The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I is a high-performance, low-voltage Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Xilinx XC4000XLA family, now under AMD. Designed for demanding logic-intensive applications, this device combines a large gate count, fast propagation speeds, and industrial-grade reliability in a compact 240-pin HQFP package. Whether you are developing embedded systems, telecommunications hardware, or industrial control equipment, the XC4028XLA-08HQG240I delivers the programmable logic density and speed you need.
For a broad selection of compatible programmable logic devices, visit our Xilinx FPGA product catalog.
What Is the XC4028XLA-08HQG240I?
The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA series — an advanced, low-voltage (3.3V core) derivative of the classic XC4000 architecture. The “28” in the part number denotes approximately 28,000 usable gates, while the “-08” speed grade indicates an 8 ns system clock-to-output propagation delay. The “HQG240” suffix refers to the 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/HQFP) package, and the trailing “I” designates industrial temperature range operation (–40°C to +85°C).
This combination of high gate count, fast speed grade, wide I/O availability, and industrial temperature tolerance makes it a preferred choice for engineers working on rugged, real-world deployments.
XC4028XLA-08HQG240I Key Specifications
General Product Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Part Number |
XC4028XLA-08HQG240I |
| Series |
XC4000XLA |
| Product Category |
Embedded – Complex Logic (FPGA) |
| RoHS Status |
Non-RoHS (legacy device) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) |
MSL 3 |
Logic & Gate Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Number of Gates (Usable) |
~28,000 |
| Number of CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
~784 |
| Logic Cells |
~28,000 equivalent |
| Flip-Flops / Registers |
~1,568 |
| Maximum Distributed RAM |
~6,272 bits |
| Number of I/O Pins |
Up to 192 user I/Os |
Speed & Performance
| Parameter |
Value |
| Speed Grade |
-08 (8 ns) |
| Maximum System Frequency |
~80 MHz (typical) |
| Pin-to-Pin Logic Delay (tPD) |
8 ns |
| Clock-to-Output Delay (tCO) |
~6 ns |
| Setup Time (tS) |
~3 ns |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) |
3.3V |
| I/O Supply Voltage |
3.3V / 5V tolerant inputs |
| Operating Current (ICC) |
Varies by configuration |
| Standby Current (ICCQ) |
< 5 mA (typical) |
| Output Drive Strength |
12 mA (default), programmable |
Package & Mechanical
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
HQFP (Heat-Shrink Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Package Code |
HQG240 |
| Body Size |
40 mm × 40 mm |
| Pitch |
0.635 mm |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Height |
3.4 mm (max) |
Temperature & Environmental
| Parameter |
Value |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (I) |
| Operating Temperature Range |
–40°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature Range |
–55°C to +125°C |
| Junction Temperature (TJ max) |
125°C |
XC4028XLA-08HQG240I vs. Related Part Numbers
Engineers often encounter similar part numbers in this family. The table below clarifies the key differences:
| Part Number |
Gates |
Speed Grade |
Package |
Temp Grade |
| XC4028XLA-08HQG240I |
~28K |
–08 (8 ns) |
240 HQFP |
Industrial |
| XC4028XLA-09HQ240I |
~28K |
–09 (9 ns) |
240 PQFP |
Industrial |
| XC4028XL-08HQ240I |
~28K |
–08 (8 ns) |
240 PQFP |
Industrial |
| XC4028XLA-08PQ240I |
~28K |
–08 (8 ns) |
240 PQFP |
Industrial |
| XC4020XLA-09HQ240I |
~20K |
–09 (9 ns) |
240 HQFP |
Industrial |
Note: The “XLA” suffix denotes the enhanced low-voltage process node with lower power consumption compared to standard “XL” variants.
XC4000XLA Architecture Overview
H2 – CLB (Configurable Logic Block) Structure
The heart of the XC4000XLA FPGA is its Configurable Logic Block (CLB). Each CLB contains:
- Two 4-input function generators (F & G) implemented as look-up tables (LUTs)
- One 3-input function generator (H) for additional combinational logic
- Two flip-flops for registered outputs
- Fast carry logic for arithmetic operations
- Internal feedback paths for shift registers and distributed RAM
This flexible structure allows each CLB to implement a wide variety of functions — from simple AND/OR gates to complex arithmetic circuits and small RAM blocks.
H3 – I/O Block (IOB) Architecture
Each I/O Block in the XC4028XLA supports:
- 5V-tolerant input buffers (with 3.3V core logic)
- Programmable pull-up and pull-down resistors
- Slew-rate control (fast/slow) to reduce EMI
- Programmable output drive strength
- Optional input flip-flop and output flip-flop for registered I/O
H4 – On-Chip Clock Distribution
The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I includes four global clock buffers connected to a low-skew clock distribution network. This ensures synchronous clock delivery across the entire device with minimal skew, critical for high-speed synchronous designs.
