A42MX36-PQG208I

Overview

The A42MX36-PQG208I is a high-capacity Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Microchip MX series, designed as a single-chip ASIC alternative. It features 54,000 system gates and supports up to 176 user-programmable I/O pins within a 208-pin PQFP package. The device operates with mixed-voltage capabilities, supporting core voltages of 3V to 3.6V and I/O voltages of 4.75V to 5.25V. It includes up to 2.5 kbits of configurable dual-port SRAM for embedded memory functions. The industrial temperature grade variant ensures reliable operation across a wide thermal range, suitable for demanding environments.

Feature Summary

• Provides high-density logic capacity with up to 54,000 system gates for complex digital designs.
• Supports mixed-voltage operation allowing flexible integration of 3.3V and 5V components on the same board.
• Integrates configurable dual-port SRAM to reduce external memory requirements in system architectures.
• Offers deterministic timing and pin locking capabilities to simplify PCB layout and ensure signal integrity.

Applications

• High-speed controllers and address decoding systems
• Peripheral bus interfaces and protocol conversion
• DSP and co-processor acceleration modules

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'I' confirms the industrial temperature rating during procurement. Confirm the package type matches the required 208-pin form factor. Check current availability status as older FPGA families may have limited supply or end-of-life implications. Ensure design tools support the specific MX family architecture for programming and verification.

Selection Notes

Select this model when high gate density and mixed-voltage compatibility are required without using multiple discrete logic chips. Compare against lower-gate variants if resource utilization is low to optimize cost. Verify that the 208-pin PQFP footprint fits the target PCB constraints. Consider the industrial temperature range if the application environment exceeds commercial limits.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Microchip 40MX and 42MX FPGA families, which are established solutions for replacing complex PALS, CPLDs, and FPGAs. These devices are known for their ease of integration and ability to consolidate logic into a single chip. The MX series provides a robust platform for applications requiring high performance and flexibility in industrial and commercial settings.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements include other members of the A42MX36 family with different package options, such as A42MX36-PQG208M for military temperature grades. Lower gate count variants like A42MX24 or A42MX16 may serve as downsized alternatives if resources permit. Cross-family migration to newer Actel or SmartFusion devices requires significant design re-verification.