Product Overview: XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI FPGA Solutions
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI is a cutting-edge Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD Xilinx’s Spartan-3A DSP family, designed to deliver exceptional performance in cost-sensitive, high-volume digital signal processing applications. This advanced FPGA combines 3.4 million system gates with 53,712 logic cells, making it an ideal solution for engineers seeking powerful programmable logic capabilities without compromising on budget constraints.
As part of AMD’s renowned Xilinx FPGA product line, this device represents the perfect balance between performance, flexibility, and affordability for modern embedded systems.
Key Technical Specifications
Core FPGA Characteristics
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx (formerly Xilinx Inc.) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-3A DSP FPGA |
| System Gates |
3.4 Million |
| Logic Cells |
53,712 Cells |
| Process Technology |
90nm CMOS |
| Operating Voltage |
1.2V Core Voltage |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (Standard Performance) |
| Package Type |
484-Pin CSBGA (Chip Scale Ball Grid Array) |
| Temperature Range |
Industrial (-40°C to +100°C) |
| Lead Status |
Lead (Pb)-Free, RoHS Compliant |
Performance Metrics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
667MHz |
| I/O Pins |
309 User I/O |
| DSP Slices |
Enhanced XtremeDSP DSP48A Slices |
| Block RAM |
Distributed and Dedicated Block RAM |
| Configuration Options |
JTAG, Master/Slave Serial, SPI |
| Power Consumption |
Optimized for Low-Power Applications |
XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI Features and Capabilities
Advanced DSP Architecture
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI incorporates AMD Xilinx’s XtremeDSP technology, featuring dedicated DSP48A slices that enable:
- High-performance multiply-accumulate operations
- 18-bit x 18-bit multipliers with 48-bit accumulator
- Efficient implementation of FIR filters, FFTs, and digital filters
- Reduced logic resource consumption for DSP functions
- Enhanced signal processing throughput
Memory Resources
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
Description |
| Distributed RAM |
Configurable |
Implemented using CLB LUTs |
| Block RAM |
Multiple 18Kb blocks |
Dedicated dual-port RAM blocks |
| Total Memory |
High-density storage |
Optimized for data buffering and storage |
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The FPGA features flexible CLBs containing:
- 4-input Look-Up Tables (LUTs) for logic implementation
- Dedicated flip-flops for sequential logic
- Fast carry logic for arithmetic operations
- Distributed RAM and shift register capabilities
- Optimized routing resources
Clock Management
Advanced clock management features include:
- Digital Clock Manager (DCM) for frequency synthesis
- Clock de-skew and phase shifting
- Programmable clock division and multiplication
- Multiple clock domains support
- Low-jitter clock distribution network
XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI Applications
Industrial Automation and Control
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI excels in industrial environments:
- Motor control systems with precise PWM generation
- Real-time data acquisition and processing
- Machine vision and image processing
- Industrial communication protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET)
- Sensor interfacing and signal conditioning
Communications and Networking
Ideal for telecommunications infrastructure:
- Software-defined radio (SDR) implementations
- Digital signal processing for wireless systems
- Protocol conversion and packet processing
- Baseband processing for 4G/5G applications
- Network traffic analysis and filtering
Consumer Electronics
Perfect for multimedia and consumer products:
- High-definition video processing and encoding
- Audio signal processing and enhancement
- Display controller implementations
- Camera interface and image processing
- Gaming and entertainment systems
Medical Devices
Suitable for medical imaging and diagnostics:
- Ultrasound signal processing
- Medical imaging algorithms
- Patient monitoring systems
- Diagnostic equipment interfaces
- Real-time data analysis
Automotive Electronics
Automotive-grade applications include:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- In-vehicle infotainment systems
- Camera and sensor fusion
- CAN/LIN bus interfaces
- Dashboard display controllers
Development and Design Resources
Software and Tools
| Tool |
Purpose |
| Vivado Design Suite |
Comprehensive FPGA design environment |
| ISE Design Suite |
Legacy design tool (supported) |
| ChipScope Pro |
Integrated logic analyzer |
| EDK/SDK |
Embedded development kit |
| IP Core Library |
Pre-verified IP cores |
Programming and Configuration
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI supports multiple configuration modes:
- JTAG Configuration: Direct programming via JTAG interface
- Master Serial Mode: FPGA controls configuration PROM
- Slave Serial Mode: External controller manages configuration
- Master SPI Mode: Serial Peripheral Interface configuration
- BPI Mode: Byte Peripheral Interface for fast configuration
Package and Pin Configuration
484-CSBGA Package Details
| Package Feature |
Specification |
| Pin Count |
484 Pins |
| Package Type |
Chip Scale Ball Grid Array (CSBGA) |
| Ball Pitch |
1.0mm |
| Package Size |
23mm x 23mm |
| Height |
Low-profile design |
| Thermal Performance |
Enhanced thermal dissipation |
Pin Distribution
- User I/O: 309 configurable I/O pins
- Power Pins: Multiple VCCINT, VCCAUX, and VCCO pins
- Ground Pins: Extensive ground plane for noise reduction
- Configuration Pins: JTAG and programming interface pins
- Special Function Pins: Clock inputs, reset, and control signals
Electrical Characteristics
Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
1.14 |
1.2 |
1.26 |
V |
| Auxiliary Voltage (VCCAUX) |
2.375 |
2.5 |
2.625 |
V |
| I/O Voltage (VCCO) |
1.2 |
– |
3.3 |
V |
| Junction Temperature |
-40 |
– |
+100 |
°C |
Power Consumption
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI features optimized power consumption:
- Static power: Low quiescent current
- Dynamic power: Depends on design utilization
- Power management: Multiple power domains
- Sleep modes: Reduced power states available
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI decodes as:
- XC3S: Spartan-3 Family
- D3400A: DSP variant with 3.4M gates
- -4: Speed grade (standard performance)
- CSG484: 484-pin CSBGA package
- L: Lead-free (RoHS compliant)
- I: Industrial temperature range
Package Options
| Package Code |
Description |
Pin Count |
| CSG484 |
Chip Scale BGA |
484 |
| FG676 |
Fine-Pitch BGA |
676 (alternate) |
Competitive Advantages
Why Choose XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI?
