A54SX16A-FG256

Overview

The A54SX16A-FG256 is a Field Programmable Gate Array from the SX-A family, fabricated using 0.22 μm / 0.25 μm CMOS antifuse technology. It provides 24,000 system gates and supports up to 180 user-programmable I/O pins within a 256-pin Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (FG) package. The device operates at a standard speed grade with a maximum internal clock frequency of 350 MHz and a typical system performance of 250 MHz. It features three global routed clocks and one hardwired clock network.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile single-chip solution utilizing metal-to-metal programmable antifuse interconnect elements for permanent low-impedance connections.
• Supports mixed-voltage operation across 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V domains with 5 V input tolerance and drive strength.
• Hot-swap compliant I/Os allow insertion into active systems without degrading host reliability or requiring specific voltage sequencing.
• Includes configurable weak-resistor pull-up or pull-down capabilities for deterministic power-up states.

Applications

• High-performance logic integration replacing complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).
• Systems requiring hot-swappable interface modules with cold-sparing capabilities.
• Designs necessitating secure IP protection against reverse engineering via FuseLock technology.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix to confirm temperature grade and packaging compliance. The base model designation indicates commercial temperature range and lead-free packaging standards. Confirm availability status as legacy antifuse products may have limited production runs or discontinuation notices from Microchip Technology.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a nonvolatile FPGA architecture is required to eliminate external configuration memory. Ensure the design utilizes the available 180 I/O pins effectively. Verify that the 256-pin FBGA footprint matches the PCB layout constraints. Consider the 0.22 μm process technology requirements for signal integrity and power delivery networks.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Actel SX-A family of FPGAs, which are characterized by their sea-of-modules architecture and high-speed routing resources like DirectConnect and FastConnect. The A54SX16A variant sits between the smaller A54SX08A and larger A54SX32A in terms of logic capacity, offering a balance of gate density and pin count for mid-range applications.

Replacement Considerations

Direct functional replacements within the same antifuse family include other packages of the A54SX16A series, such as A54SX16A-FGG256A or A54SX16A-TQ144. Cross-family migration to Microsemi RT or PolarFire devices requires significant architectural redesign due to differences in volatile versus nonvolatile configuration technologies.