A42MX16-1PQG160I - 24K Gate 5V FPGA 160-BQFP | Microchip
MPN: A42MX16-1PQG160I ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1 | $1.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
A42MX16-1PQG160I Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic IC that implements user-defined digital circuits after manufacturing. The MX family uses one-time-programmable antifuse technology, meaning configuration is permanent, radiation-tolerant in behavior, and requires no external configuration PROM - a key distinction from SRAM-based FPGAs. Within the programmable logic hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic device -> digital IC -> semiconductor), MX occupies the low-cost, high-volume segment.
Key features include a flexible 5.0 V architecture ideal for consolidating legacy PLDs, PALs, and glue logic into a single-chip ASIC alternative; 608 configurable logic blocks with combinational and sequential capability; and JTAG boundary-scan testability on family members per IEEE 1149.1 compatibility described in the Microsemi DS2136 datasheet. Because configuration is antifuse-based, the device is immune to configuration-bit upsets and offers instant-on power-up behavior.
The A42MX16 targets legacy system sustainment, industrial control, military/aerospace upgrade programs, and high-volume low-cost applications where non-volatile, secure single-chip integration is preferred over SRAM FPGAs. Its 5V-tolerant I/O directly interfaces with older TTL/CMOS logic families without level shifters.
Design consideration: antifuse devices are one-time programmable - final logic must be locked before programming, and prototyping should use development tooling and, if needed, re-solderable sockets. Verify the exact speed grade (-1) and temperature range (industrial) in the ordering code when planning re-sourcing.
Drop-in alternatives for A42MX16-1PQG160I — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with A42MX16-1PQG160I (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, System Gates, Speed Grade, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A42MX16-2PQG160
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$298 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-2PQG160I
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX09-3PQG160I
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$41.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX09-1PQG160
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$20.6 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX24-2PQG160I
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$44 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-1PQG160I Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MX (42MX) |
| System Gates | 24000 gates |
| Logic Cells | 1232 |
| CLBs (Logic Modules) | 608 |
| User I/O | 125 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V (3.3V/5V I/O support) |
| Max Toggle Frequency | 119 MHz / 198 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.45 um CMOS antifuse |
| Speed Grade | -1 |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (one-time programmable) |
| Package | 160-BQFP (PQFP), 0.65 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| JTAG Boundary Scan | IEEE 1149.1 compatible (family feature) |
| RoHS Status | Lead free per distributor data |
| Configuration | Non-volatile, no external PROM required |
A42MX16-1PQG160I Pin Configuration
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | VCC — 5.0 V core supply |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | GND — Ground |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | I/O — User I/O (125 total, user-definable) |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | TDI — JTAG test data in |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | TDO — JTAG test data out |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED: pin number] | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
Typical Applications
A42MX16-1PQG160I is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy PLD Consolidation, Industrial Control Systems, Aerospace and Defense Legacy Sustainment, Single-Chip ASIC Alternative, Test and Measurement Fixtures, Medical Device Legacy Boards.
Legacy PLD Consolidation
MX FPGAs were explicitly designed to integrate legacy PLDs, PALs, and GALs into a single low-cost device. The A42MX16-1PQG160I provides 24K gates and 125 user I/O, enough to replace dozens of 22V10-class PALs while its 5V-tolerant I/O speaks directly to legacy TTL/CMOS logic without level shifters. Because the antifuse configuration is non-volatile and instant-on, the consolidated design boots immediately like the original fixed logic, with no configuration controller or PROM to qualify. This shortens BOM and obsolescence risk for boards that must remain in production for decades.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
In industrial controllers, PLC I/O modules, and motor interface boards, the A42MX16-1PQG160I supplies glue logic, address decoding, and state-machine functions with a 5V core that matches industrial 5V backplanes. The industrial temperature rating supports factory-floor environments, and the one-time-programmable antifuse bitstream cannot be corrupted by power glitches or EMI events common in electrically noisy plants. With toggle rates up to 119 MHz on fast paths, the device comfortably handles counters, PWM generation, and interlock logic while drawing less cost than an SRAM FPGA plus configuration flash combination.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Legacy Sustainment
Defense upgrade programs frequently encounter boards designed around 5V Actel/Microsemi MX devices. The A42MX16-1PQG160I allows exact-form-fit-function replenishment: same 160-pin BQFP footprint, same antifuse security model, and the same instant-on behavior as the original ASIC-replacement FPGA. The non-volatile one-time-programmed bitstream offers resistance to configuration upset and design extraction, which matters in hostile environments. Microchip's continued support of the MX line in Libero SoC lets program offices re-generate programming files without legacy tool barriers.
