Microchip Technology

M1AFS1500-1FG256 - Fusion FPGA 1.5M Gates ARM Cortex-M1 | Microchip

MPN: M1AFS1500-1FG256 ✓ Active
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[DATA_NEEDED: core supply voltage] Vdss 256-LBGA (FG256) Package -1 Speed 276480 bits Memory
From $191.42 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-02
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $238.08 $238.08
10 $226.18 $2,261.80
100 $214.27 $21,427.00
500 $202.36 $101,180.00
1,000 $191.42 $191,420.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for M1AFS1500-1FG256 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:

M1AFS1500-1FG256I

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-LBGA (FG256)
1,500,000 system gates · 119 · ARM Cortex-M1 (M1 variant) · 276480 bits · Flash-based, nonvolatile · 130 nm CMOS, 7-layer metal · 1.5 V · up to 350 MHz

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M1AFS1500-1FG256K

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-LBGA (FG256)
Microchip Technology · Fusion (Mixed-Signal Flash FPGA) · 1500000 · 38400 · 119 · 276480 bits · ARM Cortex-M1 (soft core) · -1

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M1AFS1500-FG256I

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-LBGA (FG256)
Fusion Mixed-Signal FPGA (M1 series) · 1500000 gates · 119 · 276480 bits · 130 nm flash-based CMOS, 7-layer metal · 350 MHz · 1.5 V · 256-LBGA (FG256)

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M1AFS1500-FG256K

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-LBGA (FG256)
Fusion (M1 - ARM Cortex-M1 enabled) · 1500000 · 276480 · 119 · ARM Cortex-M1 · 1.425 V to 1.575 V · 130 nm flash · 256-LBGA (FBGA/FG256)

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$341.46 / Unit

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M1AFS600-1FGG256

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-FBGA (FGG256)
Fusion Mixed-Signal FPGA · ARM Cortex-M1 (hard core) · 600000 · 13824 · 110592 · 119 · 1.5 V · 130 nm CMOS, flash-based

✓ In Stock

$191.1 / Unit

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M1AFS250-1FG256

✅ Drop-In
Microchip Technology
📦 256-LBGA (FG256)
Fusion (M1 series, mixed-signal FPGA) · 250000 gates · ARM Cortex-M1 · 114 · 36864 bits · 1.5 V · 130 nm flash-based · 1282.05 MHz (per FindIC spec summary)

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$117.83 / Unit

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M1AFS1500-1FG256 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Family Fusion Mixed-Signal FPGA (M1 series)
System Gates 1500000
Logic Cells 38400
Flash Memory 276480 bits
User I/O 119
Embedded Processor ARM Cortex-M1
Configuration Technology Flash-based (non-volatile)
Speed Grade -1
Package 256-LBGA (FG256)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Analog Blocks Integrated configurable analog (ADC)
Clock Management Integrated CCC (clock conditioning circuits)

M1AFS1500-1FG256 256-lbga (fg256) Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for M1AFS1500-1FG256 (256-lbga (fg256) 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.

256-lbga (fg256) package pinout diagram for M1AFS1500-1FG256

No detailed pinout data available for M1AFS1500-1FG256.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for M1AFS1500-1FG256 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.

Typical Applications

M1AFS1500-1FG256 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Motor Drives, Aerospace and Defense Systems, Medical Instrumentation, Embedded Mixed-Signal Monitoring and IoT Gateways, Secure Embedded Control, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.

🏭

Industrial Control and Motor Drives

The M1AFS1500-1FG256 fits industrial control because it fuses deterministic flash-based logic (1.5M gates, 38,400 cells) with an ARM Cortex-M1 processor and an integrated analog-to-digital converter, so PWM generation, feedback sensing, and supervisory control can run on one chip. Its instant-on non-volatile configuration means a drive resumes control immediately at power-up without boot latency - important for safety interlocks. The 119 user I/Os interface encoders, current sensors, and communication transceivers directly. Place the ADC analog supply on a filtered rail separate from the I/O bank supplies; ripple on the analog reference directly offsets current-sense readings. With 1.5M gates, designers can implement multi-axis PWM plus field-oriented control math in fabric while the Cortex-M1 handles protocol and diagnostics, eliminating an external MCU and reducing BOM cost and latency.

