Overview of XC3020A-7PC84C FPGA
The XC3020A-7PC84C is a Field Programmable Gate Array from AMD’s XC3000A/L family, featuring 64 I/O connections in an 84-pin LCC package. This legacy FPGA component continues to serve critical applications in industrial control systems, legacy equipment maintenance, and embedded system designs where proven reliability is essential.
Product Specifications and Technical Details
Core Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx Inc.) |
| Product Series |
XC3000A/L Family |
| Number of Gates |
1,500 |
| Number of I/O Pins |
64 |
| Logic Elements/Cells |
64 CLBs |
| Total RAM Bits |
14,779 |
| Package Type |
84-LCC (J-Lead) / 84-PLCC |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 85°C (TJ) |
| Supply Voltage |
4.75V to 5.25V |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
| Package Dimensions |
29.31mm x 29.31mm |
Performance Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Speed Grade |
-7 (Standard Commercial) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
Up to 113 MHz (typical) |
| Logic Capability |
1.5K Equivalent Gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks |
64 CLBs |
| User-Programmable I/O |
64 Bidirectional Pins |
Key Features and Benefits
Advanced FPGA Architecture
The XC3020A-7PC84C incorporates a sophisticated programmable architecture consisting of three primary configurable elements:
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): The core array contains 64 Configurable Logic Blocks that provide flexible digital logic implementation.
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs): A perimeter ring of I/O blocks enables versatile interface options with external devices and systems.
Interconnect Resources: Programmable routing architecture allows flexible connection patterns between CLBs and IOBs.
Design and Development Advantages
- Schematic Capture Support: Simplifies design entry for engineers familiar with traditional schematic-based workflows
- Auto Place-and-Route: Streamlines the implementation process with automated optimization
- Logic and Timing Simulation: Enables comprehensive design verification before deployment
- In-Circuit Emulation: Facilitates real-world testing and debugging capabilities
- Interactive Design Optimization: Provides tools for fine-tuning performance characteristics
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Control Systems
The XC3020A-7PC84C excels in industrial automation applications requiring:
- Custom control logic implementation
- Sensor interface circuits
- Motor control algorithms
- Communication protocol bridging
- Legacy equipment interface adapters
Embedded System Design
This Xilinx FPGA serves well in embedded applications needing:
- Custom peripheral controllers
- Digital signal processing functions
- State machine implementations
- Glue logic replacement
- Prototyping and proof-of-concept development
Legacy System Maintenance
For organizations maintaining older equipment, the XC3020A-7PC84C provides:
- Drop-in replacement for existing designs
- Long-term availability through distributor networks
- Known-good performance in proven applications
- Cost-effective repair and maintenance solutions
Package Information and Physical Characteristics
84-Pin PLCC/LCC Package
| Package Feature |
Description |
| Package Style |
Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC) / Leadless Chip Carrier (LCC) |
| Pin Count |
84 pins with J-Lead configuration |
| Footprint |
29.31mm x 29.31mm square |
| Mounting |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Lead Pitch |
Standard PLCC spacing |
| Thermal Characteristics |
Commercial temperature range (0°C to 85°C) |
Availability and Sourcing
Current Market Status
This product is no longer manufactured by AMD, making it a legacy component available primarily through:
- Authorized electronic component distributors
- Specialty semiconductor brokers
- Inventory management companies
- Electronic parts marketplaces
Inventory Considerations
When sourcing the XC3020A-7PC84C, engineers should consider:
- Lead time variations based on distributor stock levels
- Quantity availability for production runs
- Authentication and quality verification from suppliers
- Price fluctuations based on market demand
Replacement and Migration Options
Modern FPGA Alternatives
For new designs or system upgrades, engineers may consider migration to current-generation FPGAs such as:
- AMD Xilinx Spartan-7 Series (XC7S6 and higher)
- AMD Xilinx Artix-7 Family for enhanced performance
- Pin-compatible alternatives where available
Migration Considerations
Replacing the XC3020A-7PC84C may require significant board design changes, as modern FPGAs typically use higher pin-count packages like 196-pin BGA configurations.
Important factors for migration planning:
- Power supply requirements (modern FPGAs often use lower voltages)
- PCB layer count and routing complexity
- Development tool compatibility and learning curve
- Performance and resource scaling requirements
- Total cost of redesign versus continued use of legacy parts
Design Resources and Support
Development Tools
The XC3020A-7PC84C was originally supported by Xilinx development tools including:
- Foundation Series software
- Alliance Series CAD tools
- XACT Design Editor
- Legacy ISE Design Suite
Technical Documentation
Engineers working with this component should reference:
- XC3000A/L Family datasheet
- Application notes for the XC3000 series
- Package mechanical drawings
- Thermal management guidelines
Quality and Reliability
Operating Parameters
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Commercial Temperature Range |
0°C to 85°C junction temperature |
| Supply Voltage Tolerance |
±5% (4.75V to 5.25V) |
| Power Consumption |
Dependent on design utilization |
| ESD Protection |
Standard CMOS levels |
Reliability Features
The XC3020A-7PC84C family incorporates:
- Proven CMOS fabrication technology
- Established reliability track record in field deployments
- Standard semiconductor quality assurance processes
- Consistent electrical characteristics across production lots
Procurement Best Practices
Supplier Verification
When purchasing XC3020A-7PC84C components, verify:
- Supplier authorization and certification
- Component authenticity and date codes
- Proper ESD handling and storage conditions
- Quality assurance documentation
- Return and warranty policies
Inventory Management
Organizations using this component should:
- Maintain adequate safety stock for critical applications
- Document approved supplier sources
- Implement incoming inspection procedures
- Track component lifecycle and obsolescence status
- Plan for long-term availability challenges
Technical Support and Resources
Getting Assistance
For technical support regarding the XC3020A-7PC84C:
- Consult AMD Xilinx archived documentation
- Contact authorized distributors for application support
- Reference legacy design examples and reference designs
- Engage with engineering communities specializing in legacy FPGA systems
Documentation Access
Access to datasheets, application notes, and technical specifications is available through:
- AMD Xilinx documentation archives
- Electronic component distributor websites
- Technical reference libraries
- Engineering community forums and knowledge bases
Conclusion
The XC3020A-7PC84C represents a proven FPGA solution from AMD Xilinx’s established XC3000A/L family. While no longer in active production, this component continues to serve important roles in legacy system maintenance, industrial control applications, and specialized embedded designs. Understanding its specifications, capabilities, and sourcing considerations enables engineers to make informed decisions about continued use or migration to modern alternatives.
For organizations maintaining systems built around this FPGA, careful inventory planning and supplier relationship management ensure continued availability. New designs should evaluate current-generation FPGA families that offer enhanced performance, lower power consumption, and modern development tool support while considering the engineering effort required for migration from this legacy platform.
