A42MX16-2PQG160 - 24K Gate 5V MX FPGA, PQFP-160 | Microchip
MPN: A42MX16-2PQG160 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $348.25 | $348.25 |
| 10 | $336 | $3,360.00 |
| 100 | $322 | $32,200.00 |
| 500 | $310 | $155,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $298 | $298,000.00 |
A42MX16-2PQG160 Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing a matrix of configurable logic blocks interconnected by programmable routing, allowing designers to implement custom digital circuits after manufacturing. The MX family is unique among FPGAs because it uses antifuse programmability: one-time programmable connections that retain configuration through power cycles and are inherently resistant to configuration readback and radiation-induced errors, making MX a reliable single-chip ASIC alternative for integrating legacy PLD logic into a single, low-cost, high-volume device.
Key features include the flexible 5.0 V architecture, which is ideal for legacy 5V system integration, PCI Local Bus Specification (version 2.1) compliance across the family, up to 200 MHz on-chip operation, and 6.1 ns clock-to-output performance per the 40MX/42MX family datasheet (DS2136). The G suffix denotes a RoHS-compliant, lead-free green package. Internal SRAM/fuse-based programming requires no external configuration PROM, reducing BOM cost and boot complexity.
The architecture comprises flexible program modules with multiplexers and flip-flops built around combinatorial logic, plus dedicated decode modules enabling wide, fast decode functions. Clock distribution and dual-clock support suit synchronous and asynchronous designs.
Typical applications include legacy 5V system glue logic consolidation, industrial control, telecommunications line cards, military/avionic upgrades requiring antifuse reliability, and ASIC prototyping.
Design consideration: because MX devices are one-time programmable, fully verify the design in simulation and on a companion PL84/LG84 evaluation device before committing production PQFP units.
Drop-in alternatives for A42MX16-2PQG160 — 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 A42MX16-2PQG160 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Family, System Gates, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A42MX16-2PQG160I
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-PQG160IX39
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A42MX16-2PQG160X39
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A42MX24-2PQG160I
⚡ Same Package✓ In Stock
$44 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX09-3PQG160
⚡ Same Package✓ In Stock
$26.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-2PQG160 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| System Gates | 24,000 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) | 608 |
| Logic Cells | 1232 |
| User I/O | 125 |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V (core architecture) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 117 MHz (speed grade -2) |
| Family On-Chip Operation | 200 MHz |
| Clock-to-Output Performance | 6.1 ns (family) |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (one-time programmable) |
| Package | 160-BQFP / PQFP-160 (28 x 28 mm, 0.635 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| PCI Compliance | PCI Local Bus Specification version 2.1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (G suffix, lead-free) |
A42MX16-2PQG160 160-bqfp / pqfp-160 (28 x 28 mm, 0.635 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for A42MX16-2PQG160 (160-bqfp / pqfp-160 (28 x 28 mm, 0.635 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 A42MX16-2PQG160.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
A42MX16-2PQG160 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy 5V PLD Consolidation, PCI Bus Interface Logic, Industrial Control and Automation, ASIC Prototyping and Bridge to Production, Military and Avionics Upgrades, Telecommunications Line Cards.
Legacy 5V PLD Consolidation
Microchip designed the MX family specifically to integrate logic currently implemented in multiple legacy PLDs (PALs, GALs, CPLDs) into a single low-cost device. The A42MX16-2PQG160's native 5.0 V architecture interfaces directly with legacy 5V buses and peripherals without level shifters, and its 608 CLBs / 24K gates absorb dozens of older 22V10-class devices. Antifuse programming eliminates configuration PROMs and boot time, while one-time programmability prevents configuration corruption in long-life industrial equipment. Designers typically migrate verified PLD equations into Libero SoC and compile onto the MX die with minimal logic changes.
