The XC2C512-7FTG256C is a premium Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) from AMD Xilinx’s renowned CoolRunner-II family. This 512-macrocell CPLD delivers exceptional performance with 7ns propagation delay while consuming ultra-low power, making it the ideal choice for portable electronics, industrial automation, and communication systems. Whether you’re designing battery-powered devices or high-speed digital circuits, the XC2C512-7FTG256C provides the perfect balance of speed, power efficiency, and programmable flexibility.
For more advanced programmable logic solutions and related products, explore our comprehensive Xilinx FPGA collection.
XC2C512-7FTG256C Technical Specifications Overview
The XC2C512-7FTG256C belongs to the CoolRunner-II CPLD family, engineered using 0.18µm CMOS technology. This device combines high-speed operation with industry-leading low power consumption, making it suitable for designs where both performance and energy efficiency are critical requirements.
Core Technical Parameters
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Manufacturer |
AMD / Xilinx |
| Product Family |
CoolRunner-II CPLD |
| Part Number |
XC2C512-7FTG256C |
| Number of Macrocells |
512 |
| System Gates |
12,000 (12K) |
| Function Blocks |
32 |
| Maximum Frequency |
179 MHz |
| Speed Grade |
-7 (7ns tPD) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
1.8V (1.7V – 1.9V) |
| I/O Voltage Compatibility |
1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V |
| Quiescent Current |
14 µA (typical) |
| Standby Power |
28.8 µW |
| Maximum Propagation Delay |
7.1 ns |
Package Information
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
FTBGA (Fine-pitch Thin Ball Grid Array) |
| Pin Count |
256 Pins |
| Package Dimensions |
17mm × 17mm |
| Ball Pitch |
1.0mm |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
XC2C512-7FTG256C Key Features and Benefits
Ultra-Low Power Architecture
The XC2C512-7FTG256C incorporates AMD Xilinx’s proprietary low-power technologies that significantly reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance:
- CoolCLOCK Technology: Automatically gates the clock to inactive flip-flops, reducing dynamic power consumption by up to 50%
- DataGATE Function: Blocks data inputs to the device, eliminating switching power when inputs are not needed
- Zero Power Standby Mode: Achieves near-zero power consumption during idle states with only 14µA quiescent current
- DualEDGE Flip-Flops: Enables high-performance synchronous operation at half the clock frequency, further reducing power
High-Speed Performance Capabilities
Despite its low power consumption, the XC2C512-7FTG256C delivers impressive speed characteristics:
- 179 MHz Maximum Operating Frequency: Suitable for high-bandwidth digital applications
- 7ns Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay: Ensures rapid signal processing for timing-critical designs
- Fast In-System Programming: Quick configuration updates via JTAG interface
- Predictable Timing: Guaranteed timing parameters simplify design verification
Advanced Interconnect Matrix (AIM)
The XC2C512-7FTG256C features a sophisticated interconnect architecture:
| Component |
Description |
| Function Blocks |
32 blocks with 16 macrocells each |
| PLA Structure |
40 × 56 Product-Term Array per block |
| Input Routing |
40 true and complement inputs per Function Block |
| Global Clocks |
Up to 3 global clock networks |
| Local Clocks |
Per-macrocell clock control |
XC2C512-7FTG256C Application Areas
Communications and Networking Equipment
The XC2C512-7FTG256C excels in communication systems requiring reliable signal routing and protocol management:
- Network interface controllers
- Protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C)
- Signal conditioning and routing
- Wireless modem control logic
- Base station equipment
Industrial Automation and Control
For industrial applications demanding robust and programmable logic solutions:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control systems
- Sensor interface management
- Process control units
- Robotics control logic
- Real-time monitoring systems
Consumer Electronics
The ultra-low power profile makes the XC2C512-7FTG256C ideal for consumer devices:
- Digital cameras
- Portable media players
- Smart TV controllers
- Gaming peripherals
- Wearable devices
- Display controllers
Portable and Battery-Powered Devices
With its exceptional power efficiency, this CPLD is perfect for:
- Handheld instruments
- Medical monitoring devices
- Remote sensors
- IoT endpoints
- Personal digital assistants
- Wireless accessories
Embedded Systems Design
Engineers choose the XC2C512-7FTG256C for embedded applications requiring:
- Custom state machine implementation
- Bus arbitration logic
- Timing synchronization circuits
