AMD XC17S50APD8C

Overview

XC17S50APD8C from AMD is a serial configuration PROM designed to store and load configuration bitstreams for Spartan-3 FPGAs. It provides 512 Kbit (64 K × 8) of non-volatile memory, supports 3.3 V operation, and uses an 8-pin PDIP package with SPI-compatible serial interface. It is used in FPGA-based industrial control systems requiring reliable, one-time programmable configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the XC17S50APD8C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility with Spartan-3 I/O banks, serial clock frequency tolerance up to 10 MHz, and PDIP-8 footprint constraints in legacy PCB designs.

Technical Context

The XC17S50APD8C implements a synchronous serial interface compliant with standard SPI Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0), enabling direct connection to Spartan-3 FPGA configuration controllers. It requires no external address lines and uses a single data line (SO) for read-only output during configuration.

It features built-in power-on reset logic and automatic address incrementing during sequential read cycles. The device lacks write-enable protection pins or in-system reprogrammability - it is factory-programmed and OTP-only.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC17S50APD8C is housed in an 8-pin Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with 0.3-inch body width and 0.1-inch pin pitch. Pin functions are electrically defined per AMD Advance Data Sheet DS009 (Rev. 2.0).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC17S50APD8C, XCF01SVO20C offers field-upgradability at the cost of package incompatibility, while AT17LV512-10PU retains PDIP-8 compatibility and adds 2.5 V flexibility - both require validation against specific Spartan-3 bank voltage assignments.

Availability

XC17S50APD8C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, test equipment, and legacy communication hardware requiring stable component supply and through-hole assembly compatibility.

Supply support for XC17S50APD8C 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) is a global semiconductor leader focused on adaptive computing, FPGA, and programmable logic solutions.

The XC17Sxx family was developed specifically to provide standardized, low-pin-count configuration PROMs for Spartan-series FPGAs, targeting cost-sensitive and space-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

Is XC17S50APD8C compatible with Spartan-3E or Spartan-3A FPGAs?

No. XC17S50APD8C is specifically designed for Spartan-3 (non-E/A) FPGAs. Spartan-3E and Spartan-3A require different configuration bitstream formats and voltage tolerances. Using XC17S50APD8C with those families may result in failed configuration or damage due to incompatible timing or voltage levels.

Can XC17S50APD8C be reprogrammed after initial programming?

No. XC17S50APD8C is a one-time programmable (OTP) PROM. Its memory cells are permanently fused during factory programming. There is no provision for erasure or reprogramming in the field or during system operation - XC17S50APD8C must be programmed correctly before soldering.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by XC17S50APD8C during configuration?

XC17S50APD8C supports a maximum serial clock (SCLK) frequency of 10 MHz. This limit ensures reliable data sampling on the SO line and aligns with Spartan-3 FPGA configuration controller timing specifications. Exceeding 10 MHz may cause read errors or incomplete bitstream loading.

Does XC17S50APD8C require external pull-up resistors on its control pins?

Yes. CE# and WE# pins must be pulled high via 4.7 kΩ resistors to VCC when not actively driven. SO is open-drain and requires a 4.7 kΩ pull-up to VCC. These ensure proper idle-state logic levels and prevent floating inputs that could trigger unintended reads or bus contention - critical for stable XC17S50APD8C operation.

Is there a lead-free version of XC17S50APD8C available?

No. XC17S50APD8C was manufactured prior to RoHS compliance mandates and is only available in leaded PDIP packaging. For RoHS-compliant alternatives, consider AT17LV512-10PU (lead-free PDIP-8) or XCF01SVO20C (lead-free TSSOP-20), both validated for Spartan-3 configuration use.