A42MX36-PQ208M

Overview

The A42MX36-PQ208M is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX series, housed in a 208-pin PQFP package. It features 54,000 system gates and 176 user-programmable I/O pins. The device supports mixed-voltage operation with supply voltages of 3.3V or 5.0V for both core and I/Os. It includes up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM and fast wide-decode circuitry. The maximum clock frequency is specified at 250 MHz, with a typical clock-to-out delay of 5.6 ns.

Feature Summary

• Single-chip ASIC alternative integrating logic previously requiring multiple PALs, CPLDs, or FPGAs
• Mixed-voltage operation capability supporting both 5.0V and 3.3V core and I/O configurations
• Deterministic, user-controllable timing with up to 100% resource utilization and pin locking
• Configurable dual-port SRAM for high-speed data buffering and processing

Applications

• High-speed controllers and address decoding systems
• Peripheral bus interfaces and DSP co-processor functions
• Military temperature applications utilizing ceramic packages

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors due to potential counterfeit risks. Confirm RoHS compliance status as some variants may not meet current environmental standards. Check for End-of-Life (EOL) notifications and last-time-buy dates before finalizing procurement plans. Ensure proper handling procedures are followed given moisture sensitivity classification.

Selection Notes

Select this model when designing systems requiring 54K system gates with mixed-voltage compatibility. Consider the 208-pin PQFP package for surface-mount assembly requirements. Evaluate thermal performance if operating near maximum temperature limits. Compare against lower-gate-count MX variants if cost reduction is necessary without sacrificing I/O count.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Microsemi/Actel MX family, known for non-volatile FPGA technology. The MX series bridges the gap between complex PLDs and traditional FPGAs, offering instant-on functionality. Microchip Technology acquired Actel, continuing support for these radiation-tolerant and high-reliability devices used in aerospace and defense sectors.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements include other A42MX36 variants with different suffixes indicating package or temperature range changes. Verify pin compatibility when substituting with A42MX36-FRQ208I or A42MX36-FCQ208X39. Cross-reference with A42MX16 or A42MX24 models only if reduced gate count is acceptable.