The XC17S30PC is a high-performance One-Time Programmable (OTP) configuration PROM from Xilinx (now AMD), designed specifically for storing configuration bitstreams for Spartan and Spartan-XL FPGA devices. This serial configuration memory offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for embedded systems, telecommunications equipment, and industrial automation applications.
Whether you’re designing a new embedded system or maintaining legacy hardware, the XC17S30PC provides the reliable configuration storage your Xilinx FPGA designs require.
XC17S30PC Key Features and Specifications
The XC17S30PC belongs to the XC17S30 Spartan OTP Configuration PROM family, offering several advantages for FPGA configuration applications.
Memory and Performance Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Memory Size |
300 Kbit (approximately 30,000 configuration bits) |
| Memory Type |
OTP (One-Time Programmable) |
| Configuration Interface |
Serial |
| Data Retention |
Guaranteed 20-year life |
| Access Time |
Fast serial access after rising clock edge |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
4.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
V |
| Input Voltage (VIN) |
-0.5 |
— |
VCC + 0.5 |
V |
| Operating Current (ICC) |
— |
— |
20 |
mA |
| Standby Current |
— |
— |
100 |
µA |
Operating Temperature Ranges
| Grade |
Temperature Range |
| Commercial (C) |
0°C to +70°C |
| Industrial (I) |
-40°C to +85°C |
XC17S30PC Package Options
The XC17S30 family is available in multiple compact plastic packages to suit different PCB design requirements.
Available Package Types
| Package Code |
Package Type |
Pin Count |
Mounting Style |
| PC20 |
PLCC |
20 |
Through-hole/Socket |
| PD8 |
PDIP |
8 |
Through-hole |
| SO20 |
SOIC |
20 |
Surface Mount |
| VO8 |
VOIC |
8 |
Surface Mount |
The XC17S30PC specifically refers to the 20-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package variant, which is ideal for applications requiring socketed installation or through-hole mounting capabilities.
Compatible FPGA Devices
The XC17S30PC is designed to work seamlessly with Xilinx Spartan family FPGAs. Below is the compatibility matrix showing the recommended PROM-to-FPGA pairings.
Spartan FPGA Compatibility Table
| Spartan FPGA |
Configuration Bits |
Compatible PROM |
| XCS05 |
~45,000 |
XC17S05 |
| XCS10 |
~85,000 |
XC17S10 |
| XCS20 |
~160,000 |
XC17S20 |
| XCS30 |
~270,000 |
XC17S30 |
| XCS40 |
~360,000 |
XC17S40 |
Spartan-XL FPGA Compatibility
| Spartan-XL FPGA |
Configuration Bits |
Compatible PROM |
| XCS05XL |
~45,000 |
XC17S05XL |
| XCS10XL |
~85,000 |
XC17S10XL |
| XCS20XL |
~160,000 |
XC17S20XL |
| XCS30XL |
~270,000 |
XC17S30XL |
| XCS40XL |
~360,000 |
XC17S40XL |
XC17S30PC Part Number Decoder
Understanding the part numbering system helps you select the correct variant for your application.
Part Number Structure
XC17S30 [Variant] [Package] [Temperature Grade]
Part Number Examples
| Full Part Number |
Description |
| XC17S30PC20C |
20-pin PLCC, Commercial temp (0°C to +70°C) |
| XC17S30PC20I |
20-pin PLCC, Industrial temp (-40°C to +85°C) |
| XC17S30PD8C |
8-pin PDIP, Commercial temp |
| XC17S30PD8I |
8-pin PDIP, Industrial temp |
| XC17S30VO8C |
8-pin VOIC (Surface Mount), Commercial temp |
| XC17S30VO8I |
8-pin VOIC (Surface Mount), Industrial temp |
Key Technical Features
Simple FPGA Interface
The XC17S30PC requires only one user I/O pin to interface with the Spartan device, minimizing design complexity and preserving valuable FPGA resources for your application logic.
Programmable Reset Polarity
The reset polarity (active High or active Low) is programmable, providing compatibility with different FPGA configurations and system designs.
Cascadable Architecture
Multiple PROMs can be cascaded to store longer or multiple bitstreams. The CEO (Chip Enable Output) pin drives the CE input of the next device in the chain, enabling configuration of larger FPGAs or multiple device systems.
Configuration Modes Supported
| Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA generates configuration clock to drive PROM |
| Slave Serial |
External clock drives both PROM and FPGA |
Pin Configuration
8-Pin Package (PDIP/VOIC) Pinout
| Pin |
Name |
Function |
| 1 |
VPP |
Programming Voltage (connect to VCC for normal operation) |
| 2 |
NC |
No Connection |
| 3 |
CLK |
Clock Input |
| 4 |
DATA |
Serial Data Output |
| 5 |
CE |
Chip Enable (Active Low) |
| 6 |
CEO |
Chip Enable Output (for cascading) |
| 7 |
OE/RESET |
Output Enable / Reset |
| 8 |
VCC |
Power Supply |
| — |
GND |
Ground |
20-Pin Package (PLCC/SOIC) Pinout
The 20-pin packages include additional VCC and GND pins for improved power distribution and noise immunity.
Application Guidelines
Power Supply Recommendations
- Connect all VCC pins together
- Use proper decoupling capacitors (0.1µF ceramic recommended)
- VPP must be connected to VCC during normal read operation
- Ensure monotonic power supply rise at power-up
Configuration Circuit Design
When designing with the XC17S30PC:
- Connect PROM DATA output to FPGA DIN pin
- Connect FPGA CCLK output to PROM CLK input (Master Serial mode)
- Connect PROM OE/RESET to FPGA INIT pin with pull-up resistor
- Drive PROM CE from FPGA DONE pin or tie Low
Product Status and Availability
The XC17S30 series is classified as a mature/obsolete product by AMD (formerly Xilinx). However, these devices remain available through authorized distributors and are still widely used in legacy systems and maintenance applications.
Alternative Solutions
For new designs, consider these modern alternatives:
| Alternative |
Type |
Capacity |
Features |
| XC18V00 Series |
ISP Flash |
512Kb – 4Mb |
Reprogrammable, JTAG support |
| XCF00 Platform Flash |
ISP Flash |
1Mb – 32Mb |
High density, design revisioning |
Ordering Information
When ordering XC17S30PC variants, specify the complete part number including package and temperature grade.
Common Ordering Part Numbers
| Part Number |
Package |
Temp Grade |
RoHS Status |
| XC17S30PC20C |
20-PLCC |
Commercial |
Non-compliant |
| XC17S30PC20I |
20-PLCC |
Industrial |
Non-compliant |
| XC17S30PD8C |
8-PDIP |
Commercial |
Non-compliant |
| XC17S30PD8I |
8-PDIP |
Industrial |
Non-compliant |
Summary
The XC17S30PC provides a proven, reliable solution for Spartan FPGA configuration storage. With its 300Kbit OTP memory, simple interface requirements, and guaranteed 20-year data retention, this configuration PROM continues to serve embedded systems, telecommunications, and industrial applications worldwide.