A New Solution for Discontinued Chips: Phoenix Semiconductor Recreates the XCF Platform Flash PROM
Semiconductor obsolescence isn’t just a supply issue—it’s a program risk.
When a critical component reaches end-of-life, OEMs are forced into high-stakes decisions: invest heavily in a last-time buy, or absorb the cost and delay of a full redesign. For many FPGA-based systems, that risk became real when the Xilinx XCF Platform Flash PROM received a Product Discontinuation Notice (PDN) in May 2021—with no compatible replacement available.
Now, Phoenix Semiconductor is offering a third path: a recreated, drop-in replacement that keeps systems running—without redesign.
The Quiet Workhorse Behind FPGA Systems
First introduced in June 2016, the XCF Platform Flash PROM became a widely adopted solution for storing and delivering configuration data to Xilinx FPGAs at system startup.
It’s a small component with an outsized role. If the PROM fails—or disappears—the FPGA doesn’t boot. The system doesn’t start.
That’s why these devices are deeply embedded across a massive installed base, including:
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Aerospace and defense platforms
- Embedded compute and edge systems
- Long-life infrastructure equipment
In many of these applications, the PROM is not easily replaceable—making obsolescence a serious operational threat.
The OEM Dilemma: Pay Now or Pay More Later
When the XCF PROM was discontinued, OEMs were left with three familiar—but painful—options:
- Last-Time Buy (LTB)
Secure years (or decades) of inventory upfront.
- Requires near-perfect demand forecasting
- Ties up millions in working capital
- Introduces long-term inventory risk
- Purchase from a Broker
Another option is to purchase obsolete components from a 3rd party broker or authorized reseller. These are resellers that purchase parts on speculation, that there will be future demand.
This introduces its own risks to obsolescence management in price volatility which can vary wildly and if not purchasing from an authorized reseller companies can run the risk of counterfeits chips or devices that have been tampered with.
- Redesign the System
Replace the component entirely.
- Can cost $5M+
- Often takes up to 5 years
- Triggers requalification and recertification cycles
For regulated industries—defense, aerospace, medical—those certification cycles alone can derail timelines and budgets.
A Better Option: Chip Recreation
Phoenix Semiconductor has developed a proprietary chip recreation process that enables discontinued components to be rebuilt without original wafers, new silicon, or a fabrication facility.
The result: functionally equivalent, drop-in replacements designed to extend the life of existing platforms.
The XCF32P/16P/08P/04S/02S/01S Platform FLASH ROM is Phoenix’s first flagship recreated device, developed at the request of one of the largest defense contractors, for a program-of-record customer that needed a long-term, reliable supply of this exact component.
Built for Compatibility—and Continuity
The Phoenix XCF32P/16P/08P/04S/02S/01S Platform FLASH ROM preserves the architecture and functionality required for FPGA configuration systems, including:
- 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 Mb non-volatile flash
- Serial (x1) or parallel (x8) configuration modes
- Up to four independent configuration images
- JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) in-system programmability
- Multi-device cascading support
- Selectable internal or external clock
- >20 years data retention
- Industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +85 °C)
This enables seamless drop-in replacement for legacy XCF PROM deployments—no redesign required.
Qualification, Certification—and Trust
For many OEMs, especially in regulated markets, technical compatibility is only part of the equation.
Phoenix addresses this with:
- Third-party qualification and certification support
Depending on customer requirements, Phoenix devices can be qualified and certified through independent test labs to standards such as:
- MIL-PRF-38535 / MIL-STD-883 (defense)
- DO-254 / DO-160 (avionics)
- ISO 13485 / IEC 60601 (medical)
- Secure, transparent supply chain
Devices are produced in the United States through qualified manufacturing partners, with full provenance tracking to ensure authenticity, traceability, and trust.
This combination helps OEMs not only replace parts—but do so with confidence in compliance, reliability, and supply integrity.
Available Now—No Custom Engagement Required
Unlike many obsolescence solutions, Phoenix has already brought the recreated XCF PROM to market.
The XCF32P/16P/08P/04S/02S/01S family is available now through Avnet, providing immediate access to supply without:
- Long lead-time custom builds
- Risky secondary market sourcing
- Excessive inventory commitments
Rethinking Obsolescence in the Semiconductor Supply Chain
The discontinuation of widely deployed components like the XCF Platform Flash PROM highlights a growing reality: legacy chips are disappearing faster than the systems that depend on them.
For OEMs, the traditional playbook—last-time buys or redesigns—is increasingly unsustainable.
Phoenix Semiconductor, based in Austin, Texas, is challenging that model by making chip recreation a viable third option—one that reduces cost, preserves designs, and stabilizes supply chains.
With the recreated XCF Platform Flash PROM, Phoenix isn’t just replacing a chip.
It’s redefining how the industry responds to obsolescence.
Explore our entire catalog of recreated chips here, or reach out to us directly to see if we can recreate a legacy chip for your platform.