Overview of XC3190A-3PQ160C FPGA
The XC3190A-3PQ160C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) manufactured by AMD (formerly Xilinx Inc.), belonging to the renowned XC3000A family of programmable logic devices. This commercial-grade FPGA delivers exceptional programmable logic capabilities with 6,000 usable gates and 320 configurable logic blocks, making it an ideal solution for complex digital design applications requiring flexible, reprogrammable architecture.
As part of the legacy Xilinx FPGA portfolio, the XC3190A-3PQ160C continues to serve critical applications in telecommunications, industrial control systems, and legacy system maintenance where proven reliability and specific performance characteristics are essential.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Performance Features
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC3190A-3PQ160C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx Inc.) |
| FPGA Family |
XC3000A/L Series |
| Logic Gates |
6,000 gates (equivalent) |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
320 CLBs |
| Logic Cells |
320 cells |
| Speed Grade |
-3 (high-performance grade) |
| Operating Frequency |
Up to 227 MHz |
| Package Type |
160-Pin BQFP (Bumpered Quad Flat Pack) |
| I/O Pins |
138 user I/O pins |
| Supply Voltage |
5V nominal |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial: 0°C to +70°C |
| Technology |
CMOS static memory technology |
Detailed Product Features
Architecture and Design Capabilities
The XC3190A-3PQ160C features Xilinx’s proven programmable architecture comprising three essential configurable elements:
Configuration Program Store: Internal static memory cells that determine logic functions and interconnections, enabling unlimited reprogrammability for design iteration and in-system logic modifications.
I/O Blocks (IOBs): Perimeter array of input/output blocks providing flexible interface capabilities with TTL or CMOS input thresholds, supporting various signal standards for seamless system integration.
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): Core array of 320 CLBs offering extensive register, combinatorial, and I/O capabilities, enabling implementation of complex digital functions ranging from simple gates to sophisticated state machines.
Interconnect Resources: Enhanced routing architecture with high fan-out signal distribution and low-skew clock networks, supporting internal 3-state bus capabilities for efficient data transfer.
Performance Characteristics
| Performance Metric |
Specification |
| Maximum Toggle Rate |
227 MHz guaranteed flip-flop toggle rate |
| Propagation Delay |
Low logic delays optimized for speed grade -3 |
| System Clock Speed |
Supports system clock rates exceeding 85 MHz |
| Power Consumption |
Low quiescent and active power consumption |
| Output Current |
8 mA sink current, 8 mA source current |
Package and Pin Configuration
160-Pin BQFP Package Details
| Package Feature |
Description |
| Package Type |
BQFP (Bumpered Quad Flat Pack) |
| Total Pins |
160 pins |
| User I/O Available |
138 I/O pins |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Form Factor |
Quad flat pack with bumpered corners |
| Pin Pitch |
Standard BQFP spacing |
The 160-pin BQFP package provides excellent thermal characteristics and robust mechanical protection, making it suitable for high-reliability applications requiring secure board-level connections.
Application Areas and Use Cases
Industrial Control Systems
The XC3190A-3PQ160C excels in industrial automation applications requiring programmable control logic, sensor interfacing, and real-time signal processing capabilities.
Telecommunications Equipment
With high-speed performance and flexible I/O configuration, this FPGA serves legacy telecommunications infrastructure, protocol conversion, and signal routing applications.
Digital Signal Processing
The device’s 320 CLBs enable implementation of custom DSP algorithms, filter designs, and data acquisition systems requiring configurable processing pipelines.
Legacy System Maintenance
For systems designed with XC3000A family devices, the XC3190A-3PQ160C provides critical replacement components, ensuring continued operation of existing hardware platforms.
Design and Development Support
Compatible Development Tools
| Tool Category |
Supported Software |
| Schematic Capture |
XACT development system |
| Place and Route |
Auto place-and-route capabilities |
| Simulation |
Logic and timing simulation tools |
| Verification |
In-circuit emulation options |
| Design Editor |
Interactive design optimization |
| Modern Tools |
ISE Design Suite (for legacy support) |
Design Advantages
Unlimited Reprogrammability: Modify designs in-system without hardware changes, enabling rapid prototyping and field updates.
Standard Off-the-Shelf Availability: Factory pre-tested devices with proven reliability record, reducing project risk and time-to-market.
