Microchip Technology AT18F-DK3

Overview

AT18F-DK3 from Atmel is a development kit for in-system programming (ISP) of AT18F-series FPGA configuration memories, supporting densities from 1M to 7M bits across four devices (AT18F010-30XU, AT18F002-30XU, AT18F040-30XU, AT18F080-30XU), with regulated 3.3V VCCIO and VCCINT supplies, JTAG ISP interface via 10-pin header, and 20-lead TSSOP socket adapter (ATF15xxDK3-SAX20).

For engineers reviewing the AT18F-DK3 datasheet, AT18F-DK3 pinout, AT18F-DK3 application, or AT18F-DK3 equivalent, this kit enables rapid prototyping and evaluation of FPGA configuration memory programming workflows using JTAG-based ISP with PC parallel port connectivity, voltage-selectable power domains, and daisy-chain JTAG support.

Technical Context

The AT18F-DK3 integrates the ATF15xx-DK3 base board and ATF15xxDK3-SAX20 socket adapter to provide full JTAG ISP capability for AT18F configurators. It delivers independent 3.3V regulation for both I/O (VCCIO) and core (VCCINT) supply domains, with jumper-controlled selection and LED status indication.

JTAG signal routing follows IEEE 1149.1 standards, with buffered TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO signals from the PC's LPT port via the included ATDH1151VPC v6.0+ cable. The board supports single-device programming and multi-device daisy chains via JP-TDO jumper configuration and JTAG-OUT header.

Key Specifications

Availability

AT18F-DK3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA configuration memory development, CPLD/FPGA system validation, and embedded programmable logic prototyping requiring stable component supply and legacy parallel-port-based ISP tooling.

Supply support for AT18F-DK3 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 global design and support infrastructure.

The AT18F-DK3 belongs to Atmel's FPGA configuration memory development tools product line, designed specifically to accelerate evaluation and programming of serial configuration memories used in Xilinx and other FPGA systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AT18F-DK3?

The AT18F-DK3 is a dedicated development kit for in-system programming (ISP) of Atmel AT18F-series FPGA configuration memories. It provides hardware (base board + socket adapter), firmware, and JCPS software to configure, verify, and program AT18F010-30XU, AT18F002-30XU, AT18F040-30XU, and AT18F080-30XU devices via JTAG using a PC's parallel port. The AT18F-DK3 does not operate as a standalone IC or discrete component but serves exclusively as an evaluation and programming platform.

Which AT18F devices are supported by the AT18F-DK3?

The AT18F-DK3 officially supports four AT18F-series configurator devices: AT18F010-30XU (1 Mbit), AT18F002-30XU (2 Mbit), AT18F040-30XU (4 Mbit), and AT18F080-30XU (7 Mbit). All are packaged in Green (RoHS-compliant) 20-lead TSSOP and share identical pinouts, enabling use of the single ATF15xxDK3-SAX20 socket adapter board with the AT18F-DK3 base board.

What power supply requirements does the AT18F-DK3 have?

The AT18F-DK3 requires a 9V DC power source rated for ≥500 mA, delivered via either the 2.1 mm barrel jack (JPower) or the 4-pin 0.1-inch header (JP Power). Internally, two voltage regulators generate precisely 3.3V for VCCIO (I/O interface/JTAG voltage) and VCCINT (core voltage), both of which must be set via jumpers to 3.3V before powering on - changing jumper positions requires the board to be powered off.

Does the AT18F-DK3 support JTAG daisy chaining?

Yes, the AT18F-DK3 supports JTAG daisy chaining through its JTAG-OUT header and JP-TDO jumper. For multi-device chains, all but the final board must have JP-TDO set to "TO NEXT DEVICE", routing TDO to the next board's TDI; the last board must be set to "TO ISP CABLE" to return TDO to the host PC. This allows simultaneous programming or verification of multiple AT18F devices using a single AT18F-DK3 setup and JCPS software session.

Is the AT18F-DK3 compatible with modern operating systems?

The AT18F-DK3 was designed for Windows XP, 2000, NT 4.0, and Windows 98, relying on direct LPT port access via the ATDH1151VPC JTAG ISP cable. It is not natively compatible with Windows 10/11 or macOS due to deprecated parallel port drivers and lack of updated JCPS software support. Users requiring modern OS compatibility must implement USB-to-parallel adapters with legacy driver support or migrate to third-party gang programmers for production use.