AMD XC1736ESO8C

Overview

XC1736ESO8C from AMD is a configuration PROM designed for serial loading of Xilinx FPGA bitstreams, featuring 36 Kbit capacity, CMOS technology, and SO-8 package with industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports standard SPI-compatible serial interface and is used in embedded reconfigurable systems requiring non-volatile bitstream storage.

For engineers reviewing the XC1736ESO8C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include serial configuration interface compatibility, bitstream integrity under industrial thermal cycling, read access time, and SO-8 footprint alignment with Xilinx platform reference designs.

Technical Context

The XC1736ESO8C implements a one-time programmable (OTP) memory architecture optimized for FPGA configuration data storage. It uses standard SPI command set (Read Data, Read Status Register) and operates with single 3.3 V supply, supporting clock frequencies up to 10 MHz during read operations.

No write or erase capability is provided after initial programming; data retention exceeds 20 years at 85°C. The device lacks internal voltage regulation or power-on reset circuitry, requiring external control sequencing per Xilinx configuration controller timing requirements.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC1736ESO8C is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (SO-8) package with 1.27 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, and surface-mount compatible.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC1736ESO8C, XCF04SVO20C offers scalable density and reprogrammability at the cost of larger footprint and added control overhead, while AT17LV010-10JU provides voltage flexibility and interface choice but increases board area and BOM count.

Availability

XC1736ESO8C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical imaging subsystems, avionics test rigs, and automated test fixtures requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for XC1736ESO8C 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 acquired Xilinx in 2022 and now oversees legacy Xilinx configuration PROM product lines including the XC17 family.

The XC17 series was originally developed by Xilinx to provide cost-optimized, serial bitstream storage for Spartan and early Virtex FPGAs, targeting space-constrained, high-reliability embedded configurations.

FAQ

Is XC1736ESO8C reprogrammable after initial programming?

No, XC1736ESO8C is a one-time programmable (OTP) PROM. Once programmed, its contents cannot be erased or rewritten. The WP pin is internally hardwired high after programming, permanently disabling all write and erase functions. This ensures bitstream integrity in mission-critical applications where accidental or malicious reconfiguration must be prevented. XC1736ESO8C is intended for fixed-function FPGA deployments where configuration stability is mandatory.

What FPGA families is XC1736ESO8C officially supported with?

XC1736ESO8C is officially supported with Xilinx Spartan-XL, Spartan-II, and early Virtex FPGA families. It appears in Xilinx's legacy configuration guides (e.g., DS029, DS030) as a recommended serial PROM for bitstream loading in those devices. It is not qualified for Virtex-II or later families, which require higher-density or ISPPROG-capable PROMs such as the XCFxx series. XC1736ESO8C remains valid for legacy system maintenance and spares provisioning.

Does XC1736ESO8C require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?

Yes, XC1736ESO8C requires external 4.7 kΩ pull-up resistors on the SO (Serial Output) and HOLD pins to ensure proper signal levels during power-up and bus idle states. The SI and SCLK lines do not require pull-ups as they are actively driven by the FPGA configuration controller. These resistor values are specified in Xilinx Application Note XAPP058 and confirmed in the XC1736ESO8C device characterization report. Proper termination is essential for noise immunity in industrial environments where XC1736ESO8C is commonly deployed.

Can XC1736ESO8C operate at 2.5 V?

No, XC1736ESO8C is specified only for 3.3 V ±10% operation (3.0 V to 3.6 V). It does not support 2.5 V or dual-supply operation. Attempting to power XC1736ESO8C at 2.5 V will result in undefined behavior, failed read cycles, or permanent damage due to insufficient internal voltage margin. Systems using 2.5 V FPGA I/O banks must include level-shifting circuitry or select an alternative PROM such as the AT17LV010-10JU. XC1736ESO8C must be powered from a dedicated 3.3 V rail.

What is the maximum allowable SCLK frequency for reliable read operation of XC1736ESO8C?

The maximum guaranteed SCLK frequency for reliable read operation of XC1736ESO8C is 10 MHz, as specified in the official timing parameters table (tSKH, tSKL, tDISO). Operation above this frequency may cause setup/hold violations on the SO line, leading to corrupted bitstream loading. This limit applies across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and 3.3 V supply. XC1736ESO8C does not specify performance beyond 10 MHz, and no overspeed characterization is published. For FPGA startup timing, XC1736ESO8C must be clocked within this bound.