A42MX16-1TQG176 - 24K Gate 5V FPGA, 140 I/O | Microchip
MPN: A42MX16-1TQG176 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $58 | $58.00 |
| 10 | $52.2 | $522.00 |
| 100 | $46.4 | $4,640.00 |
| 500 | $41.8 | $20,900.00 |
| 1,000 | $37.7 | $37,700.00 |
A42MX16-1TQG176 Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks and programmable interconnects that the designer wires together after manufacturing. Within the programmable logic hierarchy, the MX family sits under Actel/Microsemi FPGA technology, positioned as a low-cost, high-volume platform for consolidating legacy PLD and glue-logic designs into a single device.
Key differentiators of the A42MX16-1TQG176 include its 5.0 V tolerant I/O architecture, which directly interfaces with legacy 5V systems without level shifting; its non-volatile antifuse programming technology, which retains configuration through power cycles and offers high resistance to radiation and configuration readback attacks; and its maximum clock frequency of approximately 94-108 MHz depending on design.
The MX architecture uses asea-module based CLBs with combinational and sequential logic resources, supporting both combinatorial and registered feedback paths. Antifuse interconnect provides deterministic, low-jitter routing compared to SRAM FPGAs, and because the configuration is hard-wired at programming time, there is no configuration PROM required on the PCB, reducing BOM cost and boot time.
Typical applications include legacy PLD consolidation, industrial control sequencing, military and defense interface logic, automotive interconnect bridging, and ASIC prototyping where 24K gate density is sufficient.
Design consideration: because this is a 5.0 V device, verify that surrounding circuitry tolerates 5V I/O levels; newer 3.3V devices require level shifters or a different family.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for A42MX16-1TQG176 — 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 A42MX16-1TQG176 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage, System Gates, RoHS Status, Logic Cells.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A42MX16-1TQG176I
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$29.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-1TQG176M
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$47.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-TQG176M
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$61.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-2TQG176I
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →A42MX16-3TQG176
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX24-1TQG176
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$28.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX24-1TQG176M
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Contact for price
View Datasheet →A42MX16-TQG176A
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$25.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-1TQG176 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MX (42MX) |
| System Gates | 24,000 gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) | 608 |
| Logic Cells | 1,232 |
| User I/O | 140 |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 94 MHz to 108 MHz (design dependent) |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (non-volatile) |
| Speed Grade | -1 |
| Package | 176-LQFP (TQG176), 0.5 mm pitch |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (C) |
| Technology | CMOS |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (LEAD FREE per distributor listing) |
| Configuration Storage | On-chip, no external configuration PROM required |
| I/O Standard | 5.0 V tolerant architecture |
A42MX16-1TQG176 176-lqfp (tqg176), 0.5 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for A42MX16-1TQG176 (176-lqfp (tqg176), 0.5 mm pitch package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for A42MX16-1TQG176.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
A42MX16-1TQG176 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy PLD Consolidation, Industrial Control and Sequencing Logic, Defense and Military Interface Logic, ASIC Prototyping and Bridge Logic, Automotive Interconnect and Telematics, Test and Measurement Adapter Logic.
Legacy PLD Consolidation
The A42MX16-1TQG176 fits legacy PLD consolidation because its 5.0 V tolerant I/O directly connects to TTL and 5V CMOS devices from older system generations without level translation. With 24,000 system gates and 1,232 logic cells, it can absorb multiple 22V10-class PALs, GALs, and small CPLDs into a single antifuse device. According to Microchip, MX is an ideal platform for integrating legacy PLDs into a single, low-cost device at high volume. The non-volatile antifuse fabric means no configuration PROM and near-instant power-up, matching the behavior of the bipolar/PAL devices being replaced. Typical consolidation projects see reduced BOM count, lower standby current than bipolar equivalents, and improved reliability from reduced solder-joint count across the consolidated devices.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Sequencing Logic
In industrial control systems, the A42MX16-1TQG176 provides deterministic glue logic between PLC modules, motor controllers, and sensor interfaces. Its 140 user I/O pins and 5.0 V architecture suit noisy factory environments where 5V signaling remains standard, and the antifuse configuration is immune to configuration upsets that can affect SRAM FPGAs after power brownouts. Once programmed, the routing is hard-wired, giving fixed timing that simplifies certification of safety-related sequencing logic. With a maximum clock capability around 94-108 MHz, it comfortably handles state machines, address decoding, and interlock logic. The commercial-grade A42MX16-1TQG176 covers 0C to +70C cabinets; the -I suffix industrial variant extends the range to -40C to +85C for outdoor or unconditioned installations.
