Quick Summary for Buyers
ProASIC3E FPGA sourcing usually comes down to one thing: matching the exact ordering code, because the A3PE family spans several capacities, two temperature grades, leaded and Pb-free finishes, and more than one package. ZZX Electronics currently stocks a range of A3PE600, A3PE1500, A3PE3000 and low-power A3PE3000L devices in original sealed Microchip packaging. These are legacy 130 nm flash FPGAs whose long-term availability is uncertain, so the practical questions for a buyer are which exact code is in stock, what date code and packaging it carries, and how to confirm it is authentic. This guide answers those questions and lists every A3PE ordering code we hold.
What Is the ProASIC3E (A3PE) Family?
The ProASIC3E (A3PE) family is a line of flash-based, non-volatile FPGAs originally developed by Actel, later part of Microsemi, and now owned by Microchip Technology. Being flash-based, these devices retain their configuration on power-down and are single-chip, instant-on solutions. The family is built on a 130 nm CMOS process and includes the Flash*Freeze low-power mode. The “E” denotes the enhanced members of the ProASIC3 line, which offer larger logic capacity and higher I/O counts.
Within the family, the numeric code indicates approximate logic capacity: A3PE600 (~600K system gates), A3PE1500 (~1.5M), and A3PE3000 / A3PE3000L (~3M). An “L” suffix marks the low-power members, which run from a 1.2 V core. The remaining characters in the ordering code describe speed grade, package, ball or pin count, and temperature grade.
A worked example of how to read an ordering code:
A3PE3000L-1FG484I A3PE = ProASIC3E family 3000 = ~3M system gates (capacity tier) L = low-power member (1.2 V core) -1 = speed grade (“Std” when no digit is present) FG = FBGA package (FGG = RoHS Green / Pb-free variant) 484 = ball count I = Industrial temperature (M = Military)
In-Stock A3PE Variants at ZZX Electronics
The table below lists the 21 A3PE ordering codes ZZX currently holds, with the package, temperature grade, finish, speed grade, on-hand quantity, and date code for each. Each part number links to its product page, where you can request a quote, current pricing, and inspection photos. Quantities and date codes are accurate as of publication and change as stock moves.
| Part Number | Package | I/O–Ball Count | Temperature Grade | Finish | Speed | In Stock (pcs) | Date Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A3PE1500-1FGG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 180 | 2315 |
| A3PE1500-1FGG676I | FBGA | 676 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 32 | 2104 |
| A3PE1500-1PQG208I | PQFP | 208 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 120 | 2118 |
| A3PE1500-FGG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 120 | 2321 |
| A3PE1500-PQG208I | PQFP | 208 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 120 | 2126 |
| A3PE3000-FGG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 4 | 1926 |
| A3PE3000L-1FG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Standard | -1 | 121 | 2050 |
| A3PE3000L-1FG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Standard | -1 | 360 | 2042 |
| A3PE3000L-1FGG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 176 | 2132 |
| A3PE3000L-1FGG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 113 | 2131 |
| A3PE3000L-1FGG896I | FBGA | 896 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 135 | 2049 |
| A3PE3000L-1FGG896M | FBGA | 896 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Pb-free (Green) | -1 | 135 | 2101 |
| A3PE3000L-FG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Standard | Std | 185 | 2022 |
| A3PE3000L-FG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Standard | Std | 360 | 2133 |
| A3PE3000L-FGG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 160 | 1701 |
| A3PE3000L-FGG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 204 | 2142 |
| A3PE600-1FG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Standard | -1 | 360 | 2137 |
| A3PE600-FG484I | FBGA | 484 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Standard | Std | 240 | 2125 |
| A3PE600-PQ208I | PQFP | 208 | Industrial (−40…+85°C) | Standard | Std | 18 | 1121 |
| A3PE600L-FG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Standard | Std | 600 | 2143 |
| A3PE600L-FGG484M | FBGA | 484 | Military (−55…+125°C) | Pb-free (Green) | Std | 21 | 2029 |
Choosing the Right A3PE Variant
Several axes in the A3PE ordering code change the part in ways that matter to a buyer:
- Capacity (600 / 1500 / 3000) sets the available logic and I/O. A larger device is not interchangeable with a smaller one for a fitted design.
- Temperature grade — Industrial (I, −40…+85 °C) versus Military (M, −55…+125 °C). A design qualified to the military range cannot be served by an industrial part, and vice versa.
