Microchip A3PE3000-PQG208I: A Comprehensive Overview of the ProASIC3E Flash-Based FPGA

The Microchip A3PE3000-PQG208I represents a significant member of the ProASIC3E family, a series of flash-based FPGAs renowned for their non-volatility, low power consumption, and high reliability. This specific device, packaged in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP), offers a robust platform for a wide array of applications, from industrial control and communications to medical and automotive systems. Its foundation on flash technology distinguishes it from SRAM-based FPGAs, eliminating the need for an external boot PROM and providing inherent security and instant-on functionality.

At the core of the A3PE3000 lies a substantial programmable architecture. The "3000" denotes approximately 3 million system gates, providing ample resources for complex digital logic designs. The fabric comprises a fine-grained architecture with logic tiles that each contain a four-input lookup table (L4-LUT), a D-type flip-flop, and dedicated arithmetic and multiplexing circuitry. This structure enables efficient implementation of both combinatorial and sequential logic, maximizing performance and minimizing power.

A key advantage of the ProASIC3E family is its high-performance programmable routing hierarchy. This sophisticated network ensures predictable timing and sustained performance, which is crucial for high-speed designs. The device features embedded block RAM (ESB). These dual-port RAM blocks can be configured in various depths and widths, serving as efficient data buffers, FIFOs, or memory for processor cores.

Beyond the core logic, the A3PE3000-PQG208I is rich in embedded hard intellectual property (IP) and I/O capabilities. It includes multiple Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for advanced clock conditioning, such as frequency synthesis, multiplication, division, and phase shifting. The device supports a wide range of I/O standards, including LVCMOS, LVTTL, and LVDS, allowing for seamless interfacing with other components in a system. Its flash-based nature makes it inherently secure; the configuration bitstream is stored on-chip and is immune to readback, preventing reverse engineering and intellectual property theft—a critical concern for many designers.

The "PQG208" package specifies a 208-pin Quad Flat Pack, a through-hole package suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial environments. The device operates over the industrial temperature range, ensuring reliability in harsh conditions. Furthermore, its low static power consumption makes it an excellent choice for power-sensitive and battery-operated applications, as it does not suffer from the high leakage currents typical of SRAM-based FPGAs.

In summary, the Microchip A3PE3000-PQG208I is a powerful and versatile FPGA solution. Its combination of a high-density gate array, embedded RAM, advanced clock management, and secure, instant-on flash technology provides a compelling alternative for designers seeking reliability, security, and low power in their embedded systems.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip A3PE3000-PQG208I is a high-density, flash-based FPGA that stands out for its inherent security features, low power consumption, and instant-on capability, making it a superior choice for secure and reliability-critical applications across numerous industries.

Keywords:

1. Flash-Based FPGA

2. Non-Volatile

3. Low Power Consumption

4. Inherent Security

5. ProASIC3E