The XCS10XL-4PC84C is a versatile field-programmable gate array from Xilinx’s renowned Spartan-XL family, designed to deliver cost-effective programmable logic solutions for high-volume production environments. This 84-pin PLCC packaged FPGA combines performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for designers seeking ASIC replacement solutions.
Overview of XCS10XL-4PC84C FPGA
The XCS10XL-4PC84C represents Xilinx’s commitment to providing high-quality programmable logic devices that meet the demanding requirements of modern electronic systems. As part of the Xilinx FPGA Spartan-XL series, this device offers exceptional value for applications requiring moderate gate density with proven reliability.
Key Features of XCS10XL-4PC84C
This FPGA delivers impressive capabilities that make it suitable for diverse application requirements. The device features 10,000 system gates and 466 configurable logic blocks, providing ample resources for complex digital designs. Operating at 3.3V, the chip offers excellent power efficiency while maintaining robust performance characteristics.
The speed grade of -4 ensures reliable operation with competitive timing performance, enabling designers to meet stringent system requirements. The commercial temperature range makes this device suitable for a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Technical Specifications
Core Performance Parameters
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XCS10XL-4PC84C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (now AMD) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-XL |
| System Gates |
10,000 |
| Logic Cells |
466 CLBs |
| Speed Grade |
-4 |
| Operating Voltage |
3.3V |
| Package Type |
84-Pin PLCC |
| Temperature Range |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
Package and Pin Configuration
| Package Details |
Value |
| Package Style |
PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Total Pins |
84 |
| User I/O Pins |
Up to 61 |
| Package Code |
PC84C |
| Mounting Type |
Through-hole |
| RoHS Compliance |
Lead-free / RoHS Compliant |
Electrical Characteristics
| Characteristic |
Specification |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
3.3V ±5% |
| Input Logic High (Vih) |
2.0V minimum |
| Input Logic Low (Vil) |
0.8V maximum |
| Maximum System Clock |
>80 MHz |
| Internal Performance |
>150 MHz |
Architecture and Design Resources
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XCS10XL-4PC84C incorporates 466 CLBs arranged in a flexible, programmable architecture. Each CLB contains two logic cells with Look-Up Tables (LUTs), enabling efficient implementation of combinatorial and sequential logic functions.
Memory and Storage Features
This Spartan-XL device includes on-chip edge-triggered single-port RAM, providing valuable storage resources without consuming external memory components. The distributed RAM capability allows designers to implement small memory structures efficiently within the FPGA fabric.
Routing Resources
The device features a hierarchical routing architecture with versatile interconnect resources, enabling efficient signal routing between CLBs and I/O blocks. This routing flexibility ensures high performance while maintaining design predictability.
Application Areas
Industrial Automation and Control
The XCS10XL-4PC84C excels in industrial control applications where reliability and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Its commercial temperature range and robust design make it suitable for factory automation, process control, and monitoring systems.
Communications Equipment
This FPGA is well-suited for communications infrastructure applications, including protocol conversion, signal processing, and interface bridging. The device’s performance capabilities support various communication standards and protocols.
Consumer Electronics
The Spartan-XL family’s cost-effective architecture makes the XCS10XL-4PC84C an excellent choice for consumer electronics applications such as:
- Digital signal processing
- Video and audio processing
- Interface controllers
- Peripheral management
- Custom logic implementations
Automotive Electronics
With appropriate qualification, this FPGA can support automotive applications including body electronics, infotainment systems, and control modules where programmable logic provides flexibility for product variations.
Design and Development
Programming and Configuration
The XCS10XL-4PC84C supports multiple configuration modes including Master Serial, Slave Serial, and JTAG boundary scan. This flexibility allows designers to choose the most appropriate configuration method for their specific application requirements.
Development Tools
Designers can leverage Xilinx’s comprehensive development tool suite for implementing designs on the XCS10XL-4PC84C. Legacy ISE design tools provide full support for the Spartan-XL family, including synthesis, place and route, and timing analysis capabilities.