✈️

Aerospace and Defense Systems

Flash-based FPGAs are preferred in aerospace payloads because their configuration cells do not upset like SRAM under radiation, making the M1AFS1500-1FG256 a common choice for satellite payload processing, avionics glue logic, and secure telemetry. The non-volatile fabric eliminates the external configuration PROM, reducing parts count and the associated single-point-of-failure inventory. With 1.5M gates and an embedded Cortex-M1, designers partition mission logic in fabric and housekeeping tasks in the processor. The 276,480-bit flash block stores mission parameters or boot code on-die. For flight builds, select the industrial-temperature M1AFS1500-1FG256I variant and follow Microchip/Microsemi reliability documentation for screening levels. The 256-ball BGA withstands vibration better than fine-pitch QFP alternatives, though board-level underfill may be specified per program requirements.

💊

Medical Instrumentation

In medical diagnostics equipment such as blood analyzers and portable imaging front-ends, the M1AFS1500-1FG256 integrates sensor conditioning (via its analog block and ADC), real-time acquisition logic, and a Cortex-M1 running the user interface state machine on one die - reducing leakage paths and simplifying IEC 60601 isolation architecture by shrinking the number of circuits crossing the patient-isolation barrier. Instant-on flash configuration means the instrument is ready the moment power is applied, supporting rapid measurement cycles. The 119 I/Os drive multiplexers, stepper motor stages, and communication ports. Layout guidance: route the analog sense lines away from digital I/O banks and use a solid analog ground reference near the ADC balls to preserve measurement resolution, since the integrated converter's accuracy depends directly on reference and ground integrity at the FG256 ballout.

🧩

Embedded Mixed-Signal Monitoring and IoT Gateways

For condition-monitoring nodes and industrial IoT gateways, the M1AFS1500-1FG256 offers single-chip acquisition: the integrated analog block digitizes vibration, temperature, or current channels while fabric logic performs FFT or threshold pre-processing and the ARM Cortex-M1 runs the network stack. The 1.5M-gate capacity leaves headroom for protocol bridging (e.g., CAN-to-Ethernet translation) that smaller Fusion parts cannot fit. Flash configuration removes boot time, so the node resumes sampling instantly after brownouts common in factory environments. Design consideration: the Cortex-M1 is implemented as a soft core in fabric, so its clock frequency is modest - offload high-rate DSP to fabric datapaths and keep the processor for low-rate control and communication. Use the 276,480-bit flash block for calibration constants to avoid an external EEPROM.

🔒

Secure Embedded Control

Flash-based FPGAs inherently resist bitstream readback attacks because the configuration resides in non-volatile flash cells rather than externally loaded SRAM, and the Fusion family adds flash lock features on top. The M1AFS1500-1FG256 therefore suits secure access controllers, cryptographic co-processing front ends, and licensed-equipment control where firmware IP protection matters. The ARM Cortex-M1 executes management code while the fabric implements security-critical datapaths, keeping keys and cryptographic logic off an external processor bus. With 1.5M gates there is room for AES/SHA datapaths plus interface logic. Practical guidance: enable the flash lock during production programming, design the JTAG header so it can be removed or protected post-manufacture, and follow Microchip's Fusion security application notes, since protection strength depends as much on board-level access control as on device features.

🔧

Test and Measurement Instrumentation

Bench and rack instruments benefit from the M1AFS1500-1FG256's combination of trigger/timing logic in fabric, data formatting, and Cortex-M1-based housekeeping on one chip. The flash fabric powers up with the measurement engine already loaded, cutting instrument boot time versus SRAM FPGA designs that must load from flash at every power cycle. The 119 I/Os implement capture channels, front-panel interfaces, and backplane buses; the 1.5M-gate capacity supports deep trigger state machines and timestamping at fabric speed. The integrated ADC can monitor internal supply or environmental telemetry without an external converter. Layout tip: keep high-speed capture I/O banks physically distant from the analog monitoring balls on the FG256 package, and provide local decoupling at each supply domain, since simultaneous switching of 119 outputs can inject noise that degrades the on-die ADC readings.