Architecture Compatibility: Pin-out and software compatible with other XC3000 family members, facilitating design migration and scalability.
Comprehensive Documentation: Extensive datasheets, application notes, and design guidelines available for XC3000A series implementation.
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC3190A-3PQ160C nomenclature explained:
- XC3190A: Device family and gate count designation
- -3: Speed grade (high-performance variant)
- PQ160: Package type (BQFP) and pin count
- C: Commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C)
Sourcing Considerations
As a legacy component, the XC3190A-3PQ160C availability varies by distributor and market conditions. Key sourcing factors include:
- Stock availability through authorized distributors and specialty obsolete component suppliers
- Condition verification (new original stock vs. refurbished units)
- Lead time considerations for volume orders
- Authenticity certification from reputable sources
Competitive Advantages
Why Choose XC3190A-3PQ160C
Proven Technology: Decades of field-proven performance in demanding applications worldwide.
High Integration Density: 6,000 gates eliminate multiple discrete logic components, reducing board space and system complexity.
Flexible Architecture: Configurable logic and I/O resources adapt to changing system requirements without hardware redesign.
Cost-Effective Solution: Avoids NRE costs, time delays, and risks associated with conventional masked gate arrays.
Reliable Supply: Continued availability through specialized distributors ensures long-term system support.
Technical Comparison Table
XC3190A vs. Similar Devices
| Feature |
XC3190A-3PQ160C |
XC3090A-7PQ160C |
XC3195A-3PQ160C |
| Logic Gates |
6,000 |
4,000 |
7,500 |
| CLB Count |
320 |
256 |
400 |
| Speed Grade |
-3 (fast) |
-7 (slower) |
-3 (fast) |
| I/O Pins |
138 |
138 |
138 |
| Package |
160-BQFP |
160-BQFP |
160-BQFP |
| Voltage |
5V |
5V |
5V |
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
All XC3190A-3PQ160C devices undergo rigorous factory testing:
- 100% functional testing at production
- Parametric validation across temperature range
- Quality assurance per Xilinx/AMD manufacturing standards
- RoHS compliance status varies by production date
Reliability Features
- Static memory configuration for excellent data retention
- ESD protection on all I/O pins
- Proven CMOS technology with low failure rates
- Suitable for critical applications requiring high uptime
Installation and Implementation Guidelines
PCB Design Recommendations
When integrating the XC3190A-3PQ160C into your design:
- Power Supply Decoupling: Place 0.1μF ceramic capacitors near each power pin
- Signal Integrity: Maintain controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- Thermal Management: Ensure adequate airflow for ambient temperatures
- Ground Plane: Implement solid ground plane for noise reduction
- Configuration Interface: Design proper JTAG or serial configuration circuits
Programming and Configuration
The device supports multiple configuration modes:
- Master serial mode
- Slave serial mode
- Peripheral mode
- JTAG boundary scan for testing and programming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the XC3190A-3PQ160C still in production? A: This is a legacy/obsolete component. New stock availability depends on distributor inventory and surplus markets.
Q: What voltage does the XC3190A-3PQ160C require? A: The device operates at 5V nominal supply voltage (VCC).
Q: Can I replace an XC3190A with a modern FPGA? A: While modern alternatives exist, direct replacement requires design migration due to different architectures and I/O standards.
Q: What is the maximum operating frequency? A: The -3 speed grade supports toggle rates up to 227 MHz, with system clock speeds exceeding 85 MHz.
Q: Where can I find the complete datasheet? A: The official XC3000A family datasheet is available through AMD’s documentation portal and electronic component distributors.
Environmental and Compliance
- RoHS Status: Varies by manufacturing date; verify with supplier
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade)
- Storage Temperature: -65°C to +150°C
- Moisture Sensitivity: MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) per JEDEC standards
Conclusion
The XC3190A-3PQ160C represents a mature, reliable FPGA solution from AMD’s (Xilinx) legendary XC3000A family. With 6,000 gates, 320 configurable logic blocks, and high-speed performance characteristics, this device continues to serve critical applications in industrial, telecommunications, and legacy system maintenance markets. Its proven architecture, comprehensive development tool support, and availability through specialized distributors make it an excellent choice for systems requiring specific XC3000A family characteristics.
For current FPGA projects, consider evaluating modern AMD Xilinx alternatives while maintaining the XC3190A-3PQ160C for legacy system support and proven design continuity.
