The XA3S400-4PQG208Q represents AMD’s (formerly Xilinx) commitment to delivering reliable, automotive-qualified field-programmable gate array solutions for mission-critical applications. This FPGA combines the proven Spartan-3A architecture with enhanced temperature tolerance and reliability features, making it an ideal choice for automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications.
Overview: XA3S400-4PQG208Q FPGA Specifications
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q is a member of the XA Spartan-3A automotive FPGA family, specifically engineered to meet the demanding requirements of harsh operating environments. Built on 90nm process technology, this device delivers exceptional performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness for high-volume production.
Key Features of XA3S400-4PQG208Q
- 400,000 System Gates for complex logic implementation
- 8,064 Logic Cells providing extensive design flexibility
- 141 User I/O Pins in 208-pin PQFP package
- 294,912 bits of distributed RAM
- 630 MHz maximum internal frequency
- -40°C to +125°C extended temperature range
- 1.2V Core Voltage for low power consumption
- Speed Grade: -4 for optimized performance
XA3S400-4PQG208Q Technical Specifications
Core Architecture and Logic Resources
| Specification |
Value |
| Device Family |
XA Spartan-3A Automotive |
| System Gates |
400,000 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
896 |
| Logic Cells |
8,064 |
| Total Block RAM |
288 Kbits (16 blocks) |
| Distributed RAM |
294,912 bits |
| Maximum User I/O |
141 |
Memory Architecture
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q features a dual-port block RAM architecture that enables simultaneous read/write operations. Each 18Kbit block RAM can be configured in various aspect ratios to meet specific application requirements.
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
Configuration Options |
| Block RAM (Total) |
288 Kbits |
16 blocks × 18 Kbits |
| Distributed RAM |
294,912 bits |
Flexible configuration |
| RAM Access Modes |
Dual-port |
Independent A/B ports |
Package and Pinout: 208-Pin PQFP Configuration
XA3S400-4PQG208Q Package Details
| Package Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Package Code |
PQG208 |
| Lead Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Body Size |
28mm × 28mm |
| Package Height |
3.4mm typical |
The 208-pin PQFP package provides an optimal balance between I/O density and PCB routing ease, making the XA3S400-4PQG208Q suitable for space-constrained automotive and industrial designs.
Performance Characteristics
Operating Frequency and Timing
The speed grade -4 designation indicates the XA3S400-4PQG208Q’s performance tier:
- Internal Clock Frequency: Up to 630 MHz
- System Clock Performance: Optimized for automotive applications
- DCM (Digital Clock Manager): Up to 4 independent DCMs
- Clock Distribution: Dedicated low-skew global clock network
Power Consumption Profile
| Operating Condition |
Typical Current |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
1.2V ± 5% |
| I/O Voltage (VCCO) |
1.2V to 3.3V |
| Static Power |
Ultra-low standby current |
| Dynamic Power |
Design-dependent, optimized for efficiency |
Automotive Qualification and Reliability
Extended Temperature Range Performance
The “XA” prefix designates this device as an automotive-qualified component meeting stringent reliability standards:
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +125°C (Junction)
- Ambient Temperature: -40°C to +105°C
- Storage Temperature: -65°C to +150°C
Quality and Compliance Standards
| Standard |
Compliance |
| AEC-Q100 Qualification |
Grade 2 (-40°C to +125°C) |
| Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) |
Level 3 capable |
| Quality Management |
ISO/TS 16949 certified |
| RoHS Compliance |
RoHS 6/6 compliant |
I/O Capabilities and Standards
Supported I/O Standards
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q supports multiple I/O standards for maximum interface flexibility:
| I/O Standard |
Voltage Level |
| LVCMOS |
1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V |
| LVTTL |
3.3V |
| HSTL |
Class I, II, III, IV |
| SSTL |
2, 3 |
| PCI |
33MHz, 66MHz |
| Differential |
LVDS, mini-LVDS, RSDS |
Application Areas for XA3S400-4PQG208Q
Automotive Electronics
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q excels in automotive applications requiring high reliability:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Engine Control Units (ECU)
- Body Control Modules
- Infotainment Systems
- Dashboard Clusters
- Safety Systems
Industrial and Aerospace Applications
Beyond automotive, this FPGA serves demanding industrial environments:
- Industrial Automation Controllers
- Motor Control Systems
- Aerospace Avionics
- Medical Equipment
- Military Systems
- Test and Measurement Equipment
Design Tools and Development Support
Compatible Development Software
Designing with the XA3S400-4PQG208Q requires Xilinx ISE Design Suite (legacy) or compatible tools:
| Tool Category |
Recommended Software |
| Design Entry |
ISE WebPACK/Foundation/System Edition |
| Synthesis |
XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology) |
| Implementation |
ISE Implementation Tools |
| Simulation |
ISim, ModelSim |
| Programming |
iMPACT, ChipScope Pro |
Development Resources
Access comprehensive Xilinx FPGA design resources including reference designs, application notes, and technical documentation to accelerate your development cycle.
