The XC4044XLA-08HQ240C is a high-performance field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family, now under AMD. Designed for complex digital logic applications, this device delivers exceptional gate density, flexible I/O, and reliable commercial-grade performance — making it a trusted choice for engineers working on embedded systems, telecommunications, and industrial control projects. If you are looking for a proven Xilinx FPGA in the XC4000 series, the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C offers the gate count, speed grade, and package combination for demanding design requirements.
What Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C?
The XC4044XLA-08HQ240C belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA device family — an enhanced low-voltage variant of the well-established XC4000 FPGA series. The “44” in the part number indicates approximately 44,000 usable gates, while the “-08” designates the speed grade, and “HQ240C” refers to the 240-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package) with commercial temperature rating.
This FPGA is manufactured using Xilinx’s advanced CMOS process and features a register-to-register architecture with distributed RAM capabilities, making it well-suited for both data-path and control-plane logic functions.
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C Key Specifications
General Product Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Part Number |
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C |
| Product Family |
XC4000XLA |
| Product Category |
Embedded – Complex Logic (FPGA) |
| Series |
XC4000XLA |
| RoHS Status |
Details vary – verify with distributor |
Logic and Gate Resources
| Specification |
Value |
| Equivalent Gate Count |
~44,000 gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
High density array |
| Flip-Flops / Registers |
Available within CLBs |
| Distributed RAM |
Supported |
| Maximum User I/O Pins |
Up to 176 user I/Os |
Electrical and Timing Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) |
2.5V (XLA low-voltage process) |
| I/O Voltage |
3.3V compatible |
| Speed Grade |
-08 (8 ns register-to-register) |
| Maximum Frequency |
Dependent on design; up to ~80–100 MHz typical |
| Standby Current (ICC) |
Low (consult datasheet for exact values) |
Package and Physical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package) |
| Package Code |
HQ240 |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Operating Temperature Range |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial – “C” suffix) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Dimensions |
28mm x 28mm (standard 240 PQFP) |
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C Part Number Decoder
Understanding the part number helps engineers quickly identify the right variant for their design:
| Segment |
Meaning |
| XC |
Xilinx CMOS device |
| 4044 |
XC4000 family, ~44K gate equivalent |
| XLA |
Enhanced XLA (low voltage, advanced) variant |
| -08 |
Speed grade: 8 ns (faster = lower number) |
| HQ |
PQFP package type (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| 240 |
240-pin package |
| C |
Commercial temperature grade (0°C to +85°C) |
XC4000XLA Family Overview
The XC4000XLA series is an advanced evolution of Xilinx’s XC4000 architecture. Compared to earlier XC4000 and XC4000E devices, the XLA variant introduces:
- Lower core voltage (2.5V) for reduced power consumption
- Faster timing across all speed grades
- Enhanced CLB architecture with improved routing resources
- 3.3V I/O compatibility for interfacing with standard logic families
- In-system programmability via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan)
The XC4044XLA sits in the upper-mid range of the XC4000XLA density spectrum, providing a balanced combination of logic resources and I/O pins within the cost-effective 240-pin PQFP package.
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C Speed Grade Comparison
Xilinx XC4044XLA devices are available in multiple speed grades. Here is how the -08 grade compares:
| Speed Grade |
Register-to-Register Delay |
Typical Use Case |
| -06 |
~6 ns |
High-frequency, performance-critical designs |
| -07 |
~7 ns |
Balanced performance and availability |
| -08 |
~8 ns |
General-purpose, cost-optimized (this device) |
| -09 |
~9 ns |
Lower-cost, lower-speed applications |
The -08 speed grade is one of the most commonly used in production designs, striking a balance between timing margin and component cost.
XC4044XLA Package Options Comparison
The XC4044XLA is offered in multiple packages. The HQ240 (240-pin PQFP) is a popular choice for PCB designs requiring a balance of I/O and manageable board footprint:
| Package Code |
Package Type |
Pin Count |
User I/O (approx.) |
PCB Footprint |
| PQ240 |
PQFP |
240 |
176 |
Larger, perimeter leads |
| HQ240 |
PQFP |
240 |
~176 |
Standard 28mm x 28mm |
| BG256 |
BGA |
256 |
Higher density |
Smaller, area array |
| TQ144 |
TQFP |
144 |
Fewer I/Os |
Compact form factor |
The HQ240 package is ideal for prototyping and production boards where BGAs are not required, offering straightforward soldering and inspection.
