Overview of XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C FPGA
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C is a high-performance field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD Xilinx’s Spartan-3A DSP family, specifically engineered for demanding digital signal processing applications. This advanced Xilinx FPGA combines exceptional processing power, cost-effectiveness, and versatile functionality, making it an ideal solution for industrial automation, telecommunications, medical instrumentation, and defense applications.
Built on proven 90nm CMOS process technology, the XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C delivers 1.8 million system gates with 37,440 logic cells, providing designers with substantial computational resources for complex signal processing tasks while maintaining competitive pricing for high-volume production.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Architecture Features
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C |
| Product Family |
Spartan-3A DSP FPGA |
| System Gates |
1.8 Million gates |
| Logic Cells |
37,440 cells |
| Speed Grade |
-5 (High Performance) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
Up to 500-770MHz (application dependent) |
| Process Technology |
90nm CMOS |
| Package Type |
484-pin CSBGA (Chip Scale Ball Grid Array) |
| Operating Temperature Range |
0°C to 85°C (Commercial Grade) |
| Supply Voltage |
1.2V Core, 3.3V I/O |
Memory and DSP Resources
| Resource Type |
Capacity |
| Block RAM |
189kB (1,548,288 bits) |
| Distributed RAM |
Integrated within logic fabric |
| DSP48A Slices |
Enhanced XtremeDSP blocks |
| Embedded Multipliers |
18×18-bit dedicated multipliers |
| Configuration Memory |
Serial Flash/Platform Flash compatible |
I/O and Connectivity
| Feature |
Specification |
| Total User I/O Pins |
309 I/O pins |
| I/O Standards Support |
LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, and more |
| Differential Pairs |
High-speed differential signaling support |
| Digital Clock Managers (DCMs) |
4 integrated DCMs |
| Clock Distribution |
Advanced low-skew clock networks |
Advanced Features and Benefits
XtremeDSP DSP48A Slices
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C incorporates enhanced DSP48A slices derived from Virtex-4 architecture, delivering superior performance for digital signal processing operations. These dedicated blocks replace traditional 18×18 multipliers and provide an average of 70 percent logic efficiency improvement over standard gates-plus-multipliers implementations, enabling ASIC-equivalent performance without requiring additional co-processor chips.
Low Power Consumption
Optimized for power-sensitive applications, this FPGA features a typical power consumption of only 1.5W during normal operation, making it suitable for battery-powered devices, portable instrumentation, and energy-efficient embedded systems. The device includes advanced power management features and low-power differential I/O capabilities.
Flexible Configuration Options
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C supports multiple configuration modes, including:
- Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Flash memory
- Platform Flash configuration
- JTAG boundary-scan programming
- Master Serial and Slave Serial modes
This flexibility allows designers to choose the most cost-effective configuration solution for their specific application requirements.
High-Speed Clock Management
With four integrated Digital Clock Managers, the device provides sophisticated clock distribution and management capabilities including clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and jitter reduction. This ensures reliable timing across complex designs operating at multiple clock frequencies.
Target Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Automation and Control
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C excels in industrial environments requiring real-time signal processing, motion control, and sensor data acquisition. Its robust architecture handles demanding control algorithms while maintaining deterministic timing performance.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Ideal for telecommunications equipment including base stations, network routers, and protocol converters, this FPGA provides sufficient processing capacity for complex modulation schemes, error correction coding, and high-speed data packet processing.
Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
Medical device manufacturers leverage the XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C for ultrasound imaging, ECG signal processing, and diagnostic equipment requiring high-precision analog-to-digital conversion and real-time image processing capabilities.
Defense and Aerospace Systems
The device meets requirements for radar signal processing, software-defined radio (SDR), cryptographic applications, and secure communications systems where reconfigurability and high computational throughput are essential.
Test and Measurement Equipment
Laboratory instrumentation and automated test equipment benefit from the FPGA’s ability to implement custom measurement algorithms, multi-channel data acquisition, and real-time analysis functions.
Package and Physical Characteristics
CSBGA Package Details
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Package Type |
484-ball CSBGA |
| Ball Pitch |
0.8mm |
| Package Dimensions |
Compact chip-scale format |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| RoHS Compliance |
RoHS3 Compliant, Lead-Free |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level |
MSL 3 |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C |
The compact CSBGA package enables high-density PCB layouts while maintaining excellent thermal performance and signal integrity for high-speed applications.
Design Tools and Development Support
Vivado Design Suite Compatibility
While newer devices use Vivado, the XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, providing comprehensive tools for:
- HDL synthesis (VHDL, Verilog)
- Implementation and place-and-route
- Timing analysis and optimization
- Power analysis and estimation
- Hardware debugging with ChipScope Pro
IP Core Library Access
Designers gain access to an extensive intellectual property library including:
- DSP functions (FFT, FIR filters, DDS)
- Communication protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, USB)
- Memory controllers
- Video processing cores
- Arithmetic operators
This pre-verified IP accelerates development time and reduces design risk while maximizing logic utilization efficiency.