- Glue logic consolidation
- Legacy system upgrades
- FPGA co-processing support
XC2C512-7FTG256C Pinout and Interface Capabilities
I/O Configuration
| Feature |
Specification |
| Maximum User I/O |
270 pins |
| I/O Standards Supported |
LVCMOS, LVTTL |
| Voltage Levels |
1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V |
| Output Drive |
Programmable drive strength |
| Input Hysteresis |
Schmitt trigger inputs available |
| Slew Rate Control |
Fast and slow options |
JTAG Programming Interface
The XC2C512-7FTG256C supports IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan for easy programming and debugging:
| Pin |
Function |
| TDI |
Test Data Input |
| TDO |
Test Data Output |
| TCK |
Test Clock |
| TMS |
Test Mode Select |
Global Control Signals
| Signal Type |
Quantity |
Description |
| Global Clocks (GCK) |
3 |
System-wide clock distribution |
| Global Output Enable (GOE) |
2 |
Output enable control |
| Global Set/Reset (GSR) |
1 |
Synchronous set/reset |
| DataGATE Enable |
1 |
Power-saving data gating |
XC2C512-7FTG256C Design and Development Resources
Software Compatibility
| Tool |
Description |
| Xilinx ISE WebPACK |
Free design suite supporting VHDL, Verilog, and schematic capture |
| ISE Design Suite |
Full-featured development environment |
| Impact Programmer |
Device configuration and programming utility |
| ChipScope Pro |
Real-time debugging and analysis |
Design Entry Methods
The XC2C512-7FTG256C supports multiple design methodologies:
- VHDL: Hardware Description Language for complex designs
- Verilog: Industry-standard HDL for digital systems
- Schematic Capture: Visual design entry for simpler logic
- ABEL-HDL: Legacy support for existing designs
Development Hardware
Available evaluation and development platforms include:
- CoolRunner-II CPLD Starter Kit
- Platform Cable USB (JTAG programmer)
- Third-party development boards
- Custom evaluation modules
XC2C512-7FTG256C Ordering Information
Part Number Structure
XC2C512-7FTG256C
│ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ └── Temperature: C = Commercial (0°C to +70°C)
│ │ │ └────── Pin Count: 256 pins
│ │ └──────── Package: FTG = Fine-pitch Thin BGA (Lead-free)
│ └──────────── Speed Grade: -7 (7ns)
└──────────────── Device: XC2C512 (512 macrocell CoolRunner-II)
Related Part Numbers
| Part Number |
Description |
| XC2C512-7FTG256I |
Industrial temperature version (-40°C to +100°C) |
| XC2C512-7FT256C |
Non-lead-free package variant |
| XC2C512-10FTG256C |
-10 speed grade (slower, lower power) |
| XC2C256-7FTG144C |
Smaller 256-macrocell variant |
XC2C512-7FTG256C Quality and Compliance
Environmental Certifications
| Standard |
Status |
| RoHS Compliant |
Yes |
| Lead-Free |
Yes (Pb-free packaging) |
| Halogen-Free |
Available on request |
| REACH Compliant |
Yes |
Quality Standards
| Certification |
Description |
| ISO 9001 |
Quality management system certified |
| ISO 14001 |
Environmental management certified |
| AEC-Q100 |
Automotive qualification (select variants) |
Export Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| ECCN |
3A001.a.7 |
| HTS Code |
8542.32.0000 |
| Country of Origin |
Various (check specific lot) |
Why Choose the XC2C512-7FTG256C CPLD
Advantages Over Alternative Solutions
Compared to Standard CPLDs:
- 50% lower power consumption with CoolCLOCK technology
- Faster 7ns propagation delay
- More flexible I/O voltage support
- Enhanced security features
Compared to Small FPGAs:
- Instant-on capability (no configuration required)
- Guaranteed timing parameters
- Lower cost for logic-only applications
- Simpler design flow
Compared to Discrete Logic:
- Dramatic reduction in component count
- Programmable functionality
- Smaller PCB footprint
- Lower assembly costs
Long-Term Availability
AMD Xilinx maintains strong commitment to the CoolRunner-II family, ensuring:
- Extended product lifecycle support
- Consistent supply chain management
- Ongoing technical documentation updates
- Compatible migration paths for future designs
Summary
The XC2C512-7FTG256C represents the optimal choice for engineers seeking a high-performance, ultra-low-power CPLD solution. With 512 macrocells, 12K system gates, and 7ns propagation delay, this CoolRunner-II device delivers exceptional capabilities in a compact 256-pin FTBGA package. Its advanced power management features, including CoolCLOCK and DataGATE technologies, make it ideal for battery-powered and energy-conscious applications across communications, industrial, consumer electronics, and embedded systems markets.
Whether you’re consolidating discrete logic, implementing custom state machines, or creating interface bridges, the XC2C512-7FTG256C provides the programmable flexibility, guaranteed timing, and reliability that modern electronic designs demand.
