The XC4036XLA-07HQG240C is a high-performance field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family, now under AMD. Designed for demanding digital logic applications, this device delivers 36,000 usable logic gate equivalents in a compact 240-pin HQFP package, operating at a fast -7 speed grade. Whether you are working on telecommunications, industrial control, or embedded processing, the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C offers the programmability, density, and speed your design demands.

For engineers seeking a comprehensive range of programmable logic solutions, explore our full selection of Xilinx FPGA devices available in stock.

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What Is the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C?

The XC4036XLA-07HQG240C belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA series — an advanced generation of the classic XC4000 FPGA family optimized for low-voltage, high-speed operation. The “XLA” designation indicates the use of an advanced CMOS process delivering lower power consumption and improved speed compared to earlier XC4000 variants. This specific part number encodes the following configuration:

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Key Features of the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C

• 36,000 equivalent logic gates for complex digital designs
• -7 ns speed grade — the fastest speed grade in the XC4036XLA family
• 3.3V core supply voltage with 5V-tolerant I/O capability
• 240-pin HQFP package (Heat-sink Quad Flat Pack) for excellent thermal performance
• Commercial temperature range: 0°C to +85°C
• SRAM-based configuration — infinitely reprogrammable
• Dedicated carry logic for fast arithmetic operations
• On-chip RAM blocks embedded within the configurable logic array
• Boundary scan (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) support for in-system testing
• Multiple configuration modes: Master Serial, Slave Serial, Master Parallel, Slave Parallel, Peripheral

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XC4036XLA-07HQG240C Technical Specifications

General Parameters

Speed & Timing

Package & Physical

Environmental & Compliance

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XC4036XLA-07HQG240C vs. Comparable Variants

The XC4036XLA is available in multiple speed grades and package options. The table below compares the most common configurations to help you select the right device for your application.

Tip: Choose the -07 speed grade when your design has tight timing budgets or operates at higher clock frequencies. Choose the -09 when cost or availability is a priority and timing margins allow.

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XC4000XLA Architecture Overview

Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)

The heart of the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C is its array of Configurable Logic Blocks. Each CLB contains:

• Two 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) — implementing any combinational logic function of up to 4 inputs
• Two storage elements — operating as edge-triggered flip-flops or level-sensitive latches
• Fast carry and arithmetic logic — enabling high-speed adders and counters
• Wide function multiplexers — supporting functions of up to 9 inputs using two CLBs

On-Chip RAM

Each CLB’s LUTs can be configured as synchronous or asynchronous SRAM, providing distributed on-chip memory without consuming additional routing resources. This makes the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C ideal for FIFO buffers, lookup tables, and small data caches within the fabric.

I/O Blocks (IOBs)

The 240-pin package provides up to approximately 192 user I/O pins through dedicated I/O Blocks, each featuring:

• Programmable input/output direction
• Optional input registers and output registers
• Programmable slew rate control (fast/slow)
• Optional pull-up or pull-down resistors
• 5V-tolerant input buffers

Routing Resources

Xilinx’s XC4000 architecture uses a hierarchical routing structure with single-length, double-length, and long lines to minimize propagation delays across all areas of the chip, ensuring predictable timing across the entire design.

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Configuration Modes

The XC4036XLA-07HQG240C supports multiple configuration modes, providing flexibility for various system architectures:

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Typical Applications

The XC4036XLA-07HQG240C is a versatile device used across many industries and application domains:

#### Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

FIR/IIR filters, FFT engines, digital up/down converters, and custom DSP pipelines benefit from the device’s fast arithmetic carry logic and distributed RAM.

#### Telecommunications

Line interface controllers, framing logic, protocol bridging (SONET, SDH, T1/E1), and channel multiplexing are common applications in the telecom space.

#### Industrial Automation & Control

Motor control sequencers, PLC I/O expansion, encoder interfaces, and machine vision pre-processing leverage the high I/O count and programmable logic density.

#### Embedded Processing & Glue Logic

The XC4036XLA replaces banks of standard logic ICs, providing a consolidated, reprogrammable solution for address decoding, bus bridging, and peripheral interfacing.

#### Prototyping & Development

Its SRAM-based configuration makes it ideal for rapid design iteration — power cycle or reprogram via JTAG without any dedicated programming hardware.

#### Military & Aerospace (with appropriate screening)

While this part carries a commercial temperature grade, the XC4000XLA family has wider-range variants suitable for harsh-environment use after appropriate qualification.

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Design Considerations & Best Practices

When designing with the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C, keep the following in mind:

Power Supply Decoupling — Place 100nF ceramic decoupling capacitors on every VCC and VCCIO pin, as close to the package as possible. Bulk capacitance (10µF+) should be added at the board level.

Configuration Memory — The XC4036XLA is SRAM-based and loses its configuration on power-down. An external configuration PROM (such as the Xilinx XC17V series or compatible SPI Flash) is required to store and load the bitstream automatically at power-up.

Unused I/O Pins — Configure unused I/O pins as outputs driven low, or use the built-in pull-up/pull-down resistors, to prevent floating inputs from consuming excess power or causing noise.

Timing Closure — At the -7 speed grade, this device offers the tightest timing constraints within the XC4036XLA family. Use Xilinx’s ISE Design Suite with timing-driven place-and-route and a properly defined timing constraints file (UCF) to achieve timing closure reliably.

Thermal Management — The HQFP package (HQG variant) includes a metal heat spreader lid. Ensure adequate PCB copper pour and airflow for designs operating at high utilization and high clock frequencies.

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Ordering Information

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between XC4036XLA-07HQG240C and XC4036XLA-09HQ240C? A: The primary differences are speed grade and package. The -07HQG240C runs at the faster -7 speed grade and uses an HQFP package with a heat-sink lid, while the -09HQ240C uses the slower -9 speed grade in a standard PQFP package.

Q: What software is used to program the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C? A: This device is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (ISE is the appropriate toolchain for legacy XC4000-series devices). VHDL, Verilog, or schematic entry can be used for design capture.

Q: Is the XC4036XLA-07HQG240C in production? A: The XC4000XLA family has transitioned to end-of-life status. Stock is available through authorized distributors and the secondary market. Customers with long-term production needs should secure lifetime buys or consider migrating to newer Xilinx (AMD) FPGA families such as Spartan-7 or Artix-7.

Q: Can this FPGA be reconfigured in-system? A: Yes. The SRAM-based configuration fabric allows the device to be reconfigured as often as needed via JTAG or by reloading from an external configuration PROM at power-up.

Q: What is the core supply voltage for XC4036XLA-07HQG240C? A: The core (VCC) supply voltage is 3.3V. I/O banks (VCCIO) also operate at 3.3V with 5V-tolerant input capability.

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Summary

The XC4036XLA-07HQG240C is a proven, high-density FPGA offering 36,000 logic gate equivalents, the fastest -7 speed grade, 192 user I/Os, and a robust 240-pin HQFP package — all at a 3.3V core voltage. Its SRAM-based, infinitely reprogrammable architecture combined with JTAG boundary scan makes it suitable for a wide range of applications from DSP to industrial control. Engineers requiring maximum timing performance from the XC4036XLA family should specify the -07 speed grade as found in this part number.

For broader selection and availability of legacy and current-generation programmable logic devices, explore our complete catalog of Xilinx FPGA solutions.