The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C is a high-performance, 3.3V Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family. Featuring 1,600 CLBs, 27,000 gates, and a maximum operating frequency of 263 MHz, this device delivers the speed and logic density required for complex digital designs in telecommunications, industrial automation, and embedded systems. Housed in a 208-pin HSPQFP (HQ208) surface-mount package, it offers a balance of high I/O count and compact board footprint.

If you are sourcing or evaluating Xilinx FPGA components for your next project, the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C is a proven, widely stocked option with strong legacy support.

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What Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C?

The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA/XV FPGA family — a product line built on 0.35µm CMOS process technology optimized for high density and low power at 3.3V operation. The “08” in the part number denotes the speed grade, indicating a faster -8 timing specification (263 MHz) compared to the slower -09 variant (227 MHz). The “HQ208” suffix identifies the 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (HSPQFP) package.

This FPGA family was designed to combine architectural versatility, abundant routing resources, and sophisticated EDA software support, enabling fully automated implementation of complex, high-density digital designs.

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XC4044XLA-08HQ208C Key Specifications

General Overview

Logic Resources

Electrical Characteristics

Package & Physical

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XC4044XLA-08HQ208C vs. Related Variants

Understanding the naming convention helps buyers quickly identify the right part for their design.

Speed grade guide: Lower number = faster device. The -08 variant offers a meaningful performance improvement over the -09, making it suitable for higher-throughput pipeline designs and fast bus interfaces.

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Part Number Decoder: XC4044XLA-08HQ208C

Understanding each field in the Xilinx part number helps you verify the correct component.

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XC4044XLA Architecture Highlights

Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)

Each CLB in the XC4000XLA family contains two independent 4-input function generators (look-up tables), carry logic, and storage elements. This architecture allows implementation of arithmetic functions, multiplexers, decoders, and state machines with high efficiency.

Distributed SelectRAM

The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C includes approximately 6.3 kB of distributed on-chip RAM through its SelectRAM feature. This allows designers to implement FIFOs, small lookup tables, shift registers, and dual-port memory directly within the CLB fabric — without consuming dedicated block RAM resources.

Routing Architecture

The XC4000XLA family employs a segmented routing architecture with:

• Single-length lines for local connections
• Double-length lines for medium-range routing
• Long lines for high-fanout global signals
• Dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic operations

Clock Management

The device supports multiple global clock networks and supports both edge-triggered D flip-flops and transparent latches within each CLB. Global clock buffers provide low-skew, high-fanout clock distribution across the full device.

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Applications for the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C

The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C is well-suited for a variety of embedded and system-level design tasks:

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Design Support & Software Tools

Supported Xilinx EDA Toolchains

The XC4000XLA family is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (Foundation Series). Note that this legacy device family is not supported by the newer Vivado Design Suite, which targets 7-Series and newer devices.

Configuration

The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C is configured via a serial or parallel bitstream at power-up. Supported configuration modes include:

• Master Serial (using XC18V00 or XCF PROM)
• Slave Serial
• Slave Parallel (SelectMAP)
• Boundary Scan (JTAG) — IEEE 1149.1

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Ordering Information

Available Alternatives in the XC4044XLA Family

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C?

The XC4044XLA-08HQ208C is a 3.3V CMOS FPGA from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family. It features 1,600 CLBs, 27,000 equivalent logic gates, a maximum operating frequency of 263 MHz, and is packaged in a 208-pin HSPQFP surface-mount package.

What is the difference between XC4044XLA-08 and XC4044XLA-09?

The primary difference is speed. The -08 speed grade supports a maximum operating frequency of 263 MHz, while the -09 speed grade is rated at 227 MHz. The -08 part is the faster variant and is preferred for timing-critical paths.

Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C RoHS compliant?

No. This is a legacy Xilinx FPGA and is classified as non-RoHS compliant, meaning it may contain lead in the solder finish. Designers targeting RoHS-compliant assemblies should verify compatibility with their manufacturing process or seek a lead-free alternative.

What configuration PROM is compatible with the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C?

The XC18V04 and XCF04S serial PROMs from Xilinx are commonly used for configuring the XC4044XLA family in master serial mode.

Can I use Vivado to design for the XC4044XLA-08HQ208C?

No. The XC4000XLA family is a legacy device and is only supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite. Vivado does not include support for this device family.

What industrial temperature version is available?

For extended temperature range (-40°C to +100°C industrial), look for part numbers ending in “I” — for example, XC4044XLA-08HQ304I in a 304-pin package.