Design Considerations
When designing with the XCS10XL-4PC84C, engineers should consider proper power supply decoupling, clock distribution strategies, and I/O planning to achieve optimal performance. The device’s commercial temperature rating requires attention to thermal management in higher-power applications.
Performance Comparison
Spartan-XL Family Comparison
| Device |
Logic Cells |
System Gates |
Package Options |
| XCS05XL |
238 |
5,000 |
PC84, VQ100 |
| XCS10XL |
466 |
10,000 |
PC84, TQ144, VQ100 |
| XCS20XL |
950 |
20,000 |
PQ208, TQ144, VQ100 |
| XCS30XL |
1,368 |
30,000 |
PQ240, TQ144 |
| XCS40XL |
1,862 |
40,000 |
PQ240, CS280 |
Advantages of XCS10XL-4PC84C
Cost-Effective ASIC Alternative
The XCS10XL-4PC84C provides a compelling alternative to mask-programmed ASICs for moderate volume production. The device’s pricing structure approaches ASIC levels in high volumes while offering the flexibility of reprogrammability.
Unlimited Reprogrammability
Unlike one-time programmable devices, this FPGA supports unlimited reconfiguration cycles, enabling design iterations, field updates, and product customization throughout the product lifecycle.
Proven Reliability
The Spartan-XL family has demonstrated excellent reliability in field deployments across various industries. The mature technology and extensive characterization ensure predictable performance in production environments.
Pin Compatibility
The PC84C package maintains pin compatibility with other Spartan-XL family members in the same package, facilitating design migration and product family development.
Quality and Compliance
Environmental Compliance
The XCS10XL-4PC84C meets RoHS requirements for lead-free manufacturing, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in global markets. The device’s green packaging supports environmentally conscious design practices.
Manufacturing Standards
Xilinx (now AMD) manufactures these devices following strict quality control procedures, with 100% functional testing ensuring reliable operation. The mature manufacturing process provides excellent yield and consistency.
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
Understanding the XCS10XL-4PC84C part number structure:
- XC = Xilinx Commercial
- S10 = Spartan 10K gates
- XL = Extended Lifespan version
- -4 = Speed grade (standard performance)
- PC84 = Plastic Chip Carrier, 84 pins
- C = Commercial temperature range
Package Marking
Devices are marked with complete part number information, including manufacturing date code and country of origin, enabling full traceability for quality control purposes.
Migration and Lifecycle Considerations
Legacy Device Status
As a mature product, the XCS10XL-4PC84C is classified as an obsolete part by the manufacturer. Designers planning new projects should consider current-generation FPGA families for long-term availability. However, the device remains available through authorized distributors for existing designs and maintenance requirements.
Modern Alternatives
For new designs, Xilinx offers modern FPGA families with enhanced features, improved performance, and better power efficiency. The Artix-7 and Spartan-7 families provide migration paths with significantly enhanced capabilities.
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation
Complete technical documentation for the XCS10XL-4PC84C includes datasheets, application notes, and reference designs available through Xilinx’s documentation archive.
Design Examples
Various reference designs and application notes demonstrate best practices for implementing common functions using Spartan-XL FPGAs, helping designers accelerate their development process.
Conclusion
The XCS10XL-4PC84C FPGA represents a proven solution for applications requiring moderate gate density, commercial temperature operation, and cost-effective programmable logic. While newer FPGA families offer enhanced features, this Spartan-XL device continues to serve existing designs reliably and remains available for maintenance and production requirements.
For designers maintaining legacy systems or requiring cost-optimized solutions with moderate performance requirements, the XCS10XL-4PC84C delivers reliable operation backed by Xilinx’s industry-leading FPGA technology. Its combination of adequate logic resources, flexible architecture, and proven reliability makes it suitable for diverse industrial and commercial applications where programmable logic provides essential design flexibility.
