A42MX36-2PQ208I

Overview

The A42MX36-2PQ208I is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX family, designed as a 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 core voltages of 3V to 3.6V and I/O voltages of 4.75V to 5.25V. It provides up to 176 user-programmable I/O pins and includes up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM. Housed in a 208-pin PQFP package, it operates within a commercial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C.

Feature Summary

• High-density logic capacity suitable for replacing multiple PALs, CPLDs, and FPGAs
• Mixed-voltage capability allowing independent control of core and I/O supply levels
• Integrated dual-port SRAM for fast data buffering and FIFO applications
• Deterministic timing with user-controllable pin locking and resource utilization

Applications

• High-speed controllers and address decoding systems
• Peripheral bus interfaces including PCI-compliant designs
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP) acceleration and co-processor functions

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors or certified agents. Confirm the specific suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade if required, though standard MX parts are often commercial. Check for End-of-Life (EOL) notices or Production Change Notices (PCN) regarding availability, as older FPGA families may have limited stock or obsolescence risks.

Selection Notes

Select this model when a design requires high gate density with mixed-voltage I/O support without external level shifters. Ensure the 208-pin PQFP footprint fits the PCB layout constraints. Compare against lower-gate variants like the A42MX24 if cost reduction is prioritized over logic capacity. Verify that the 2.5 kbit SRAM meets the specific buffering requirements of the target application.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Microsemi/Microchip 40MX and 42MX FPGA families, which were established as cost-effective solutions for consolidating complex logic into single chips. These devices bridge the gap between low-end CPLDs and high-end FPGAs, offering deterministic performance and ease of integration for legacy and new industrial designs.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-to-pin replacements may be limited due to the discontinued status of many MX series parts. Consider evaluating PolarFire or IGLOO2 families for modern equivalents, noting significant architectural differences in memory technology and programming interfaces.