A42MX09-TQG176: Description, Features, and Applications

What is an A42MX09-TQG176?

The A42MX09-TQG176 is a non-volatile FPGA from Actel's MX series, featuring approximately 9,000 system gates. It comes in a 176-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package and provides 128 available I/O pins. Using anti-fuse technology, it is permanently programmed after configuration, making it ideal for applications where reprogramming is unnecessary. Known for its low power consumption and high reliability, the A42MX09 is widely used in aerospace, defense, and industrial control systems. It is particularly suited for radiation-hardened environments and embedded systems requiring long-term stability and robustness.

Key Features of A42MX09-TQG176

The A42MX09-TQG176 is a high-performance, low-power embedded FPGA developed by Microchip Technology, designed for a variety of applications including industrial automation, communications, and IoT devices. Below are its key features:

General Specifications

• Gate Count: 14,000 gates
• I/O Pins: 104
• Supply Voltage:
• 3V to 3.6V
• 4.75V to 5.25V
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 70°C
• Package Type: 176-pin LQFP (24x24 mm)

Performance Characteristics

• Technology: Based on a 0.45µm triple-metal CMOS process
• Speed Performance:
• Maximum operating frequency up to 250 MHz
• Clock-to-output performance of approximately 6.1 ns
• Power Consumption: Low standby power consumption, one-fifth that of comparable FPGAs

Advanced Features

• Embedded Memory: Supports advanced FPGA capabilities such as DSP blocks and clock management.
• Robust Design: Rigorously tested for industrial-grade reliability and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Compatibility: Seamless integration with other Microchip products, enhancing system solutions.

A42MX09-TQG176 Specifications

Advantages of Using A42MX09-TQG176

The A42MX09-TQG176 FPGA from Microchip Technology offers several advantages that make it a compelling choice for various applications. Here are the key benefits:

1. Flexible and Reconfigurable Hardware

• The FPGA provides a versatile platform that can be tailored to specific application needs, allowing for rapid prototyping and development without the need for custom silicon designs.

2. Low Power Consumption

• This device is designed for energy efficiency, featuring one-fifth of the standby power consumption compared to similar FPGAs, which is crucial for battery-operated and energy-sensitive applications.

3. High Performance

• With a maximum operating frequency of up to 250 MHz and efficient clock-to-output performance (approximately 6.1 ns), the A42MX09-TQG176 can handle demanding computational tasks effectively, making it suitable for high-speed applications.

4. Robust Reliability

• The FPGA is rigorously tested for industrial-grade reliability, ensuring consistent performance in harsh environments. It complies with relevant safety and environmental standards, making it ideal for industrial automation and other critical applications.

5. Seamless Integration

• The A42MX09-TQG176 is compatible with other Microchip products, facilitating easy integration into existing systems. This compatibility enhances scalability and allows developers to leverage Microchip's broader ecosystem of microcontrollers and analog solutions.

6. Cost-Effective Solution

• Offering extensive capabilities in a compact package, this FPGA provides a cost-effective alternative to using multiple discrete devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity and development costs.

7. Extensive Application Range

• Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including industrial control, communications, IoT devices, medical equipment, and aerospace systems.

These advantages position the A42MX09-TQG176 as an excellent choice for developers looking for a reliable, high-performance FPGA solution that balances flexibility with efficiency.

A42MX09-TQG176 Applications

The A42MX09-TQG176 FPGA from Microchip Technology is engineered for a variety of applications across multiple industries. Its versatility and performance make it suitable for the following areas:

1. Industrial Automation

• Utilized in control systems for manufacturing processes, robotics, and automation equipment, enabling real-time processing and control.

2. Communications

• Supports high-speed data transmission and processing in networking equipment, including routers and switches, as well as in telecommunication systems.

3. Internet of Things (IoT)

• Ideal for IoT devices requiring low power consumption and high performance, facilitating smart home applications, wearable technology, and sensor networks.

4. Medical Devices

• Employed in medical imaging systems, diagnostic equipment, and patient monitoring systems where reliability and precision are critical.

5. Aerospace and Defense

• Used in avionics systems, radar processing, and military communication equipment, benefiting from its robust design and compliance with stringent standards.

6. Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

• Capable of performing complex signal processing tasks, making it suitable for audio and video processing applications.

7. Peripheral Bus Interfaces

• Acts as a bridge in interfacing various peripheral devices through standard communication protocols.

8. Co-Processor Functions

• Can be integrated as a co-processor to enhance computational capabilities in various embedded systems.

9. High-Speed Controllers

• Provides solutions for high-speed data handling and control applications, including address decoding and data routing.

These applications leverage the A42MX09-TQG176's features such as its low power consumption, high performance (up to 250 MHz), and the ability to consolidate logic from various programmable devices like PALs and CPLDs.

