A54SX32-2PQG208

Overview

The A54SX32-2PQG208 is an antifuse-based Field Programmable Gate Array from the Actel SX-A family, manufactured by Microchip Technology. It provides 48,000 system gates and supports up to 174 user I/Os within a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The device operates at a maximum system frequency of 250 MHz with internal performance reaching 350 MHz. It utilizes 0.22 μm / 0.25 μm CMOS technology and supports mixed-voltage I/O standards including 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V levels. The component features hot-swap compliant I/Os, boundary-scan testing compliance with IEEE 1149.1, and Actel Secure Programming Technology.

Feature Summary

• Nonvolatile single-chip solution utilizing metal-to-metal programmable antifuse interconnect elements for permanent configuration without external memory.
• Supports mixed-voltage operation across 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V domains with 5 V input tolerance and drive strength capabilities.
• Hot-swap compliant I/O architecture allowing insertion into active systems without degrading host reliability or requiring specific power sequencing.
• Includes dedicated clock resources such as hardwired HCLK and routed CLKA/KB networks for deterministic timing and high-speed signal propagation.

Applications

• High-performance logic integration replacing complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) or gate arrays.
• Systems requiring deterministic timing and fast pin-to-pin propagation for state machines and data path logic.
• Applications necessitating secure design protection against reverse engineering using FuseLock technology.
• Industrial or commercial environments requiring hot-swappable interface capabilities and mixed-voltage I/O compatibility.

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific speed grade suffix '-2' corresponds to the required performance level, as it indicates approximately 25% faster operation than standard speed. Confirm the 'PQ' package designation matches the 208-pin PQFP requirement. Check current availability status as older antifuse families may have limited production runs or end-of-life notifications. Ensure the temperature grade aligns with the application environment, noting that blank typically denotes commercial range.

Selection Notes

Select this device when a nonvolatile FPGA with high-density logic (48K gates) and robust security features is required. Consider the SX-A family if hot-swap capability and mixed-voltage I/O support are critical design constraints. Evaluate the 208-pin PQFP package for suitable PCB footprint constraints compared to BGA options. Verify that the 250 MHz system performance meets the target application's timing requirements before considering higher-capacity models like the A54SX72A.

Part Context

This component belongs to the Actel SX-A family of FPGAs, which are characterized by their use of antifuse technology rather than volatile SRAM configurations. The SX-A series offers a balance of performance and security, targeting applications where design protection and immediate operational readiness upon power-up are essential. The A54SX32 variant sits in the mid-range of the family, providing substantial logic resources while maintaining manageable pin counts and power consumption profiles typical of 0.25 micron process nodes.

Replacement Considerations

Direct functional replacements within the same antifuse family include other speed grades of the A54SX32 device, such as the standard speed version or the -1 grade. For higher capacity needs, the A54SX72A serves as a scalable alternative within the SX-A portfolio. Cross-family migration to Actel RT or ProASIC3L series requires significant redesign due to differences in configuration memory type and architecture.