What is the M1AFS1500-1FG256?
The M1AFS1500-1FG256 is a Microchip Technology (formerly Microsemi/Actel) Fusion mixed-signal FPGA with 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic cells, 119 user I/Os, and an embedded ARM Cortex-M1 processor. It comes in a 256-ball LBGA (FG256) package and uses flash-based, non-volatile configuration. According to Microchip's product page, the Fusion family monolithically integrates configurable analog, large flash memory, and clock management with the programmable logic.
Where to download the M1AFS1500-1FG256 datasheet PDF?
The official datasheet is available on the Microchip product page at microchip.com/en-us/product/M1AFS1500. The legacy Microsemi document 'Fusion Family of Mixed Signal FPGAs' (334 pages) covers the M1AFS1500 in detail, including the FG256 package. Distributors such as Mouser, DigiKey, and Ampheo also host datasheet PDF downloads linked directly from their M1AFS1500-1FG256 product pages.
What is the price of M1AFS1500-1FG256?
As of 2026-09-02, M1AFS1500-1FG256 pricing starts at approximately $238.08 per unit at eBee Electronics, while Heisener lists it around $508.31 per unit depending on stock source. Pricing varies by distributor, quantity breaks, and stock age. XAIPART lists tier pricing starting at $238.08 for qty 1 with discounts at 10/100/500/1000 pieces; request a quotation for volume pricing.
Is M1AFS1500-1FG256 in stock?
Yes, multiple distributors show stock. Heisener reports 3,952 pieces in stock, eBee lists the part as in-stock, and DigiKey/Mouser list availability for the M1AFS1500-1FG256. Octopart aggregates 5 distributors offering this part. However, for mature Actel/Microsemi Fusion devices, verify stock freshness and date codes before ordering, as some inventory may be broker-held rather than franchised distribution.
Where to buy M1AFS1500-1FG256 online?
You can buy the M1AFS1500-1FG256 from XAIPART, as well as from franchised distributors DigiKey (part page 2860064) and Mouser, or from secondary-market sources such as eBee, Heisener, Ampheo, Microchip USA, and LoveChip. Octopart currently tracks 5 distributors carrying the part. For production quantities, request quotes from multiple sources and confirm authenticity certification, especially for this mature Microsemi-era product.
What is the difference between M1AFS1500-1FG256 and M1AFS1500-FG256?
The '-1' suffix in M1AFS1500-1FG256 denotes the -1 speed grade, while M1AFS1500-FG256 (no number) is the standard speed grade. Both share the identical 256-ball FG256 package, pinout, 1.5M gate count, 38,400 logic cells, ARM Cortex-M1 core, and 119 I/O. The difference is maximum fabric performance/timing; designs meeting -1 timing margins will also meet standard-grade timing. They are pin-to-pin compatible in the same footprint.
M1AFS1500-1FG256 vs M1AFS600-1FGG256 - which should I choose?
Choose the M1AFS1500-1FG256 when your design needs 1.5M system gates and 38,400 logic cells; choose the M1AFS600-1FGG256 when the design fits in 600K gates, which lowers cost and power. Both are 256-ball Fusion devices with the ARM Cortex-M1 core and integrated analog. Note the ball grid/pitch differs between FG and FGG package outlines, so they are not footprint-identical - verify the mechanical drawing before any migration.
When should I choose the M1AFS1500 over the M1AFS250?
Choose the M1AFS1500 when your logic utilization estimate exceeds the M1AFS250's smaller capacity, or when you need the maximum 119 I/O count available in the FG256 package for the high-density family member. The M1AFS250 is pin-compatible in shared FG256 footprints but offers fewer gates, so routed designs with heavy utilization may fail timing or placement. If utilization is under roughly 60 percent of the 250K-gate device, the M1AFS250 saves cost with the same flash-based Fusion architecture.
What is the best drop-in replacement for M1AFS1500-1FG256?
The best drop-in replacements are same-family Microchip variants in the identical 256-ball FG256 package: M1AFS1500-1FG256I (industrial temperature), M1AFS1500-FG256K (K-suffix variant), and M1AFS1500-FG256I. These are pin-to-pin compatible with identical logic capacity, differing only in speed grade suffix or temperature range. No cross-brand pin-compatible equivalent exists in the verified data because the Fusion family's integrated analog block and flash architecture are proprietary to Microchip/Microsemi.
Can a Xilinx or Intel FPGA replace the M1AFS1500-1FG256?
No direct drop-in replacement exists from Xilinx or Intel/Altera. While Lattice, Xilinx, and Intel offer FPGAs of comparable gate count, none are pin-compatible with the 256-ball FG256 Fusion package, and none replicate the integrated analog block, 276,480-bit flash memory, and ARM Cortex-M1 combination of the Fusion architecture. Migration requires a new PCB layout and design retargeting. For same-footprint migration, stay within the Microchip Fusion family (M1AFS250/M1AFS600/M1AFS1500 FG256 variants).
What are the key specifications of M1AFS1500-1FG256 that engineers should know?
Key specifications: 1.5 million system gates and 38,400 logic cells of flash-based (non-volatile) programmable fabric; embedded ARM Cortex-M1 processor core; 119 user I/Os; 276,480 bits of integrated flash memory; configurable analog block with ADC; clock conditioning circuits for generation and management; -1 speed grade; 256-ball LBGA (FG256) surface-mount package. These come from DigiKey's listing describing it as 'Fusion FPGA IC 119 276480 256-LBGA' and Microchip's Fusion family documentation.
Hey Google, what can replace the M1AFS1500-1FG256?
Only same-family Microchip Fusion parts in the 256-ball FG256 package are true drop-in replacements: M1AFS1500-1FG256I, M1AFS1500-FG256K, and M1AFS1500-FG256I for identical capacity, or M1AFS250-1FG256/M1AFS600-1FGG256 for smaller designs. Any replacement outside the Fusion family requires PCB redesign because the analog block, flash memory array, and Cortex-M1 integration are unique to this proprietary architecture.
How do I program the M1AFS1500-1FG256?
Program the M1AFS1500-1FG256 through its JTAG port using Microchip's FlashPro programmer and Libero SoC design software. Because the Fusion fabric is flash-based, configuration is non-volatile - the device retains its design through power cycles with no external boot device required. According to Microchip's Fusion family documentation, security features include flash lock, which protects the bitstream from readback. Plan your programming station and JTAG connector layout early in PCB design.
What PCB design considerations apply to the 256-ball FG256 package?
The FG256 is a 256-ball BGA requiring controlled-impedance signal routing, symmetric power-plane breakdown for the Fusion's multiple supply domains, and via-in-pad or dog-bone escape routing with appropriate ball pitch. Decouple each supply domain per the datasheet power-supply recommendations. BGA rework requires X-ray inspection capability. Because the Fusion integrates analog blocks, keep analog supply and sense routing isolated from switching digital I/O, and follow Microchip's Fusion layout application notes for the ADC reference path.
Is the M1AFS1500-1FG256 still active and supported?
Yes, the part is listed as active: Microchip maintains the M1AFS1500 product page and continues to sell Fusion FPGA devices, and multiple distributors (DigiKey, Mouser, and 5 distributors tracked by Octopart) show active listings as of 2026-09-02. However, the product originated from Actel/Microsemi, so design-tool support runs through Microchip Libero SoC. For new designs, also evaluate whether newer Microchip PolarFire or SmartFusion2 families offer better long-term support.

