Microchip Technology ATF15XX-SAJ68

Overview

ATF15XX-SAJ68 from Atmel (now Microchip) is a 68-lead PLCC socket adapter board designed for in-system programming and development of ATF15xx family Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs). It interfaces the CPLD Development/Programmer Board (ATF15xx-DK2) with 68-pin PLCC-packaged ATF15xx devices, enabling JTAG-based ISP via IEEE 1149.1a-compliant interface, VCC selection (3.3V/5V), and full I/O access through expansion terminal holes.

For engineers reviewing the ATF15XX-SAJ68 datasheet, ATF15XX-SAJ68 pinout, ATF15XX-SAJ68 application, or ATF15XX-SAJ68 equivalent, this adapter enables rapid prototyping and evaluation of ATF1502AS/ASL, ATF1504AS/ASL, ATF1508AS/ASL, ATF1502ASV/ASVL, ATF1504ASV/ASVL, ATF1508ASV/ASVL, ATF1502SE/SEL, ATF1504SE/SEL, ATF1508SE/SEL, ATF1502AE/AEL, ATF1504AE/AEL, and ATF1508AE/AEL CPLDs in 68-lead PLCC packages - supporting logic doubling architecture, JTAG boundary-scan, and system-level integration with on-board clock, LEDs, and push-button controls.

Technical Context

The ATF15XX-SAJ68 is a passive mechanical and electrical interface board-not an IC or active component-providing direct pin-mapped connectivity between the 68-lead PLCC footprint of ATF15xx CPLDs and the CPLD Development/Programmer Board's JPLEFT/JPRIGHT headers. It routes all non-JTAG I/O, dedicated inputs (GCLR, OE1, GCLK1, GCLK2), power (VccINT/VccIO), and ground to the host board while isolating JTAG signals (TCK/TDI/TMS/TDO) per IEEE 1149.1a.

Expansion terminal holes on the board provide access to all 68 device pins except the four JTAG signals, with pin numbers silkscreened adjacent to each hole. Traces beneath the board can be cut to decouple on-board peripherals (LEDs, switches, oscillator) from the CPLD, granting full external control over all I/O and dedicated function pins.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATF15XX-SAJ68 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for CPLD prototyping, ISP programming, logic doubling architecture evaluation, and educational lab environments requiring stable component supply and legacy PLD toolchain compatibility.

Supply support for ATF15XX-SAJ68 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) is a global semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA/CPLD, and security solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The ATF15XX-SAJ68 belongs to Atmel's legacy CPLD development ecosystem and was engineered to extend the usability of the ATF15xx-DK2 platform across all PLCC package variants - specifically enabling hardware validation and rapid iteration for logic doubling-based digital designs before PCB fabrication.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ATF15XX-SAJ68?

The ATF15XX-SAJ68 is a passive socket adapter board that mechanically and electrically interfaces 68-lead PLCC-packaged ATF15xx CPLDs with the Atmel CPLD Development/Programmer Board (ATF15xx-DK2). It enables in-system programming (ISP) via JTAG, supports dual-voltage operation (3.3V/5V), and provides full pin access-including dedicated inputs (GCLR, OE1, GCLK1/GCLK2) and all I/O-through labeled expansion terminal holes. The ATF15XX-SAJ68 contains no active components or firmware.

Which ATF15xx devices are supported by the ATF15XX-SAJ68?

The ATF15XX-SAJ68 supports all ATF15xx CPLD variants offered in 68-lead PLCC packages, including ATF1502AS/ASL, ATF1504AS/ASL, ATF1508AS/ASL, ATF1502ASV/ASVL, ATF1504ASV/ASVL, ATF1508ASV/ASVL, ATF1502SE/SEL, ATF1504SE/SEL, ATF1508SE/SEL, ATF1502AE/AEL, ATF1504AE/AEL, and ATF1508AE/AEL. Pin compatibility is confirmed per Table 2-3 (LED connections) and Table 2-9 (dedicated input pin mapping) in the official user guide.

Does the ATF15XX-SAJ68 include onboard logic, memory, or firmware?

No. The ATF15XX-SAJ68 is a purely passive interconnect board with no integrated circuits, memory, programmable elements, or firmware. It consists solely of a PLCC socket, plated-through-hole (PTH) terminals, routing traces, and male header pins. All functionality - including JTAG communication, voltage regulation, clock generation, and LED/display control - resides on the host ATF15xx-DK2 board, not the ATF15XX-SAJ68.

How does the ATF15XX-SAJ68 handle power and voltage selection?

The ATF15XX-SAJ68 itself does not regulate or select voltage. It passes VCC (3.3V or 5.0V) and GND directly from the host ATF15xx-DK2 board via its JPLEFT/JPRIGHT headers. Voltage selection is performed exclusively by the VCC Select jumper on the ATF15xx-DK2 board. Users must configure that jumper to match the target ATF15xx device's voltage grade (e.g., 3.3V for ATF1508ASVL, 5V for ATF1508AS) before inserting the device into the ATF15XX-SAJ68 socket.

Can the ATF15XX-SAJ68 be used without the ATF15xx-DK2 development board?

No. The ATF15XX-SAJ68 has no power regulation, JTAG signal generation, or host interface capability. It requires mating with the ATF15xx-DK2 board's JPLEFT and JPRIGHT female headers to receive power, JTAG signals (TCK/TDI/TMS/TDO), clock, reset, output enable, and peripheral connections (LEDs, switches, oscillator). It is not compatible with generic JTAG programmers or custom PCBs unless those systems replicate the exact signal routing and pinout of the ATF15xx-DK2.