Overview of the XC3142A-3PQG100C FPGA
The XC3142A-3PQG100C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD (formerly Xilinx), designed to deliver exceptional flexibility and processing power for digital circuit applications. This versatile FPGA belongs to the renowned XC3000A family and offers engineers a reliable solution for implementing complex logic designs in various industrial, telecommunications, and embedded system applications.
As part of the legacy Xilinx FPGA product line, the XC3142A-3PQG100C combines proven architecture with robust performance characteristics, making it an excellent choice for systems requiring programmable logic solutions. This FPGA features a 100-pin BQFP (Bumpered Quad Flat Package) configuration, providing an optimal balance between I/O capability and board space utilization.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Architecture Features
The XC3142A-3PQG100C FPGA delivers impressive computational capabilities through its advanced architecture:
| Specification |
Value |
| Product Family |
XC3000A Series |
| Logic Gates |
3,000 gates equivalent |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
144 cells |
| I/O Blocks (IOBs) |
82 user-programmable I/Os |
| Package Type |
100-BQFP (Quad Flat Pack) |
| Operating Voltage |
5V nominal |
| Speed Grade |
-3 (Commercial grade) |
| Temperature Range |
0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
Package and Pin Configuration
| Package Details |
Specifications |
| Package Format |
100-BQFP (Bumpered Quad Flat Package) |
| Pin Count |
100 pins |
| Package Dimensions |
Standard BQFP-100 footprint |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Lead Pitch |
0.5mm (fine pitch) |
Performance Characteristics
Logic Capacity and Configuration
The XC3142A-3PQG100C provides substantial logic capacity for mid-range applications:
- 30,784 configuration bits for storing custom logic designs
- 144 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) arranged in a flexible array architecture
- 82 I/O Blocks (IOBs) positioned around the chip perimeter for optimal signal routing
- Flexible interconnection resources enabling complex routing between logic blocks
Speed and Timing Parameters
| Performance Metric |
Specification |
| Speed Grade |
-3 (moderate speed) |
| Clock Frequency |
Up to 40 MHz typical |
| Propagation Delay |
Optimized for commercial applications |
| Setup/Hold Times |
Industry-standard timing margins |
Architecture and Design Capabilities
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XC3142A-3PQG100C features a regular, extensible architecture comprising:
- Core array of 144 CLBs for implementing combinatorial and sequential logic
- Each CLB contains flip-flops, function generators, and multiplexers
- Flexible configuration enables implementation of counters, shift registers, and complex state machines
- Support for both synchronous and asynchronous logic designs
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs)
The 82 user-programmable I/O blocks provide:
- Configurable input/output capabilities with programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors
- TTL-compatible input and output voltage levels
- Programmable output slew rate control to minimize EMI
- Tri-state capability for bus interfacing applications
- Direct register input and output for improved timing performance
Configuration and Programming
The FPGA’s configuration system offers multiple programming options:
| Configuration Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial Mode |
FPGA controls configuration sequence |
| Slave Serial Mode |
External controller manages configuration |
| Master Parallel Mode |
Parallel byte-wide configuration |
| Slave Parallel Mode |
Host processor-driven configuration |
| Peripheral Mode |
Microprocessor interface configuration |
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Automation Systems
The XC3142A-3PQG100C excels in industrial control applications:
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control systems
- Sensor interface circuits
- Process monitoring and control systems
- Industrial networking protocols
Telecommunications Equipment
Ideal for telecommunications infrastructure:
- Digital signal processing applications
- Protocol conversion circuits
- Line card implementations
- Time-division multiplexing systems
- Network switching equipment
Embedded System Development
Perfect for embedded system designs:
- Custom peripheral interfaces
- State machine implementations
- Real-time control systems
- Data acquisition systems
- Test and measurement equipment
Development and Design Support
Design Tools Compatibility
| Tool/Software |
Support Level |
| Xilinx ISE |
Full support (legacy) |
| Schematic Capture |
Complete design entry |
| VHDL/Verilog |
HDL synthesis support |
| Place and Route |
Automatic optimization |
| Simulation Tools |
Logic and timing simulation |
Programming and Configuration
The XC3142A-3PQG100C supports various configuration methods:
- Serial PROM configuration using XC17XX series configuration devices
- JTAG boundary scan for in-system programming and testing
