Microchip Technology AT17LV040-10TQI

Overview

AT17LV040-10TQI from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 4-Mbit serial EEPROM FPGA configuration memory designed for industrial-grade (-40°C to +85°C) in-system programming of SRAM-based FPGAs. It supports dual-voltage operation (3.3V ±10% or 5.0V ±10%), delivers up to 15 MHz read clock frequency at 3.3V, features programmable reset polarity, and provides cascading capability via CEO output. It is used in Xilinx Virtex™, Spartan®, and Altera® APEX™/FLEX® FPGA systems requiring reliable, high-density configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT17LV040-10TQI datasheet, AT17LV040-10TQI pinout, AT17LV040-10TQI application, or AT17LV040-10TQI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial temperature support, 44-lead TQFP package compatibility with daisy-chain configuration, CEO-driven cascading for multi-FPGA systems, and verified interoperability with Xilinx XC5200/Virtex™ and Altera APEX™ devices.

Technical Context

The AT17LV040-10TQI implements a serial master-mode interface where CLK drives the internal address counter, DATA serves as open-collector bidirectional I/O during ISP and unidirectional output during FPGA configuration, and RESET/OE controls both counter reset and output enable. SER_EN must be held high during FPGA boot and pulled low only for two-wire ISP programming.

Cascading relies on CEO (Chip Enable Output), which asserts low upon completion of data readout to enable the next device's CE input - a feature confirmed available on AT17LV040-10TQI per Table 1-1 and Pin Description. The device lacks WP1/WP2 pins but retains full write-protection via WP input (active-low during programming) and supports programmable reset polarity via EEPROM byte configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT17LV040-10TQI is packaged in a 44-lead Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP), 10 mm × 10 mm body, 1.0 mm thickness, 0.8 mm lead pitch (JEDEC MS-026 ACB compliant). Thermal resistance: θJA = 62°C/W, θJC = 17°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XCF04S, AT17LV040-10TQI offers broader vendor compatibility and hardware cascading; compared with AT17LV002-10TQI, it doubles configuration capacity while maintaining identical footprint, timing, and industrial qualification - enabling seamless upgrade paths without PCB changes.

Availability

AT17LV040-10TQI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, telecom base station, avionics data acquisition, and medical imaging subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT17LV040-10TQI 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 Inc. is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions, with deep heritage in FPGA configuration technologies through its acquisition of Atmel.

The AT17LV series was engineered specifically for robust, low-power, in-system programmable configuration of SRAM-based FPGAs across industrial, aerospace, and communications markets - emphasizing reliability, voltage flexibility, and seamless integration with major FPGA vendors' toolchains.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT17LV040-10TQI in an FPGA-based system?

The AT17LV040-10TQI serves as a serial configuration EEPROM that stores and loads the bitstream into SRAM-based FPGAs such as Xilinx Virtex™ or Altera APEX™ devices during power-up. It operates in master serial mode, driven by the FPGA's CCLK signal, and uses the DATA line to deliver configuration data to the FPGA's DIN pin. Its CEO output enables daisy-chaining for multi-FPGA systems, and its programmable reset polarity ensures compatibility with varying FPGA reset architectures. AT17LV040-10TQI eliminates the need for external controllers during configuration.

Does the AT17LV040-10TQI support both 3.3V and 5.0V operation, and how does this affect system design?

Yes, AT17LV040-10TQI supports both 3.3V ±10% and 5.0V ±10% supply voltages, allowing direct integration into mixed-voltage systems without level shifters. This dual-voltage capability simplifies migration from legacy 5V FPGA platforms (e.g., Xilinx XC4000) to modern 3.3V designs (e.g., Spartan-II), reduces BOM count, and maintains timing compliance across voltage modes. Electrical characteristics - including 15 MHz max clock at 3.3V and 12.5 MHz at 5V - are fully specified for both conditions in the datasheet, ensuring predictable performance regardless of VCC choice. AT17LV040-10TQI's internal regulation handles voltage translation internally.

Can the AT17LV040-10TQI be programmed in-circuit, and what interface is required?

Yes, AT17LV040-10TQI supports in-system programming (ISP) via a two-wire serial interface activated by pulling SER_EN low. During ISP, the device uses DATA and CLK lines for bidirectional communication with industry-standard programmers (e.g., Atmel ATDH2225 ISP Cable) or custom MCU-based hosts. Programming occurs at the same VCC supply voltage - no external high-voltage sources are needed, as internal charge pumps generate required programming voltages. AT17LV040-10TQI retains full functionality during normal FPGA configuration (SER_EN = VCC), making ISP transparent to system operation.

What is the role of the CEO pin on the AT17LV040-10TQI, and why is it critical for certain applications?

The CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin on AT17LV040-10TQI is an active-low signal that goes low when the internal address counter reaches its maximum value - indicating completion of the configuration data stream. In cascaded FPGA systems, CEO of one AT17LV040-10TQI connects directly to the CE input of the next device, enabling automatic handoff of configuration data without external logic or timing control. This hardware-managed daisy chain is essential for multi-FPGA boards (e.g., high-channel data acquisition systems) and large bitstream partitioning. AT17LV040-10TQI's CEO is confirmed functional per datasheet Table 1-1 and Pin Description section.

How does the AT17LV040-10TQI ensure long-term data integrity in harsh industrial environments?

AT17LV040-10TQI guarantees long-term data integrity through 90 years of data retention at 85°C and 100,000 write cycles - validated under industrial temperature stress (−40°C to +85°C). Its EEPROM cell structure uses proven floating-gate technology with enhanced oxide quality control, and the 44-lead TQFP package (44A) features optimized thermal resistance (θJA = 62°C/W) to minimize junction temperature rise during sustained operation. These specifications meet IEC 60721-3-3 Class 3C2 environmental requirements for industrial control cabinets. AT17LV040-10TQI's RoHS-compliant construction further ensures stability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure.