The XC2C256-7VQG100I is a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) from the renowned CoolRunner-II family, originally developed by Xilinx (now AMD). This industrial-grade CPLD combines exceptional performance with ultra-low power consumption, making it the ideal choice for engineers designing communication equipment, portable electronics, and battery-powered systems. As a leading Xilinx FPGA and CPLD solution, the XC2C256-7VQG100I delivers reliable, instant-on, nonvolatile programmable logic capabilities.
XC2C256-7VQG100I Technical Specifications
Understanding the complete specifications of the XC2C256-7VQG100I helps engineers determine its suitability for specific embedded design requirements.
Core Performance Parameters
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC2C256-7VQG100I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Device Family |
CoolRunner-II CPLD |
| Macrocells |
256 |
| Equivalent Gates |
6,000 |
| Maximum Frequency |
152 MHz |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay |
7.5 ns (typical) |
| Speed Grade |
-7 |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
1.8V |
| Supply Voltage Range |
1.7V to 1.9V |
| I/O Voltage Options |
1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V |
| Quiescent Current |
As low as 13 µA |
| Standby Current |
16 µA |
| Ultra-Low Power |
28.8 µW |
Package and I/O Configuration
| Feature |
Details |
| Package Type |
100-Pin VTQFP (Very Thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| User I/O Pins |
80 |
| I/O Banks |
2 |
| Function Blocks |
16 |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
Key Features of the XC2C256-7VQG100I CPLD
Fast Zero Power (FZP) Technology
The CoolRunner-II architecture employs Xilinx’s proprietary Fast Zero Power design methodology. This technology utilizes cascaded CMOS gates to implement sum-of-products logic instead of traditional sense amplifier approaches. The result is a CPLD that achieves both high performance and minimal power consumption simultaneously.
Advanced Interconnect Matrix (AIM)
The XC2C256-7VQG100I features sixteen Function Blocks interconnected through a low-power Advanced Interconnect Matrix. The AIM provides 40 true and complement inputs to each Function Block, enabling efficient signal routing while maintaining predictable timing characteristics across the device.
CoolCLOCK Technology for Dynamic Power Reduction
CoolCLOCK technology combines clock division and DualEDGE flip-flop functionality to significantly reduce dynamic power consumption. Engineers can achieve high-performance synchronous operation using lower frequency clocking, dramatically reducing overall system power requirements.
DataGATE Power Management
The DataGATE feature allows selective disabling of CPLD inputs during periods when they are not required. By controlling signal switching through intelligent input gating, designers can achieve additional power savings in applications where certain inputs remain dormant during specific operational phases.
Multi-Voltage I/O Banking
Two independent I/O banks support multiple voltage standards, enabling seamless interfacing with mixed-voltage systems. Supported I/O standards include:
| Standard |
VCCIO |
Input VREF |
Description |
| LVTTL |
3.3V |
N/A |
Low-Voltage TTL |
| LVCMOS33 |
3.3V |
N/A |
Low-Voltage CMOS 3.3V |
| LVCMOS25 |
2.5V |
N/A |
Low-Voltage CMOS 2.5V |
| LVCMOS18 |
1.8V |
N/A |
Low-Voltage CMOS 1.8V |
| HSTL-1 |
1.5V |
0.75V |
High-Speed Transceiver Logic |
| SSTL2-1 |
2.5V |
1.25V |
Stub Series Terminated Logic |
| SSTL3-1 |
3.3V |
1.5V |
Stub Series Terminated Logic |
XC2C256-7VQG100I Function Block Architecture
Each Function Block within the XC2C256-7VQG100I contains a 40 by 56 product-term PLA (Programmable Logic Array) and 16 macrocells. The macrocells offer extensive configuration options:
Macrocell Configuration Options
| Feature |
Capability |
| Operation Modes |
Combinational or Registered |
| Flip-Flop Types |
D or T Flip-Flop |
| Latch Support |
D Latch Configuration |
| Global Reset/Preset |
Supported |
| DualEDGE Operation |
Per-Macrocell Basis |
Clock Distribution
The device provides global clock distribution with the ability to divide the externally supplied global clock (GCK2) by eight different selections. This yields both even and odd clock frequency divisions, providing flexibility in clock management strategies.
Applications for XC2C256-7VQG100I CPLD
The XC2C256-7VQG100I excels in applications requiring a balance between performance and power efficiency.
Industrial and Communication Applications
The ultra-low power consumption and industrial temperature range make this CPLD suitable for telecommunications infrastructure, network equipment, and industrial control systems where reliability and efficiency are paramount.
Portable and Battery-Powered Devices
With standby current as low as 16 µA and instant-on nonvolatile operation, the XC2C256-7VQG100I is ideal for handheld devices, portable instrumentation, and battery-powered equipment where power conservation directly impacts operational duration.
Interface Bridging and Protocol Conversion
The multi-voltage I/O capability and high-speed operation make this device excellent for voltage level translation, protocol bridging, and legacy interface adaptation in mixed-voltage electronic systems.
FPGA Configuration and Glue Logic
Engineers frequently deploy the XC2C256-7VQG100I alongside larger FPGAs to handle configuration management, power sequencing, and miscellaneous glue logic functions that benefit from instant-on availability.
Part Number Breakdown: Understanding XC2C256-7VQG100I
| Segment |
Meaning |
| XC2C |
CoolRunner-II CPLD Family |
| 256 |
256 Macrocells |
| 7 |
Speed Grade (-7) |
| VQ |
Very Thin Quad Flat Pack |
| G |
Lead-Free (RoHS Compliant) |
| 100 |
100-Pin Package |
| I |
Industrial Temperature Range (-40°C to +85°C) |
Design Resources and Development Tools
The XC2C256-7VQG100I is supported by comprehensive development tools and resources:
Software Support
Engineers can develop designs using Xilinx ISE Design Suite, which provides complete synthesis, implementation, and timing analysis capabilities for CoolRunner-II devices. The toolchain supports industry-standard HDL languages including VHDL and Verilog.
Programming Interface
The device supports In-System Programming (ISP) via JTAG interface, enabling field updates and prototype debugging without removing the device from the target system.
Why Choose XC2C256-7VQG100I for Your Design
The XC2C256-7VQG100I represents an optimal balance of features for demanding embedded applications. Its combination of 256 macrocells, industrial temperature rating, ultra-low power consumption, and multi-voltage I/O support provides engineers with a versatile programmable logic solution. The nonvolatile architecture ensures instant-on operation without external configuration memories, simplifying system design and improving reliability.
For projects requiring higher density or different package options, the CoolRunner-II family offers compatible devices ranging from 32 to 512 macrocells in various package configurations, ensuring scalability across product lines while maintaining design consistency.
