A42MX16-3TQG176 - 24K Gate FPGA 176-TQFP | Microchip
MPN: A42MX16-3TQG176 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1 | $1.00 |
| 10 | $1 | $10.00 |
| 100 | $1 | $100.00 |
| 500 | $1 | $500.00 |
| 1,000 | $1 | $1,000.00 |
A42MX16-3TQG176 Overview
The MX FPGA family is a line of flash-based, single-chip ASIC alternatives from Actel (now Microchip). An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks and programmable interconnects that designers configure after manufacturing, positioned in the programmable logic hierarchy between CPLDs and high-end FPGAs. The MX family integrates legacy PLD designs into a single, low-cost, high-volume device.
Key features include a 5.0 V architecture with inherent tolerance for legacy 5V industrial signal environments, antifuse-style nonvolatile programming that retains configuration at power-up without an external boot PROM, and anti-tamper security since configuration data is not stored in an accessible bitstream format. The 608 CLBs and 140 I/Os provide sufficient density for glue logic consolidation, bus interfacing, and legacy ASIC replacement.
The MX architecture uses a sea-of-modules structure with combinational and sequential logic modules connected by a segmented routing fabric. Programming is performed once at programming stations, after which the device behaves as a fixed-logic ASIC, giving deterministic timing and low static power typical of antifuse/flash-based programmable devices.
Typical applications include industrial control units (ECU logic), telecom line-card glue logic, military/aerospace legacy upgrades, and consolidation of multiple PAL/GAL/PLD devices into one chip. The 5V tolerant architecture makes it particularly suited to retrofit designs built around 5V buses.
Design consideration: MX devices are one-time-programmable; verify the design in simulation and, where possible, validate on a similar-chip debugging approach before committing production units.
Drop-in alternatives for A42MX16-3TQG176 — 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 A42MX16-3TQG176 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, System Gates, Logic Cells, RoHS Status, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A42MX16-3TQG176M
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A42MX16-3TQG176MX39
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A42MX16-TQG176M
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$61.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX09-2TQG176
⚡ Same Package ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$27.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →A42MX16-3TQG176 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MX FPGA |
| System Gates | 24000 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) | 608 |
| User I/O | 140 |
| Max Clock Frequency | 129 MHz |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Package | 176-TQFP (24x24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Programming Type | One-Time Programmable (nonvolatile) |
| JESD-30 Code | S-PQFP-G176 |
| RoHS Status | Lead Free (per distributor listing) |
A42MX16-3TQG176 176-tqfp (24x24 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for A42MX16-3TQG176 (176-tqfp (24x24 mm) 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 A42MX16-3TQG176.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
A42MX16-3TQG176 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control / ECU Logic, Legacy ASIC / PLD Consolidation, Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic, Military / Aerospace Legacy Upgrades, Test & Measurement Fixtures, Power Sequencing and Supervision.
Industrial Control / ECU Logic
The A42MX16-3TQG176 fits industrial electronic control units where legacy 5V signal buses and deterministic, fixed-logic behavior matter. Its 5.0V CMOS MX architecture directly accepts 5V industrial I/O without level shifters, and 608 CLBs consolidate multiple PAL/GAL devices into one chip. Because the MX family is one-time programmed, logic behaves like an ASIC with deterministic timing - valuable in motor control sequencing and factory automation state machines running at up to 129 MHz internal clocks.
Recommended
Legacy ASIC / PLD Consolidation
Microchip positions MX FPGAs as a reliable single-chip ASIC alternative for high-volume legacy integration. The A42MX16's 24,000 gates and 140 I/Os absorb retired gate arrays and multiple PLDs, cutting board area and BOM count. Since configuration is nonvolatile, the replacement requires no boot PROM, simplifying long-lifecycle maintenance of obsolete-logic systems - a common need in aerospace, rail, and utility equipment with 15-25 year service lives.
Recommended
Telecom Line-Card Glue Logic
In telecom line cards, the A42MX16-3TQG176 provides address decoding, bus bridging, and status aggregation between processors and framers. The 176-TQFP offers 140 I/Os, enough for wide parallel buses at 5V legacy levels, while the -3 speed grade's 129 MHz capability covers timing-critical decode paths. Nonvolatile programming means cards power up instantly functional, meeting carrier requirements for rapid service restoration without configuration controllers.
Recommended
Military / Aerospace Legacy Upgrades
The MX family is widely used to refresh obsolescent military logic boards. The A42MX16-3TQG176's one-time-programmable, anti-tamper configuration (no readable bitstream) suits defense platforms where configuration IP must be protected. Its 24K gates and 5V I/O match the electrical environment of 1990s-era MIL boards, allowing insertion without redesigning power rails. Designers validate in simulation before programming since MX devices cannot be reconfigured in the field.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Fixtures
Bench and production test fixtures use the A42MX16-3TQG176 as fixed stimulus/response logic. The 140 I/Os drive and sense 5V DUT buses directly, and the 129 MHz speed grade handles fast handshaking. Because the design is programmed once, fixture behavior is repeatable across units and years - important for ISO-traceable production test. Combinational decode in 608 CLBs replaces racks of 74-series glue in fixture electronics.
Recommended
Power Sequencing and Supervision
The A42MX16 can implement custom power-supply sequencing, brownout detection, and reset trees for multi-rail systems. Paired with TI regulators and supervisors from the XAIPART catalog, its 5V-tolerant I/O monitors rail divider outputs directly. One-time programming ensures the sequencing policy cannot be corrupted, a requirement in safety-related industrial equipment. Designers should account for static 5V power in thermal estimates for sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A42MX16-3TQG176 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A42MX16-3TQG176M | A42MX16-TQG176M | A42MX09-2TQG176 | A42MX16-2PQG160I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 176-TQFP | 176-TQFP - same | 176-TQFP - same | 176-TQFP - same footprint | 160-PQFP - different |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | |
| Supply Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | |
| Lifecycle | Active (legacy MX family) | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- 5.0V native I/O architecture (vs A42MX16-2PQG160I (same die, PQ160 package))
- Nonvolatile one-time programming (vs Modern SRAM FPGAs (e.g., Xilinx/Altera))
- Drop-in lead-free continuity (vs A42MX16-TQG176M)
Design Notes
The MX family operates from a single 5.0V supply. Budget power using static plus dynamic estimates from the MX datasheet current tables; one-time-programmed CMOS with fixed routing gives deterministic loading. Place 0.1uF ceramic decoupling at each VDD pin pair of the 176-TQFP plus one bulk 10uF near the corner VDD pins, per standard MX family power guidance.
MX devices are one-time programmable - there is no field reconfiguration. Complete timing simulation and test-vector verification in Microchip Designer/Libero before committing devices. Do not assume SRAM-FPGA development flows apply; a design that fits in software may fail timing after routing at the -3 grade.
The 176-TQFP (24x24 mm, S-PQFP-G176) requires a 0.5 mm-class land pattern per the datasheet mechanical drawing - confirm exact pitch from the datasheet before generating the footprint. Unmatched trace lengths on wide 5V buses are generally acceptable at 129 MHz internal operation, but series-terminate long outputs to reduce ground bounce.
Compliance Information
Distributor listing indicates LEAD FREE / G-suffix device. REACH and halogen-free status not stated in provided data.
