Meta Description: XC18V04-1VQG44 is AMD/Xilinx’s 4Mbit In-System Programmable Configuration PROM in 44-pin VQFP package. Discover specifications, features, pinout, and applications.
Introduction to the XC18V04-1VQG44 Configuration PROM
The XC18V04-1VQG44 is a high-performance 4Mbit In-System Programmable (ISP) Configuration PROM manufactured by AMD (formerly Xilinx). This device belongs to the XC18V00 family of serial configuration PROMs, specifically designed to store and deliver configuration data to Xilinx FPGA devices during power-up sequences.
As a critical component in FPGA-based systems, the XC18V04-1VQG44 provides reliable non-volatile storage for FPGA configuration bitstreams. The “1VQG44” suffix indicates this variant comes in a 44-pin Very Thin Quad Flat Package (VQFP), offering an excellent balance between board space efficiency and ease of handling.
XC18V04-1VQG44 Key Specifications
Understanding the technical specifications of the XC18V04-1VQG44 is essential for proper design integration. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the device parameters.
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC18V04-1VQG44 |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Category |
Configuration PROM |
| Memory Density |
4Mbit (4,194,304 bits) |
| Memory Type |
In-System Programmable (ISP) |
| Package Type |
VQFP-44 (Very Thin Quad Flat Package) |
| Pin Count |
44 Pins |
| Operating Voltage (VCC) |
1.8V |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) |
1.8V to 3.3V |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial: 0°C to +70°C |
| Data Retention |
20 years minimum |
| Program/Erase Cycles |
20,000 cycles minimum |
| Lead-Free Status |
RoHS Compliant |
XC18V04-1VQG44 Features and Benefits
High-Density Non-Volatile Storage
The XC18V04-1VQG44 offers 4Mbit of non-volatile flash memory, sufficient to store configuration data for medium to large-capacity FPGAs. This density supports single-device configurations for many Spartan and Virtex FPGA families.
In-System Programmability
One of the most significant advantages of the XC18V04-1VQG44 is its ISP capability. Engineers can reprogram the configuration PROM directly on the circuit board through the JTAG interface, eliminating the need to remove the device during development or field updates.
Low-Voltage Operation
Operating at 1.8V core voltage, the XC18V04-1VQG44 is optimized for modern low-power designs. The flexible I/O voltage range (1.8V to 3.3V) ensures compatibility with various FPGA voltage standards.
Serial Configuration Interface
The device utilizes a serial interface for configuration data transfer, minimizing pin count requirements while maintaining reliable data delivery to the target FPGA.
XC18V04-1VQG44 Package Information
VQFP-44 Package Dimensions
The 44-pin VQFP package of the XC18V04-1VQG44 offers several advantages for PCB design. Below are the package mechanical specifications.
| Dimension |
Value |
| Package Style |
VQFP (Very Thin Quad Flat Package) |
| Body Size |
10mm × 10mm |
| Lead Pitch |
0.8mm |
| Package Height |
1.0mm (typical) |
| Lead Count |
44 |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD) |
| MSL Rating |
MSL 3 (Moisture Sensitivity Level) |
Pin Configuration Overview
The XC18V04-1VQG44 pinout is organized for efficient PCB routing and signal integrity. Key pin groups include:
| Pin Group |
Function |
Description |
| VCC |
Power Supply |
Core voltage input (1.8V) |
| VCCIO |
I/O Power |
I/O bank voltage (1.8V-3.3V) |
| GND |
Ground |
Common ground reference |
| DATA |
Serial Data |
Configuration data output |
| CLK |
Clock Input |
Serial clock for data transfer |
| CEO |
Cascade Enable Out |
For daisy-chain configurations |
| CF |
Configuration Flag |
Indicates configuration status |
| OE/RESET |
Output Enable/Reset |
Control signal |
| TDI/TDO/TCK/TMS |
JTAG Interface |
Programming and debug ports |
XC18V04-1VQG44 Application Guidelines
Typical Application Circuit
When designing with the XC18V04-1VQG44, proper consideration must be given to power supply decoupling, signal routing, and configuration timing.
Power Supply Recommendations
| Supply Rail |
Recommended Capacitance |
Notes |
| VCC (1.8V) |
100nF + 10µF |
Place close to pins |
| VCCIO |
100nF per bank |
Match FPGA I/O voltage |
| Bulk Capacitor |
10µF minimum |
Shared across VCC rails |
Configuration Modes
The XC18V04-1VQG44 supports multiple configuration scenarios:
Single-Device Configuration
For FPGAs requiring up to 4Mbit of configuration data, a single XC18V04-1VQG44 provides complete storage capacity.