Performance Characteristics
Speed Grade -5 Performance
The -5 speed grade designation indicates high-performance specifications optimized for applications requiring maximum operating frequencies. Key performance metrics include:
- System Clock Frequencies: Up to 500-770MHz depending on design complexity
- DSP Throughput: Multiple GMAC/s (Giga Multiply-Accumulate operations per second)
- I/O Toggle Rates: Hundreds of MHz for single-ended signals, GHz for differential pairs
- Propagation Delays: Minimized through advanced routing architecture
Thermal Management
The device features efficient thermal characteristics with proper heat-sinking:
- Typical power dissipation: 1.5W
- Recommended heat-sink: Based on application requirements
- Junction temperature monitoring: Available through internal sensors
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C
- XC3SD1800A: Base device (Spartan-3A DSP, 1800K gates)
- -5: Speed grade (High performance)
- CSG484: Package type (484-ball CSBGA)
- C: Commercial temperature grade (0°C to +85°C)
Supply Chain Information
| Aspect |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx (formerly Xilinx Inc.) |
| Product Status |
Active production |
| Lead Time |
8-12 weeks (subject to availability) |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
1 unit (distributor dependent) |
| Volume Pricing |
Available for quantities 100+ |
| Package Options |
Tray packaging for automated assembly |
Quality and Reliability Standards
Compliance and Certifications
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C meets stringent quality standards:
- RoHS Compliance: RoHS3 compliant, lead-free manufacturing
- Quality Standards: ISO 9001 certified manufacturing
- Reliability Testing: Comprehensive qualification including temperature cycling, humidity exposure, and electrical stress testing
- Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Human Body Model (HBM) protection
- Export Control: Subject to export regulations
Long-Term Availability
As part of the mature Spartan-3A DSP family, AMD Xilinx provides long-term product availability commitments, making this device suitable for projects requiring extended production lifecycles and consistent supply chain support.
Competitive Advantages
Why Choose XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C
Cost-Effective Performance: Delivers exceptional DSP performance at competitive pricing points suitable for high-volume production, significantly reducing total system costs compared to discrete DSP processor solutions.
Proven Architecture: Based on mature 90nm technology with millions of deployed units worldwide, ensuring reliable operation and comprehensive application support from the engineering community.
Flexibility and Reconfigurability: Unlike fixed-function ASICs, this FPGA allows design updates and feature enhancements throughout the product lifecycle without hardware redesign.
Comprehensive Ecosystem: Extensive documentation, reference designs, evaluation boards, and third-party IP cores accelerate time-to-market and reduce development risks.
Future-Proof Design: In-field reconfigurability enables product updates, bug fixes, and feature additions after deployment, extending product lifetime and maximizing ROI.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between speed grades -4 and -5?
Speed grade -5 offers higher maximum operating frequencies compared to -4, enabling more demanding applications that require faster clock rates and lower propagation delays. The -5 grade is recommended when maximum performance is critical.
Can this FPGA replace a traditional DSP processor?
Yes, the XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C can replace discrete DSP processors in many applications due to its dedicated DSP48A slices, high-speed processing capabilities, and flexible architecture. It often provides superior performance with lower total system cost.
What programming languages are supported?
The device supports VHDL and Verilog HDL for design entry, as well as high-level synthesis tools that accept C/C++ code. Xilinx ISE Design Suite provides comprehensive development environment support.
Is this device suitable for automotive applications?
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C is a commercial-grade device (0°C to +85°C). For automotive applications requiring extended temperature ranges (-40°C to +125°C), consider the XA Spartan-3A DSP automotive-grade variants.
What configuration memory options are available?
The device supports various configuration memory options including SPI Flash (Serial Peripheral Interface), Platform Flash, and PROM-based solutions. Configuration file sizes vary based on design complexity, with typical requirements around 5-10 megabits.
Technical Support Resources
Documentation and Resources
- Datasheet: Complete electrical specifications and timing parameters
- User Guides: Comprehensive design guidelines and best practices
- Application Notes: Specific implementation examples and solutions
- Reference Designs: Pre-built designs for common applications
- Online Forums: Active community support and knowledge sharing
Contact Information
For technical inquiries, pricing, and availability:
- Visit authorized AMD Xilinx distributors
- Consult local sales representatives
- Access online documentation at AMD documentation portal
- Engage with community forums for design support
Conclusion
The XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C represents an excellent choice for engineers developing high-performance digital signal processing systems requiring flexibility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Its combination of 1.8 million system gates, advanced DSP capabilities, comprehensive I/O support, and proven 90nm technology makes it ideal for demanding applications across industrial, telecommunications, medical, defense, and test equipment markets.
By leveraging the XC3SD1800A-5CSG484C’s powerful architecture and extensive development ecosystem, designers can accelerate time-to-market while maintaining design flexibility for future enhancements. Whether replacing traditional DSP processors, implementing custom signal processing algorithms, or building next-generation embedded systems, this Xilinx FPGA delivers the performance and versatility needed for successful product development.
For the latest technical specifications, pricing information, and design resources, consult authorized distributors and the official AMD Xilinx documentation portal.
