The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I is a high-performance, low-power Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family. Manufactured on an advanced 0.35 µm CMOS process and packaged in a 240-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package, this device is engineered for industrial-grade applications that demand reliable operation across extended temperature ranges. Whether you are designing digital signal processing systems, embedded controllers, or high-speed communication interfaces, the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I delivers the logic density, speed, and flexibility required for demanding designs.
For a broader selection of programmable logic devices, explore our full range of Xilinx FPGA solutions.
Key Features of the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I FPGA
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I combines high gate count with low-voltage operation, making it a preferred choice for engineers designing next-generation embedded and signal processing systems. Its core features include:
- Logic Cells: 36,000 equivalent system gates (approximately 1,568 CLBs)
- Process Technology: Advanced 0.35 µm triple-metal CMOS
- Core Supply Voltage: 3.3V operation
- Speed Grade: -09 (9 ns minimum clock-to-out)
- Package: HQ240 – 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP)
- Temperature Range: Industrial grade (–40°C to +100°C junction temperature)
- I/O Standard Support: TTL, CMOS, and 5V-tolerant inputs
- Distributed RAM: Configurable logic blocks support LUT-based distributed memory
- Configuration: Supports Master Serial, Slave Serial, Master Parallel, Slave Parallel, and Boundary Scan (JTAG) modes
XC4036XLA-09HQ240I Complete Technical Specifications
General Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (now AMD) |
| Part Number |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240I |
| Family |
XC4000XLA |
| Logic Cells / Equivalent Gates |
~36,000 gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
1,568 |
| Total I/O Pins (User I/O) |
192 |
| Package Type |
HQ240 – PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCC) |
3.3V |
| I/O Voltage |
5V-tolerant |
| Speed Grade |
-09 |
Timing Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Speed Grade |
-09 |
| Minimum Tco (Clock to Output) |
9 ns |
| Maximum Fmax (Internal Clock) |
~111 MHz (typical) |
| Setup Time (Tsu) |
~4.0 ns (typical) |
| Hold Time (Th) |
~0 ns |
| Propagation Delay (Tpd) |
~9 ns (combinational, logic path) |
Memory & Logic Resources
| Resource |
Quantity |
| CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
1,568 |
| 4-input LUTs (Look-Up Tables) |
3,136 (2 LUTs per CLB) |
| Flip-Flops |
3,136 |
| Distributed RAM (bits) |
~25,088 bits (max, using all LUTs as RAM) |
| Dedicated Global Clock Buffers |
4 |
| Boundary Scan (JTAG) |
Yes (IEEE 1149.1) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Min |
Typical |
Max |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) |
3.0V |
3.3V |
3.6V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCO) |
3.0V |
3.3V |
5.5V |
| Input High Voltage (VIH) |
2.0V |
– |
VCCO + 0.5V |
| Input Low Voltage (VIL) |
–0.5V |
– |
0.8V |
| Standby Current (ICCQ) |
– |
~10 mA |
– |
Package & Mechanical Details
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package |
HQ240 (PQFP) |
| Total Pins |
240 |
| User I/O Pins |
192 |
| Package Body Size |
28mm × 28mm (nominal) |
| Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Varies by date code; consult manufacturer |
XC4036XLA vs. XC4028XLA – Comparison Table
Engineers often compare the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I with adjacent devices in the XC4000XLA family. The table below highlights the key differences:
| Feature |
XC4028XLA-09HQ240I |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240I |
| Equivalent Gates |
~28,000 |
~36,000 |
| CLBs |
1,024 |
1,568 |
| LUTs |
2,048 |
3,136 |
| Flip-Flops |
2,048 |
3,136 |
| Distributed RAM (max bits) |
~16,384 |
~25,088 |
| User I/O |
192 |
192 |
| Package |
HQ240 (PQFP) |
HQ240 (PQFP) |
| Speed Grade |
-09 |
-09 |
| Core Voltage |
3.3V |
3.3V |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (-I) |
Industrial (-I) |
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I provides approximately 28% more logic density than the XC4028XLA variant while maintaining pin-for-pin compatibility in the same HQ240 package — allowing straightforward design migration when higher gate counts are needed.