Cascaded (Daisy-Chain) Configuration
When configuration data exceeds 4Mbit, multiple XC18V04 devices can be cascaded using the CEO (Cascade Enable Output) pin to create a seamless configuration chain.
| Configuration |
Maximum Capacity |
Devices Required |
| Single Device |
4Mbit |
1 × XC18V04 |
| Dual Cascade |
8Mbit |
2 × XC18V04 |
| Triple Cascade |
12Mbit |
3 × XC18V04 |
| Quad Cascade |
16Mbit |
4 × XC18V04 |
XC18V04-1VQG44 Programming Information
JTAG Programming Interface
The XC18V04-1VQG44 supports industry-standard JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) programming through four dedicated pins.
| JTAG Pin |
Function |
| TDI |
Test Data In |
| TDO |
Test Data Out |
| TCK |
Test Clock |
| TMS |
Test Mode Select |
Supported Programming Tools
Engineers can program the XC18V04-1VQG44 using the following methods:
- Xilinx ISE iMPACT — Traditional programming software
- Vivado Hardware Manager — Modern programming interface
- Platform Cable USB II — Hardware programmer
- Third-Party Programmers — SVF/XSVF compatible devices
Programming File Formats
| Format |
Extension |
Description |
| MCS |
.mcs |
Intel HEX format |
| PROM |
.prom |
Xilinx PROM file |
| SVF |
.svf |
Serial Vector Format |
| XSVF |
.xsvf |
Xilinx SVF format |
XC18V04-1VQG44 vs Related Part Numbers
Understanding the naming convention helps engineers select the correct variant. Below is a comparison of related XC18V04 part numbers.
| Part Number |
Density |
Package |
Temperature Range |
| XC18V04VQ44C |
4Mbit |
VQ44 |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
| XC18V04VQ44I |
4Mbit |
VQ44 |
Industrial (-40°C to +85°C) |
| XC18V04-1VQG44 |
4Mbit |
VQG44 |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
| XC18V04PC44C |
4Mbit |
PC44 (PLCC) |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
XC18V00 Family Comparison
| Device |
Density |
Equivalent Gates Support |
| XC18V01 |
1Mbit |
Up to 600K gates |
| XC18V02 |
2Mbit |
Up to 1.5M gates |
| XC18V04 |
4Mbit |
Up to 3M gates |
| XC18V512 |
512Kbit |
Up to 300K gates |
Electrical Characteristics of XC18V04-1VQG44
Absolute Maximum Ratings
| Parameter |
Rating |
Unit |
| VCC Supply Voltage |
-0.5 to +2.3 |
V |
| VCCIO Supply Voltage |
-0.5 to +4.0 |
V |
| Input Voltage |
-0.5 to VCCIO + 0.5 |
V |
| Storage Temperature |
-65 to +150 |
°C |
| ESD (HBM) |
2000 |
V |
Recommended Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| VCC |
1.7 |
1.8 |
1.9 |
V |
| VCCIO |
1.7 |
— |
3.6 |
V |
| Operating Temp (Commercial) |
0 |
— |
+70 |
°C |
| Clock Frequency |
— |
— |
33 |
MHz |
Design Considerations for XC18V04-1VQG44
PCB Layout Guidelines
Proper PCB layout ensures reliable operation of the XC18V04-1VQG44. Follow these recommendations:
- Decoupling Capacitors — Place 100nF ceramic capacitors as close as possible to VCC and VCCIO pins.
- Ground Plane — Utilize a continuous ground plane beneath the device for optimal signal integrity.
- Signal Routing — Keep JTAG and configuration signal traces short and away from high-speed signals.
- Thermal Relief — Connect thermal pads properly for heat dissipation during programming.
Configuration Timing
During power-up, the XC18V04-1VQG44 automatically begins outputting configuration data after the FPGA asserts its configuration request. Typical configuration times depend on bitstream size and clock frequency.
| Bitstream Size |
Clock Frequency |
Approximate Time |
| 1Mbit |
33MHz |
~30ms |
| 2Mbit |
33MHz |
~60ms |
| 4Mbit |
33MHz |
~120ms |
Ordering Information for XC18V04-1VQG44
Part Number Decoder
XC18V04-1VQG44 breaks down as follows:
| Segment |
Meaning |
| XC18V |
Product family (18V Series PROM) |
| 04 |
Density (4Mbit) |
| -1 |
Speed grade |
| VQ |
Package type (Very Thin QFP) |
| G |
RoHS/Lead-free indicator |
| 44 |
Pin count |
Availability and Sourcing
The XC18V04-1VQG44 is available through authorized AMD/Xilinx distributors and electronics component suppliers. When ordering, verify the complete part number to ensure correct package, temperature grade, and lead-free compliance.
Conclusion
The XC18V04-1VQG44 represents a reliable and versatile configuration PROM solution for FPGA-based designs. With its 4Mbit density, 1.8V low-voltage operation, in-system programmability, and compact 44-pin VQFP package, this device meets the demands of modern embedded systems requiring non-volatile FPGA configuration storage.
Whether implementing single-device configurations or cascading multiple PROMs for larger FPGAs, the XC18V04-1VQG44 delivers dependable performance backed by AMD’s proven flash technology. Its JTAG programming interface simplifies development workflows and enables field updates without hardware modifications.
For engineers designing with the XC18V00 family, understanding the XC18V04-1VQG44 specifications and application guidelines ensures successful integration and optimal system reliability.
