The XC3S1000-4FGG676I is a high-performance, cost-optimized Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) manufactured by AMD Xilinx as part of the renowned Spartan-3 family. Designed for high-volume, cost-sensitive industrial and consumer electronic applications, this device delivers 1,000,000 system gates, 17,280 logic cells, and operates at up to 630 MHz — all in a compact 676-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package. Whether you are designing embedded systems, industrial automation controllers, or telecommunications hardware, the XC3S1000-4FGG676I offers a compelling combination of flexibility, performance, and value.
For engineers looking for a broad portfolio of programmable logic solutions, explore more options through Xilinx FPGA to find the right device for your design.
What Is the XC3S1000-4FGG676I? Overview and Part Number Breakdown
The part number XC3S1000-4FGG676I encodes key product attributes at a glance:
| Part Number Segment |
Meaning |
| XC3S |
Xilinx Spartan-3 Series |
| 1000 |
1,000,000 system gates |
| 4 |
Speed Grade –4 (630 MHz) |
| FGG |
Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA), Lead-Free |
| 676 |
676-pin package |
| I |
Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +100°C) |
The trailing “I” suffix is critical — it designates the industrial-grade variant, rated for operation across the full industrial temperature range, making it suitable for environments far beyond what commercial-grade parts support.
Key Specifications of the XC3S1000-4FGG676I
Core Logic and Performance Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Series |
Spartan-3 |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx |
| System Gates |
1,000,000 |
| Logic Cells |
17,280 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
1,920 |
| Maximum Frequency |
630 MHz |
| Process Technology |
90 nm |
| Core Supply Voltage |
1.2 V (1.14V – 1.26V) |
Memory Resources
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Total Block RAM |
Up to 1,872 Kbits |
| Total Distributed RAM |
Up to 520 Kbits |
| RAM Size (usable) |
54 kB |
| Dedicated 18×18 Multipliers |
24 |
I/O and Packaging Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
676-Pin FBGA (Fine-Pitch BGA) |
| User I/O Pins |
391 |
| Maximum I/O Pins (family) |
Up to 633 |
| Data Transfer Rate per I/O |
622+ Mb/s |
| Single-Ended I/O Standards |
18 |
| Differential I/O Standards |
8 (LVDS, RSDS, etc.) |
| Package Dimensions |
26 × 26 mm, 40 mm pitch |
Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Value |
| Temperature Range |
–40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) |
MSL 3 – 168 hours |
| RoHS Compliance |
Yes |
| REACH Compliance |
Compliant |
| Packaging |
Tray |
XC3S1000-4FGG676I Features in Detail
#### High-Density Logic Architecture
The XC3S1000-4FGG676I features 17,280 logic cells organized within 1,920 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs). Each CLB includes look-up tables (LUTs), flip-flops, fast carry logic, and shift register capability. This architecture enables designers to implement complex combinational and sequential logic efficiently, making it well-suited for control-plane designs, state machines, and data path processing.
#### Flexible SelectIO Interface with DDR Support
One of the standout capabilities of this FPGA is its SelectIO technology, supporting:
- 18 single-ended signal standards (LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, SSTL, HSTL, and more)
- 8 differential I/O standards including LVDS and RSDS
- Signal swing from 1.14V to 3.465V
- Digitally Controlled Impedance (DCI) for on-chip termination
- DDR and DDR2 SDRAM interface support up to 333 Mb/s
This breadth of I/O standards makes the XC3S1000-4FGG676I an excellent interface bridge in multi-voltage or mixed-signal board designs.
#### Digital Clock Management (DCM)
The device includes up to four Digital Clock Managers (DCMs), providing:
- Clock skew elimination
- High-resolution phase shifting
- Frequency synthesis and multiplication/division
- Jitter reduction for system clock domains
These features simplify PCB design by reducing the need for external PLL or clock buffer ICs.
#### Dedicated 18×18 Multipliers for DSP
With 24 dedicated 18×18 multipliers, the XC3S1000-4FGG676I handles arithmetic-intensive workloads efficiently. These hard multipliers are optimized for throughput and offer a significant performance advantage over soft-logic implementations, particularly in applications involving digital filters, FFTs, or real-time signal processing pipelines.
#### JTAG Boundary Scan (IEEE 1149.1 / 1532)
Full JTAG compatibility is built in, supporting both in-system programming (IEEE 1532) and standard boundary scan testing (IEEE 1149.1). This simplifies board-level testing and field upgrades without requiring physical device removal.
XC3S1000-4FGG676I vs. Competing Spartan-3 Variants
Engineers often compare the XC3S1000-4FGG676I against related Spartan-3 devices. The table below highlights key differences:
| Part Number |
Gates |
Logic Cells |
I/O Pins |
Package |
Temp Grade |
| XC3S1000-4FGG676I |
1M |
17,280 |
391 |
676 FBGA |
Industrial |
| XC3S1000-4FGG676C |
1M |
17,280 |
391 |
676 FBGA |
Commercial |
| XC3S1000-4FGG456C |
1M |
17,280 |
333 |
456 FBGA |
Commercial |
| XC3S1500-4FGG676I |
1.5M |
29,952 |
391 |
676 FBGA |
Industrial |
| XC3S2000-4FGG676I |
2M |
46,080 |
391 |
676 FBGA |
Industrial |
The “I” vs “C” suffix distinction is critical for procurement teams — always verify the temperature rating when designing for industrial, automotive, or outdoor deployments.
