A42MX09-2PQ160

Overview

The A42MX09-2PQ160 is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX family, designed as a single-chip ASIC alternative. It features 14,000 system gates and 336 Logic Elements (LEs). The device supports mixed-voltage operation with core and I/O voltages of 3.3V or 5.0V, compliant with PCI standards. It is housed in a 160-pin PQFP package and operates within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. The architecture includes up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM and fast wide-decode circuitry for deterministic timing.

Feature Summary

• Single-chip solution integrating logic previously requiring multiple PALs, CPLDs, or FPGAs
• Supports up to 100% resource utilization and 100% pin locking for fixed designs
• Includes unique in-system diagnostic and verification capability via Silicon Explorer II
• Mixed-voltage operation allowing flexible interface integration with PCI-compliant I/Os

Applications

• High-speed controllers and address decoding
• Peripheral bus interfaces
• DSP and co-processor functions

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors due to the presence of counterfeits in the market. Confirm RoHS compliance status and check for specific ordering suffixes that may indicate automotive or military grade variants. Review the latest Product Change Notices (PCNs) for any assembly site changes or software updates affecting the design files. Ensure handling procedures account for moisture sensitivity level 3 requirements during storage and reflow soldering processes.

Selection Notes

Select this model when a cost-effective replacement for complex discrete logic is required without sacrificing performance. The 14,000 gate capacity suits moderate complexity designs needing deterministic timing. Consider the 160-pin PQFP package constraints for PCB layout. Verify that the 3.3V or 5.0V core voltage options align with the target system power rails. Evaluate the need for the included dual-port SRAM if memory resources are critical to the application logic.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Microsemi/Microchip 40MX and 42MX FPGA families, which were established as high-capacity single-chip ASIC alternatives. These devices bridge the gap between simple programmable logic and complex FPGAs, offering synthesis-friendly architectures. The MX series is known for supporting full ASIC design methodologies, including complete pin fixing and high resource utilization rates, making them suitable for final production applications rather than just prototyping.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-to-pin replacements are limited due to the proprietary architecture. Potential substitutes include other parts within the A42MX series with similar gate counts, such as the A42MX16 or A42MX24, though these offer higher capacities. Cross-family migration to modern Microchip PolarFire or IGLOO2 FPGAs requires significant design adaptation but offers updated manufacturing support.