Product Overview: Xilinx XC3195-5PQ160C FPGA

The XC3195-5PQ160C is a professional-grade Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD Xilinx) and distributed by Rochester Electronics. This versatile programmable logic device belongs to the renowned XC3100A family, delivering exceptional performance for embedded systems, digital signal processing, and custom logic implementations. Engineers seeking reliable, field-proven FPGA solutions for legacy system maintenance or specialized applications will find the XC3195-5PQ160C an invaluable component.

Available through authorized distributors like DigiKey, this FPGA represents proven technology with extensive documentation and community support, making it ideal for both production environments and development projects requiring stable, long-term component availability.

Technical Specifications and Key Features

Core Architecture Specifications

Advanced FPGA Capabilities

The XC3195-5PQ160C incorporates Xilinx’s proven Logic Cell Array architecture, featuring three essential configurable elements that define its flexibility:

Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): The core array consists of 484 CLBs providing flexible, user-programmable logic resources. Each CLB can implement various combinatorial and sequential logic functions, offering designers maximum flexibility in creating custom digital circuits.

Input/Output Blocks (IOBs): The device features 138 user-programmable I/O pins arranged around the perimeter, supporting multiple I/O standards and providing versatile interface capabilities for connecting to external systems, memory devices, and peripheral components.

Programmable Interconnect: A comprehensive routing architecture connects CLBs and IOBs, enabling efficient signal routing with predictable timing characteristics. This interconnect fabric supports complex designs while maintaining signal integrity.

Performance Characteristics and Speed Grades

Speed Grade Analysis

The -5 speed grade designation indicates this FPGA’s performance tier within the XC3100A family. This commercial-grade device operates reliably at frequencies up to 227 MHz, making it suitable for applications requiring moderate to high-speed digital processing.

The -5 speed grade offers an excellent balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, proving ideal for industrial control systems, communications equipment, and general-purpose programmable logic applications.

Package Information: 160-Pin PQFP Configuration

PQFP Package Advantages

The 160-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package provides several engineering benefits:

• Compact Footprint: Surface-mount design minimizes PCB space requirements
• Lead Pitch: Standard pitch enables reliable PCB manufacturing
• Thermal Performance: Adequate heat dissipation for typical operating conditions
• Pin Accessibility: Quad-flat configuration simplifies inspection and rework
• Industry Standard: Widely recognized package format ensures manufacturing compatibility

This package style is particularly well-suited for commercial and industrial applications where space efficiency and manufacturing reliability are priorities.

Application Areas and Use Cases

Primary Applications

The XC3195-5PQ160C FPGA excels in numerous demanding applications:

Industrial Control Systems: Implement custom control logic, state machines, and protocol handlers for manufacturing automation, process control, and equipment interfaces.

Communication Infrastructure: Design protocol converters, data multiplexers, and signal processing functions for telecommunications and networking equipment.

Medical Electronics: Create specialized signal processing circuits, control logic, and interface functions for diagnostic equipment and medical devices.

Test and Measurement Equipment: Build custom logic analyzers, signal generators, and automated test equipment with flexible, reconfigurable hardware.

Legacy System Support: Maintain and upgrade existing designs where long-term component availability is essential for operational continuity.

Development Tools and Design Resources

Xilinx Development Environment

Engineers working with the XC3195-5PQ160C can leverage Xilinx’s comprehensive development tools:

ISE Design Suite: The primary development environment for XC3000 series devices supports schematic capture, HDL synthesis (VHDL/Verilog), place-and-route, and timing analysis.

Simulation Tools: Integrated logic and timing simulation capabilities enable thorough design verification before programming.

Programming Solutions: Multiple programming methods including JTAG boundary scan and serial configuration support flexible deployment scenarios.

For modern development workflows, engineers can also explore Xilinx’s Vivado Design Suite for advanced features, though ISE remains the traditional tool for XC3000 series devices. More information about Xilinx FPGA development tools and programming techniques can help streamline your design process.

