The XC1736EPD8C is a high-reliability one-time programmable (OTP) serial configuration PROM manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This 36Kbit configuration memory IC is specifically designed to store and deliver configuration bitstreams to Xilinx FPGA devices, making it an essential component for embedded systems, industrial control, and telecommunications applications.
XC1736EPD8C Overview and Key Features
The XC1736EPD8C belongs to the XC1700E family of configuration PROMs, offering a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for FPGA configuration storage. This device utilizes low-power CMOS floating-gate technology, ensuring reliable data retention and minimal power consumption during operation.
Primary Features of XC1736EPD8C
The XC1736EPD8C configuration PROM delivers several important capabilities for hardware designers:
- One-time programmable (OTP) read-only memory optimized for Xilinx FPGA bitstream storage
- Simple FPGA interface requiring only one user I/O pin
- Cascadable architecture for storing longer or multiple bitstreams
- Programmable reset polarity (active High or active Low) for flexible FPGA compatibility
- Low-power CMOS floating-gate process technology
- Guaranteed 20-year data retention
- Commercial temperature range operation (0°C to +70°C)
XC1736EPD8C Technical Specifications
Understanding the complete specifications helps engineers integrate this component effectively into their designs.
Memory and Electrical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC1736EPD8C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Memory Type |
Serial Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density |
36,288 bits (36Kbit) |
| Memory Organization |
36288 x 1 |
| Technology |
CMOS OTP Floating-Gate |
| Data Retention |
20 years guaranteed |
Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
4.75 |
5.0 |
5.25 |
V |
| Operating Temperature |
0 |
– |
+70 |
°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-65 |
– |
+150 |
°C |
| Active Supply Current (ICCA) |
– |
– |
10 |
mA |
| Standby Supply Current (ICCS) |
– |
– |
50 |
µA |
DC Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Symbol |
Min |
Max |
Unit |
| High-Level Input Voltage |
VIH |
2.0 |
VCC |
V |
| Low-Level Input Voltage |
VIL |
0 |
0.8 |
V |
| High-Level Output Voltage |
VOH |
3.86 |
– |
V |
| Low-Level Output Voltage |
VOL |
– |
0.32 |
V |
| Input/Output Leakage Current |
IL |
-10 |
10 |
µA |
| Input Capacitance |
CIN |
– |
10 |
pF |
| Output Capacitance |
COUT |
– |
10 |
pF |
AC Timing Specifications
| Parameter |
Symbol |
Min |
Max |
Unit |
| OE to Data Delay |
TOE |
– |
45 |
ns |
| CE to Data Delay |
TCE |
– |
60 |
ns |
| CLK to Data Delay |
TCAC |
– |
80 |
ns |
| Clock Period |
TCYC |
100 |
– |
ns |
| Clock Low Time |
TLC |
50 |
– |
ns |
| Clock High Time |
THC |
50 |
– |
ns |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
– |
– |
10 |
MHz |
XC1736EPD8C Package Information
The XC1736EPD8C comes in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), offering easy through-hole mounting and straightforward PCB integration.
Package Details
| Specification |
Value |
| Package Type |
8-Pin PDIP |
| Package Code |
PD8 |
| Mounting Type |
Through-Hole |
| Lead-Free Option |
Available (PDG8 variant) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Available |
Pin Configuration and Pinout
| Pin Number |
Pin Name |
Function |
| 1 |
DATA |
Serial data output (3-stated when CE or OE inactive) |
| 2 |
CLK |
Clock input (rising edge increments address counter) |
| 3 |
RESET/OE |
Reset/Output Enable (programmable polarity) |
| 4 |
CE |
Chip Enable (active Low) |
| 5 |
GND |
Ground |
| 6 |
CEO |
Chip Enable Output (for daisy-chaining) |
| 7 |
VPP |
Programming voltage (connect to VCC for normal operation) |
| 8 |
VCC |
Positive power supply (+5V) |
FPGA Compatibility and Applications
The XC1736EPD8C is designed to work seamlessly with various Xilinx FPGA families in Master Serial configuration mode.
Compatible FPGA Families
The XC1736EPD8C configuration PROM supports bitstream storage for:
- Xilinx XC3000 series FPGAs
- Xilinx XC4000E series (smaller devices)
- Xilinx Spartan series (smaller configurations)
- Legacy Xilinx FPGA designs
Typical Application Areas
This configuration PROM finds application in numerous electronic systems:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- Medical device instrumentation
- Aerospace and defense electronics
- Consumer electronics with FPGA-based processing
- Test and measurement equipment
- Network infrastructure devices
Design Considerations for XC1736EPD8C
Master Serial Mode Configuration
When using the XC1736EPD8C with FPGAs in Master Serial mode, the FPGA generates a configuration clock that drives the PROM. After a short access time following the rising clock edge, data appears on the PROM DATA output pin connected to the FPGA DIN pin. The FPGA generates the appropriate number of clock pulses to complete configuration.
Cascading Multiple PROMs
For applications requiring larger configuration storage, multiple XC1736EPD8C devices can be cascaded using the CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin. This output connects to the CE input of the following device, enabling automatic sequential data output across multiple PROMs.
Important Design Notes
| Consideration |
Recommendation |
| VPP Connection |
Always connect VPP to VCC for normal read operation |
| Reset Polarity |
Configure to match FPGA INIT pin for reliable operation |
| Standby Mode |
Assert CE High to enter low-power standby mode |
| Data Pin |
Connect FPGA pull-up if DIN pin not used during operation |
Ordering Information and Variants
Available Part Number Variants
| Part Number |
Description |
| XC1736EPD8C |
8-Pin PDIP, Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
| XC1736EPDG8C |
8-Pin PDIP, Commercial, Pb-Free |
| XC1736EPD8I |
8-Pin PDIP, Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) |
| XC1736ESO8C |
8-Pin SOIC, Commercial |
| XC1736ESOG8C |
8-Pin SOIC, Commercial, Pb-Free |
| XC1736EVO8C |
8-Pin VOIC, Commercial |
| XC1736EVOG8C |
8-Pin VOIC, Commercial, Pb-Free |
| XC1736EPC20C |
20-Pin PLCC, Commercial |
Related Configuration PROM Products
For designs requiring different memory capacities, consider these alternatives from the XC1700E family:
| Part Number |
Memory Capacity |
Package Options |
| XC1765E |
65,536 bits |
PDIP8, SOIC8, PLCC20 |
| XC17128E |
131,072 bits |
PDIP8, SOIC8, PLCC20 |
| XC17256E |
262,144 bits |
PDIP8, SOIC8, PLCC20 |
| XC1701 |
1,048,576 bits |
PDIP8, PLCC20, SOIC20 |
Conclusion
The XC1736EPD8C serial configuration PROM provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for storing Xilinx FPGA configuration bitstreams. With its simple interface, low power consumption, and guaranteed 20-year data retention, this device remains a trusted choice for industrial and commercial FPGA-based designs. The 8-pin PDIP package offers straightforward PCB integration, while the cascadable architecture provides flexibility for larger configuration requirements.
For comprehensive FPGA solutions and related components, explore the complete range of configuration memory products designed to meet your embedded system requirements.
