Microchip Technology AT17LV020A-10JI

Overview

AT17LV020A-10JI from Atmel is a 2-Mbit serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory designed specifically for Altera FLEX® devices, operating at 3.3V ±5% over –40°C to +85°C industrial range, featuring programmable reset polarity, in-system programmability via 2-wire bus, and cascading support for multi-device configurations in PLCC-20 package.

For engineers reviewing the AT17LV020A-10JI datasheet, AT17LV020A-10JI pinout, AT17LV020A-10JI application, or AT17LV020A-10JI equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (3.3V), industrial temperature rating, PLCC-20 footprint, cascade-ready nCASC signaling, and READY pin integration for FPGA power-up sequencing.

Technical Context

The AT17LV020A-10JI functions as a master configuration controller for Altera FPGAs, generating its own internal clock and driving DCLK to synchronize bitstream delivery; it supports both single-device and daisy-chained configurations using nCS/nCASC handshaking logic.

Its architecture includes a programmable OE pin (active-High for output enable, active-Low for reset), open-collector READY output for power-on reset indication, and SER_EN-controlled 2-wire programming mode - all implemented in low-power CMOS EEPROM process with <200 µA standby current at 3.3V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 20-lead Plastic J-leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC-20), JEDEC MS-018 AA compliant, 9.0 mm × 9.0 mm body, 0.5 mm lead pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT17LV020A-10JC, the AT17LV020A-10JI offers guaranteed operation at –40°C, making it suitable for outdoor or unheated enclosures; versus EPC2LC20, it delivers tighter power-up timing control via READY and lower system-level component count despite identical memory density.

Availability

AT17LV020A-10JI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, aerospace avionics, telecom infrastructure, and embedded FPGA development requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17LV020A-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

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 integration.

The AT17A Series - including AT17LV020A-10JI - was engineered specifically to simplify and harden FPGA configuration in industrial and mission-critical systems, emphasizing reliability, cascade scalability, and system-level timing coordination.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17LV020A-10JI in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17LV020A-10JI serves as a dedicated configuration memory that stores and serially delivers the bitstream required to initialize Altera FLEX® FPGAs. It operates autonomously using its internal oscillator, eliminating the need for an external controller, and directly interfaces with FPGA control pins (nCS, OE, DCLK, DATA) to manage the entire configuration sequence - including power-up synchronization via the READY pin and multi-device chaining via nCASC. The AT17LV020A-10JI ensures deterministic, repeatable FPGA startup under industrial environmental conditions.

Can the AT17LV020A-10JI be used with modern FPGA families beyond Altera FLEX® devices?

The AT17LV020A-10JI is architecturally optimized for Altera FLEX® series FPGAs and implements their specific configuration protocol, including timing relationships for nCONFIG, CONF_DONE, and nSTATUS signals. While its 3-wire serial interface may appear generic, the internal state machine, reset polarity handling, and cascade handshake logic are tailored to Altera's specification. Using the AT17LV020A-10JI with non-Altera FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx or Lattice) is not supported and would require protocol translation hardware or firmware intervention - the AT17LV020A-10JI does not provide configurable interface modes for alternate vendors.

How does the READY pin on the AT17LV020A-10JI interact with FPGA reset sequencing?

The READY pin on the AT17LV020A-10JI is an open-collector output driven Low during the internal power-on reset cycle and tri-stated upon completion. It is intended to be wired (with external 4.7 kΩ pull-up) to the FPGA's nCONFIG pin, holding the FPGA in reset until the EEPROM itself is fully initialized. This ensures the FPGA does not begin configuration before the AT17LV020A-10JI's internal oscillator and address counter are stable. However, READY release occurs before full VCC stabilization - so for robust designs, an additional RC delay on nCONFIG is still recommended per Atmel's application note AN2200.

What is the role of SER_EN on the AT17LV020A-10JI, and when must it be asserted?

SER_EN is the serial programming enable input on the AT17LV020A-10JI. It must be held High during normal FPGA configuration operations to disable programming mode and allow standard read-out of configuration data. To enter 2-wire in-system programming mode - for updating the stored bitstream - SER_EN must be driven Low while applying appropriate voltage and clock signals per Atmel's Programming Specification. Incorrect SER_EN state during configuration can cause DATA bus contention or failure to output valid bitstream, so proper PCB routing and firmware control of SER_EN are essential for reliable AT17LV020A-10JI operation.

Does the AT17LV020A-10JI support write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the AT17LV020A-10JI supports hardware write protection through its SER_EN pin and internal lock bits. When SER_EN is High, the device operates in read-only configuration mode - writes are disabled regardless of other signal states. During programming (SER_EN Low), users can set EEPROM lock bits to permanently prevent further writes to selected memory blocks or the entire array. These lock bits are non-volatile and survive power cycles. Write protection is enforced at the silicon level, meaning no software or timing-based override exists - once locked, the protected regions of the AT17LV020A-10JI cannot be modified without full chip erase (if supported) or replacement.