- Finish — the additional “G” (for example FGG versus FG, or PQG versus PQ) denotes a RoHS-compliant Green / Pb-free package, which affects RoHS compliance and the reflow profile.
- Package — FBGA versus PQFP changes the board footprint and assembly process.
- Speed grade — Std versus −1 affects timing margin.
Because these axes affect form, fit, and qualification, buyers should source the exact ordering code their bill of materials or qualification specifies, rather than a near neighbor. ZZX can confirm which exact codes are in stock and supply documentation for each.
Lifecycle Considerations
The ProASIC3 and ProASIC PLUS generations of flash FPGAs have been affected by manufacturing transitions announced by Microchip over the years. Selected ordering codes within these families have been moved to discontinued or end-of-life status, while others remain available through various channels. The specific lifecycle status of any individual A3PE ordering code can change and should be verified with Microchip or authorized distributors before a sourcing decision.
In practice this means long-term availability of legacy A3PE parts is uncertain, and buyers planning multi-year production should treat current stock as a finite resource and confirm status directly with the manufacturer.
Current ProASIC3E FPGA Sourcing Challenges
Legacy 130 nm flash FPGAs like the A3PE family are increasingly scarce through authorized channels, which pushes buyers into the broker market. That market carries real risks: refurbished or remarked devices, inconsistent lots and date codes pooled from multiple sources, and limited stock depth that disappears quickly. Reliable ProASIC3E FPGA sourcing therefore depends less on finding “a” part and more on confirming the exact code, verifying the lot and date code, and inspecting packaging before committing.
Verifying A3PE Authenticity
Authenticity verification for the A3PE family has a few family-specific points worth checking before you buy:
- On FBGA packages (484, 676, 896-ball), inspect the ball-array geometry and coplanarity, and look for any signs of reballing or rework.
- On PQFP packages, check lead coplanarity and look for evidence of re-tinning or re-forming of the leads.
- Read the date code as a four-digit YYWW value (for example 2133 = 2021, week 33) and confirm it is consistent with the packaging and label.
- Expect legacy branding to vary: depending on the date code, A3PE parts may carry Actel, Microsemi, or Microchip markings. That progression is normal for this family and is not by itself a red flag.
These checks are specific to the A3PE family. For the full step-by-step authentication process that applies to any obsolete IC, see our guide: how to verify authenticity of obsolete ICs.
Procurement Notes for the A3PE Family
A3PE devices show up in industrial control, aerospace and defense, communications infrastructure, and long-lifecycle medical and enterprise systems. For a short-term repair or last-time build, the priority is usually verified authenticity and immediate availability. For a longer program, the priority shifts toward securing sufficient quantity from a consistent lot and documenting traceability, given the uncertain long-term supply of these parts.
For a full framework on weighing short-term repair needs against long-term program risk, see our guide: procurement strategies for obsolete components.
A Note on Engineering Migration
For long-term designs, customers may need to evaluate newer FPGA families based on official manufacturer documentation. ZZX Electronics does not provide engineering migration certification. Any replacement, redesign, or qualification decision should be verified by the customer’s engineering team. Please refer to the manufacturer’s official lifecycle and migration documentation for technical guidance.
How ZZX Electronics Can Support Your A3PE Sourcing
ZZX Electronics is an independent distributor focused on obsolete and hard-to-find components. For the ProASIC3E family we can help with the following, drawing on our FPGA inventory and direct handling of these Microchip FPGAs:
- Hard-to-find A3PE sourcing and stock availability checks across all in-stock ordering codes
- Inventory verification with photos, lot and date-code traceability
- Original sealed-packaging confirmation and inspection photos on request
- Sample-order coordination and documentation support (COC / COA / inspection reports)
- Procurement risk consultation for legacy programs
To move forward you can: (1) request a stock availability check for a specific A3PE ordering code, (2) request inspection photos for a part you are evaluating, or (3) request a sample for evaluation.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer. This article is based on publicly available manufacturer documentation and ZZX Electronics’ sourcing experience. It does not constitute engineering certification or a guarantee of component compatibility. ZZX Electronics serves as an independent sourcing partner for obsolete and hard-to-find components. We do not certify replacements on behalf of original component manufacturers. Any decisions regarding component selection, redesign, migration, or qualification must be made and verified by the customer’s engineering team under their specific application conditions. Inventory quantities, lot codes, and date codes referenced in this article reflect verified information at the time of publication and are subject to change.
