV002A-10JI units (or mixed-density AT17LV devices) to appear as a single continuous memory space to the FPGA. No external logic or glue components are required for this expansion.

What is the significance of the 'A' suffix in AT17LV002A-10JI, and how does it differ from AT17LV002-10JI?

The 'A' suffix in AT17LV002A-10JI denotes inclusion of the WP1 (Write Protect 1) pin, which is absent in the non-'A' variant AT17LV002-10JI. WP1 enables selective memory block protection during ISP programming, enhancing security against accidental writes. All other electrical specifications, pinouts (in matching packages), timing parameters, and functional behavior are identical between the two parts. The AT17LV002A-10JI is the recommended version when memory protection during field updates is required.

Is the AT17LV002A-10JI compatible with both 3.3V and 5V FPGA systems?

Yes, the AT17LV002A-10JI is explicitly rated for dual-supply operation: 3.3V ±10% and 5.0V ±10% (industrial range). Its VIH/VIL thresholds (2.0V min high, 0.8V max low) and output drive strength (VOH ≥2.4V at 3.3V, ≥3.6V at 5V) ensure robust interoperability with both 3.3V and 5V FPGA I/O standards. This eliminates level-shifting requirements when interfacing with mixed-voltage FPGA platforms or legacy 5V systems upgrading to newer 3.3V devices - a key advantage over single-voltage alternatives like Xilinx XC18V02.