Overview of XC3195A-4PQ160C FPGA
The XC3195A-4PQ160C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the XC3100 family, featuring 7.5K gates, 484 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), and operating at speeds up to 227MHz. Manufactured by Xilinx (now part of AMD) and currently distributed by Rochester Electronics LLC, this commercial-grade FPGA delivers exceptional performance for demanding digital circuit applications.
This FPGA operates on a 5V power supply and comes in a compact 160-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package, making it ideal for space-constrained designs requiring reliable programmable logic solutions.
Key Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XC3195A-4PQ160C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx / Rochester Electronics LLC |
| Product Family |
XC3100A Series |
| Gate Count |
7,500 Gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
484 CLBs |
| Maximum Frequency |
227 MHz |
| Operating Voltage |
5V |
| Package Type |
160-Pin PQFP |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +70°C (Commercial) |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (Standard Performance) |
| I/O Pins |
138 User I/O |
| Logic Delay |
4.1 ns typical |
Advanced Features and Architecture
Configurable Logic Block Array
The XC3195A features a user-programmable array architecture composed of a configuration program store plus three types of configurable elements: a perimeter of I/O Blocks (IOBs), a core array of Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), and comprehensive resources for interconnection. This flexible architecture enables designers to implement complex digital logic functions with exceptional routing efficiency.
High-Speed Performance Characteristics
The XC3100A family delivers ultra-high-speed performance with system clock rates ranging from 50-85 MHz, guaranteed flip-flop toggle rates of 190 to 370 MHz, and logic delays between 1.55 to 4.1 ns. These performance metrics make the XC3195A-4PQ160C suitable for timing-critical applications.
Robust I/O Capabilities
The device provides 8 mA output sink current and 8 mA source current per I/O pin, ensuring reliable signal integrity in diverse system configurations. The slew-rate limited outputs during power-up prevent system glitches and ensure stable operation.
Pin Configuration and Package Details
| Package Information |
Specification |
| Package Style |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
160 Pins |
| Pin Pitch |
0.65 mm |
| Body Size |
28 mm x 28 mm |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Lead Finish |
Tin-Lead (Sn/Pb) |
| MSL Rating |
Moisture Sensitivity Level 3 |
Application Areas
The XC3195A-4PQ160C FPGA excels in various demanding applications:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) – Implement custom filters, FFTs, and signal processing algorithms
- Industrial Control Systems – Programmable logic for automation and process control
- Communications Equipment – Protocol implementation and data routing
- Test and Measurement Instruments – Flexible logic for adaptable instrumentation
- Legacy System Upgrades – Replacement for obsolete digital logic components
- Embedded Systems – Custom peripheral controllers and system interfaces
- Aerospace and Defense – Reliable programmable logic for critical applications
Design and Development Support
Software Tools Compatibility
The XC3195A-4PQ160C is supported by Xilinx’s development ecosystem, including the XACT development system for schematic capture and automatic place-and-route functionality. Designers can leverage logic and timing simulation tools for thorough design verification before deployment.
For modern development workflows, the device maintains software and bitstream compatibility with XC3000, XC3000A, and XC3000L families, enabling seamless migration paths and design reuse.
Programming and Configuration
| Configuration Feature |
Description |
| Configuration Mode |
Serial or Parallel |
| Configuration Memory |
Internal SRAM-based |
| Reconfigurability |
Unlimited reprogramming cycles |
| Configuration Time |
Typically under 100ms |
| Bitstream Security |
Error checking capability |
Electrical Characteristics
Power Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
5V ±5% |
| Maximum Power-Down Current |
5 mA |
| Maximum Quiescent Current |
5 mA |
| Active Current |
Varies with design utilization |
| Recommended Operating Conditions |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
Timing Performance
The -4 speed grade designation indicates standard performance timing characteristics suitable for most general-purpose applications. Critical timing parameters include setup times, hold times, and clock-to-output delays that must be verified during the design phase using static timing analysis tools.
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
Rochester Electronics LLC, as an authorized distributor and manufacturer, maintains the highest quality standards for the XC3195A-4PQ160C. All devices undergo rigorous testing and quality control procedures to ensure compliance with original Xilinx specifications.
Lifecycle Management
As part of Rochester Electronics’ extensive obsolescence mitigation portfolio, the XC3195A-4PQ160C remains available for long-term production requirements, supporting systems with extended operational lifespans where component continuity is critical.
Comparison with Related Xilinx FPGA Families
| Feature |
XC3195A (XC3100A) |
XC3000A |
XC3000L |
| Speed Performance |
Ultra-High |
High |
Moderate |
| Power Consumption |
Standard 5V |
Standard 5V |
Low Power 3.3V |
| CLB Array Size |
22 x 22 |
Varies |
Varies |
| Toggle Rate |
190-370 MHz |
Lower |
Lower |
| Compatibility |
Backward compatible |
Base family |
Low-power variant |
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC3195A-4PQ160C decoding:
- XC3195A – Device family and size
- 4 – Speed grade (standard performance)
- PQ160 – Package type (160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack)
- C – Commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C)
Stock and Lead Times
Availability varies by distributor. Contact authorized distributors for current stock levels, pricing, and lead time information. Rochester Electronics maintains inventory for long-term availability support.
Integration with Modern Xilinx FPGA Solutions
While the XC3195A-4PQ160C represents proven legacy technology, understanding its architecture provides valuable insights for engineers working with modern Xilinx FPGA solutions. The fundamental concepts of CLBs, IOBs, and programmable interconnect remain relevant across all generations of Xilinx programmable logic devices.
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation
Complete technical documentation for the XC3195A-4PQ160C includes:
- Detailed datasheet with electrical specifications
- Pin assignment diagrams and package drawings
- Application notes for common design patterns
- Programming file format specifications
- Reliability and quality test reports
Design Considerations
When implementing designs using the XC3195A-4PQ160C, engineers should consider:
- Power Supply Decoupling – Proper bypass capacitors (0.1µF ceramic) near each power pin
- Clock Distribution – Dedicated clock resources for optimal timing performance
- I/O Standards – Compatibility with 5V TTL/CMOS logic levels
- Thermal Management – Adequate airflow for designs with high utilization
- Configuration Management – Secure storage of configuration bitstreams
Conclusion
The XC3195A-4PQ160C represents a proven, reliable FPGA solution for applications requiring 5V operation, moderate gate counts, and high-speed performance. Its robust architecture, comprehensive I/O capabilities, and continued availability through Rochester Electronics make it an excellent choice for both legacy system maintenance and new designs requiring proven technology.
Whether you’re upgrading existing systems, maintaining long-lifecycle products, or developing new applications that benefit from 5V logic compatibility, the XC3195A-4PQ160C delivers the performance, reliability, and support needed for successful implementation.