A42MX09-TQG176 Equivalents

The A42MX09-TQG176 FPGA is an anti-fuse FPGA designed for applications requiring high reliability and security. Similar devices from manufacturers like Xilinx, Altera (now Intel), Lattice, and QuickLogic offer varying features in terms of logic cells, operating voltages, and packaging. While some alternatives, like the Xilinx XC2S100, provide much larger system gates, others like the Lattice LCMXO256 focus on ultra-low power and size.

Working Principle of A42MX09-TQG176

The A42MX09-TQG176 is an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that operates based on a unique architecture and technology. Here’s an overview of its working principles:

1. Anti-Fuse Technology

The A42MX09-TQG176 employs anti-fuse technology, which allows for permanent programming of the device. Unlike traditional FPGAs that use SRAM-based configurations, anti-fuse technology creates a permanent electrical connection once programmed, ensuring reliable operation in various applications.

2. Architecture

Built on a 0.45µm triple-metal CMOS process, the architecture is designed to optimize performance and power consumption. This process technology enables high-speed operation while maintaining low standby power consumption—about one-fifth that of comparable FPGAs.

3. Gate and I/O Configuration

The FPGA contains 14,000 system gates and supports up to 104 user I/O pins. This configuration allows for extensive logic implementation and interfacing with other components in a system.

4. Programmable Logic Blocks

The device includes multiple programmable logic blocks that can be configured to perform various logical operations. Users can design custom circuits tailored to specific application requirements, such as digital signal processing (DSP), address decoding, and high-speed control functions.

5. Speed and Performance

The A42MX09-TQG176 can operate at speeds of up to 250 MHz, with clock-to-output performance as low as 6.1 ns. This high performance makes it suitable for time-sensitive applications where rapid data processing is critical.

6. Power Supply Options

It operates within a voltage range of 3V to 5.25V, allowing for flexibility in various power supply configurations, which is particularly beneficial in mixed-voltage systems.

7. Embedded Memory and DSP Capabilities

The FPGA supports advanced features such as embedded memory blocks and DSP capabilities, enhancing its functionality for complex signal-processing tasks.

8. Application Versatility

Due to its flexible architecture, the A42MX09-TQG176 can be used in diverse applications ranging from industrial automation and communications to medical devices and aerospace systems.

In summary, the A42MX09-TQG176 operates through a combination of anti-fuse technology, efficient architecture, and flexible programming capabilities, making it a versatile solution for various embedded applications.

Main Differences between A42MX09-TQG176 and A42MX09-1TQG176I

The A42MX09-TQG176 and A42MX09-1TQG176I FPGAs are similar in terms of logic cells, package type, and system gates. However, the key differences lie in their operating temperature ranges and speed grades. The A42MX09-1TQG176I is designed for industrial applications, with a broader temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) and improved reliability for more demanding environments. It also features a higher speed grade ("-1"), making it suitable for higher-performance applications.

A42MX09-TQG176 Compare to other FPGAs in the same family

The A42MX09-TQG176 is part of Microchip Technology's 42MX family of FPGAs, which are designed for various applications requiring flexibility and performance. Here’s a comparative overview of the A42MX09-TQG176 against other members of the same family.

Key Specifications

Performance Comparison

• Gate Count: The A42MX09-TQG176 offers a moderate gate count compared to the A42MX24 and A42MX36, making it suitable for applications that do not require extensive logic resources.
• I/O Capability: While all three devices support a similar voltage range, the A42MX24 and A42MX36 provide more I/O pins, which can be advantageous in applications needing multiple connections.
• Operating Frequency: The A42MX09-TQG176 operates at a higher maximum frequency than its counterparts, making it suitable for time-sensitive applications.

Application Suitability

• A42MX09-TQG176: Ideal for applications such as peripheral bus interfaces, DSP functions, and high-speed controllers where moderate logic capacity and high speed are required.
• A42MX24 & A42MX36: Better suited for more complex applications requiring higher gate counts and additional I/O capabilities, such as advanced industrial automation systems and communication equipment.

Advantages of A42MX09-TQG176

• Cost-Effectiveness: It provides a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for budget-sensitive projects.
• Low Power Consumption: Its design features one-fifth of the standby power consumption compared to similar FPGAs, which is beneficial for energy-efficient applications.
• Fast Configuration: Offers quick configuration capabilities suitable for systems that need rapid startup.

In summary, The A42MX09-TQG176 stands out in Microchip Technology's FPGA lineup as a flexible and efficient solution for various embedded applications. While it may not offer the highest gate count or I/O capabilities compared to the A42MX24 and A42MX36, its combination of speed, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness makes it a valuable choice for many developers.

A42MX09-TQG176 Datasheet

A42MX09-TQG176 Datasheet