The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family, distributed by Rochester Electronics. This 28,000-gate, 3.3V logic cell array delivers proven reliability for legacy embedded designs, signal processing, and hardware prototyping. Whether you’re maintaining an existing system or sourcing a long-lifecycle replacement component, the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C remains a trusted choice in the industrial and defense electronics market.

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What Is the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C?

The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is part of Xilinx’s mature XC4000XLA/XV FPGA series — a family built on 0.35µm CMOS process technology. The “XLA” designation indicates the extended low-power variant running at 3.3V, making it well-suited for designs where power efficiency matters alongside logic density. This specific part number breaks down as follows:

Sourced through Rochester Electronics LLC, this part benefits from full continuity of supply, making it an ideal solution for long-term production programs and maintenance of existing FPGA-based designs.

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XC4028XLA-09HQ160C Key Specifications

General Device Parameters

Logic & Functional Specifications

Package & Physical Specifications

Electrical & Thermal Characteristics

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XC4028XLA-09HQ160C FPGA Architecture Overview

H3: XC4000XLA Family Design Philosophy

The XC4000XLA architecture was the result of over 15 years of FPGA design experience at Xilinx. It was engineered to provide architectural versatility, high-speed routing resources, and seamless integration with Xilinx’s automated implementation software. The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C leverages these design principles to support complex, high-density logic implementations in a compact 160-pin package.

H3: Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)

At the heart of the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C are its Configurable Logic Blocks. Each CLB in the XC4000XLA family includes:

• Two 4-input function generators (look-up tables)
• One 3-input function generator
• Two storage elements (flip-flops or latches)
• Carry and arithmetic logic for efficient implementation of adders and counters
• Wide function multiplexers for complex combinatorial logic

This architecture allows engineers to efficiently map state machines, arithmetic units, data paths, and memory controllers into a single device.

H3: Routing Architecture & Speed Performance

The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C features a rich interconnect matrix combining local, long-line, and global routing resources. The -09 speed grade delivers a maximum system clock of 227 MHz, with a pin-to-pin logic delay of approximately 9 ns, making it competitive for moderate-speed digital applications including:

• Serial communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I²C)
• Custom bus controllers
• Digital signal processing pipelines
• State machine controllers
• Interface bridging logic

H3: On-Chip Memory Resources

The device includes 4 Kbits of on-chip block RAM, which can be configured as synchronous single-port or dual-port RAM. This embedded memory is ideal for FIFO buffers, lookup tables, and small data caches within the FPGA fabric itself, reducing the need for external memory components in many designs.

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Ordering Information & Part Number Variants

The XC4028XLA series is available in multiple packages and temperature grades. The table below shows common variants and how the HQ160C compares:

Note: The “C” suffix denotes Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C). The “I” suffix denotes Industrial range (-40°C to +100°C). Choose accordingly based on your end-use environment.

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Why Choose the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C for Your Design?

H3: Long-Lifecycle Supply Through Rochester Electronics

Rochester Electronics is an authorized semiconductor lifecycle solutions provider and licensed manufacturer for legacy Xilinx devices. Purchasing the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C through Rochester ensures:

• Authentic, traceable parts from authorized supply chains
• Continued availability for long-lifecycle production programs
• Full manufacturer documentation and test coverage
• Support for defense, aerospace, and industrial customers requiring decades of supply continuity

H3: Proven Performance in Legacy System Maintenance

Many embedded systems designed in the late 1990s and 2000s still rely on the XC4000XLA family for critical functions. The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is a direct drop-in replacement for end-of-life or hard-to-find inventory, enabling manufacturers to maintain and repair fielded equipment without costly re-design.

H3: Cost-Effective High-Density Logic Implementation

At 28,000 equivalent gates in a 160-pin PQFP package, the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C offers high logic density in a standard, board-friendly footprint. The PQFP160 package is compatible with conventional PCB assembly processes and requires no specialized BGA rework equipment.

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XC4028XLA-09HQ160C vs. Alternative Devices

If your design requires more than 116 user I/Os, consider the HQ240C or HQ304C variants in the same family. For designs migrating to more modern technology, explore the broader range of Xilinx FPGA solutions available today.

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Programming & Development Tools

The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is supported by Xilinx’s legacy design toolchain. Key development resources include:

The device supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary scan for in-circuit testing and programming, as well as SelectMAP (parallel configuration) and serial master/slave modes for flexible system integration.

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Application Areas for the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C

The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is widely used across multiple industries where legacy FPGA logic must be maintained or extended:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the XC4028XLA-09HQ160C still in production? A: The XC4028XLA series is classified as a legacy (not recommended for new design) product. However, Rochester Electronics provides authorized continued supply and licensed re-manufacturing support, ensuring availability for existing designs.

Q: What is the configuration method for this FPGA? A: The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C supports multiple configuration modes including Master Serial, Slave Serial, Slave Parallel (SelectMAP), and JTAG. Configuration data is stored in an external PROM or loaded via JTAG.

Q: Does this device support 5V-tolerant I/Os? A: No. The XC4028XLA family operates at 3.3V VCC. The I/O pins are not 5V tolerant and require level-shifting when interfacing with 5V logic families.

Q: What is the difference between commercial and industrial temperature grades? A: The “C” (commercial) suffix covers 0°C to +85°C operation. The “I” (industrial) suffix covers -40°C to +100°C. For harsh or outdoor environments, select the industrial-grade XC4028XLA-09HQG160I.

Q: What package does the HQ160C use? A: HQ160 refers to a 160-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) — a standard surface-mount package with a 0.5mm pin pitch, compatible with conventional PCB assembly and rework processes.

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Summary: XC4028XLA-09HQ160C at a Glance

The XC4028XLA-09HQ160C is an ideal solution for engineers maintaining legacy Xilinx FPGA-based systems, prototyping with proven architecture, or sourcing long-lifecycle components through an authorized supply chain. Its combination of 28K gates, 227 MHz performance, and compact 160-pin PQFP package makes it a versatile and accessible component for a wide range of embedded and industrial applications.