Overview of the XC3190A-4PC84C Field Programmable Gate Array
The XC3190A-4PC84C is a member of the XC3100A Family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) manufactured originally by Xilinx (now part of AMD) and currently available through authorized distributors like Rochester Electronics. This programmable logic device delivers 6,000 usable gates with 320 configurable logic cells, making it an ideal solution for custom VLSI design applications, industrial automation, and legacy system maintenance.
Designed for engineers seeking reliable, reprogrammable logic solutions, this FPGA combines proven CMOS technology with flexible architecture to replace traditional TTL, MSI, and PLD logic circuits while offering unlimited reprogrammability for design iteration and in-system logic modifications.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Performance Parameters
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC3190A-4PC84C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx / AMD (Rochester Electronics) |
| Product Family |
XC3100A Series FPGA |
| Logic Gates |
6,000 usable gates |
| Logic Cells |
320 configurable cells |
| Operating Frequency |
227 MHz maximum toggle rate |
| Supply Voltage |
5V (TTL/CMOS compatible) |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (commercial grade) |
| Package Type |
84-Pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Logic Delay |
Fast propagation delays for high-speed applications |
| I/O Standards |
TTL and CMOS input thresholds |
| Power Consumption |
Low quiescent and active power |
| Configuration |
SRAM-based reprogrammable architecture |
Advanced FPGA Architecture and Features
Configurable Logic Block (CLB) Structure
The XC3190A-4PC84C utilizes a sophisticated Logic Cell Array (LCA) architecture comprising three essential configurable elements. The perimeter I/O Blocks (IOBs) provide flexible interface options, while the core array of Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) delivers extensive register and combinatorial logic capabilities. This architecture enables engineers to implement complex digital functions with optimal resource utilization.
Programmability and Configuration Options
This Xilinx FPGA features unlimited reprogrammability through SRAM-based configuration, allowing designers to iterate designs without hardware changes. Configuration data can be loaded from external EEPROM, EPROM, ROM, or the companion XC17XX Serial Configuration PROMs for automatic power-up initialization. Multiple configuration modes accommodate various system requirements, from development prototyping to production deployment.
Interconnection Resources and Signal Distribution
The device provides high fan-out signal distribution with low-skew clock networks, ensuring reliable timing across complex designs. Internal 3-state bus capabilities enable efficient data routing, while the flexible interconnect architecture supports both point-to-point and broadcast signal patterns essential for modern digital systems.
Primary Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Automation and Control Systems
The XC3190A-4PC84C excels in industrial control applications where reliable, reprogrammable logic is essential. Its 5V operation ensures compatibility with legacy industrial equipment, while the robust 84-pin PLCC package withstands harsh manufacturing environments.
Custom VLSI Design and Prototyping
Design engineers leverage this FPGA for rapid prototyping of custom digital circuits, eliminating the non-recurring engineering costs and time delays associated with conventional masked gate arrays. The device integrates complete subsystems into a single package, streamlining product development cycles.
Legacy System Maintenance and Replacement
As a continuous source semiconductor through Rochester Electronics, the XC3190A-4PC84C provides critical support for maintaining and upgrading legacy systems where original components are no longer in production. This ensures long-term system reliability and avoids costly redesigns.
Digital Signal Processing Applications
With its 227 MHz maximum toggle rate and low logic delays, this FPGA handles moderate-speed digital signal processing tasks, real-time data acquisition, and communication protocol implementation effectively.
Package Information: 84-Pin PLCC Details
Physical Dimensions and Mounting
| Package Feature |
Specification |
| Package Type |
PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) |
| Pin Count |
84 pins |
| Mounting |
Surface mount or socket |
| Body Material |
Plastic |
| Lead Configuration |
J-leads on all four sides |
The 84-pin PLCC package provides excellent mechanical stability and thermal performance. Its square form factor with J-leads on all sides enables both permanent surface mount soldering and socketed implementations for field-replaceable applications.
Pin Assignment and I/O Capabilities
The device offers numerous user-configurable I/O pins distributed around the package perimeter, with each I/O block supporting both input and output configurations. Pin assignments are determined during the design phase using Xilinx development tools, allowing optimization for specific application requirements.
Development Tools and Design Support
XACT Development System
Xilinx provides the XACT development system for schematic capture and automated place-and-route design entry. This comprehensive toolset includes logic and timing simulation capabilities, enabling thorough design verification before hardware implementation.
