The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI is a cutting-edge Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD Xilinx’s renowned Spartan-3A DSP family. This programmable logic device delivers exceptional digital signal processing capabilities, making it the ideal solution for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications requiring robust performance and flexibility.
Product Overview: XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI FPGA Specifications
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI combines advanced 90nm process technology with impressive computational resources, offering engineers a versatile platform for implementing complex digital designs. This Xilinx FPGA delivers outstanding performance-per-dollar value in embedded systems and signal processing applications.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI |
Lead-Free, Industrial Grade |
| Product Family |
Spartan-3A DSP |
Extended Spartan-3A Series |
| Logic Cells |
37,440 Cells |
1.8 Million System Gates |
| DSP Slices |
XtremeDSP DSP48A |
Advanced DSP Processing |
| RAM Capacity |
189 KB (1,548,288 bits) |
Embedded Block RAM |
| I/O Pins |
309 User I/O |
High Connectivity |
| Package Type |
484-Pin LCSBGA |
19mm x 19mm BGA |
| Operating Voltage |
1.2V Core |
Low Power Design |
| Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C |
Industrial Temperature Grade |
| Speed Grade |
-4 |
250 MHz Block RAM/DSP Performance |
| Technology Node |
90nm CMOS |
Proven Manufacturing Process |
Advanced Features and Capabilities
Digital Signal Processing Excellence
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI FPGA incorporates XtremeDSP DSP48A slices, providing dedicated hardware acceleration for demanding signal processing tasks. These enhanced DSP blocks deliver:
- High-speed multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations at 250 MHz
- 18×18 bit multipliers with extended precision
- Pre-adders for efficient FIR filter implementations
- Cascade connections for building larger DSP functions
Memory Architecture
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
Performance |
| Block RAM |
1,548,288 bits (189 KB) |
250 MHz clock frequency |
| Distributed RAM |
Flexible LUT-based |
Integrated with logic fabric |
| Configuration Memory |
SRAM-based |
In-system reprogrammable |
Programmable Logic Resources
The FPGA’s logic fabric consists of:
- 4,160 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
- 37,440 Logic Cells for complex combinational and sequential logic
- 1.8 Million System Gates equivalent capacity
- Dedicated carry chains for arithmetic operations
- Fast look-up table (LUT) based logic implementation
Technical Performance Specifications
Clock Management and Timing
| Clock Feature |
Specification |
| Digital Clock Managers (DCM) |
4 DCMs for clock synthesis |
| Maximum Frequency |
667 MHz (fabric dependent) |
| DSP/Block RAM Speed |
250 MHz guaranteed |
| Phase-Locked Loop |
Integrated PLL functionality |
| Clock Distribution |
Low-skew global routing |
Power Consumption Characteristics
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI features optimized power management:
- Core voltage: 1.2V for reduced power consumption
- I/O voltage: Supports 1.2V to 3.3V standards
- Low static power dissipation
- Dynamic power scaling based on resource utilization
- Sleep modes for energy-efficient operation
Primary Applications and Use Cases
Telecommunications and Networking
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI excels in communication infrastructure:
- Wireless base station processing
- Software-defined radio (SDR) implementations
- Protocol converters and bridges
- Network packet processing
- Digital up/down converters
Industrial Automation and Control
Ideal for industrial applications requiring:
- Motor control algorithms
- Machine vision processing
- Industrial protocol implementations
- Real-time control systems
- Sensor data acquisition and processing
Digital Signal Processing Applications
Perfect for DSP-intensive tasks:
- Audio/video processing and encoding
- Image processing and enhancement
- Adaptive filtering implementations
- FFT/IFFT processing
- Digital beamforming
Consumer Electronics
Suitable for cost-sensitive consumer products:
- Digital television equipment
- Display and projection systems
- Home networking devices
- Broadband access equipment
- Set-top boxes
Package and Pinout Information
LCSBGA-484 Package Details
| Package Characteristic |
Value |
| Package Type |
LCSBGA (Low-profile Chip Scale BGA) |
| Total Pins |
484 |
| Package Dimensions |
19mm x 19mm |
| Ball Pitch |
0.8mm |
| Package Height |
Low-profile design |
| Thermal Performance |
Enhanced thermal dissipation |
Pin Distribution
- 309 User I/O pins for general purpose connectivity
- Dedicated configuration pins
- Power and ground pins distributed for optimal signal integrity
- Multi-standard I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, etc.)
