A42MX36-1PQ208I

Overview

The A42MX36-1PQ208I is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX series, designed as a high-capacity single-chip ASIC alternative. It features approximately 54,000 system gates and 2,438 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs). The device supports mixed-voltage operation with supply ranges of 3V to 3.6V for the core and 4.75V to 5.25V for I/Os. It integrates up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM and offers up to 202 user-programmable I/O pins. The component is housed in a 208-pin PQFP package and operates within an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Provides high-density logic capacity suitable for replacing multiple PALs, CPLDs, and FPGAs in a single chip solution.
• Supports mixed-voltage operation allowing flexible integration of 3.3V and 5.0V components with PCI-compliant I/Os.
• Includes deterministic timing control and up to 100% pin locking capabilities for robust design implementation.

Applications

• High-speed controllers and address decoding systems
• Peripheral bus interfaces and DSP co-processor functions
• Industrial and automotive embedded logic consolidation

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix '1PQ208I' against official Microchip documentation to confirm the exact speed grade and industrial temperature rating. Cross-reference the datasheet revision history for any recent manufacturing changes or obsolescence notices, as availability may be limited due to product lifecycle status.

Selection Notes

Select this model when designing systems requiring high gate density with mixed-voltage compatibility. Ensure the PCB layout accommodates the 208-PQFP package dimensions. Verify that the target application utilizes the available dual-port SRAM resources effectively, as the device lacks large embedded block memory structures.

Part Context

This component belongs to the A42MX family, which succeeded earlier Actel FPGA lines. The MX series is characterized by its flash-based non-volatile technology, eliminating the need for external configuration memory. This specific part represents a mid-to-high-end option within the family, balancing performance with power efficiency for complex logic applications.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements are scarce due to the discontinued status of the MX family. Evaluate newer Microchip PolarFire or Igloo2 families for functional equivalents, noting differences in architecture, toolchain requirements, and pinout compatibility.