Configuration and Programming
Configuration Modes
| Mode |
Description |
Typical Use Case |
| Master Serial |
FPGA controls config PROM |
Standalone systems |
| Slave Serial |
External controller drives config |
Multi-FPGA systems |
| Master SelectMAP |
Parallel configuration |
Fast boot applications |
| Slave SelectMAP |
Processor-driven config |
Processor-based systems |
| JTAG |
Boundary scan/debug |
Development and testing |
Configuration Memory Requirements
- Bitstream Size: Approximately 1.35 Mbits
- Recommended PROM: XCF02S or larger
- Configuration Time: < 100ms typical (Master Serial mode)
Comparison with Related Devices
XA Spartan-3A Family Options
| Device |
System Gates |
Logic Cells |
Block RAM |
User I/O |
Package |
| XA3S200-4PQG208Q |
200,000 |
4,320 |
216 Kbits |
141 |
208-PQFP |
| XA3S400-4PQG208Q |
400,000 |
8,064 |
288 Kbits |
141 |
208-PQFP |
| XA3S1000-4FG456 |
1,000,000 |
17,280 |
432 Kbits |
333 |
456-FBGA |
Ordering Information and Part Number Decoder
Understanding XA3S400-4PQG208Q Part Number
Breaking down the complete part number:
- XA = Automotive-qualified (extended temperature)
- 3S = Spartan-3A generation
- 400 = 400K system gates
- -4 = Speed grade (performance tier)
- PQG208 = 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack, green/RoHS
- Q = Qualification code (automotive grade)
Available Variations
| Part Number |
Temperature |
Speed Grade |
Package |
| XA3S400-4PQG208Q |
-40°C to +125°C |
-4 |
208-PQFP |
| XA3S400-4PQG208I |
-40°C to +100°C |
-4 |
208-PQFP |
| XA3S400-4FTG256Q |
-40°C to +125°C |
-4 |
256-FBGA |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Thermal Management
Proper thermal design is critical for XA3S400-4PQG208Q reliability:
- Junction Temperature: Monitor and maintain below maximum rating
- Thermal Resistance (θJA): Approximately 40°C/W (board-dependent)
- Heat Sink Recommendations: Consider for high-utilization designs
- PCB Design: Use thermal vias and ground planes for heat dissipation
Power Supply Design Guidelines
| Rail |
Voltage |
Tolerance |
Sequencing |
| VCCINT |
1.2V |
±5% |
First to rise |
| VCCO |
1.2V-3.3V |
±5% |
After VCCINT |
| VCCAUX |
2.5V |
±5% |
With VCCINT |
PCB Layout Recommendations
- Decoupling Capacitors: Place 0.1µF and 10µF capacitors close to power pins
- Ground Planes: Implement solid ground planes for signal integrity
- High-Speed Signals: Use controlled impedance traces for critical paths
- Clock Distribution: Minimize skew with matched-length routing
- JTAG Accessibility: Provide easy access for programming and debug
Reliability and Longevity
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q is designed for extended operational life in harsh environments:
- Estimated MTBF: > 1,000,000 hours at 55°C
- Configuration Memory Retention: > 20 years
- Endurance Cycles: Unlimited reconfiguration capability
- Data Retention: Non-volatile when used with configuration PROM
Environmental Resistance
| Environmental Factor |
Rating |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level |
MSL 3 |
| ESD Protection |
HBM Class 2 (>2000V) |
| Latch-up Immunity |
>200mA |
Getting Started with XA3S400-4PQG208Q
Development Kit Recommendations
While AMD/Xilinx does not currently produce specific XA3S400 development boards, compatible Spartan-3A evaluation platforms include:
- Spartan-3A Starter Kit (commercial grade equivalent)
- Third-party automotive FPGA development boards
- Custom evaluation boards from design service providers
Programming Interface Requirements
Essential equipment for XA3S400-4PQG208Q development:
- Xilinx Platform Cable USB II or compatible JTAG programmer
- Configuration PROM programmer (for standalone operation)
- ISE Design Suite (version 14.7 final release)
Technical Support and Documentation
Available Resources
Access comprehensive technical documentation:
- Product Datasheet: Complete electrical and timing specifications
- User Guide: Detailed configuration and implementation guidelines
- Application Notes: Design best practices and solutions
- PCB Design Guidelines: Layout and routing recommendations
- Reliability Reports: Qualification test data and analysis
Conclusion: Why Choose XA3S400-4PQG208Q
The XA3S400-4PQG208Q automotive FPGA delivers a compelling combination of performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for harsh environment applications. With its extended temperature range, automotive qualification, and proven Spartan-3A architecture, this device provides engineers with a robust platform for implementing safety-critical and high-reliability systems.
Whether you’re designing advanced automotive electronics, industrial control systems, or aerospace applications, the XA3S400-4PQG208Q offers the flexibility and dependability required for mission-critical implementations. Its comprehensive I/O support, efficient power consumption, and extensive development tool ecosystem make it an excellent choice for modern embedded system designs.
Ready to Start Your Design?
Explore more Xilinx FPGA solutions and discover how the XA3S400-4PQG208Q can power your next automotive or industrial project. With proven reliability, comprehensive design support, and automotive-grade qualification, this FPGA provides the foundation for successful product development.