Recommended
PCI Bus Interface Logic
The 42MX family is fully compliant with the PCI Local Bus Specification version 2.1 per the DS2136 datasheet, and family devices deliver 200 MHz on-chip operation with 6.1 ns clock-to-output performance. The A42MX16-2PQG160 can therefore implement PCI target or master interface state machines, address decoding, and data-path functions directly at 33/66 MHz PCI clocks. Dedicated decode modules enable fast wide-decode of address ranges, a key requirement in PCI host bridges and embedded PCI cards where discrete PAL decode would add propagation delay and board area.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
In factory automation controllers, motor interface cards, and I/O modules, the A42MX16-2PQG160 provides glue logic, sequencers, and bus bridging with a 117 MHz maximum clock at the -2 speed grade. Its antifuse configuration is immune to configuration upsets that can affect SRAM FPGAs in electrically noisy industrial environments, and the 5.0 V I/O drives legacy sensors and relays interfaces directly. Once programmed, behavior is fixed and deterministic across power cycles, simplifying qualification of machinery that must not change behavior after maintenance. Surface-mount PQFP-160 with 0.635 mm pitch suits standard SMT assembly lines.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Bridge to Production
MX FPGAs serve as a reliable single-chip ASIC alternative: designers prototype logic in an MX device and, because antifuse timing is fixed after programming, the prototype behaves deterministically like the final ASIC. The A42MX16's 24K gates and 1232 logic cells accommodate moderate-scale ASIC blocks such as controllers, arbiters, and encoders. The PQFP-160 package with 0.635 mm pitch is breadboard-friendly for socketed prototype runs, and the same die can later be re-sourced in FPQ208 or BG272 packages for higher I/O production variants without logic redesign.
Recommended
Military and Avionics Upgrades
Antifuse FPGAs are traditionally favored in military and aerospace upgrade programs because one-time programming offers tolerance to configuration errors and no need for external boot PROMs, and the MX 5.0 V family supports extension of aging 5V military platforms. The A42MX16-2PQG160 implements address decoders, bus interfaces, and timing generators in avionics line-replaceable unit (LRU) retrofits. For extended temperature needs, related MX grades such as the IX temperature-range A42MX16-PQG160IX39 apply the same verified logic across harsher thermal environments.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Cards
Telecom line cards and backplane adapters from the 5V era rely on robust glue logic between framers, HDLC controllers, and backplane buses. The A42MX16-2PQG160 implements address decoding, interrupt aggregation, and data steering at up to 117 MHz, more than sufficient for T1/E1-class line card clocks. Wide-decode modules handle the dense chip-select maps typical of multi-framer cards. Antifuse determinism guarantees identical behavior across spares in carrier inventory, and the 24K gate capacity consolidates many small TTL/PAL devices, cutting board area and assembly cost.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A42MX16-2PQG160 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A42MX16-2PQG160I | A42MX24-2PQG160I | A42MX09-3PQG160 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | PQFP-160 (28 x 28 mm) | PQFP-160 - same | PQFP-160 - same footprint | PQFP-160 - same footprint |
| System Gates | 24,000 | 24,000 | 36,000 | 9,000 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 117 MHz (-2) | 117 MHz (-2) | -2 speed grade | -3 speed grade (faster) |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP) |
Key Differentiators
- Best price/capacity point in same PQFP-160 footprint (vs A42MX24-2PQG160I)
- Double the logic capacity of the smaller package sibling (vs A42MX09-3PQG160)
- 5.0 V native architecture unavailable in modern FPGAs (vs Any modern 3.3V/1.2V FPGA (e.g., Microchip PolarFire))
Design Notes
The MX family operates on a 5.0 V core architecture; provide clean 5V rails with local 0.1 uF decoupling per supply pin pair plus 10 uF bulk per device, per Microchip 40MX/42MX datasheet DS2136 recommendations. Because the PQFP-160 draws transient charge during clock edges, keep the power plane solid under the device and avoid routing signals across plane splits.
The 160-lead PQFP has 0.635 mm terminal pitch on a 28 x 28 mm body - use the manufacturer land pattern exactly and inspect with AOI/X-ray after reflow. PQFP leads are prone to coplanarity issues on legacy stock; verify lead coplanarity before assembly when sourcing from brokers, and prefer Tray packaging from authorized distributors (DigiKey, Mouser) for automated assembly.
MX antifuse devices are one-time programmable - a wrong programming file ruins the unit. Always run full simulation in Microchip Libero/Designer and validate timing at the -2 grade (117 MHz max) before submitting to a programmer. Also remember JTAG boundary scan (IEEE 1149.1) is only on 42MX24 and 42MX36, NOT on the A42MX16, so do not plan board-level JTAG test around this device.
Compliance Information
G suffix denotes RoHS-compliant lead-free package; LCSC listing confirms ROHS. Automotive grade variants exist in the MX Auto family per Microchip, but this commercial-grade part is not AEC-Q100 qualified.
