The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is a high-performance field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD Xilinx, belonging to the XC4000XLA/XV series. Designed for demanding logic applications, this device packs 41,472 logic cells and 193 user I/O pins into a compact 240-pin BFQFP package, making it an excellent choice for embedded control, digital signal processing, and prototyping systems. If you’re looking for reliable Xilinx FPGA solutions, the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C delivers proven performance backed by mature fabrication technology.
What Is the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C?
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is a member of Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family — an advanced generation of CMOS FPGAs optimized for low-voltage operation and high logic density. The part number breaks down as follows:
| Part Number Segment |
Meaning |
| XC4036 |
XC4000 series, 36K-gate equivalent density |
| XLA |
XLA process variant (advanced low-voltage CMOS) |
| -09 |
Speed grade: –09 ns maximum propagation delay |
| HQ240 |
240-pin BFQFP (Bare die Fine-pitch Quad Flat Pack) package |
| C |
Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) |
This IC is manufactured by AMD (formerly Xilinx) and distributed through authorized channels including DigiKey (Part Number: XC4036XLA09HQ240C-ND).
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C Key Specifications
Core Logic and Architecture
| Parameter |
Value |
| Device Family |
XC4000XLA/XV FPGA |
| Total Logic Cells |
3,078 CLBs (approx. 41,472 equivalent gates) |
| User I/O Pins |
193 |
| Flip-Flops / Registers |
3,078+ (one per CLB slice) |
| Distributed RAM Bits |
Configurable via CLB logic |
| Technology |
Advanced CMOS (XLA process) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) |
2.5V (XLA series) |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) |
3.3V compatible |
| Speed Grade |
-09 (9 ns system clock period) |
| Operating Temperature (Commercial) |
0°C to +85°C |
| Standby Current (ICC) |
Low (XLA optimized) |
Package and Physical Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
240-BFQFP (Bare die Fine-pitch QFP) |
| Package Code |
HQ240 |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
| Body Style |
QFP (Quad Flat Pack) |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| DigiKey Part No. |
XC4036XLA09HQ240C-ND |
| Manufacturer Part No. |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C Pin Configuration Overview
The 240-QFP package provides generous pin access across all four sides of the device body. Of the 240 physical pins:
| Pin Group |
Count |
| User I/O Pins |
193 |
| Power Supply (VCC) Pins |
Multiple (distributed) |
| Ground (GND) Pins |
Multiple (distributed) |
| Dedicated Configuration Pins |
Several (DONE, PROG, M0/M1/M2, etc.) |
| Clock Input Pins (Global) |
4 dedicated global clock inputs |
The four dedicated global clock buffers allow high fan-out, low-skew clock distribution — critical for synchronous design methodologies in FPGAs of this class.
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C Functional Description
#### Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is built around Xilinx’s CLB-based architecture. Each CLB contains:
- Two 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) for combinational logic
- Two edge-triggered D flip-flops with clock enable and synchronous set/reset
- Fast carry logic for efficient arithmetic operations
- Multiplexers for flexible routing
With 3,078 CLBs, the device can implement substantial state machines, arithmetic datapaths, and complex control logic within a single chip.
#### I/O Blocks (IOBs)
Each of the 193 user I/Os is managed by a dedicated IOB supporting:
- Programmable input delay (to meet setup time requirements)
- Slew rate control (fast/slow) to reduce ground bounce and EMI
- Optional output registers for zero hold-time interfacing
- 3-state (tri-state) output enable control
- Pull-up and pull-down termination resistors
#### Configuration Modes
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C supports multiple configuration modes, including:
| Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA loads from serial EEPROM (e.g., XC17V series) |
| Slave Serial |
FPGA receives bitstream from external controller |
| Master Parallel |
FPGA reads from parallel PROM |
| Slave Parallel |
External master provides parallel bitstream |
| Boundary Scan (JTAG) |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant JTAG configuration and test |
Speed Grade and Timing Performance
The -09 speed grade means the worst-case propagation delay through a combinational path (tPD) is rated at 9 ns maximum under commercial conditions. This enables system clock frequencies suitable for moderate-speed applications.
| Timing Parameter |
-09 Grade (Commercial) |
| Maximum System Clock (fMAX) |
~80–100 MHz (design dependent) |
| CLB-to-CLB Propagation |
~5–9 ns |
| Setup Time (tSU) |
~4–6 ns |
| Clock-to-Output (tCO) |
~5–8 ns |
| Global Clock Skew |
< 1 ns (typical) |
Note: Actual timing depends on design complexity, routing utilization, and synthesis tool optimization.
