A54SX32-2PQ208

Overview

The A54SX32-2PQ208 is a nonvolatile Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Actel SX-A family, manufactured by Microchip Technology. It features 48,000 system gates and 1,452 configurable logic blocks (CLBs). The device operates at a maximum system frequency of 250 MHz with an internal performance capability of 350 MHz. It 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. The component is housed in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package and provides up to 249 user-programmable I/O pins.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile single-chip solution utilizing metal-to-metal programmable antifuse interconnect elements for permanent low-impedance connections.
• Supports hot-swap compliant I/Os allowing power-up/down without sequencing requirements for supply voltages.
• Includes dedicated routing resources such as DirectConnect and FastConnect for deterministic timing and high-speed signal propagation.
• Compliant with IEEE Standard 1149.1 (JTAG) for boundary-scan testing and includes Actel Secure Programming Technology.

Applications

• 66 MHz PCI Compliant designs
• Mixed-voltage interface applications supporting 3.3 V / 5 V PCI, 5 V TTL, 3.3 V LVTTL, and 2.5 V LVCMOS2
• High-performance state machines and fast counters requiring deterministic timing

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific speed grade suffix associated with the part number, as standard speed variants differ from faster options. Confirm the temperature grade suffix corresponds to the required operating environment, typically commercial or industrial. Ensure the ordering suffix matches the desired packaging configuration, specifically checking for lead-free compliance if RoHS standards are mandatory for the assembly process.

Selection Notes

Select this device when a nonvolatile FPGA architecture is required to eliminate external configuration memory. Consider the SX-A family for designs needing mixed-voltage I/O operation without level shifters. Evaluate the 208-pin PQFP package dimensions against PCB space constraints. Verify that the 48,000 system gate capacity meets the logic density requirements of the target application design.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Actel SX-A family of FPGAs, which were originally developed by Actel Corporation before being acquired by Microsemi and subsequently Microchip Technology. The SX-A series is characterized by its antifuse-based nonvolatile fabric, offering high reliability and security compared to volatile SRAM-based FPGAs. This specific model represents a mid-range capacity device within the broader SX-A portfolio.

Replacement Considerations

Publicly confirmed substitute part numbers are not available in the provided documentation. Designers should consult official Microchip Technology lifecycle notices for end-of-life management strategies or recommended migration paths to newer FPGA families.

FAQ

What is the difference between DirectConnect and FastConnect routing?

DirectConnect is a horizontal routing resource providing connections from a C-cell to its neighboring R-cell within a SuperCluster using no antifuses, resulting in less than 0.1 ns delay. FastConnect enables routing between any two logic modules within a SuperCluster using one programmable connection, delivering a maximum pin-to-pin propagation time of 0.3 ns.

How does the A54SX32 handle power-up sequences for its supply voltages?

The A54SX32 is power-up/down friendly and does not require sequencing for supply voltages. VCCA and VCCI can be powered up or down in any order, and all I/Os are tristated during this period to prevent degradation of the host system.

Can the JTAG pins be used as general-purpose I/Os?

Yes, in Flexible mode, TDI, TCK, and TDO may function as user I/Os or BST pins. However, TMS cannot be employed as a user I/O in either Dedicated or Flexible modes.