Applications of the XC3S1000-4FGG676I FPGA
The industrial temperature rating and rich feature set of the XC3S1000-4FGG676I make it suitable across a diverse range of industries:
#### Industrial Automation and Control
The wide operating temperature range (–40°C to +100°C) and robust I/O signaling make this FPGA a natural fit for PLCs, motor drive controllers, robotics systems, and factory automation equipment. Its reprogrammability allows firmware updates in the field without hardware replacement.
#### Telecommunications and Networking
With support for high-speed differential I/O standards (LVDS, RSDS) and data rates exceeding 622 Mb/s per pin, the XC3S1000-4FGG676I handles demanding tasks like line-rate packet processing, protocol bridging, and interface aggregation in network switches, routers, and DSL equipment.
#### Embedded Systems and SoC Designs
When used as a soft-processor host (e.g., MicroBlaze) or as an accelerator alongside a microcontroller, this FPGA enables custom SoC-like architectures. Its 54 kB of on-chip RAM and 24 multipliers support embedded compute tasks where hard processors are not cost-effective.
#### Consumer Electronics and Multimedia
Broadband access devices, digital television equipment, home networking adapters, and display/projection systems benefit from the device’s cost-efficient logic density and flexible I/O, consistent with Xilinx’s original design intent for the Spartan-3 family.
#### Test and Measurement Equipment
The JTAG interface, DDR memory support, and high-speed I/O make the XC3S1000-4FGG676I suitable for logic analyzers, oscilloscope front-ends, and automated test equipment (ATE) where programmability and signal integrity matter.
Design Tools and Software Support
The XC3S1000-4FGG676I is fully supported by the Xilinx ISE Design Suite, which includes:
- ISE Project Navigator – RTL synthesis, implementation, and bitstream generation
- PlanAhead – Floorplanning and timing closure
- ChipScope Pro – On-chip debug and signal capture
- CORE Generator – IP core instantiation for common functions (FIFOs, memory controllers, DSP blocks)
Note: The newer Vivado Design Suite does not support Spartan-3 devices. Use ISE Design Suite 14.7 (the final ISE release) for all XC3S1000-series development.
Why Choose the XC3S1000-4FGG676I Over an ASIC?
| Consideration |
ASIC |
XC3S1000-4FGG676I FPGA |
| NRE Cost |
Very high ($500K–$5M+) |
None |
| Development Time |
12–24 months |
Weeks |
| Field Upgradability |
Not possible |
Yes, via JTAG |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
High (thousands) |
Single unit |
| Risk of Design Errors |
High (costly re-spin) |
Low (re-flash) |
For low-to-medium volume production or designs that require post-deployment updates, the XC3S1000-4FGG676I is a clear winner over mask-programmed ASICs.
Ordering Information
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
XC3S1000-4FGG676I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx |
| Category |
Embedded FPGAs |
| Series |
Spartan-3 |
| Package |
676-Pin FBGA (Tray) |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (–40°C to +100°C) |
| RoHS Status |
Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status |
Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) — legacy support available |
Procurement Note: As a mature-generation device, the XC3S1000-4FGG676I is available through authorized distributors and franchise stockists. Confirm authenticity through licensed sources to avoid counterfeit components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between XC3S1000-4FGG676I and XC3S1000-4FGG676C? The only difference is the temperature grade. The “I” suffix indicates the industrial range (–40°C to +100°C), while the “C” suffix indicates commercial range (0°C to +85°C). For outdoor, automotive, or harsh-environment designs, always specify the “I” variant.
Q: Is the XC3S1000-4FGG676I still in production? This device is classified as Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) by AMD Xilinx. It remains available through distribution for legacy and maintenance applications, but new designs should consider the Spartan-7 or Artix-7 families.
Q: What programming tools are required for the XC3S1000-4FGG676I? Use Xilinx ISE Design Suite 14.7. Vivado does not support Spartan-3 devices. Programming is performed via a JTAG cable (Xilinx Platform Cable USB or equivalent).
Q: Can the XC3S1000-4FGG676I interface with DDR2 SDRAM? Yes. The device supports DDR and DDR2 SDRAM interfaces at data rates up to 333 Mb/s, enabling efficient external memory connectivity for data-buffering applications.
Q: What is the 676-pin FBGA footprint? The package is a 26×26 mm Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array with a 1.0 mm ball pitch and 40 mm overall height. This is a surface-mount package requiring controlled-collapse chip connection (C4) soldering techniques.
Summary
The XC3S1000-4FGG676I remains a capable and cost-effective FPGA for industrial, telecommunications, and embedded system applications requiring rugged temperature performance. Its 1M gate density, 391 user I/O pins, 24 dedicated multipliers, and four DCMs provide substantial design headroom. The industrial-grade temperature rating (–40°C to +100°C) sets it apart from its commercial counterpart and makes it a reliable choice for long-life deployments in challenging environments.
For a wider range of programmable logic solutions from Xilinx, visit Xilinx FPGA to explore current and legacy device families.