Recommended
Defense and Military Interface Logic
The MX family's antifuse technology is favored in defense programs because the programmed configuration cannot be read back, supporting design confidentiality, and the fabric tolerates radiation environments better than SRAM-based alternatives. The A42MX16-1TQG176M military grade and ceramic CQ208/CQ256 siblings (A42MX36) are screened for demanding programs; per the Microchip datasheet, the largest family member is available in ceramic packages screened to MIL-STD-883 levels. The A42MX16-1TQG176 serves as the commercial/complimentary option for prototypes and ground-based equipment, providing 24K gates of interface bridging between MIL-STD buses, legacy 5V peripherals, and custom logic. Deterministic timing after programming aids timing analysis for systems with fixed latency requirements.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Bridge Logic
For ASIC prototyping at modest densities, the A42MX16-1TQG176 offers a low-cost, single-chip alternative that emulates 24K gates of control logic while the full ASIC is being developed. The antifuse architecture maps Actel-structured RTL with predictable timing, and Microchip's Libero SoC flow supports the MX families with synthesis, place-and-route, and timing verification. Because the device is one-time programmable, prototyping typically uses multiple pre-programmed sockets or the faster-speed-grade variants (A42MX16-2TQG176I, A42MX16-3TQG176) to explore timing margins. In production bridge roles, the same device moves directly from prototype to volume with no code changes, since MX is positioned by Microchip as a high-volume, cost-effective ASIC alternative.
Recommended
Automotive Interconnect and Telematics
Microchip's automotive-grade MX documents describe the 40MX and 42MX families as a high-performance, single-chip solution for in-cabin telematics and automobile interconnect applications, offering a cost-effective alternative to ASICs. The A42MX16-TQG176A automotive grade variant of this 24K-gate TQG176 device supports those programs where an AEC-qualified flow is required, while the A42MX16-1TQG176 serves development and non-automotive builds. The 5.0 V tolerant I/O interfaces cleanly with legacy automotive 5V sensor and actuator signaling, and the antifuse configuration powers up instantly with no external boot device - important in vehicles where rail sequencing and startup latency matter. Logic consolidation of body-electronics glue logic into one MX device reduces module count and cost.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Adapter Logic
Bench instruments, bed-of-nails fixtures, and protocol adapters benefit from the A42MX16-1TQG176's combination of 140 I/O and flexible antifuse routing. The 176-LQFP with 0.5 mm pitch fits standard test-fixture PCBs, and 5.0 V I/O connects directly to legacy test points and TTL-based instruments without clamping or translation networks. Once programmed, logic is hard-wired, so fixture behavior is identical across every unit - critical for repeatable production test. Address decoders, trigger fan-out, level-independent buffering, and counter/timer functions fit comfortably within 24K gates and 1,232 logic cells. The commercial grade covers typical lab conditions; production-line fixtures near machinery should select the industrial -I variant for extended ambient range.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A42MX16-1TQG176 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A42MX16-1TQG176I | A42MX16-1TQG176M | A42MX16-3TQG176 | A42MX24-1TQG176 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 176-LQFP (TQG176) | 176-LQFP (TQG176) - same | 176-LQFP (TQG176) - same | 176-LQFP (TQG176) - same | 176-LQFP (TQG176) - same |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| System Gates | 24,000 | 24,000 | 24,000 | 24,000 | 36,000 |
| User I/O | 140 | 140 | 140 | 140 | 140 |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -1 | -1 | -3 (faster) | -1 |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Military | Commercial | Commercial |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (non-volatile) | Antifuse (non-volatile) | Antifuse (non-volatile) | Antifuse (non-volatile) | Antifuse (non-volatile) |
Key Differentiators
- 5.0 V tolerant I/O architecture (vs Modern 3.3V SRAM FPGAs)
- Higher density in same footprint (vs A42MX24-1TQG176)
- Grade flexibility in same socket (vs A42MX16-1TQG176I / A42MX16-1TQG176M)
Design Notes
The A42MX16-1TQG176 operates from a single 5.0 V supply per the MX architecture. Because the device is antifuse-based, power-up is essentially immediate with no configuration current surges associated with SRAM FPGA configuration loading. Provide decoupling with a network of 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors distributed across the VCC/GND pin pairs of the 176-LQFP, plus bulk capacitance near the package. Verify total current against your design's utilization in Libero SoC power analysis before finalizing the supply rating.
Antifuse devices are one-time programmable - an error discovered after programming cannot be corrected on the same device. Complete full functional and timing simulation in Libero SoC before committing units to programming, and keep unprogrammed spares in stock. Additionally, do not confuse commercial (this part), industrial (-I), military (-M), and automotive (-A) ordering suffixes: they share identical logic but differ in temperature screening and qualification, and substituting grades may void program-level quality requirements.
The 176-LQFP (TQG176) uses a 0.5 mm lead pitch. Follow IPC-recommended land patterns for 0.5 mm pitch QFPs, and inspect solder joints with magnification or X-ray for bridging on the fine-pitch leads. Most MX pins are user-assignable I/O, so allocate the dedicated VPP/programming and power pins exactly per the datasheet package resource table for TQG176 before routing - these fixed-function pins cannot be relocated.
Compliance Information
Distributor listings (PCB Electronics Supply Chain) explicitly mark the A42MX16-1TQG176 as LEAD FREE; DigiKey/Mouser list it as RoHS compliant. AEC-Q100 qualification applies to the -A automotive suffix variants, not this commercial part.
