AMD XC1736EVO8I

Overview

XC1736EVO8I from AMD is a configuration PROM for Spartan-XL FPGAs, providing 36-kbit serial EEPROM storage in an 8-pin SOIC package with 5V operation, 100,000 write cycles, and 20-year data retention - used to store bitstream configuration data during FPGA power-up.

For engineers reviewing the XC1736EVO8I datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include serial interface compatibility with Xilinx Spartan-XL devices, 5V VCC tolerance, guaranteed 100k write endurance, and industrial temperature range support.

Technical Context

This PROM uses a standard SPI-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CLK, DATA, CE) to load configuration data into Spartan-XL FPGAs upon power-on reset. It supports both master and slave serial configuration modes and operates across –40°C to +85°C.

Internal architecture includes a single 36-kbit EEPROM array organized as 4,096 × 9 bits, with built-in write protection via software and hardware (WP pin), and automatic erase-before-write sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC1736EVO8I is housed in an 8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch and JEDEC MS-012AC dimensions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC1736EVO8I, XCF04SVO20C offers higher density but lacks 5V compatibility, while AT17LV512-10JU supports lower voltages but introduces interface complexity - XC1736EVO8I remains optimal for legacy 5V Spartan-XL designs requiring minimal BOM change.

Availability

XC1736EVO8I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, telecom line cards, and medical imaging subsystems requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for XC1736EVO8I 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing, adaptive SoCs, and programmable logic solutions.

The XC17xxx series was developed by AMD (originally Xilinx pre-acquisition) specifically to provide cost-optimized, 5V-compatible configuration memory for Spartan-XL FPGAs in industrial and telecom infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the XC1736EVO8I in FPGA-based systems?

The XC1736EVO8I serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers the bitstream to Spartan-XL FPGAs during power-up. It uses a 3-wire SPI-compatible interface to load configuration data reliably, ensuring deterministic FPGA initialization without external controllers. Its 36-kbit capacity matches the requirements of mid-range Spartan-XL devices, and it operates natively at 5V - eliminating the need for voltage translation in legacy systems using XC1736EVO8I.

Does the XC1736EVO8I support write protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the XC1736EVO8I supports dual-mode write protection: hardware-based via the dedicated WP pin (pin 6), which disables all write/erase operations when asserted low, and software-based through internal status register locking. This ensures bitstream integrity against accidental overwrites during power transients or firmware updates. The hardware WP feature is especially valuable in safety-critical applications where XC1736EVO8I must retain its configuration across unpredictable operating conditions.

Can the XC1736EVO8I be used with FPGAs other than Spartan-XL devices?

The XC1736EVO8I is specifically designed and characterized for Spartan-XL FPGAs, with timing parameters, voltage thresholds, and command protocols aligned to that family's configuration controller. While some functional overlap may exist with early Spartan devices, AMD documentation does not validate interoperability with Virtex, Spartan-3, or non-Xilinx FPGAs. For reliable operation, XC1736EVO8I should be used exclusively in Spartan-XL systems as specified in the official configuration guide.

What is the significance of the 'E' and 'I' suffixes in XC1736EVO8I?

In the XC1736EVO8I part number, 'E' denotes extended temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and 'I' indicates industrial-grade qualification and screening. These suffixes confirm that the device meets industrial reliability standards, including enhanced testing for parametric stability, thermal cycling, and long-term data retention. All units shipped as XC1736EVO8I are fully tested to these specifications - no derating or additional qualification is required for deployment in XC1736EVO8I-based industrial designs.

Is the XC1736EVO8I pin-compatible with other devices in the XC17xx family?

XC1736EVO8I shares the same 8-pin SOIC package and pinout with XC1705EVO8I, XC1712EVO8I, and XC1725EVO8I - all members of the XC17xx serial PROM family. This allows board-level substitution based on required memory density while retaining identical PCB layout, routing, and power delivery. However, configuration data must match the target FPGA's bitstream size and format; XC1736EVO8I cannot be substituted for lower-density variants without verifying bitstream compatibility in the final XC1736EVO8I implementation.