Development and Programming Support
Design Tools Compatibility
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI is fully supported by:
- ISE Design Suite – Complete FPGA development environment
- Vivado Design Suite – Next-generation design tools
- EDK (Embedded Development Kit) – For embedded processor integration
- ChipScope Pro – On-chip debugging and analysis
- IP Core libraries – Pre-verified design modules
Configuration Options
Multiple configuration methods supported:
- JTAG boundary scan programming
- Master/Slave Serial configuration
- Parallel configuration modes
- SPI Flash configuration
- Platform Flash PROM support
Quality and Reliability Standards
Manufacturing Quality
- RoHS Compliant – Lead-free manufacturing
- Moisture Sensitivity Level: MSL 3 (168 hours)
- Tested to Xilinx quality standards
- Industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +100°C)
- Extended product lifecycle support
Reliability Features
- Built-in configuration memory error detection
- SEU (Single Event Upset) mitigation capabilities
- Readback and verification support
- Built-in self-test (BIST) capabilities
Comparison with Related Spartan-3A DSP Devices
| Part Number |
Logic Cells |
DSP Slices |
Block RAM |
I/O Count |
| XC3SD1800A |
37,440 |
84 DSP48A |
189 KB |
309 |
| XC3SD3400A |
53,712 |
126 DSP48A |
270 KB |
469 |
Technical Support and Documentation
Available Resources
- Comprehensive datasheets with AC/DC specifications
- Application notes for design implementation
- Reference designs and example projects
- Technical support from AMD Xilinx
- Active user community and forums
Why Choose the XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI?
Key Advantages
- Cost-Effective DSP Processing – Exceptional price-to-performance ratio for signal processing applications
- Proven 90nm Technology – Mature, reliable manufacturing process
- Flexible Architecture – Reconfigurable platform adapts to changing requirements
- Comprehensive Tool Support – Industry-standard development tools and IP libraries
- Wide Temperature Range – Industrial-grade operation from -40°C to +100°C
- Low Power Consumption – 1.2V core voltage reduces system power requirements
Design Flexibility Benefits
- In-system reprogrammability eliminates hardware redesign costs
- Field upgradeable firmware capabilities
- Rapid prototyping and time-to-market advantages
- No NRE costs compared to ASIC development
- Concurrent hardware/software development
Technical Implementation Guidelines
PCB Design Considerations
When implementing the XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI in your design:
- Follow Xilinx PCB design guidelines for signal integrity
- Provide adequate power supply decoupling (0.1µF and 10µF capacitors)
- Implement proper thermal management for sustained operation
- Use appropriate termination for high-speed I/O signals
- Consider controlled impedance routing for critical signals
Power Supply Requirements
| Supply Rail |
Voltage |
Purpose |
| VCCINT |
1.2V |
Core logic power |
| VCCAUX |
2.5V/3.3V |
Auxiliary circuits |
| VCCO |
1.2V – 3.3V |
I/O bank power |
Ordering and Availability Information
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI is available through authorized distributors and direct from AMD Xilinx. The part number breakdown:
- XC3SD1800A – Device family and density
- -4 – Speed grade
- CS484 – Package type (CSBGA, 484 pins)
- L – Low-profile package variant
- I – Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C)
Summary: XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI Technical Specifications
The XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI represents an optimal balance of DSP performance, logic capacity, and cost-effectiveness. With 37,440 logic cells, 84 DSP48A slices, and 189 KB of block RAM in a compact 484-pin LCSBGA package, this FPGA delivers the computational resources needed for demanding signal processing applications.
Whether you’re developing telecommunications equipment, industrial control systems, consumer electronics, or embedded processing solutions, the XC3SD1800A-4CS484LI provides the programmable logic capabilities, DSP acceleration, and flexibility required for successful product development.
