AMD XC1736EPC20I

Overview

XC1736EPC20I from AMD is a 36-kbit serial PROM configured as 4,096 × 8, designed for Xilinx FPGA configuration storage in industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), with 5 V supply and 15 ns access time.

For engineers reviewing the XC1736EPC20I datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility with Spartan/XL-series FPGAs, read cycle timing compliance, JEDEC-standard SOIC-20 package footprint, and industrial-grade reliability for embedded reconfiguration.

Technical Context

This PROM implements a synchronous serial interface compatible with Xilinx FPGA master-mode configuration controllers. It supports standard read cycles only-no write or erase functionality-and uses CMOS-compatible input thresholds with TTL-level output drive.

Internal architecture includes a static memory array with address latching on CE# assertion and data output enabled by OE#. Timing adheres to Xilinx XAPP058 and XAPP098 configuration guidelines for parallel mode PROMs used in legacy FPGA families.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC1736EPC20I is housed in a 20-pin plastic small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package with 300-mil body width and standard JEDEC MO-013 footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC1736EPC20C and AT27C256B-15PU, the XC1736EPC20I uniquely balances industrial temperature qualification, exact Xilinx FPGA configuration timing alignment, and SOIC-20 footprint compatibility-making it irreplaceable in field-deployed legacy systems requiring zero-layout-change serviceability.

Availability

XC1736EPC20I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA configuration, industrial control system boot, and avionics ground support interface applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for XC1736EPC20I 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

AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing, adaptive SoCs, and programmable logic solutions.

The XC17xx family was developed by AMD specifically to provide standardized, pin-compatible configuration PROMs for Xilinx FPGA platforms prior to the adoption of serial configuration schemes.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the XC1736EPC20I in an FPGA-based system?

The XC1736EPC20I serves as a nonvolatile configuration memory that stores and delivers the bitstream to Xilinx XC3000/XC4000-series FPGAs during power-up. It operates in parallel mode, providing byte-wide data synchronized to the FPGA's configuration clock. The XC1736EPC20I enables autonomous, repeatable FPGA initialization without host processor involvement, making it essential for embedded systems where deterministic startup is required.

Does the XC1736EPC20I support in-system programming or reconfiguration?

No, the XC1736EPC20I is a one-time programmable (OTP) EPROM device and does not support in-system programming or field reconfiguration. Programming requires a dedicated EPROM programmer with 5 V VPP voltage. Once programmed, the XC1736EPC20I retains data indefinitely but cannot be electrically erased or rewritten. Field updates require physical replacement of the XC1736EPC20I device.

Is the XC1736EPC20I pin-compatible with other devices in the XC17xx family?

Yes, the XC1736EPC20I shares identical pinout, timing, and functional behavior with other XC1736 variants (e.g., XC1736EPC20C, XC1736EPC20I) in the same SOIC-20 package. All XC1736 devices use the same 12-bit address bus, 8-bit data bus, and active-low CE#/OE# control scheme. This allows direct substitution within the same temperature grade without PCB modification.

What are the critical timing parameters for integrating the XC1736EPC20I with an Xilinx FPGA?

Critical timing parameters include tACC = 15 ns (address-to-data valid), tCE = 15 ns (chip enable access), and tOE = 10 ns (output enable access). These ensure compatibility with Xilinx FPGA configuration controllers operating at ≤33 MHz. The XC1736EPC20I must meet setup/hold times relative to the FPGA's INIT and PROGRAM pins, as defined in Xilinx Application Note XAPP058 for parallel PROM configuration.

Can the XC1736EPC20I be used with modern Xilinx FPGA families like 7-series or UltraScale?

No, the XC1736EPC20I is not compatible with 7-series or UltraScale FPGAs, which require serial configuration interfaces (e.g., SPI, SelectMAP) and lack native parallel PROM support. It is specifically designed for legacy Xilinx families including XC3000, XC4000, and Spartan-XL. Using the XC1736EPC20I with newer FPGAs would require external bridging logic and is not supported by Xilinx configuration protocols.