A54SX72A-CQ208 - 108K-Gate Antifuse FPGA, 2.5V | Microchip
MPN: A54SX72A-CQ208 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $185 | $185.00 |
| 10 | $172 | $1,720.00 |
| 100 | $158 | $15,800.00 |
| 500 | $146 | $73,000.00 |
| 1,000 | $135 | $135,000.00 |
A54SX72A-CQ208 Overview
An antifuse FPGA is a field-programmable gate array whose interconnect elements are permanently programmed at power-up via antifuse links. Unlike SRAM-based FPGAs, antifuse devices retain their configuration without any external boot memory, provide inherent resistance to configuration readback attacks, and exhibit low static power. Within the programmable-logic hierarchy, the SX-A family sits in the one-time-programmable (OTP) FPGA class, positioned above simple PLDs/CPLDs and below flash-based SoC FPGAs.
Key features include a 0.25 um CMOS process technology, up to 2,012 dedicated flip-flops, 4,024 program modules (combinatorial and sequential cells), quadrant and global clock networks (CLKA, CLKB, and QCLK resources) supporting high-speed synchronous designs, and a ceramic package suited to demanding environments. The combination of deterministic interconnect delay, low power, and single-chip integration makes SX-A attractive where SRAM configuration overhead is undesirable.
Architecturally, the A54SX72A uses Actel's metal-to-metal antifuse switching element in a sea-of-modules fabric. Routing delay is largely independent of fanout, giving designers predictable timing. According to the SX-A family datasheet, designers using quadrant clocks in the A54SX72A should refer to Microchip's quadrant clock application notes for CLKA, CLKB, and QCLK macro usage.
Typical applications include aerospace and defense subsystem prototyping (the RTSX-SU CQ208 device is pin-compatible with SX-A in CQ208 for drop-in migration from commercial prototyping to radiation-tolerant production), industrial control, communications line cards, and test equipment glue logic consolidation, where multiple discrete functions are integrated into a low-cost single-chip solution.
A key design consideration is that the A54SX72A is one-time programmable: verify the design thoroughly in simulation and, where possible, prototype on in-system-programmable devices before committing. Also note the ceramic CQFP contains lead and is RoHS non-compliant, restricting use to exemptions such as military/aerospace systems.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, package compatibility notes, and practical design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for A54SX72A-CQ208 — 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 A54SX72A-CQ208 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, System Gates, Family, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
A54SX72A-CQ208B
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →A54SX72A-CQ208M
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$228 / Unit
View Datasheet →RT54SX72S-CT208B
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
A54SX72A-1CQ208
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$141.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →A54SX72A-CQ208 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | SX-A (Actel antifuse FPGA) |
| System Gates | up to 108,000 |
| Logic Modules (Cells) | 4,024 |
| Dedicated Flip-Flops | up to 2,012 |
| User I/O | 171 (up to 360 in family) |
| Maximum Performance | 217 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.25 um CMOS |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (one-time programmable) |
| Package | 208-pin BFCQFP with tie bar (CQFP, ceramic) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Clock Resources | CLKA, CLKB, quadrant clocks (QCLK) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Non-Compliant (contains lead) |
| Lead Free Status | Contains Lead |
| Configuration Memory | None required (antifuse, non-volatile) |
A54SX72A-CQ208 208-pin bfcqfp with tie bar (cqfp, ceramic) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for A54SX72A-CQ208 (208-pin bfcqfp with tie bar (cqfp, ceramic) 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 A54SX72A-CQ208.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
A54SX72A-CQ208 is suitable for 6 applications: Aerospace and Defense Prototyping, Industrial Control and Automation, Communications Line Cards, Test and Measurement Equipment, Secure Single-Chip Logic Integration, Obsolescence Management and Legacy Redesign.
Aerospace and Defense Prototyping
The A54SX72A-CQ208 fits aerospace and defense prototyping programs that later migrate to radiation-tolerant silicon. According to Microchip application note AC195, the RTSX-SU device in the CQ208 package was explicitly designed to be pin compatible with the equivalent SX-A device in CQ208, enabling a drop-in replacement from commercial prototyping to rad-tolerant production. The hermetic ceramic CQFP with tie bar withstands rigorous environmental screening, while the OTP antifuse fabric removes configuration-memory single points of failure. Teams develop logic in Libero tools on the commercial die, then recompile onto the RT54SX72S without PCB respin, saving months of schedule.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
In industrial control, the A54SX72A-CQ208 consolidates PLC glue logic, motor-control sequencing, and sensor-interface bridging into one 108K-gate antifuse FPGA. Its 171 user I/O in the CQ208 package handle dense parallel I/O, and deterministic antifuse routing delivers repeatable timing for interlock and safety-adjacent logic. Because the configuration is permanent, the FPGA is instant-on at power-up with no boot device that could be corrupted by factory EMI or brownouts. Designers should budget the 2.5 V rail for both core and I/O power and use the quadrant clock networks to isolate timing domains between machine-section controllers.
