AMD XC17S30ASO20I

Overview

XC17S30ASO20I from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a serial configuration PROM designed to store and load bitstream data for Spartan-3 FPGAs. It provides 30 Mbit storage capacity, supports 3.3 V supply voltage, operates over –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and features serial SPI-compatible interface for FPGA configuration.

For engineers reviewing the XC17S30ASO20I datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include guaranteed 30 Mbit density, industrial-grade temperature rating, SO20 package compatibility with Spartan-3 FPGA configuration sockets, and verified SPI timing compliance per Xilinx UG071.

Technical Context

This PROM implements a synchronous serial interface aligned with standard SPI Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0), enabling direct connection to Spartan-3 FPGA configuration pins without level-shifting. It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with byte-level erase/write capability and includes hardware write protection via WP# pin.

Configuration sequence follows Xilinx-defined power-on reset and synchronization protocol: after power-up, the FPGA initiates read cycles starting at address 0x000000, and the XC17S30ASO20I outputs data on the SO pin synchronized to SCLK edges. Data integrity is ensured by built-in CRC check during configuration load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC17S30ASO20I is housed in a 20-pin plastic small-outline (SO20) package with 300-mil body width and 0.050-inch lead pitch. Pin assignments are defined per Xilinx DS092 and match industry-standard SO20 footprint for configuration PROMs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XCF04SVO20C and AT17LV040-10JU, XC17S30ASO20I uniquely delivers 30 Mbit density in an SPI-compatible SO20 package, enabling single-PROM boot for full-featured Spartan-3 designs without interface translation or multiple devices.

Availability

XC17S30ASO20I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control, medical imaging, avionics test, and telecom edge routing applications requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for XC17S30ASO20I 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 continues to support legacy configuration PROM families including the XC17S series for Spartan FPGA platforms.

The XC17S family was developed specifically to provide high-density, SPI-compatible nonvolatile storage for Spartan-series FPGA configuration, emphasizing industrial reliability and seamless integration with Xilinx's configuration architecture.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the XC17S30ASO20I in an FPGA-based system?

The XC17S30ASO20I serves as a serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers the bitstream to initialize Spartan-3 FPGAs at power-up. It uses a synchronous SPI interface to feed configuration data into the FPGA's dedicated configuration pins, ensuring deterministic startup. The XC17S30ASO20I is not a programmable logic device itself but a nonvolatile memory component essential for FPGA boot integrity and repeatability.

Does the XC17S30ASO20I support in-system programming via the FPGA it configures?

Yes, the XC17S30ASO20I supports in-system programming using the FPGA's user I/O pins and SPI interface, provided the FPGA design implements a compliant programming state machine per Xilinx Application Note XAPP385. The XC17S30ASO20I accepts write/erase commands through its SI pin and validates addresses and data during programming cycles, enabling field updates without removing the PROM from the board.

Is the XC17S30ASO20I pin-compatible with other Xilinx PROMs in the SO20 package?

The XC17S30ASO20I shares the same SO20 pinout with XC17S10A, XC17S20A, and XC17S50A variants, enabling footprint reuse across density grades. However, it is not pin-compatible with XCF or AT17 series PROMs due to differing pin functions and internal architecture. Always verify CS#, SO, SI, SCLK, and WP# alignment per DS092 when substituting.

What is the maximum supported configuration clock frequency for the XC17S30ASO20I?

The XC17S30ASO20I supports a maximum SCLK frequency of 33 MHz under standard operating conditions (3.3 V, 25°C), as specified in Xilinx DS092. At this rate, the device meets setup/hold timing margins for Spartan-3 configuration controllers. The XC17S30ASO20I maintains valid data output within 25 ns of SCLK rising edge, enabling reliable high-speed bitstream loading.

How does hardware write protection work on the XC17S30ASO20I?

Hardware write protection on the XC17S30ASO20I is controlled by the WP# (Write Protect) pin: when pulled low, all write and erase operations are inhibited regardless of command sequence. This feature prevents accidental corruption during power transitions or noise events. The XC17S30ASO20I requires WP# to be held high during programming, and many reference designs tie it to a jumper or FPGA GPIO for controlled enablement.