Applications of the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is well-suited for a broad range of embedded and industrial applications:
| Application Area |
Typical Use Case |
| Industrial Automation |
Motor control FSMs, sensor interfacing, PLC replacement |
| Communications |
Framing logic, protocol bridges (UART, SPI, I2C) |
| Test & Measurement |
Data acquisition controllers, signal routing |
| Prototyping |
ASIC prototyping, algorithm verification |
| Military/Aerospace (legacy) |
Ruggedized system replacement (with appropriate screening) |
| Consumer Electronics (legacy) |
Set-top box glue logic, video timing control |
Ordering Information
| Attribute |
Details |
| Full Part Number |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C |
| DigiKey Part Number |
XC4036XLA09HQ240C-ND |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Package |
240-BFQFP |
| Temperature Grade |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Check with distributor for RoHS status |
| Datasheet |
Available via Xilinx / AMD documentation portal |
XC4036XLA-09HQ240C vs. Similar Xilinx FPGAs
Understanding where the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C fits in the broader XC4000 family helps in device selection:
| Model |
Logic Gates (equiv.) |
User I/O |
Package Options |
Speed Grades |
| XC4013XLA |
~13,000 |
112 |
Multiple |
-08, -09 |
| XC4028XLA |
~28,000 |
168 |
Multiple |
-08, -09 |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ240C |
~41,472 |
193 |
240-BFQFP |
-09 |
| XC4052XLA |
~52,000 |
284 |
Multiple |
-08, -09 |
| XC4085XLA |
~85,000 |
448 |
Multiple |
-08, -09 |
For higher densities or modern features like block RAM, DSP slices, or high-speed serial transceivers, the Spartan-6, Artix-7, or Kintex-7 families may be more appropriate. However, for legacy design maintenance and drop-in replacements, the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C remains a reliable solution.
Design Tools and Support
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (legacy). Engineers working with this device should note:
- ISE 14.7 is the last version supporting XC4000-series FPGAs
- Supported languages: VHDL, Verilog, and schematic capture
- Simulation via ModelSim or ISIM
- Place-and-route via PAR (Place and Route) tool within ISE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the core voltage of the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C? A: The XLA series operates at 2.5V core voltage (VCCINT), with 3.3V I/O compatibility.
Q: Is the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C still in production? A: The XC4000XLA series is considered a legacy/end-of-life product. Availability is primarily through authorized distributor stock. Always verify availability and date codes before purchasing for new designs.
Q: What configuration device pairs with the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C? A: Compatible serial configuration PROMs include the Xilinx XC17V series and platform flash devices.
Q: Can I use Vivado with the XC4036XLA-09HQ240C? A: No. Vivado only supports 7-series and newer devices. Use Xilinx ISE 14.7 for XC4000-series designs.
Q: What is the difference between XLA and XL variants? A: XLA offers lower core voltage (2.5V vs. 3.3V for XL) and generally lower power consumption, while maintaining backward compatibility in pin-out and functionality.
Summary
The XC4036XLA-09HQ240C is a robust, proven FPGA solution offering 193 user I/O pins, approximately 41,472 equivalent logic gates, and a -09 ns speed grade in a 240-pin BFQFP package. While it is a legacy device, it continues to serve industrial maintenance, prototyping, and legacy system applications effectively. Designers seeking more information on the wider Xilinx ecosystem can explore the full range of Xilinx FPGA products to find the right fit for their projects.
