Overview of XA3S200-4PQG208I Automotive FPGA
The XA3S200-4PQG208I is a high-performance automotive-grade Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD (formerly Xilinx), specifically engineered for demanding automotive and industrial applications. As part of the Spartan-3 XA (Automotive) family, this FPGA delivers exceptional reliability, extended temperature operation, and AEC-Q100 qualification, making it the ideal choice for mission-critical automotive electronics systems.
With 200,000 system gates and 4,320 logic cells, the XA3S200-4PQG208I provides designers with flexible programmable logic capabilities for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment modules, instrument clusters, and automotive gateway systems. This Xilinx FPGA combines cost-effectiveness with automotive-grade reliability to meet the stringent requirements of modern vehicle electronics.
Key Features and Specifications
Logic Resources and Performance
| Feature |
Specification |
| System Gates |
200,000 gates |
| Logic Cells/Elements |
4,320 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
480 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
630 MHz |
| Process Technology |
90nm CMOS |
| Core Voltage |
1.2V |
Memory and I/O Configuration
| Specification |
Details |
| Total RAM Bits |
221,184 bits (27 KB) |
| Distributed RAM |
27 KB |
| Input/Output Pins |
141 I/O |
| Total Pins |
208-pin PQFP |
| Package Type |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) |
Temperature and Reliability Ratings
| Parameter |
Value |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (I-grade) |
| Operating Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C (Junction Temperature) |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification |
Yes – Automotive Grade |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (4ns) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
Technical Architecture and Capabilities
Advanced FPGA Architecture
The XA3S200-4PQG208I features a sophisticated architecture derived from the proven Virtex-II platform technology. The FPGA incorporates:
- 480 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) providing flexible logic implementation
- 221,184 RAM bits for embedded memory functions
- 141 I/O pins supporting multiple voltage standards and interface protocols
- Digital Clock Management (DCM) blocks for precise clock control and distribution
- Dedicated multipliers for high-speed arithmetic operations
Logic Density and Computational Power
With 4,320 logic elements organized into 480 configurable logic blocks, the XA3S200-4PQG208I delivers approximately 200,000 equivalent system gates. This logic density enables complex digital signal processing algorithms, real-time control systems, high-speed data acquisition and processing, protocol conversion and communication interfaces, and state machine implementation for automotive controllers.
Applications in Automotive Electronics
Engine Management and Powertrain Control
The XA3S200-4PQG208I excels in automotive powertrain applications where reliability and real-time processing are critical: engine control unit (ECU) logic implementation, sensor signal conditioning and processing, fuel injection timing control, emissions monitoring systems, and transmission control algorithms.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Modern ADAS implementations leverage the XA3S200-4PQG208I for sensor fusion from radar, LiDAR, and camera inputs, real-time object detection and tracking, lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control logic, and collision avoidance algorithms.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In-vehicle infotainment systems benefit from the FPGA’s flexibility in audio/video signal processing, display controller interfaces, CAN, LIN, FlexRay protocol handling, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity management, and user interface control logic.
Instrument Clusters and HMI
Digital instrument clusters utilize the XA3S200-4PQG208I for high-resolution graphics rendering, multi-display management, animation and effects processing, real-time data visualization, and touchscreen interface control.
Comparison with Related FPGA Models
Spartan-3 XA Family Comparison
| Model |
System Gates |
Logic Cells |
CLBs |
RAM (bits) |
I/O (208-PQFP) |
| XA3S50 |
50,000 |
1,728 |
192 |
73,728 |
124 |
| XA3S200 |
200,000 |
4,320 |
480 |
221,184 |
141 |
| XA3S400 |
400,000 |
8,064 |
896 |
294,912 |
141 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes the XA3S200-4PQG208I suitable for automotive applications?
The XA3S200-4PQG208I is specifically qualified to AEC-Q100 automotive standards and features extended temperature operation from -40°C to +100°C. It undergoes rigorous automotive-grade testing including thermal cycling, humidity exposure, and electrical overstress qualification.
What is the difference between I-grade and Q-grade versions?
I-grade devices (like the XA3S200-4PQG208I) operate from -40°C to +100°C junction temperature, while Q-grade versions support -40°C to +125°C for more extreme automotive environments under the hood or near hot components.