Ordering Information and Availability

Part Number Breakdown

Understanding the XC3195-5PQ160C part number:

• XC3195: Device type and gate density (7.5K gates)
• -5: Speed grade designation
• PQ160: Package type (160-pin PQFP)
• C: Commercial temperature range

Distributor and Supply Chain

Rochester Electronics serves as the authorized continuing manufacturer for this device, ensuring long-term availability for legacy system support and ongoing production requirements.

Design Considerations and Best Practices

Implementation Guidelines

When designing with the XC3195-5PQ160C, consider these engineering best practices:

Power Supply Design: Implement robust 5V power delivery with appropriate decoupling capacitors placed close to power pins. Follow Xilinx power distribution guidelines for optimal performance and reliability.

Clock Distribution: Design careful clock distribution networks to minimize skew and ensure timing closure. Utilize global clock resources effectively for synchronous designs.

I/O Planning: Plan I/O assignments early in the design cycle to optimize signal routing and minimize crosstalk. Group related signals and consider signal integrity requirements.

Thermal Management: While the PQFP package offers reasonable thermal performance, ensure adequate airflow and consider thermal analysis for high-utilization designs.

Configuration Strategy: Select appropriate configuration modes (Master Serial, Slave Serial, or Boundary Scan) based on system requirements and programming infrastructure.

Comparison with Alternative FPGA Solutions

XC3000 Family Positioning

The XC3195-5PQ160C occupies a strategic position offering substantial logic resources without the complexity and cost of larger devices, making it ideal for mid-sized digital designs.

Reliability and Quality Standards

Manufacturing and Testing

Rochester Electronics manufactures the XC3195-5PQ160C to original Xilinx specifications, ensuring:

• Full functional equivalence to original Xilinx parts
• Comprehensive electrical testing and validation
• Quality assurance processes meeting industry standards
• Compliance with environmental regulations including RoHS

The device’s proven CMOS technology delivers reliable operation across specified temperature ranges with excellent long-term stability.

Legacy Support and Long-Term Availability

Continuing Manufacturer Program

As systems incorporating XC3000 series FPGAs remain operational for decades, Rochester Electronics’ authorized continuing manufacturer status provides critical long-term support:

Extended Lifecycle: Guaranteed availability beyond original product lifecycles Technical Support: Access to datasheets, application notes, and engineering resources Quality Consistency: Manufacturing to original specifications ensures drop-in compatibility

This long-term commitment makes the XC3195-5PQ160C particularly valuable for industries requiring extended product support cycles, including aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial sectors.

Getting Started with Your Design

Initial Design Steps

To begin working with the XC3195-5PQ160C:

1. Acquire Development Tools: Download ISE Design Suite or appropriate development software
2. Study Reference Designs: Review Xilinx application notes and example designs
3. Plan Your Architecture: Define system requirements and create functional specifications
4. Prototype and Verify: Build initial designs using simulation before hardware implementation
5. Hardware Testing: Program development boards and validate functionality
6. Production Planning: Establish programming and testing procedures for manufacturing

Conclusion: Reliable FPGA Solution for Professional Applications

The XC3195-5PQ160C represents a mature, well-documented FPGA solution combining proven technology with long-term availability. Its 7,500-gate capacity, 484 configurable logic blocks, and 138 I/O pins provide substantial resources for diverse digital design applications. The -5 speed grade delivers 227 MHz performance suitable for most commercial and industrial requirements.

Whether maintaining legacy equipment, developing new specialized systems, or creating custom digital logic solutions, the XC3195-5PQ160C offers reliability, flexibility, and the backing of comprehensive technical resources. Its availability through Rochester Electronics and authorized distributors ensures project continuity and supply chain confidence.

For engineers requiring a dependable, field-proven FPGA with extensive documentation and community support, the XC3195-5PQ160C delivers professional-grade performance in a well-established, accessible platform.