AMD XC17S15AVO8I

Overview

XC17S15AVO8I from AMD is a serial configuration PROM designed for Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGAs, providing 1.5 Mbit of non-volatile configuration memory in an 8-pin SOIC package with 3.3 V supply voltage and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It supports master serial mode configuration of Spartan-3 devices such as XC3S1000.

For engineers reviewing the XC17S15AVO8I datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include configuration voltage compatibility, serial interface timing, data retention lifetime, industrial-grade temperature operation, and FPGA family-specific programming protocol support.

Technical Context

This PROM implements a synchronous serial interface compliant with Xilinx's 4-wire master serial configuration protocol, using CLK, DIN, CS, and INIT pins. It requires no external address decoding and operates with a maximum clock frequency of 10 MHz during configuration readout.

Internal organization is 192K × 8 bits, mapped to a single contiguous address space. Data is retained for ≥20 years at +85°C and erased only via UV exposure - not electrically erasable.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with standard 150-mil body width and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XCF02SVO20C and XC17S15AFT8I, the XC17S15AVO8I uniquely balances field-reprogrammability via UV erasure, industrial temperature rating, and minimal SOIC-8 footprint - making it optimal for prototyping, qualification, and low-to-mid volume industrial FPGA designs requiring configuration flexibility.

Availability

XC17S15AVO8I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automated test equipment, and medical imaging subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed configuration data integrity.

Supply support for XC17S15AVO8I 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 programmable logic and configuration product lines, including the XC17S family of PROMs.

The XC17S series was originally developed by Xilinx to provide dedicated, reliable, and pin-compatible configuration memory for Spartan FPGA families - emphasizing simplicity, industrial robustness, and seamless integration into master serial boot architectures.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the XC17S15AVO8I in an FPGA-based system?

The XC17S15AVO8I functions as a non-volatile configuration PROM that stores and delivers the bitstream to Spartan-3 FPGAs during power-up in master serial mode. It eliminates the need for external configuration controllers and ensures deterministic, repeatable FPGA initialization without host processor intervention. The XC17S15AVO8I is specifically optimized for this role with timing, voltage, and protocol alignment to Spartan-3 requirements.

Can the XC17S15AVO8I be reprogrammed, and what is required?

Yes, the XC17S15AVO8I is UV-erasable and can be reprogrammed after exposure to 253.7 nm ultraviolet light for approximately 20 minutes. Reprogramming requires a UV eraser and standard PROM programmer supporting the XC17S family command set. Electrical reprogramming is not supported - the XC17S15AVO8I does not feature in-system programmability or flash-based architecture.

Is the XC17S15AVO8I compatible with Spartan-3E or Spartan-3A FPGAs?

No, the XC17S15AVO8I is not officially supported for Spartan-3E or Spartan-3A FPGAs. Its timing parameters, command set, and bitstream format are validated only for original Spartan-3 devices (e.g., XC3S1000, XC3S2000). Spartan-3E/A families require XCFxx or Platform Flash PROMs with different voltage thresholds and configuration protocols.

What is the significance of the 'I' suffix in XC17S15AVO8I?

The 'I' suffix in XC17S15AVO8I denotes industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), distinguishing it from commercial-grade variants (e.g., XC17S15AVO8C, 0°C to +70°C). This rating ensures reliable operation in harsh environments such as factory floors, outdoor enclosures, and transportation systems where thermal stability is critical for configuration integrity.

Does the XC17S15AVO8I support boundary-scan or JTAG configuration?

No, the XC17S15AVO8I does not support boundary-scan or JTAG configuration. It operates exclusively in serial mode (master or slave) and lacks JTAG TAP controller logic. Configuration is initiated solely through the FPGA's dedicated configuration engine using CLK, DOUT, and INIT signals - the XC17S15AVO8I has no JTAG pins or IEEE 1149.1 compliance.