Overview of the XCV300E-7PQ240C FPGA
The XCV300E-7PQ240C is a powerful field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD’s Virtex-E family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for complex digital system applications. This advanced programmable logic device offers 300,000 system gates with a 7ns speed grade in a compact 240-pin PQFP package, making it an ideal solution for telecommunications, data processing, and industrial control applications.
As part of the industry-leading Virtex-E series, the XCV300E-7PQ240C combines high logic density, fast performance, and flexible I/O capabilities to meet the demanding requirements of modern digital designs. Whether you’re developing high-speed communication systems or implementing complex digital signal processing algorithms, this Xilinx FPGA delivers the performance and reliability you need.
Key Features and Specifications
Core Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XCV300E-7PQ240C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Family |
Virtex-E |
| System Gates |
300,000 |
| Logic Cells/Elements |
6,912 |
| CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
432 |
| Speed Grade |
-7 (7ns) |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
| Supply Voltage |
1.8V Core, 3.3V I/O |
Memory and Processing Capabilities
| Feature |
Specification |
| Total Block RAM |
65,536 bits |
| Block RAM Blocks |
16 |
| Distributed RAM |
Available through LUTs |
| Maximum User I/O |
166 |
| Differential I/O Pairs |
Up to 83 pairs |
Performance Characteristics
Speed and Timing Performance
The XCV300E-7PQ240C features a -7 speed grade, representing one of the fastest options in the Virtex-E family. This speed grade ensures minimal propagation delays and maximum system clock frequencies, making it suitable for high-speed digital applications including:
- High-bandwidth data processing systems
- Fast digital signal processing implementations
- Time-critical control applications
- High-speed communication interfaces
Power Consumption Profile
| Power Metric |
Typical Value |
| Core Voltage |
1.8V |
| I/O Voltage |
3.3V (5V tolerant) |
| Standby Power |
Low (design-dependent) |
| Dynamic Power |
Application-dependent |
Architecture and Design Resources
Configurable Logic Block Architecture
The XCV300E-7PQ240C contains 432 CLBs organized in a grid array, with each CLB containing four slices. This architecture provides exceptional flexibility for implementing complex combinational and sequential logic functions. The device supports various design methodologies including:
- Combinational logic implementation
- Sequential state machine design
- Arithmetic functions and DSP operations
- Memory implementation using distributed RAM
- Pipeline register insertion for high-speed operation
I/O Capabilities and Standards
| I/O Feature |
Capability |
| Total I/O Banks |
8 |
| I/O Standards Supported |
LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL, SSTL, HSTL |
| Differential Standards |
LVDS, LVPECL, BLVDS |
| I/O Voltage Range |
1.5V to 3.3V |
| Drive Strength |
Programmable (2mA to 24mA) |
| Slew Rate Control |
Fast and Slow options |
Package Information: 240-Pin PQFP
Physical Dimensions and Layout
The PQFP package offers several advantages for PCB design and manufacturing:
| Package Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Body Size |
32mm x 32mm (nominal) |
| Pin Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Height |
3.4mm (max) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
Thermal Management Specifications
| Thermal Characteristic |
Value |
| Junction Temperature (Max) |
125°C |
| Theta JA (Still Air) |
35°C/W (typical) |
| Theta JC (Case) |
10°C/W (typical) |
| Power Dissipation |
Design and application dependent |
Applications and Use Cases
Primary Application Domains
The XCV300E-7PQ240C excels in multiple application areas:
Telecommunications Equipment
- Protocol conversion and bridging
- Channel coding and error correction
- Digital filtering and signal conditioning
- Network packet processing
Industrial Control Systems
- Motion control algorithms
- Real-time monitoring systems
- Factory automation controllers
- Process control interfaces
Data Acquisition and Processing
- High-speed data capture
- Real-time signal analysis
- Sensor interface controllers
- Measurement instrumentation
Embedded Systems
- Custom processor implementations
- Hardware accelerators
- System-on-chip (SoC) prototyping
- Custom peripheral controllers
Design Development and Tools
Supported Development Tools
| Tool Category |
Compatible Software |
| Synthesis |
Vivado Design Suite, ISE Design Suite |
| Simulation |
ModelSim, Vivado Simulator, ISIM |
| Place & Route |
Vivado Implementation, ISE PAR |
| Programming |
Vivado Hardware Manager, iMPACT |
| Debug |
ChipScope Pro, Vivado Logic Analyzer |
Configuration and Programming
The XCV300E-7PQ240C supports multiple configuration modes:
- Master Serial configuration
- Slave Serial configuration
- Boundary Scan (JTAG) configuration
- SelectMAP parallel configuration
Configuration file sizes and programming times vary based on design complexity and chosen configuration mode.