XC4036XLA-09HQ240I: Industrial Temperature Grade Explained
The suffix “I” in the part number indicates Industrial Temperature Grade, which specifies operation across a junction temperature range of –40°C to +100°C. This distinguishes it from commercial-grade parts (typically 0°C to +85°C) and makes the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I suitable for:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Ruggedized test and measurement equipment
- Automotive support electronics (non-safety-critical)
- Telecommunications infrastructure hardware
- Military and defense support systems
- Harsh-environment embedded computing
Configuration Modes Supported
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I supports multiple configuration interfaces, providing design flexibility for various system architectures:
| Configuration Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA drives clock; data loaded from serial PROM |
| Slave Serial |
External controller drives clock and data |
| Master Parallel (x8) |
FPGA drives address and reads data from parallel PROM |
| Slave Parallel (x8) |
External processor directly writes configuration data |
| Boundary Scan (JTAG) |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant; supports in-system programming |
Typical Applications for the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I is widely used in a range of embedded and digital design applications, including:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP): FIR/IIR filters, FFT engines, demodulators
- Embedded Control Systems: State machine controllers, glue logic, bus bridging
- Communications: Protocol converters, UART/SPI/I²C controllers, frame synchronizers
- Video & Image Processing: Pixel pipelines, line buffers, real-time video overlay
- Test & Measurement: Pattern generators, logic analyzers, data acquisition front-ends
- ASIC Prototyping: Pre-silicon validation and functional emulation
- Aerospace & Defense: Radiation-tolerant board architectures (with appropriate design practices)
Ordering Information
| Part Number |
Gates |
Package |
Speed Grade |
Temperature |
Status |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ240I |
36K |
HQ240 PQFP |
-09 |
Industrial |
Active/Mature |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ240C |
36K |
HQ240 PQFP |
-09 |
Commercial |
Active/Mature |
| XC4036XLA-08HQ240I |
36K |
HQ240 PQFP |
-08 |
Industrial |
Active/Mature |
| XC4028XLA-09HQ240I |
28K |
HQ240 PQFP |
-09 |
Industrial |
Active/Mature |
Note: Always verify the current production status and RoHS compliance with your authorized Xilinx/AMD distributor before placing production orders.
Why Choose the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I?
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I remains a reliable choice for engineers working on established industrial platforms or maintaining legacy designs. Key reasons to select this device include:
Proven Industrial Reliability — The XC4000XLA series has extensive field history in industrial control and communications applications. The –I temperature suffix ensures the device meets stringent thermal specifications for real-world environments.
High Logic Density in a Compact Package — With 36,000 equivalent gates in a 240-pin PQFP footprint, this FPGA provides excellent logic-to-package efficiency for board-space-constrained designs.
5V-Tolerant I/Os — The 3.3V core with 5V-tolerant inputs simplifies interfacing with legacy 5V logic families without external level shifters, reducing BOM cost and PCB complexity.
Multiple Configuration Options — Support for both JTAG boundary scan and serial/parallel configuration modes enables flexible manufacturing and field update strategies.
Pin-Compatible Migration Path — The HQ240 package is shared across the XC4000XLA family, enabling straightforward density migration between XC4028XLA and XC4036XLA without PCB redesign.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the core voltage of the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I? A: The core supply voltage (VCCINT) is 3.3V, with a tolerance range of 3.0V to 3.6V.
Q: How many user I/O pins are available on the HQ240 package? A: The 240-pin HQ240 PQFP package provides 192 user-configurable I/O pins.
Q: Is the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I pin-compatible with the XC4028XLA-09HQ240I? A: Yes. Both devices share the same HQ240 package and pinout, allowing direct board-level migration between gate density variants.
Q: What software tools are used to program the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I? A: This device is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (Foundation/WebPACK). It is not supported by the newer Vivado toolchain, which targets UltraScale and 7-Series devices.
Q: What is the difference between the commercial (-C) and industrial (-I) temperature grades? A: Commercial-grade parts are specified from 0°C to +85°C junction temperature. Industrial-grade (-I) parts are rated from –40°C to +100°C, making them suitable for harsher operating environments.
Q: Can the XC4036XLA-09HQ240I be programmed in-system? A: Yes. The device supports IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary scan, which allows in-system programming (ISP) using a compatible JTAG programmer.
Summary
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240I is a mature, proven FPGA that delivers 36,000 equivalent gates, 192 user I/Os, and industrial-grade thermal reliability in a compact 240-pin PQFP package. Its 3.3V core with 5V-tolerant I/O, multiple configuration modes, and pin-compatible family structure make it an excellent choice for industrial control, DSP, communications, and legacy system maintenance. Engineers migrating from the XC4028XLA series will benefit from the same footprint with significantly increased logic resources.
