Microchip Technology AT17LV010A-10PC

Overview

AT17LV010A-10PC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1-Mbit FPGA configuration EEPROM designed for serial loading of SRAM-based FPGAs including Altera FLEX® and APEX™, Xilinx Spartan® and Virtex®, and Lucent ORCA® devices. It operates at 3.3V (±10%) or 5.0V (±5% commercial / ±10% industrial), supports in-system programming via 2-wire bus, delivers 1,048,576 × 1-bit storage, and features programmable reset polarity for compatibility with diverse FPGA boot sequences.

For engineers reviewing the AT17LV010A-10PC datasheet, AT17LV010A-10PC pinout, AT17LV010A-10PC application, or AT17LV010A-10PC equivalent, this device serves as a drop-in replacement for Altera EPC1 in master serial configuration mode, offers cascading support for multi-FPGA systems, and provides verified endurance (100,000 write cycles) and data retention (90 years at 85°C industrial grade).

Technical Context

The AT17LV010A-10PC implements a dedicated serial configuration memory architecture with synchronous clock-driven address counter, tri-state DATA output controlled by nCS and RESET/OE, and cascade-select logic enabling daisy-chained FPGA configuration. Its SER_EN pin gates entry into 2-wire ISP mode, while WP1 enables block-level write protection during programming.

It uses a low-power CMOS EEPROM process with internal voltage multiplication for programming, supports both 3.3V and 5V supply operation with separate commercial/industrial voltage tolerances, and integrates power-on reset detection with READY output to synchronize FPGA initialization timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17LV010A-10PC is available in 8-lead PDIP (8P3), 20-lead PLCC (20J), and 32-lead TQFP (32A) packages. The -10PC suffix denotes 8-lead PDIP, commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C), and 10 ns access time. All packages are pin-compatible within the AT17LV family.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17LV002A-10PC, AT17LV010A-10PC offers optimal cost/density balance for mainstream FPGAs while retaining cascading capability; versus XCF01SVOG20C, it delivers multi-vendor interoperability and industrial temperature support at equivalent density.

Availability

AT17LV010A-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, telecom infrastructure, and medical imaging systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and verified FPGA configuration reliability.

Supply support for AT17LV010A-10PC 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 the AT17LV series. The company specializes in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA configuration solutions, and secure authentication ICs.

The AT17LV family was designed specifically to replace volatile SRAM-based FPGA configuration methods with robust, nonvolatile serial EEPROM storage-targeting cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded systems requiring field-upgradable logic.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17LV010A-10PC in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17LV010A-10PC serves as a nonvolatile serial configuration memory that stores and delivers the FPGA bitstream during power-up. It interfaces directly with the FPGA's DCLK, DATA, and RESET/OE pins in master serial mode, eliminating the need for external controllers. AT17LV010A-10PC ensures deterministic, repeatable FPGA initialization across thousands of power cycles with no external intervention required.

Does the AT17LV010A-10PC support both 3.3V and 5V FPGA platforms?

Yes, AT17LV010A-10PC is fully compatible with both 3.3V (±10%) and 5.0V (±5% commercial / ±10% industrial) supply rails. Its VIH/VIL thresholds and output drive strength meet specifications across both voltage domains, enabling direct connection to FPGAs from Altera, Xilinx, and Lucent without level-shifting circuitry. This dual-voltage capability simplifies BOM consolidation across mixed-voltage system designs.

How does cascading work with the AT17LV010A-10PC for larger FPGA configurations?

AT17LV010A-10PC supports daisy-chain configuration via its nCASC output and nCS input. When the first device completes data transfer, it asserts nCASC low, enabling the next AT17LV010A-10PC (or AT17LV002A-10PC) in the chain. This allows seamless expansion beyond 1 Mbit-critical for configuring large FPGAs like Xilinx Virtex-4 or Altera Stratix II. No additional control logic or clock buffering is required.

Can the AT17LV010A-10PC be reprogrammed in-system, and what interface is used?

Yes, AT17LV010A-10PC supports in-system programming (ISP) via a 2-wire serial interface using SER_EN and the bi-directional DATA line. Programming occurs at the same VCC supply voltage (no external high-voltage source needed), with internal charge pumps generating required programming voltages. This enables field updates without removing the device from the PCB-essential for remote or mission-critical deployments.

What is the significance of the READY pin on the AT17LV010A-10PC?

The READY pin on AT17LV010A-10PC is an open-collector output that drives low during internal power-on reset and releases high once VCC stabilizes and internal circuitry is ready. It provides hardware-synchronized startup signaling to the FPGA or system controller, preventing premature configuration attempts. A 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistor is recommended, and AT17LV010A-10PC's READY behavior is fully compliant with FPGA vendor boot sequencing requirements.