Recommended
Communications Line Cards
Telecom and datacom line cards use the A54SX72A-CQ208 as a protocol glue FPGA between backplane transceivers, framers, and physical-layer devices. With system performance up to 217 MHz and dedicated CLKA/CLKB global plus quadrant QCLK clock networks, the device can time multiple independent interface domains cleanly. The antifuse fabric's routing delays are largely design-independent, simplifying timing closure across temperature in racks that must stay up 24/7. Its 171 I/O handle wide parallel telecom buses, and the lack of configuration readback path protects proprietary framing IP from extraction on deployed hardware.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
Bench and automated test instruments deploy the A54SX72A-CQ208 for pattern generation, capture logic, and bus sniffing between the instrument backplane and DUT connectors. The 2,012 dedicated flip-flops support deep pipeline stages for high-speed pattern engines, and deterministic antifuse timing makes channel-to-channel skew repeatable across manufacturing units - a real benefit when instruments are calibrated as a system. Since the configuration is fixed at programming time, there is no boot delay, so measurements start the instant power is applied. Designers should reserve global CLKA/CLKB resources for the master sample clock to minimize jitter.
Recommended
Secure Single-Chip Logic Integration
Programs with anti-tamper or IP-protection requirements use the A54SX72A-CQ208 because antifuse configuration cannot be read back, unlike SRAM bitstreams that travel over exposed buses at every boot. Multiple discrete ASSPs, PALs, and glue chips integrate into the 108K-gate fabric, shrinking the attack surface and the BOM simultaneously - Microchip markets SX-A exactly as a single-chip integration device generating system-wide savings. The ceramic CQFP's lid also supports conformal coating and potting practices common in secure hardware. Budget engineering time for OTP verification, since design errors cannot be patched in the field.
Recommended
Obsolescence Management and Legacy Redesign
When legacy PAL, GAL, or older Actel FPGA clusters go end-of-life, the A54SX72A-CQ208 is a consolidation target: up to 108,000 gates absorb dozens of aging 22V10-class parts into one current-production device. Because Microchip continues to support SX-A in its Libero design suite, legacy EDIF or schematic netlists can be re-targeted with modest effort. The 171 available user I/O in CQ208 accommodate most legacy pin-maps, and the OTP nature preserves the power-on behavior legacy systems expect. Validate timing against the SX-A datasheet AC tables rather than assuming the old PAL delays carry over.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for A54SX72A-CQ208 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | A54SX72A-CQ208B | A54SX72A-CQ208M | RT54SX72S-CT208B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology (Actel/Microsemi) | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 208-CQFP (CQ208, ceramic, tie bar) | 208-CQFP - same | 208-CQFP - same | 208-CQFP - same (pin compatible per AC195) |
| System Gates | 108,000 | 108,000 | 108,000 | ~72,000 (RTSX equivalent class) |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Programming Technology | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP) | Antifuse (OTP, rad-tolerant) |
| Radiation Tolerance | None (commercial) | None | None (military screening) | Rad-tolerant (RTSX-SU class) |
Key Differentiators
- Instant-on operation with zero configuration storage (vs SRAM FPGAs (e.g., Artix-class devices))
- Drop-in rad-tolerant migration path (vs RT54SX72S-CT208B)
- Hermetic ceramic package for high-reliability programs (vs A54SX72A-PQG208)
Design Notes
The A54SX72A-CQ208 runs from a single 2.5 V supply for both core and I/O. Size the regulator for the datasheet's worst-case ICC, and keep the supply ramp within the datasheet's specified rate to avoid antifuse-device power-up issues - antifuse FPGAs have no configuration controller to gate startup, so all logic is live the instant power is applied. Add 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling at each power/ground pin pair plus bulk capacitance near the device. Because CQ208 pins are on 0.5 mm-ish centers with fine pitch, verify your power plane breakout under the package before routing.
This is a one-time-programmable antifuse device - there is no field rework path. Commit to silicon only after completing full simulation, static timing analysis with the correct speed-grade model, and, ideally, prototyping. Microchip application note AC195 recommends prototyping on the pin-compatible CQ208 package flow (including the RTSX-SU path) before production programming. Also remember the ceramic package is RoHS non-compliant (contains lead); confirm your program's lead exemption (e.g., military/aerospace) before design-in for commercial products.
Use the dedicated CLKA and CLKB global clocks for your highest-fanout synchronous domains, and quadrant QCLK resources to isolate regional timing domains - the SX-A datasheet directs A54SX72A quadrant-clock users to Microchip's 'Using A54SX72A and RT54SX72S Quadrant Clocks' application note for supported macros. Avoid routing high-speed clocks through general fabric routing, where delays vary with fanout. For the 208-pin CQFP, keep stub lengths short on fast I/O and consider series termination on long traces to control reflections at frequencies approaching the 217 MHz family ceiling.
The CQ208 ceramic quad flat pack requires a precision QFP footprint with tie-bar keepouts - follow the SX-A datasheet's mechanical drawing exactly, including pin-1 index and tie-bar solder keepout. Fine-pitch perimeter leads benefit from a 2 thou solder-mask-defined pad and 4-6 thou paste reductions per corner leads to control solder bridging. Add fiducials on two diagonal corners and provide an exposed thermal path via ground stitching around the package perimeter to dissipate die heat into the PCB planes.
Compliance Information
Distributor datasheet records state Lead Free Status: Contains Lead and RoHS Status: RoHS Non-Compliant. Typical of ceramic CQFP packages for military/aerospace use operating under lead exemptions.
