The XC18V512PC20C is a high-performance 512-kilobit in-system programmable configuration PROM manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This versatile memory device provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for storing and loading FPGA configuration bitstreams. Whether you’re designing industrial control systems, telecommunications equipment, or embedded applications, the XC18V512PC20C delivers exceptional performance with flexible programming options.
XC18V512PC20C Key Features and Benefits
The XC18V512PC20C belongs to the XC18V00 series, which represents Xilinx’s advanced configuration memory solutions for Xilinx FPGA devices. This PROM stands out for its robust feature set and reliable operation across diverse applications.
In-System Programmability
One of the most significant advantages of the XC18V512PC20C is its in-system programmable capability. Engineers can update the FPGA configuration directly on the circuit board without removing the device. This feature dramatically reduces development time and enables field upgrades, making it ideal for products requiring firmware updates.
High Endurance and Reliability
The XC18V512PC20C offers an impressive endurance rating of 20,000 program/erase cycles. This exceptional durability ensures long-term reliability even in applications requiring frequent configuration updates. The advanced CMOS flash process technology guarantees data retention and consistent performance throughout the product lifecycle.
Dual Configuration Modes
This configuration PROM supports both serial and parallel configuration modes, providing flexibility for various FPGA interface requirements:
- Serial configuration with speeds up to 33 MHz
- Parallel configuration achieving data rates up to 264 Mb/s at 33 MHz
XC18V512PC20C Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC18V512PC20C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx Inc. (AMD) |
| Memory Type |
Configuration PROM (EEPROM) |
| Memory Size |
512Kb (512 kilobits) |
| Supply Voltage |
3.0V to 3.6V |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
| Package Type |
20-PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Package Dimensions |
9mm × 9mm |
| Pin Count |
20 Pins |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
V |
| Input Voltage (Low) |
-0.5 |
– |
0.8 |
V |
| Input Voltage (High) |
2.0 |
– |
5.5 |
V |
| Output Voltage (Low) |
– |
– |
0.4 |
V |
| Output Voltage (High) |
2.4 |
– |
– |
V |
| Serial Clock Frequency |
– |
– |
33 |
MHz |
| Program/Erase Cycles |
– |
– |
20,000 |
Cycles |
I/O Compatibility
| Voltage Level |
Input Support |
Output Support |
| 5.0V |
✓ (Tolerant) |
— |
| 3.3V |
✓ |
✓ |
| 2.5V |
✓ |
✓ |
XC18V512PC20C Pin Configuration
The 20-pin PLCC package provides a compact footprint while offering all necessary interface signals for FPGA configuration.
| Pin Number |
Pin Name |
Function |
| 1 |
CEO |
Cascade Enable Output |
| 2 |
CLK |
Configuration Clock Input |
| 3 |
DATA/D0 |
Serial Data Output |
| 4-7 |
D1-D4 |
Parallel Data Outputs |
| 8 |
GND |
Ground |
| 9 |
OE/RESET |
Output Enable / Reset |
| 10 |
CE |
Chip Enable |
| 11-14 |
NC/TDI/TDO/TMS |
JTAG Interface |
| 15 |
TCK |
JTAG Test Clock |
| 16-19 |
D5-D7/CF |
Data/Cascade Function |
| 20 |
VCC |
Power Supply |
Compatible FPGA Families
The XC18V512PC20C is designed to configure various Xilinx FPGA families. The 512Kb memory capacity makes it suitable for smaller FPGA devices.
| FPGA Family |
Compatible Devices |
| Spartan-II |
XC2S15, XC2S30, XC2S50 |
| Spartan-IIE |
XC2S50E, XC2S100E |
| Virtex |
XCV50, XCV100 |
| Virtex-E |
XCV50E, XCV100E |
XC18V512PC20C JTAG Programming Support
The XC18V512PC20C includes full IEEE 1149.1 Boundary-Scan (JTAG) support. This standardized interface enables:
- In-system programming without dedicated programming hardware
- Boundary-scan testing for board-level diagnostics
- JTAG-initiated FPGA configuration sequences
- Daisy-chain configuration with multiple devices
Supported Programming Tools
| Tool |
Compatibility |
| Xilinx iMPACT |
Fully Supported |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
Fully Supported |
| Third-Party JTAG Programmers |
IEEE 1149.1 Compliant |
XC18V512PC20C Ordering Information
Understanding the part number helps ensure you select the correct variant for your application.
| Part Segment |
Meaning |
| XC18V |
Product Family (In-System Programmable PROM) |
| 512 |
Memory Density (512 kilobits) |
| PC |
Package Type (Plastic Chip Carrier) |
| 20 |
Pin Count (20 pins) |
| C |
Temperature Grade (Commercial: 0°C to +70°C) |
Available Package Variants
| Part Number |
Package |
Lead-Free |
Temperature |
| XC18V512PC20C |
20-PLCC |
No |
Commercial |
| XC18V512PCG20C |
20-PLCC |
Yes (Pb-Free) |
Commercial |
| XC18V512SO20C |
20-SOIC |
No |
Commercial |
| XC18V512SOG20C |
20-SOIC |
Yes (Pb-Free) |
Commercial |
Typical Applications for XC18V512PC20C
The XC18V512PC20C configuration PROM serves essential roles across multiple industries and applications:
Industrial Automation
Factory automation systems and programmable logic controllers benefit from the reliable configuration storage and field-update capabilities of the XC18V512PC20C.
Telecommunications Equipment
Network switches, routers, and base station equipment utilize this PROM for dependable FPGA configuration in mission-critical communications infrastructure.
Consumer Electronics
Video processing equipment, set-top boxes, and display controllers leverage the compact 20-PLCC package and low power consumption.
Medical Devices
Diagnostic equipment and patient monitoring systems rely on the high reliability and extended data retention of the XC18V512PC20C.
Design Considerations
When implementing the XC18V512PC20C in your design, consider these important factors:
Power Supply Decoupling
Place 0.1µF ceramic capacitors close to the VCC pins to ensure stable operation and minimize noise interference during configuration sequences.
Configuration Timing
Allow adequate time for the PROM to complete power-on initialization before initiating the configuration sequence. The device requires a stable power supply before configuration can begin.
Cascading Multiple PROMs
For larger bitstreams exceeding 512Kb, multiple XC18V512PC20C devices can be cascaded using the CEO (Cascade Enable Output) pin connected to the CE (Chip Enable) input of the subsequent device.
Conclusion
The XC18V512PC20C represents a proven and reliable solution for Xilinx FPGA configuration storage. With its 512Kb memory capacity, in-system programmability, JTAG support, and robust 20,000-cycle endurance, this configuration PROM meets the demanding requirements of industrial, telecommunications, and embedded applications. The compact 20-PLCC package and flexible voltage compatibility make it an excellent choice for space-constrained designs requiring dependable FPGA configuration memory.
