A1020B-CQ84M

Field Programmable Gate Array Overview

The A1020B-CQ84M is an Actel ACT 1 series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) manufactured by Microsemi Corporation. It utilizes PLICE antifuse technology within a silicon gate, two-level metal CMOS process. The device contains 547 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) and approximately 2000 equivalent gates. It features up to 6 fast, low-skew clock networks and supports I/O drive currents up to 10 mA. The component is designed for high-reliability applications, including military and avionics environments, with nonvolatile user-programmable logic.

Field Programmable Gate Array Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile architecture based on PLICE antifuse technology ensuring permanent configuration without volatile memory requirements.
• Highly predictable performance achieved through 100% automatic placement and routing during the programming process.
• Includes on-chip clock drivers and a hard-wired distribution network for signal integrity.
• Capable of supporting up to 202 user-programmable I/O pins with drive capabilities up to 10 mA.

Field Programmable Gate Array Applications

• Military avionics systems requiring high reliability and radiation tolerance.
• Spacecraft and satellite control electronics utilizing QML certified components.
• High-reliability industrial control systems demanding nonvolatile programmable logic.
• Avionics data processing units where deterministic timing is critical.

Field Programmable Gate Array Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific revision suffix matches the required environmental qualification, such as DSCC SMD or QML certification, as these denote distinct testing standards. Confirm the package type corresponds to the intended board layout, specifically checking for CQFP pin compatibility. Ensure the source documentation explicitly states the antifuse technology generation to avoid confusion with SRAM-based counterparts.

Field Programmable Gate Array Selection Notes

Select this component when nonvolatile configuration is mandatory to prevent data loss upon power cycling. Consider the ACT 1 series capacity limits, which are suitable for designs requiring up to 2000 gates and 547 CLBs. Evaluate the need for multiple low-skew clock networks if synchronous design complexity is high. Verify that the 10 mA I/O drive strength meets the load requirements of the connected peripherals.

Field Programmable Gate Array Part Context

This part belongs to the ACT 1 family, representing an early generation of antifuse FPGAs from Actel, now part of Microsemi. It serves as a foundational component for legacy high-reliability designs. The CQ84 designation indicates a Ceramic Quad Flat Package with 84 leads. This series established the baseline for nonvolatile FPGA reliability in defense sectors before being succeeded by higher-density families like ACT 3 and SmartFusion.

Field Programmable Gate Array Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-for-pin replacements are limited due to the proprietary PLICE technology. Review Actel/SmartMicro successor families such as the ACT 3 series for increased density, though package and speed differences may require redesign. Cross-reference with other antifuse FPGA manufacturers only if architectural flexibility allows for significant schematic modifications.