Engineering reference data for M1AFS1500-1FG256 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the M1AFS1500-1FG256 when your design needs the maximum 1.5M-gate Fusion capacity with the fastest -1 speed grade in a 256-ball footprint, and your operating environment matches the standard commercial temperature range. Pick the M1AFS1500-1FG256I for identical logic with industrial temperature tolerance (extreme environments, aerospace builds). Choose M1AFS1500-FG256I or FG256K if standard speed grade suffices - they are pin-compatible cost savers. If your utilization estimate falls well below 600K gates, the M1AFS600-1FGG256 (or M1AFS250-1FG256 for small designs) reduces cost with the same Cortex-M1 and analog architecture, though the FGG256 mechanical outline differs and requires footprint verification. No cross-brand drop-in exists: the Fusion analog block and flash fabric are proprietary, so any Xilinx/Intel/Lattice migration is a full redesign. All listed alternatives reuse the same Libero SoC toolchain and design sources, making intra-family migration low-risk.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product M1AFS1500-1FG256I M1AFS1500-1FG256K M1AFS1500-FG256I M1AFS600-1FGG256 M1AFS250-1FG256
Package 256-LBGA (FG256) 256-LBGA (FG256) - same 256-LBGA (FG256) - same 256-LBGA (FG256) - same 256-FBGA (FGG256) 256-LBGA (FG256) - same
Brand Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Microchip Technology
System Gates 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 600,000 250,000
Logic Cells 38,400 38,400 38,400 38,400 [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]
Embedded Processor ARM Cortex-M1 ARM Cortex-M1 ARM Cortex-M1 ARM Cortex-M1 ARM Cortex-M1 ARM Cortex-M1
User I/O 119 119 119 119 [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]
Speed Grade -1 -1 -1 Standard -1 -1
Flash Memory 276,480 bits 276,480 bits 276,480 bits 276,480 bits [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]
Unit Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-02) $238.08 [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]