Cost-Effective Performance
- Optimal price-to-performance ratio for DSP applications
- Lower total system cost compared to ASIC solutions
- Reduced bill of materials through integration
Design Flexibility
- Reprogrammable architecture allows design iterations
- In-field updates and feature enhancements possible
- Quick time-to-market compared to custom silicon
Proven Technology
- Based on mature 90nm process technology
- Extensive design ecosystem and support
- Large installed base with proven reliability
Enhanced DSP Capabilities
- Dedicated DSP slices reduce logic consumption
- Higher performance for signal processing algorithms
- Efficient implementation of complex mathematical operations
Design Considerations
PCB Layout Recommendations
When designing with the XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI:
- Power Supply Decoupling: Place multiple decoupling capacitors close to power pins
- Thermal Management: Ensure adequate cooling for high-utilization designs
- Signal Integrity: Use controlled impedance traces for high-speed signals
- Ground Plane: Implement solid ground plane for noise reduction
- Configuration Circuit: Follow reference design for configuration interface
Best Practices
- Clock Distribution: Use dedicated clock resources for timing-critical paths
- I/O Banking: Group I/O pins by voltage standard
- Constraint Files: Implement comprehensive timing constraints
- Simulation: Thoroughly simulate design before hardware implementation
- Power Estimation: Use Xilinx Power Estimator (XPE) for power analysis
Comparison with Similar Products
Spartan-3A DSP Family Comparison
| Device |
System Gates |
Logic Cells |
User I/O |
DSP Slices |
| XC3SD1800A |
1.8M |
37,440 |
519 |
84 |
| XC3SD3400A |
3.4M |
53,712 |
309-519 |
126 |
Migration Path
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI offers seamless migration options:
- Scalability: Pin-compatible with other Spartan-3A DSP devices
- Upward Migration: Move to larger density devices with minimal redesign
- Downward Migration: Cost-optimize by moving to smaller devices
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
- ISO 9001 Certified: Quality management system compliance
- Automotive Grade: AEC-Q100 qualified variants available
- RoHS Compliant: Lead-free and environmentally friendly
- REACH Compliant: Meets European chemical regulations
Reliability Metrics
| Metric |
Specification |
| MTBF |
>1,000,000 hours |
| ESD Protection |
Human Body Model (HBM) compliant |
| Latch-up Immunity |
JEDEC standard compliant |
| Operating Life |
20+ years at rated conditions |
Support and Documentation
Available Resources
- Product Datasheet: Comprehensive technical specifications
- User Guides: Design and implementation guidelines
- Application Notes: Specific application examples
- Reference Designs: Proven design starting points
- Community Forums: Technical support and discussions
- Training Materials: Video tutorials and webinars
Technical Support
AMD Xilinx provides comprehensive support:
- Online knowledge base and FAQs
- Technical support hotline
- Field Application Engineers (FAE)
- Design consultation services
- Training and workshops
Conclusion: XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI for Your Next Project
The XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI represents an excellent choice for engineers developing cost-sensitive, high-performance digital signal processing applications. With its robust feature set, proven reliability, and comprehensive development ecosystem, this FPGA delivers exceptional value for industrial, communications, consumer, medical, and automotive applications.
Whether you’re implementing complex DSP algorithms, building advanced control systems, or developing next-generation embedded products, the XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI provides the flexibility, performance, and reliability your project demands.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact authorized distributors for pricing, availability, and technical support. Download the complete datasheet and design resources to begin your development today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What development tools are required for the XC3SD3400A-4CSG484LI? A: The Vivado Design Suite or ISE Design Suite from AMD Xilinx are the primary development environments.
Q: Can this FPGA be used in automotive applications? A: Yes, automotive-grade versions are available with AEC-Q100 qualification.
Q: What is the difference between speed grades? A: Speed grade -4 is standard performance, while -5 offers higher maximum clock frequencies.
Q: How many DSP slices does this device contain? A: The XC3SD3400A contains 126 dedicated DSP48A slices for high-performance signal processing.
Q: Is in-system programming supported? A: Yes, through JTAG and various serial configuration modes.
Q: What external memory interfaces are supported? A: DDR2, DDR3, QDR2 SRAM, and other standard memory interfaces can be implemented.
