A42MX36-PQ208I

Overview

The A42MX36-PQ208I is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX family, housed in a 208-pin PQFP package. It provides 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 features up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM and offers up to 202 user-programmable I/O pins. The industrial temperature grade variant operates between -40°C and +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Single-chip ASIC alternative integrating logic previously requiring multiple PALs, CPLDs, or FPGAs
• Mixed-voltage capability allowing independent 3.3V core and 5.0V I/O operation for PCI compliance
• Deterministic timing with user-controllable delays and pin locking capabilities
• In-system diagnostic and verification support via Silicon Explorer II

Applications

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

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors due to discontinued status. Confirm package integrity and moisture sensitivity level handling procedures before reflow soldering. Review Product Change Notices (PCN) for assembly site updates and software tool compatibility changes affecting this specific part number.

Selection Notes

Select this model for designs requiring high gate density with mixed-voltage I/O flexibility. Ensure development tools support the legacy MX architecture. Compare against newer PolarFire families for enhanced radiation tolerance if operating in aerospace environments. Verify that the 208-pin PQFP footprint matches the target PCB layout constraints.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Microsemi/Actel MX FPGA family, now managed by Microchip Technology. The MX series was designed as a cost-effective solution for consolidating complex discrete logic into single chips. While largely superseded by Flash-based technologies, these devices remain relevant for legacy maintenance and specific high-performance deterministic logic applications.

Replacement Considerations

No direct public substitute is confirmed. Consider Microchip PolarFire or IGLOO2 families for modern equivalents. Verify pinout compatibility and logic resource equivalence when migrating to newer architectures.