Recommended
Single-Chip ASIC Alternative
For mid-volume products where full ASIC mask costs are unjustified, the A42MX16 acts as a single-chip ASIC alternative. The 24K-gate capacity integrates control logic, bus interfaces, and custom peripherals that would otherwise span multiple SSI/MSI devices, reducing board area and assembly cost. Antifuse programming makes the resulting design effectively an ASIC: fixed at programming time, secure against bitstream readout, and deterministic at power-up. The 0.45 um process is mature, meaning stable silicon and long-term supply continuity for products with 10-20 year field lives.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Fixtures
Production test fixtures and ATE adapter boards use the A42MX16-1PQG160I for protocol emulation, timing generators, and signal routing between the tester and device-under-test. The 125 user I/Os provide dense channel counts in a single 160-pin BQFP, and 5V/3.3V I/O support matches both legacy and newer fixture electronics. Instant-on antifuse configuration means the fixture is functional the moment power is applied - important in high-throughput production lines where configuration delay per cycle would reduce throughput.
Recommended
Medical Device Legacy Boards
Long-lifecycle medical equipment - patient monitors, infusion systems, imaging subsystems - often contains MX FPGAs from original designs. The A42MX16-1PQG160I supports regulatory-driven board re-qualification by providing an identical drop-in to the originally qualified device, minimizing revalidation scope. Its deterministic instant-on behavior simplifies power-on self-test sequencing required by IEC 60601-style safety analyses, and the burned-in antifuse bitstream cannot be altered in the field, supporting cybersecurity and software-validation documentation over the product's service life.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A42MX16-1PQG160I — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A42MX16-2PQG160 | A42MX09-3PQG160I | A42MX24-2PQG160I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 160-BQFP (PQG160) | 160-BQFP (PQG160) - same | 160-BQFP (PQG160) - same | 160-BQFP (PQG160) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Microsemi) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| System Gates | 24000 | 24000 | 9000 | 36000 |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -2 (faster) | -3 (fastest small die) | -2 |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| Temperature Range | Industrial (I) | Commercial | Industrial | Industrial |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse OTP | Antifuse OTP | Antifuse OTP | Antifuse OTP |
| Cross-Brand Pin-Compatible | N/A | N/A (family-proprietary) | N/A (family-proprietary) | N/A (family-proprietary) |
Key Differentiators
- Base speed grade at lowest cost (vs A42MX16-2PQG160)
- Industrial temperature rating (vs A42MX16-2PQG160)
- Same-footprint density scalability (vs A42MX24-2PQG160I)
Design Notes
The A42MX16 operates from a single 5.0 V rail with 3.3V/5V I/O support. Decouple each VCC pin with 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus bulk 10 uF per rail. Because antifuse FPGAs are instant-on, ensure the 5V rail monotonicity meets datasheet power-up requirements - no configuration controller is needed, but brown-out glitches mid-operation can still disrupt state machines, so consider a supervisor for critical designs.
The 160-BQFP has 0.65 mm lead pitch - use fine-pitch QFP footprint per IPC-7351 conventions with nonsolder-mask-defined pads. Thermal relief via the package center is limited, so connect exposed copper under the body only for mechanical support, not thermal dissipation. Route JTAG (TCK/TDI/TDO/TMS) as a daisy chain with series termination on TCK to avoid ringing at programming frequencies.
Antifuse devices are one-time programmable: there is no rework path after programming errors. Lock your design in Libero SoC and verify timing closure against the -1 speed grade before committing silicon. Do not substitute the commercial-temperature A42MX16-2PQG160 into an industrial build - the I suffix temperature range must match the end application, and the die speed/timing derating differs across grades.
Compliance Information
Distributor data (PCB Electronics Supply Chain) describes the part as LEAD FREE; the G suffix in PQG160 indicates RoHS-compliant plating per Microchip ordering-code convention. Formal REACH/halogen certificates not in provided data.
