A54SX16-1TQG176

Overview

The A54SX16-1TQG176 is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from the Actel SX-A family, manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features 24,000 system gates and 1,452 configurable logic blocks (CLBs). The device supports up to 180 user-programmable I/O pins and includes dedicated flip-flops for sequential logic. It operates with internal clock frequencies up to 350 MHz and system performance at 250 MHz. The part utilizes 0.22 μm / 0.25 μm CMOS antifuse technology and supports mixed-voltage I/O standards including 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V. It is housed in a 176-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile single-chip solution using metal-to-metal programmable antifuse interconnect elements for permanent configuration without external memory.
• Supports hot-swap capabilities and power-up/down friendly operation, allowing supply voltages to be powered in any order without sequencing requirements.
• Includes deterministic timing architecture with DirectConnect and FastConnect routing resources for predictable signal propagation delays.
• Compliant with IEEE Standard 1149.1 (JTAG) for boundary-scan testing and diagnostic verification.

Applications

• Low-power, high-performance embedded designs requiring nonvolatile configuration.
• Systems integrating functionality previously contained in multiple complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).
• Applications requiring deterministic timing and concurrent printed circuit board development.
• Designs needing mixed-voltage I/O support for 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V interfaces.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific speed grade suffix associated with the model number, as the base designation may refer to standard speed while variants exist. Confirm temperature range availability, as commercial, industrial, and military grades have distinct package offerings. Check for RoHS compliance status if environmental regulations apply to the deployment environment. Ensure design tools are compatible with the SX-A family architecture before procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a nonvolatile FPGA with high-speed internal clocking is required. Consider the 176-pin TQFP package constraints for PCB layout and thermal management. Evaluate the 24,000 system gate capacity against design complexity to ensure sufficient logic resources. Verify that the mixed-voltage I/O capabilities meet the interface requirements of connected peripherals.

Part Context

This device belongs to the Actel SX-A family of FPGAs, which were originally developed by Actel Corporation and later acquired by Microchip Technology. The SX-A series is characterized by its antifuse-based nonvolatile architecture, distinguishing it from SRAM-based FPGAs. This family offers a balance of performance and security, suitable for applications where design protection and instant-on capability are critical.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements within the same package and pinout include other speed grades of the A54SX16A series, such as A54SX16-TQG176 or A54SX16-2TQG176, provided timing requirements align. Cross-family migration to newer Microchip FPGA architectures requires significant redesign due to architectural differences between antifuse and SRAM technologies.