Key Differentiators

  • Highest gate density in the FG256-pin Fusion lineup (vs M1AFS600-1FGG256)
  • Fastest speed grade available in this package (vs M1AFS1500-FG256I)
  • Integrated mixed-signal capability (vs M1AFS250-1FG256)

Design Notes

The FG256 is a 256-ball BGA: plan escape routing with dog-bone or via-in-pad fanout matched to the ball pitch, and define stackup (at least 4 layers, preferably 6) before routing so each supply domain gets its own plane or island. Symmetric power-plane breakdown per the Fusion power rail map in the datasheet prevents I/O bank voltage violations. BGA rework needs X-ray inspection; if your CM lacks it, budget for scrap during prototype iterations.

The Fusion integrates analog blocks whose accuracy depends on clean analog supply and reference. Provide an LC-filtered analog supply rail separate from digital I/O bank supplies, with local decoupling at the ADC-related balls. Estimated: with 119 I/Os simultaneously switching at typical load, di/dt transients can inject tens of mV of rail noise without adequate bulk and 0.1 uF decoupling - sufficient to shift the on-die ADC readings. Verify rail sequencing requirements in the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing power-tree design.

Do not treat the ARM Cortex-M1 as a hard processor - it is a soft core in the fabric, so its performance depends on fabric clock and your memory interfaces; offload high-rate processing to fabric datapaths. Also, program the flash lock during production flashing and physically protect the JTAG header post-manufacture, or the non-volatile security advantage is voided. Finally, confirm Libero SoC version compatibility with Fusion (M1) devices before starting design capture, as tool support for legacy families is version-limited.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Unknown
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Unknown
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

Compliance status not stated in the provided web data. Verify RoHS/REACH status on the official Microchip product page or via Microchip's environmental documentation before procurement.

Data verified on: 2026-09-02 — data verified and curated by XAIPART's component engineering team

Related Searches

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Related Components & Terms

Microchip Technology Microsemi Corporation Actel M1AFS1500-1FG256 Fusion FPGA M1AFS1500-1FG256I M1AFS600-1FGG256 M1AFS250-1FG256 ARM Cortex-M1 FPGA (field-programmable gate array) programmable logic device mixed-signal FPGA flash-based FPGA 256-LBGA / FBGA-256 package BGA package family non-volatile configuration Libero SoC FlashPro programmer JTAG configurable analog block clock conditioning circuit (CCC) aerospace and defense electronics industrial motor control RoHS
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