The XC17S40PC is a high-reliability one-time programmable (OTP) configuration PROM manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This 40Kbit serial configuration memory is specifically designed to store and deliver configuration bitstreams for Xilinx FPGA devices in the Spartan family. With its compact 20-pin PLCC package and robust 5V operation, the XC17S40PC provides engineers with a cost-effective solution for FPGA configuration storage.
XC17S40PC Key Features and Benefits
The XC17S40PC configuration PROM offers several advantages that make it ideal for embedded system designs and industrial applications.
Guaranteed Data Retention
This OTP PROM delivers guaranteed 20-year data retention, ensuring your FPGA configuration remains intact throughout the entire product lifecycle. Unlike volatile memory solutions, the XC17S40PC maintains stored bitstreams even during extended power-off periods.
Simple FPGA Interface
The XC17S40PC requires only one user I/O pin for interfacing with compatible Spartan FPGAs. This streamlined connection reduces PCB complexity and frees valuable I/O resources for your application.
Programmable Reset Polarity
Engineers can configure the reset polarity as either active-High or active-Low, providing flexibility to match different system requirements and FPGA configurations.
XC17S40PC Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Part Number |
XC17S40PC |
| Memory Type |
OTP Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density |
40 Kbit (40,960 bits) |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
5V |
| Package Type |
20-Pin PLCC |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
| Data Retention |
20 Years Minimum |
| Interface |
Serial Configuration |
| Configuration Mode |
Master Serial / Slave Serial |
XC17S40PC Package Information
| Specification |
Detail |
| Package Code |
PC (PLCC) |
| Pin Count |
20 Pins |
| Package Style |
Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD) |
| Lead Pitch |
1.27mm |
| RoHS Status |
Available in RoHS Compliant Versions |
Compatible Xilinx FPGA Devices
The XC17S40PC is specifically designed to configure Xilinx Spartan and Spartan-XL family FPGAs. Its 40Kbit capacity supports configuration requirements for smaller Spartan devices.
Supported Configuration Modes
| Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA generates configuration clock; PROM outputs data synchronously |
| Slave Serial |
External clock source drives both PROM and FPGA |
| Daisy Chain |
Multiple PROMs can be cascaded using CEO/CE connections |
XC17S40PC Pin Configuration
| Pin Name |
Pin Number |
Function Description |
| DATA |
1 |
Serial data output to FPGA DIN pin |
| CLK |
8 |
Clock input from FPGA CCLK |
| CE |
15 |
Chip Enable (active Low) |
| CEO |
14 |
Chip Enable Output for daisy chain |
| RESET/OE |
9 |
Reset or Output Enable input |
| VCC |
4, 16 |
5V Power Supply |
| GND |
6, 12 |
Ground Connection |
XC17S40PC Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
4.75 |
5.0 |
5.25 |
V |
| Input High Voltage (VIH) |
2.0 |
– |
VCC+0.5 |
V |
| Input Low Voltage (VIL) |
-0.5 |
– |
0.8 |
V |
| Output High Voltage (VOH) |
2.4 |
– |
– |
V |
| Output Low Voltage (VOL) |
– |
– |
0.4 |
V |
| Clock Frequency (FCLK) |
– |
– |
10 |
MHz |
| Access Time (tACC) |
– |
– |
100 |
ns |
XC17S40PC Applications
The XC17S40PC configuration PROM serves numerous industrial and commercial applications where reliable FPGA configuration storage is essential.
Industrial Control Systems
Manufacturing equipment and process control systems benefit from the XC17S40PC’s robust data retention and 5V compatibility with legacy industrial interfaces.
Telecommunications Equipment
Network infrastructure devices utilize this PROM for reliable FPGA boot sequences in carrier-grade equipment requiring high availability.
Embedded Systems Design
Consumer electronics and embedded platforms leverage the compact PLCC package for space-constrained PCB layouts.
Prototyping and Development
Engineers frequently select the XC17S40PC for development boards and prototyping platforms due to its straightforward programming requirements.
How to Program XC17S40PC
Programming the XC17S40PC requires compatible PROM programming hardware and Xilinx development software.
Programming Requirements
| Requirement |
Specification |
| Software |
Xilinx ISE Foundation / ISE WebPACK |
| File Format |
Standard HEX / MCS Format |
| Programming Voltage (VPP) |
12.75V |
| Programmer Support |
Third-party PROM programmers |
Programming Workflow
First, compile your FPGA design using Xilinx ISE software to generate the configuration bitstream. Next, convert the bitstream to HEX format using the built-in tools. Finally, transfer the HEX file to your PROM programmer and program the XC17S40PC device.
XC17S40PC Part Number Decoder
Understanding the Xilinx part numbering system helps identify device specifications at a glance.
| Segment |
Value |
Meaning |
| XC17 |
Series |
Configuration PROM Family |
| S |
Variant |
Spartan-compatible |
| 40 |
Density |
40 Kbit capacity |
| P |
Package |
PLCC Package |
| C |
Temperature |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
Related Part Numbers
| Part Number |
Density |
Package |
Temperature |
| XC17S40PC |
40Kbit |
20-PLCC |
Commercial |
| XC17S40PI |
40Kbit |
20-PLCC |
Industrial |
| XC17S40PD8C |
40Kbit |
8-DIP |
Commercial |
| XC17S40PD8I |
40Kbit |
8-DIP |
Industrial |
XC17S40PC Design Considerations
PCB Layout Guidelines
Proper PCB design ensures reliable XC17S40PC operation. Place decoupling capacitors (0.1µF ceramic) close to VCC pins. Additionally, maintain short trace lengths between the PROM DATA output and FPGA DIN input for signal integrity.
Power Supply Requirements
The XC17S40PC requires clean 5V power with monotonic rise from 0V to nominal voltage during power-up. Meeting this requirement ensures proper power-on-reset behavior.
Configuration Timing
When using Master Serial mode, the FPGA generates the configuration clock. The XC17S40PC outputs data synchronized to this clock, with data appearing shortly after each rising clock edge.
Why Choose XC17S40PC for Your Design
The XC17S40PC delivers proven reliability backed by Xilinx’s extensive FPGA ecosystem. Its 20-year data retention guarantee, simple interface requirements, and industry-standard PLCC package make it an excellent choice for designs requiring dependable FPGA configuration storage.
Whether you’re developing industrial control systems, telecommunications equipment, or embedded platforms, the XC17S40PC provides the configuration storage solution your Spartan FPGA design needs.
