Xilinx Spartan 3A availability - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 03:13:53 am
content: Anyone know what is going on with Spartan 3A avaiability? I use a lot of XC3S50A and XC3S50AN in the 144-pin TQFP package, commercial temp range.They seem to be all out of stock at the usual distributors (Digi-key and Avnet.)Thanks,Jon

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 03:35:44 am
content: The silicon apocalypse that is going on right now? Nothing is available anywhere. Nothing anyone can do, but wait.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 04:05:24 am
content: Yup, I gather, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense what is available, and what isn't. The usual distributors used to have huge amounts of these parts in stock, now they have essentially nothing on the shelves.Jon

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 04:11:52 am
content: That is because everyone who was buying them slowly over time now went and bought a year of supply just in case, so things rapidly disappeared. IC version of a toilet paper situation last year.

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 06:36:03 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on September 04, 2021, 04:11:52 amYes.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 01:33:51 am
content: Well, some Hong Kong brokers want almost $40 each for these. Problem is, I have some 60 blank boards already fabricated.And, I used to get these FPGAs for about $11 each.Jon

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 02:26:25 am
content: This is a problem. Entire car companies are shut down for the same reason. You can either pay unreasonable prices (and potentially get questionable product), or just wait. It sucks, but there is really no other way. If Xilinx had those ICs, they would be more than happy to sell them to you.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 03:16:45 am
content: Quote from: jmelson on September 04, 2021, 03:13:53 amYou can try to buy from Avnet Europe, just a few dozen lefthttps://www.avnet.com/shop/emea/products/xilinx/xc3s50a-4tq144c-3074457345629691791/Surprisingly, 144 TQFP packages cost and lead time almost double compare BGA!

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 04:06:55 am
content: But that's still ~$35 for the slowest speed grade. Not ideal, but better than nothing. Probably better than some random Chinese supplier.

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 04:13:06 am
content: Avnet has most weirdest pricing strategy,it's not uncommon to buy same components from another origin for 2-3x times less $

author: NorthGuy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 03:30:27 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on September 04, 2021, 03:35:44 amThat's certainly true. But nobody knows how long is the wait, and there's no guarantee that new Spartan 3A are ever produced again.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 04:31:31 pm
content: jlcpcb claims 117 in stock, but I don't know if you can get them without getting a board assembledhttps://jlcpcb.com/parts/componentSearch?isSearch=true&searchTxt=XC3S50AN-4TQG144C

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 04:42:47 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on September 07, 2021, 04:31:31 pmIn the description it says "Source: LCSC". Yet LCSC does not even have this item listed. But all other packages for this FPGA are all out of stock.This looks like some accounting issue.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2021, 07:24:30 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on September 07, 2021, 04:42:47 pmI don't know, afaiu while jlcpcb source from lcsc they are at different locations, so they could have gotten them throughLCSC even though they don't have any listed

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 02:50:54 pm
content: I got a quote from Infinty Electronics from Hong Kong at a price one third of the Digi-Key price. They guarantee "new and original" but I'm a bit leery. Has anyone dealt with this outfit? They have a $500 minimum order, so I'd need to buy 140 pieces. If they are really new and this outfit is reputable, that would be great, but I'm kind of worried about sending $500 to some foreign outfit.Thanks in advance for any suggestions.Jon

author: up8051
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 03:36:31 pm
content: Big risk:https://www.supplierblacklist.com/2021/03/08/infinity-electronic-3/

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 05:27:35 pm
content: Quote from: up8051 on September 08, 2021, 03:36:31 pmThanks for finding that. I would never do such a deal without paying by credit card and the possibility of a chargeback. While the company name seems to have changed to infinity electronics, "Jack" and the address are the same.So, thanks,I'll avoid them. Looks like I might have to wait for December to get these parts. hope my stock of finished boards holds out. Digi-Key will backorder at $11.20,all the brokers want $30 - 60 each.Jon

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2021, 06:56:56 pm
content: Quote from: jmelson on September 08, 2021, 05:27:35 pmdid you try talking to jlcpcb? they claim 71 in stock (yesterday it was 117)

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2021, 04:02:04 pm
content: Well, looks like Digi-Key got their shipment earlier than expected. Should be able to ship in a couple days.There are still some parts I need that are scheduled for next MAY!Jon

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2021, 12:21:49 am
content: Quote from: jmelson on September 22, 2021, 04:02:04 pmNo, you DUMMY (that's me) the parts are due in on 9/22/**2022**, not THIS year!52 weeks lead time!Well, I placed an order, so I have gotten in line!Jon

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2021, 09:35:06 pm
content: Anyone done business with Touchstone Systems in Melbourne, FL? They want $16.56 each for 30 pieces.Digi-key will sell for $11, but they apparently won't have them until NEXT September. I'm trying to register with Supplierblacklist, but having password setup issues. Thanks, up8051 for that link!Jon