A42MX36-FPQG208

Overview

The A42MX36-FPQG208 is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX series, designed as a single-chip ASIC alternative. It features 54,000 system gates and 176 user-programmable I/O pins housed in a 208-BFQFP package. The device supports mixed-voltage operation with supply voltages of 3V to 3.6V or 4.75V to 5.25V. It includes up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM for embedded memory functions. Operating temperatures range from 0°C to 70°C for commercial variants, ensuring reliability in industrial applications.

Feature Summary

• Provides high-density logic capacity suitable for replacing multiple complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and PALs on a single chip.
• Supports mixed-voltage I/O configurations, allowing compatibility with both 3.3V and 5.0V systems without external level shifters.
• Integrates configurable dual-port SRAM to facilitate data buffering and FIFO implementations within the fabric.

Applications

• High-speed controller interfaces and peripheral bus management
• Address decoding and memory mapping in complex digital systems
• Digital signal processing (DSP) pre-processing and co-processor functions

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors due to the presence of counterfeits in the market. Confirm the specific suffix indicates the correct temperature grade and package variant. Check for End-of-Life (EOL) notices or Production Change Notices (PCN) that may affect long-term availability. Ensure design files are compatible with the current version of Silicon Designer software.

Selection Notes

Select this model when 54,000 system gates and 176 I/Os are required in a PQFP package. Compare against the A42MX36-1/2 variants if different speed grades or extended temperature ranges (-55°C to +125°C) are needed. Verify voltage requirements match the 3.3V or 5V core specifications. Consider pin-locking capabilities for strict timing constraints in the design.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Microsemi/Microchip 40MX and 42MX FPGA families, which were established as cost-effective solutions for 5V logic applications. These devices bridge the gap between standard CPLDs and larger FPGAs, offering deterministic timing and high resource utilization. The family is known for its ease of integration and support for legacy 5V designs transitioning to modern architectures.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements include other A42MX36 variants such as A42MX36-1PQG208 or A42MX36-2PQG208, differing primarily in speed grade. For extended temperature ranges, consider the -I or -Q suffix versions if available. Cross-family migration to Actel SmartFusion or IGLOO may be necessary for new designs due to EOL status.