- Microprocessor interface for dynamic reconfiguration
- Non-volatile configuration storage options via external memory devices
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
| Quality Metric |
Specification |
| RoHS Compliance |
RoHS compliant version available |
| Moisture Sensitivity |
MSL Level 3 |
| Operating Life |
>25 years MTBF |
| Manufacturing Process |
Proven CMOS technology |
| Quality Grade |
Commercial grade |
Environmental Specifications
- Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to +70°C
- Storage Temperature Range: -65°C to +150°C
- ESD Protection: Human Body Model (HBM) compliant
- Latch-up Immunity: >200mA per JEDEC standard
Ordering and Package Information
Part Number Breakdown
XC3142A-3PQ100C decoding:
- XC3142A: Device family and logic capacity (3000A series, 142 CLBs)
- -3: Speed grade (commercial performance)
- PQ: Package type code (Plastic Quad Flat Pack)
- 100: Pin count (100 pins)
- C: Commercial temperature range
Available Variants
| Part Number |
Temperature |
Speed |
Package |
| XC3142A-3PQ100C |
Commercial (0-70°C) |
-3 |
100-BQFP |
| XC3142A-3PQ100I |
Industrial (-40-85°C) |
-3 |
100-BQFP |
| XC3142A-4PQ100C |
Commercial (0-70°C) |
-4 |
100-BQFP |
| XC3142A-5PQ100C |
Commercial (0-70°C) |
-5 |
100-BQFP |
Advantages of the XC3142A-3PQG100C
Design Flexibility
- User-programmable architecture allows unlimited design iterations
- In-system reprogrammability supports field upgrades
- No NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs for design changes
- Rapid prototyping capability accelerates development cycles
Cost-Effectiveness
- Single-chip solution reduces BOM costs
- Eliminates need for multiple discrete logic components
- Lower power consumption compared to equivalent discrete implementations
- Proven reliability reduces warranty and support costs
Integration Benefits
- Reduces board space compared to discrete logic solutions
- Simplifies PCB routing with consolidated I/O
- Minimizes signal integrity issues through integrated design
- Improves system reliability with fewer interconnections
Power Consumption Characteristics
| Power Parameter |
Typical Value |
Maximum Value |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
5.0V |
5.25V |
| Quiescent Current |
5mA |
10mA |
| Dynamic Power |
Design dependent |
Varies |
| Standby Power |
<1mW |
2mW |
Design Considerations
Best Practices for Implementation
When designing with the XC3142A-3PQG100C, consider:
- Power Supply Decoupling: Use multiple 0.1µF capacitors near each power pin
- Signal Integrity: Maintain controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- Thermal Management: Ensure adequate airflow for reliable operation
- Configuration Storage: Select appropriate configuration memory (PROM/Flash)
- I/O Standards: Match voltage levels with connected devices
Common Applications Tips
- Implement proper clock distribution for synchronous designs
- Use registered I/Os to improve timing margins
- Consider using internal pull-ups/pull-downs to reduce external components
- Partition large designs into manageable functional blocks
- Utilize simulation tools to verify functionality before programming
Comparison with Modern FPGAs
While the XC3142A-3PQG100C is a mature product, it continues to serve applications requiring:
| Legacy Advantage |
Modern Equivalent |
| 5V I/O compatibility |
Newer devices often require level shifters |
| Simple configuration |
Modern FPGAs have complex boot sequences |
| Proven reliability |
Long-term availability for legacy support |
| Lower complexity |
Easier learning curve for basic applications |
| Cost-effective |
Competitive for low-gate-count needs |
Support and Resources
Documentation Available
- Comprehensive datasheet with electrical specifications
- Application notes for common design patterns
- Reference designs and example projects
- Programming guides and configuration instructions
- Errata documents for known issues
Technical Support
Engineers working with the XC3142A-3PQG100C can access:
- Online technical forums and community support
- Legacy product documentation archives
- Application engineering assistance
- Third-party development tools and IP cores
- Training resources for FPGA design fundamentals
Summary
The XC3142A-3PQG100C Field Programmable Gate Array represents a reliable, proven solution for digital logic implementation in commercial applications. With its 144 configurable logic blocks, 82 I/O pins, and flexible 100-pin BQFP package, this FPGA delivers the perfect balance of functionality, cost, and ease of use.
Whether you’re maintaining legacy systems, developing industrial control applications, or creating embedded solutions, the XC3142A-3PQG100C provides the programmability and performance needed for successful implementation. Its mature architecture, extensive documentation, and widespread adoption make it an excellent choice for applications requiring reliable, field-programmable logic capabilities.
For engineers seeking a dependable FPGA solution with proven performance characteristics and broad application support, the XC3142A-3PQG100C continues to be a valuable option in the Xilinx FPGA portfolio.
