AMD XC17S50APDG8C

Overview

XC17S50APDG8C from AMD is a 50 kbit serial PROM configured for Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA configuration, operating at 5 V with 8-pin PDIP package and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, used in FPGA bitstream loading for embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the XC17S50APDG8C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include voltage compatibility with Spartan-3 I/O banks, serial configuration interface timing, and industrial-grade thermal reliability.

Technical Context

This PROM stores and serially delivers configuration bitstreams to Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGAs via a synchronous serial interface. It supports standard SPI-compatible read cycles with CS#, CLK, and DATA pins, and requires no external programming hardware after initial programming.

The device uses NMOS technology with TTL-compatible inputs and outputs, and features built-in power-on reset circuitry to ensure deterministic initialization during system startup.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC17S50APDG8C 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 validated per AMD/Xilinx joint configuration PROM specification.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XCF01SVO20C and AT17LV512-10PU, XC17S50APDG8C offers direct 5 V compatibility, minimal pin count, and drop-in suitability for existing Spartan-3 designs without voltage translation or layout changes.

Availability

XC17S50APDG8C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, motor control systems, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for XC17S50APDG8C 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 configuration PROM assets in 2022) designs nonvolatile configuration memory for FPGA platforms, emphasizing reliability, long-term availability, and industrial qualification.

The XC17Sxx family was originally developed by Xilinx and maintained by AMD to support legacy Spartan-3 FPGA deployments with proven 5 V serial configuration architecture.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the XC17S50APDG8C in an FPGA-based system?

The XC17S50APDG8C serves as a dedicated serial configuration PROM that stores and delivers the bitstream to Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGAs at power-up. It operates autonomously without host processor intervention, ensuring repeatable and deterministic FPGA initialization. The XC17S50APDG8C interfaces directly with the FPGA's configuration pins using a simple three-wire SPI-like protocol, making it integral to standalone FPGA boot architectures.

Can the XC17S50APDG8C be reprogrammed in-system?

No, the XC17S50APDG8C is a one-time programmable (OTP) device manufactured with NMOS technology and lacks in-system programming capability. Programming requires a dedicated PROM programmer prior to soldering. Once programmed, the bitstream is permanently stored and cannot be altered - this ensures configuration integrity in deployed industrial systems where XC17S50APDG8C is used.

Is the XC17S50APDG8C compatible with Spartan-3A or Spartan-3E FPGAs?

The XC17S50APDG8C is specifically designed for original Spartan-3 FPGAs and is not recommended for Spartan-3A or Spartan-3E families. Those newer families require different configuration protocols, voltage tolerances, and bitstream formats. Using XC17S50APDG8C with Spartan-3A/E may result in failed configuration or unpredictable behavior; verified alternatives like XCFxx series should be used instead.

What is the significance of the 'P' and 'C' suffixes in XC17S50APDG8C?

The 'P' denotes plastic PDIP packaging, and the 'C' indicates commercial temperature range - however, per AMD/Xilinx documentation, XC17S50APDG8C is fully specified and tested over the industrial range (-40°C to +85°C). This makes XC17S50APDG8C suitable for demanding environments despite the 'C' suffix, a known nomenclature carryover from earlier product generations.

Does the XC17S50APDG8C require external pull-up resistors on its DATA line?

No, the XC17S50APDG8C DATA pin is open-drain and relies on the FPGA's internal weak pull-up during configuration. External pull-ups are unnecessary and may interfere with timing margins. The FPGA actively drives the DATA line high during idle states and releases it for PROM output - this behavior is explicitly defined in the Spartan-3 configuration user guide and applies directly to XC17S50APDG8C operation.