Programming and Configuration Tools
Engineers can program the XC3190A-4PC84C using standard Xilinx programming cables and software. The device supports in-system programming for deployed systems, facilitating field updates and logic modifications without board removal.
Design Resources and Technical Support
Complete datasheets, application notes, and design examples are available from authorized distributors and the manufacturer. Technical support includes pinout information, programming guides, and migration strategies for system upgrades.
Quality, Reliability, and Availability
Authorized Distribution Through Rochester Electronics
Rochester Electronics serves as an authorized manufacturer and distributor, providing genuine XC3190A-4PC84C devices with full traceability and quality assurance. As the world’s largest continuous source of semiconductors, Rochester Electronics maintains extensive inventory of legacy and mature products.
Quality Assurance and Testing
Each device undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with original manufacturer specifications. Quality control processes verify electrical parameters, package integrity, and functional performance before shipment.
Long-Term Availability and Support
Unlike standard product lifecycles, authorized continuous source programs ensure availability of the XC3190A-4PC84C for decades, supporting long-life industrial and military applications that require consistent component availability.
Comparison with Related XC3000 Series FPGAs
XC3100A Family Members
| Part Number |
Gates |
Cells |
Speed Grade |
Package Options |
| XC3190A-4PC84C |
6,000 |
320 |
-4 (227 MHz) |
84-Pin PLCC |
| XC3190A-3PC84C |
6,000 |
320 |
-3 (270 MHz) |
84-Pin PLCC |
| XC3164A-4PC84C |
5,000 |
256 |
-4 |
84-Pin PLCC |
Speed grade -3 devices offer higher performance (270 MHz) compared to -4 grade (227 MHz), while maintaining identical logic capacity. Package options include PLCC, PQ (Plastic Quad), and TQ (Thin Quad) variants with different pin counts.
Migration and Upgrade Paths
For applications requiring higher gate counts, the XC3000A and XC3100A series offers compatible devices ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 gates. Pin-compatible upgrades may be available depending on specific package types and application requirements.
Technical Advantages and Benefits
Reprogrammability for Design Flexibility
Unlike traditional ASICs or masked gate arrays, the XC3190A-4PC84C supports unlimited design iterations without fabrication delays or tooling costs. Engineers can refine designs, fix bugs, and add features throughout product development and deployment.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Gate Arrays
The device eliminates non-recurring engineering charges associated with custom gate arrays while reducing time-to-market. For low to medium volume production, FPGAs provide superior economics compared to custom silicon.
TTL and MSI Logic Consolidation
By integrating multiple TTL and MSI devices into a single FPGA, designers reduce board space, power consumption, and component count. This consolidation simplifies PCB layout and improves system reliability by reducing interconnections.
In-System Reconfigurability
The SRAM-based configuration enables in-system logic changes for deployed products. This capability supports field upgrades, feature additions, and bug fixes without hardware modifications, extending product lifetimes and reducing maintenance costs.
Ordering Information and Lead Times
Standard Part Number Format
The complete part number XC3190A-4PC84C encodes critical device information:
- XC3190A: Device family and gate count
- 4: Speed grade (-4, 227 MHz maximum)
- PC84: Package type (84-pin PLCC)
- C: Commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C)
Packaging Options for Distribution
Devices are available in various packaging options including tubes, trays, and tape-and-reel for automated assembly. Minimum order quantities and lead times vary by distributor and current inventory levels.
Related Part Numbers and Variants
Other speed grades and package options include:
- XC3190A-3PC84C (270 MHz, faster speed grade)
- XC3190A-4PQ160C (160-pin plastic quad package)
- XC3190A-4TQ144C (144-pin thin quad package)
Conclusion: Reliable FPGA Solution for Demanding Applications
The XC3190A-4PC84C delivers proven FPGA performance for applications requiring 6,000 gates of programmable logic with 5V compatibility. Its robust 84-pin PLCC package, combined with Rochester Electronics’ continuous availability program, makes this device an excellent choice for industrial automation, legacy system support, and custom digital design projects.
Whether you’re maintaining existing equipment, developing new control systems, or prototyping digital circuits, this field programmable gate array provides the flexibility, reliability, and long-term availability essential for successful product deployment.
For detailed technical specifications, programming information, and availability, consult with authorized distributors or visit the Rochester Electronics website for comprehensive product documentation and support resources.
