A54SX32-1CQ208B

Overview

The A54SX32-1CQ208B is a military-grade Field Programmable Gate Array from the HiRel SX-A family, manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features 48,000 system gates and utilizes a nonvolatile antifuse architecture. The device operates within a temperature range of -55°C to +125°C and supports mixed-voltage I/O standards including 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V. Key electrical parameters include a maximum internal clock frequency of 240 MHz and a pin-to-pin clock-to-out delay of 5.3 ns at military temperatures. It is housed in a 208-pin Ceramic Quad Flat Pack (CQFP) package.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile antifuse architecture provides deterministic timing and inherent design security against reverse engineering.
• Military qualification compliant with MIL-STD-883 Class B requirements for high reliability applications.
• Supports hot-swap capabilities and cold-sparing functionality without requiring voltage sequencing.
• Includes dedicated diagnostic and verification capabilities via Silicon Explorer II boundary-scan testing.

Applications

• Spacecraft avionics and satellite communication systems
• Military radar and electronic warfare signal processing
• High-reliability industrial control and automation
• Secure defense communications infrastructure

Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific part number suffix corresponds to the required speed grade and package variant. Confirm that the supplier provides traceability documentation consistent with MIL-STD-883 Class B standards. Ensure proper handling procedures are followed due to the ceramic packaging and potential moisture sensitivity. Check for any relevant export control classifications such as ITAR or EAR restrictions before finalizing procurement.

Selection Notes

Select this component when nonvolatile logic is required to eliminate configuration bitstream vulnerabilities. Choose this device for designs needing precise, user-controllable timing characteristics without the overhead of SRAM-based FPGAs. Consider this part for environments where radiation tolerance is not the primary concern but extreme temperature stability and long-term reliability are critical. Evaluate power consumption requirements against the low standby current typical of antifuse technology.

Part Context

This device belongs to the HiRel SX-A family, which bridges the gap between commercial FPGA performance and military-grade reliability. Unlike standard commercial variants, these devices undergo rigorous screening processes including burn-in and constant acceleration tests. The family shares architectural similarities with RadTolerant versions but focuses on environmental robustness rather than total ionizing dose hardness.

Replacement Considerations

Direct replacements must match the 208-pin CQFP footprint and 48,000 gate capacity. Verify compatibility with existing Actel Designer or Libero IDE toolchains. Cross-reference speed grades to ensure the -1 grade meets the system's timing constraints. Note that newer PolarFire families may offer pin-compatible alternatives with enhanced security features.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Standard and -1 speed grades?

The -1 speed grade offers approximately 15% faster performance compared to the Standard speed grade, achieving higher internal clock frequencies and reduced propagation delays.

How does the antifuse architecture impact power consumption?

The antifuse architecture is nonvolatile and does not require active circuitry to hold a charge, resulting in significantly lower static power consumption compared to SRAM-based FPGAs.

Can unused I/O pins be left floating?

No, unused I/O pins should be configured as tristate outputs by the design software. Leaving them floating can lead to unpredictable behavior or increased power consumption.