A54SX72A-1PQ208M

Overview

The A54SX72A-1PQ208M is a nonvolatile Field Programmable Gate Array from the Microchip Actel SX-A family, housed in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. It provides 108,000 system gates and supports up to 360 user-programmable I/O pins. The device operates on a 0.22 μm / 0.25 μm CMOS antifuse process technology. It features three global clock networks and four quadrant clocks, enabling high-performance logic implementation with internal clock frequencies reaching 350 MHz. The standard speed grade (-1) offers approximately 15% faster performance than the standard baseline.

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 electrically active systems without degrading host reliability or requiring specific voltage sequencing.
• Includes IEEE 1149.1 compliant Boundary-Scan Testing capabilities with dedicated and flexible JTAG modes.

Applications

• High-speed data path logic and fast counters requiring deterministic timing.
• Complex state machine implementations with optimal register/logic mix.
• PCI-compliant interface designs supporting 66 MHz operations.
• Systems requiring secure IP protection against reverse engineering via FuseLock technology.

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized Microchip distributors. Confirm that the ordering suffix matches the required temperature grade and lead-free packaging specifications. Check for product discontinuance notifications as older FPGA families may have limited availability. Ensure design files are compatible with current Actel Designer software versions.

Selection Notes

Select this model for applications demanding high gate density and robust security features. The -1 speed grade is suitable for designs needing moderate performance improvements over standard speeds. Verify that the PQFP-208 package fits the PCB footprint constraints. Consider the availability of quadrant clocks if complex clock distribution within the die is required.

Part Context

This part belongs to the Actel SX-A family of FPGAs, which bridges the gap between CPLDs and gate arrays. The SX-A series is characterized by its sea-of-modules architecture and patented antifuse technology. The A54SX72A represents the highest capacity device in this specific generation, offering significant logic resources for complex digital designs.

Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements are not available due to the discontinued nature of the SX-A antifuse platform. Designers typically migrate to modern Microchip PolarFire or IGLOO2 FPGA families. These newer technologies offer similar functionality but require changes to programming tools and potentially board layout adjustments.