Quality and Reliability Standards
Manufacturing and Testing
| Quality Metric |
Standard |
| Grade |
Commercial |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C to +150°C |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level |
MSL 3 |
| ESD Protection |
Human Body Model compliant |
Compliance and Certifications
The XCV300E-7PQ240C meets industry standards including:
- RoHS compliance for environmental safety
- JEDEC specifications for package standards
- Military temperature range options available (contact manufacturer)
- Automotive-grade versions available in select configurations
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Nomenclature
Understanding the XCV300E-7PQ240C part number:
- XC = Xilinx (AMD) product prefix
- V300E = Virtex-E family, 300K system gates
- 7 = Speed grade (-7)
- PQ240 = Package type (PQFP) and pin count (240)
- C = Commercial temperature grade
Package Marking and Identification
Each device includes permanent markings showing:
- Full part number
- Manufacturing date code
- Lot traceability code
- Country of origin
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation and Design Resources
Engineers working with the XCV300E-7PQ240C have access to comprehensive technical documentation:
- Complete datasheet with AC/DC specifications
- User guide for Virtex-E architecture
- PCB design guidelines and layout recommendations
- Application notes for specific use cases
- Reference designs and example projects
Development Support
| Resource Type |
Availability |
| Technical Support |
Available through AMD support channels |
| Design Services |
Third-party design houses available |
| Training Materials |
Online tutorials and documentation |
| Community Forums |
Active user community support |
Comparison with Related Products
Virtex-E Family Alternatives
| Part Number |
System Gates |
Speed Grade |
Package |
I/O Pins |
| XCV200E-7PQ240C |
200,000 |
-7 |
PQFP-240 |
166 |
| XCV300E-7PQ240C |
300,000 |
-7 |
PQFP-240 |
166 |
| XCV300E-6PQ240C |
300,000 |
-6 |
PQFP-240 |
166 |
| XCV400E-7PQ240C |
400,000 |
-7 |
PQFP-240 |
166 |
Getting Started with XCV300E-7PQ240C
Evaluation and Prototyping
For engineers evaluating the XCV300E-7PQ240C:
- Development Kits: Consider Virtex-E evaluation boards for rapid prototyping
- Design Software: Download AMD Vivado or ISE Design Suite
- Reference Designs: Review application notes and example projects
- PCB Layout: Follow recommended footprint and routing guidelines
Design Best Practices
Power Supply Design
- Implement proper decoupling capacitors (0.01μF and 0.1μF ceramic)
- Use separate power planes for core and I/O voltages
- Follow recommended power sequencing requirements
PCB Layout Considerations
- Maintain controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- Minimize stub lengths on critical nets
- Provide adequate thermal vias for heat dissipation
- Follow package-specific land pattern recommendations
Configuration Circuit
- Include proper pull-up/pull-down resistors on mode pins
- Provide stable clock source for configuration
- Design robust configuration data path
- Include JTAG header for programming and debug
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between speed grades -6 and -7? A: The -7 speed grade offers faster performance with lower propagation delays compared to -6, making it suitable for more demanding high-speed applications.
Q: Can the XCV300E-7PQ240C be used in automotive applications? A: The commercial grade (-C) version is rated for 0°C to 85°C. For automotive applications, consult AMD for industrial or automotive-grade alternatives.
Q: What configuration file format does this FPGA use? A: The XCV300E-7PQ240C uses Xilinx bitstream files generated by AMD’s development tools during the implementation process.
Q: Is this device still in production? A: The Virtex-E family is a mature product line. Check with authorized distributors for current availability and potential newer alternatives.
Conclusion
The XCV300E-7PQ240C represents a proven solution for engineers requiring high-performance FPGA capabilities in a moderate-density package. With 300,000 system gates, versatile I/O options, and fast -7 speed grade performance, this device continues to serve applications in telecommunications, industrial control, and embedded systems.
Its PQFP-240 package provides a balance between I/O count and PCB footprint, while the commercial temperature grade suits a wide range of operating environments. Backed by comprehensive development tools and extensive documentation, the XCV300E-7PQ240C enables efficient design implementation from concept to production.
For detailed specifications, pricing, and availability of the XCV300E-7PQ240C FPGA, consult authorized distributors or visit the AMD (Xilinx) website for the latest technical documentation and support resources.
