Overview of XC3090A-7PQ160I FPGA
The XC3090A-7PQ160I is a robust field programmable gate array (FPGA) from the XC3000A family, manufactured by AMD (formerly Xilinx). This industrial-grade FPGA delivers reliable performance in demanding environments with an extended temperature range of -40°C to +100°C, making it ideal for mission-critical applications across various industries.
This programmable logic device features 6,000 usable gates, 320 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), and operates at speeds up to 113MHz. Housed in a compact 160-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package, the XC3090A-7PQ160I offers exceptional flexibility for embedded system designs.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Performance Features
| Specification |
Value |
| Logic Gates |
6,000 Usable Gates |
| Logic Cells |
320 CLBs |
| Maximum Frequency |
113 MHz |
| Supply Voltage |
5V (Single Supply) |
| Technology |
CMOS Static Memory |
| Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
Package and Pin Configuration
| Parameter |
Details |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
160 Pins |
| Package Shape |
Square |
| Terminal Form |
Gull Wing |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
I/O and Memory Characteristics
| Feature |
Specification |
| User I/O Pins |
138 |
| RAM Bits |
64,160 bits |
| Logic Delay |
7 ns (typical) |
| Toggle Rate |
70-113 MHz |
| Architecture |
Array-based Configuration |
Product Family: XC3000A Series FPGAs
The XC3090A-7PQ160I belongs to the renowned Xilinx FPGA XC3000A series, which revolutionized programmable logic design in the early days of FPGA technology. This family is characterized by high-performance CMOS technology, providing excellent reliability and proven longevity in production environments.
XC3000A Family Advantages
The XC3000A series offers several benefits for system designers including guaranteed toggle rates, low power consumption relative to gate count, extensive device configuration options, and proven field reliability across multiple industry sectors.
Understanding the Part Number: XC3090A-7PQ160I Breakdown
Part Number Nomenclature
| Component |
Meaning |
| XC |
Xilinx/AMD FPGA Prefix |
| 3090A |
Device Family and Size (XC3000A, 90K architecture) |
| -7 |
Speed Grade (7 ns delay) |
| PQ |
Package Type (Plastic Quad) |
| 160 |
Pin Count |
| I |
Temperature Grade (Industrial: -40°C to +100°C) |
The “I” suffix is particularly important as it designates this component for industrial temperature applications, distinguishing it from the commercial grade XC3090A-7PQ160C variant which operates from 0°C to +85°C.
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Control Systems
The XC3090A-7PQ160I excels in industrial automation, process control, and manufacturing equipment where extended temperature tolerance and long-term reliability are paramount. Its 5V operation makes it compatible with legacy industrial systems.
Embedded Computing
With 320 configurable logic blocks, this FPGA provides sufficient resources for custom peripheral interfaces, protocol converters, and specialized computational accelerators in embedded applications.
Legacy System Support
Many existing designs continue to utilize the XC3000A family due to its proven track record. The XC3090A-7PQ160I remains available for maintenance, repair, and production continuity of established systems.
Test and Measurement Equipment
The device’s 113 MHz performance and flexible I/O configuration make it suitable for signal processing, data acquisition, and interface logic in instrumentation applications.
Technical Advantages
CMOS Static Memory Technology
The XC3090A-7PQ160I utilizes advanced CMOS static memory architecture, providing several key benefits including non-volatile configuration storage, fast reconfiguration capability, low standby power consumption, and excellent noise immunity for industrial environments.
High-Performance Architecture
With guaranteed toggle rates up to 113 MHz and logic delays as low as 7 nanoseconds, this FPGA delivers deterministic performance for time-critical applications. The array-based configuration allows for efficient routing and predictable timing closure.
Robust Industrial Temperature Rating
The industrial temperature rating ensures reliable operation across extreme environmental conditions, making the XC3090A-7PQ160I suitable for outdoor installations, automotive applications, aerospace and defense systems, and industrial manufacturing floors.
Design Considerations
Power Supply Requirements
The device operates from a single 5V supply, simplifying power distribution in systems. Designers should ensure adequate decoupling capacitors near power pins and proper thermal management for continuous operation at maximum frequency.
Programming and Configuration
The XC3090A-7PQ160I supports multiple configuration modes including master serial mode, slave serial mode, and peripheral mode with external PROM. Configuration data can be stored in external serial memory devices.
Pin Assignment Strategy
With 138 user I/O pins available from the 160-pin package, careful pin planning is essential. Designers should group related signals, consider signal integrity requirements, and allocate high-speed signals to appropriate I/O banks.
Comparison: XC3090A-7PQ160I vs XC3090A-7PQ160C
| Feature |
XC3090A-7PQ160I |
XC3090A-7PQ160C |
| Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
| Applications |
Harsh environments, automotive, military |
Standard commercial applications |
| Reliability |
Enhanced for extreme conditions |
Standard reliability |
| Price Point |
Premium (industrial grade) |
Standard commercial pricing |
The primary distinction between these variants is the temperature qualification, with the “I” grade offering superior performance under thermal stress.
Sourcing and Availability
Current Market Status
While the XC3090A-7PQ160I is classified as a mature product, it remains available through authorized distributors and specialty component suppliers. Organizations requiring this component should plan for longer lead times and consider establishing strategic inventory for critical applications.
Quality Assurance
When sourcing the XC3090A-7PQ160I, verify supplier credentials, confirm authentic AMD/Xilinx manufacturing, request certificates of conformance, and ensure proper handling and storage conditions for moisture-sensitive devices.
Development Tools and Support
Compatible Design Software
The XC3090A-7PQ160I is supported by Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) Foundation and Alliance Series development tools. While these tools are legacy software, they remain functional for maintaining existing designs.
Migration Pathways
For new designs, engineers may consider modern FPGA families with similar capabilities including Artix-7 series for cost-sensitive applications, Spartan-7 for low power requirements, or Zynq-7000 for integrated processor functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the XC3090A-7PQ160I RoHS compliant?
Compliance status varies by production lot. Consult with your distributor regarding RoHS certification for specific date codes and manufacturing batches.
What is the difference between speed grades -7, -6, and -5?
Speed grades indicate performance levels, with lower numbers representing faster operation. Grade -7 offers 7ns typical delay, while -5 and -6 provide enhanced performance at premium pricing.
Can I replace XC3090A-7PQ160C with XC3090A-7PQ160I?
Yes, the industrial grade (-I) can substitute for commercial grade (-C) applications, providing additional temperature margin. The reverse substitution is not recommended without thermal analysis.
What configuration memory is compatible?
Serial PROM devices from the XC1700 series or equivalent third-party configuration memories can store the bitstream for automatic configuration on power-up.
Conclusion
The XC3090A-7PQ160I represents a proven, reliable FPGA solution for industrial applications requiring extended temperature operation. With its balanced combination of 6,000 gates, 113 MHz performance, and 160-pin PQFP packaging, this device continues to serve critical roles in legacy systems and specialized industrial equipment.
For system designers maintaining existing products or requiring a mature, qualified component with established supply chains, the XC3090A-7PQ160I offers a compelling value proposition backed by decades of field-proven reliability in demanding applications.