H4 – Boundary Scan (JTAG)
This device is IEEE 1149.1 JTAG compliant, enabling in-system testing, board-level verification, and configuration via JTAG interface — simplifying debug and bring-up on complex PCBs.
Configuration Modes
The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I supports multiple configuration modes to suit different system designs:
| Configuration Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA self-loads from a serial PROM (e.g., XC17 series) |
| Slave Serial |
External controller provides bitstream serially |
| Slave Parallel (SelectMAP) |
Byte-wide parallel configuration for fast loading |
| Peripheral (Express) |
High-speed parallel configuration |
| JTAG |
Configuration and boundary scan via JTAG port |
Configuration bitstream size is approximately 906 Kbits for the XC4028.
Typical Applications
The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I excels in a broad range of embedded and industrial applications:
| Application Area |
Use Case Examples |
| Industrial Control |
Motor control, PLC interfaces, sensor fusion |
| Telecommunications |
Protocol bridging, framer/deframer logic, FIFOs |
| Military & Aerospace |
Signal processing, ruggedized control systems |
| Test & Measurement |
Pattern generation, data acquisition front-ends |
| Medical Equipment |
Real-time signal processing, imaging front-ends |
| Legacy System Upgrades |
Replacing older PALs, PLDs, or discrete logic |
| Embedded Systems |
Custom co-processor, bus interface logic |
Why Choose the XC4028XLA Over Other FPGAs?
H3 – 3.3V Low-Voltage Operation
The “XLA” process delivers significant power savings over earlier 5V XC4000 devices. With a 3.3V core supply and 5V-tolerant I/Os, the XC4028XLA bridges legacy 5V systems and modern 3.3V board environments without additional level-shifting components.
H3 – Proven, Mature Technology
The XC4000 family has a decades-long track record in mission-critical applications. For engineers maintaining or upgrading existing hardware, the XC4028XLA-08HQG240I provides a reliable, well-documented platform with extensive tool support via Xilinx ISE Design Suite.
H3 – Industrial Temperature Reliability
With the “I” temperature suffix, this device is guaranteed to operate across the full industrial range of –40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for outdoor enclosures, factory floors, and transportation electronics.
Design Tools & Support
| Tool / Resource |
Details |
| Primary EDA Tool |
Xilinx ISE Design Suite (Foundation/Classic) |
| HDL Support |
VHDL, Verilog |
| Simulation |
ModelSim, ISim |
| Configuration Tools |
iMPACT (Xilinx ISE), JTAG programmer |
| Reference Datasheets |
Xilinx XC4000XLA/XC4000XV Family Datasheet |
| IBIS Models |
Available from AMD/Xilinx website |
Tip: Xilinx ISE 14.7 is the last version to support the XC4000 series and is available as a free download from the AMD/Xilinx website.
Ordering Information
| Parameter |
Details |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
XC4028XLA-08HQG240I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Package |
240-Pin HQFP (Surface Mount) |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) |
| Speed Grade |
–08 |
| RoHS |
No (legacy part) |
| Availability |
Available from authorized distributors and surplus suppliers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between XC4028XLA-08HQG240I and XC4028XLA-09HQ240I?
A: The primary difference is the speed grade. The “-08” variant has an 8 ns pin-to-pin delay (faster), while the “-09” has a 9 ns delay. Both use a 240-pin package but “HQG” may refer to a slightly different package body variant vs. “HQ”. Functionally and logically, both devices are equivalent.
Q: Is the XC4028XLA-08HQG240I RoHS compliant?
A: No. As a legacy device, this part is not RoHS compliant. Engineers requiring RoHS compliance should verify with their supplier or consider a more modern Xilinx FPGA family such as Spartan-6 or Artix-7.
Q: What programmer is needed to configure this FPGA?
A: The XC4028XLA supports JTAG-based configuration using Xilinx’s Platform Cable USB II or any compatible JTAG programmer. It can also be configured via a serial PROM such as the Xilinx XC17 or XC18 family.
Q: Can I replace an XC4028XL with an XC4028XLA?
A: In most cases yes, as the XLA is pin-compatible with the XL in the same package, but operates at lower voltage. Verify PCB power supply levels before substituting.
Q: Where can I find the programming bitstream size?
A: The XC4028 configuration bitstream is approximately 906 Kbits. This information is documented in the Xilinx XC4000XLA datasheet.
Summary
The XC4028XLA-08HQG240I is a robust, high-density FPGA delivering approximately 28,000 gates, 192 user I/Os, and fast 8 ns propagation performance in an industrial-grade 240-pin HQFP surface mount package. Its 3.3V low-power XLA process, industrial temperature rating, and broad configuration mode support make it an excellent choice for legacy system support, industrial control, and embedded logic design. When sourcing this part, work with reputable distributors to ensure authenticity and correct specification compliance.