Applications for the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C
The XC4044XLA-08HQ240C is well-suited for a wide range of digital logic applications:
#### Industrial Control Systems
Its reliable commercial-grade temperature range and stable 2.5V core make it suitable for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor drive controllers, and industrial automation logic.
#### Telecommunications Equipment
The high gate count supports DSP functions, protocol handling, and line-card logic in telecom infrastructure equipment.
#### Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
Distributed RAM within the CLBs enables efficient implementation of FIFOs, accumulators, and small data buffers for ADC/DAC interfacing.
#### Embedded System Prototyping
Engineers frequently use the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C for rapid prototyping of custom logic blocks, glue logic, and bus interface designs.
#### Military and Aerospace (Non-Radiation-Hardened)
While commercial-grade only, this device is used in early prototyping of defense-adjacent systems before migrating to radiation-tolerant variants.
Programming and Configuration
Configuration Methods
The XC4044XLA-08HQ240C supports multiple configuration modes:
| Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA drives configuration clock; uses serial PROM |
| Slave Serial |
External clock; allows daisy-chain configuration |
| Slave Parallel (SelectMAP) |
High-speed parallel byte-wide configuration |
| JTAG (Boundary Scan) |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant; supports in-system configuration |
| Master Parallel |
FPGA controls parallel EPROM interface |
Supported Configuration PROMs
Compatible Xilinx configuration PROMs include the XC17V series and XC18V series one-time-programmable and in-system-programmable devices.
Design Tools
The XC4044XLA-08HQ240C is supported by the following Xilinx/AMD tools:
| Tool |
Version |
Notes |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
14.7 (last release) |
Full synthesis and P&R support |
| Foundation Series |
Legacy versions |
Older tool for XC4000 family |
| XACT |
Legacy |
Original Xilinx tool |
| Third-party (Synplify, etc.) |
Various |
Synthesis support available |
Note: The XC4000 family is not supported in Xilinx Vivado. ISE 14.7, available free from AMD/Xilinx, is the recommended tool for this device.
Electrical Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Parameter |
Minimum |
Maximum |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
-0.5V |
+3.6V |
| Input Voltage (VI) |
-0.5V |
VCC + 0.5V |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C |
+150°C |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) |
0°C |
+85°C |
| Maximum Junction Temperature |
— |
+125°C |
Always refer to the official Xilinx XC4000XLA datasheet for complete electrical specifications before designing in this device.
Ordering Information
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Full Part Number |
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
XC4044XLA-08HQ240C |
| DigiKey Part Number |
122-XC4044XLA-08HQ240C-ND |
| Package |
240-PQFP |
| Lead Time |
Check distributor for current availability |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
Typically 1 unit |
| RoHS |
Verify with distributor at time of order |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
#### What does the “XLA” suffix mean on the XC4044?
The XLA suffix denotes the enhanced low-voltage (2.5V core) variant of the XC4000 family. It offers improved performance and lower power consumption compared to earlier XC4000E devices while maintaining 3.3V I/O compatibility.
#### Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C still in production?
The XC4000XLA family has reached end-of-life status with AMD/Xilinx. However, significant stock remains available through authorized distributors and specialty component brokers. Always verify availability and authenticity when sourcing legacy FPGAs.
#### What is the maximum user I/O count for the HQ240 package?
In the 240-pin PQFP (HQ240) package, the XC4044XLA provides approximately 176 user-configurable I/O pins, with remaining pins dedicated to power, ground, and configuration signals.
#### Can I use Vivado to program the XC4044XLA-08HQ240C?
No. The XC4000 family is not supported in Xilinx Vivado. You must use the legacy Xilinx ISE Design Suite (version 14.7), which is available as a free download from the AMD/Xilinx website.
#### What is the difference between the -07 and -08 speed grades?
The -07 speed grade offers a slightly faster register-to-register propagation delay (~7 ns vs. ~8 ns for the -08). The -08 grade is suitable for most designs running at frequencies below ~80 MHz and is typically more cost-effective and readily available.
#### Is this device RoHS compliant?
RoHS compliance depends on the specific date code and lot. Verify RoHS status with your distributor or check the AMD/Xilinx product page for the most current compliance information.
