The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I is a high-performance, 3.3V Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family. Designed for complex, high-density digital logic applications, this 36,000-gate, 208-pin HSPQFP device delivers the flexibility and speed that engineers demand in industrial, embedded, and communications systems.
What Is the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I?
The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I belongs to Xilinx’s mature and widely deployed Xilinx FPGA XC4000XLA/XV product family. It combines a 36K system gate count with 3,078 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), offering a 0.35 µm CMOS fabrication process for low-power operation at 3.3V. The “-09” speed grade indicates a maximum clock frequency of 227 MHz, making it suitable for time-critical applications. The “HQ208” denotes the 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (HSPQFP) package, while the trailing “I” confirms an Industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +100°C).
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I Key Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (now AMD) |
| FPGA Family |
XC4000XLA |
| System Gates |
36,000 |
| CLBs (Logic Cells) |
3,078 |
| Maximum Frequency |
227 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
3.0V – 3.6V (3.3V nominal) |
| Process Technology |
0.35 µm CMOS |
| Package Type |
208-Pin HSPQFP (Plastic QFP) |
| Package Dimensions |
208 pins, QFP form factor |
| Temperature Range |
–40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status |
Not RoHS Compliant |
| Product Status |
Obsolete / Under Obsolescence |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I Part Number Decoder
Understanding the part number naming convention is essential when selecting the right variant for your design.
| Code Segment |
Meaning |
| XC |
Xilinx CMOS device |
| 4036 |
36,000 system gates |
| XLA |
XC4000XLA sub-family (improved XL, 3.3V) |
| 09 |
Speed grade – 9 ns propagation delay (227 MHz max) |
| HQ |
Package type – HSPQFP (Heat Slug Quad Flat Pack) |
| 208 |
Number of pins |
| I |
Temperature grade: Industrial (–40°C to +100°C) |
Note: The “C” suffix (e.g., XC4036XLA-09HQ208C) indicates a Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C). The “I” suffix specifies the wider Industrial grade required for harsh environments.
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I Architecture and Features
FPGA Logic Resources
The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I is built on Xilinx’s proven CLB-based architecture, providing flexible, reconfigurable logic for a wide range of digital system designs.
| Resource |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I |
| System Gates |
36,000 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
3,078 |
| Flip-Flops |
~6,156 (2 per CLB) |
| Look-Up Tables (LUTs) |
~6,156 (2 per CLB) |
| Maximum I/O Pins |
~168 user I/O (208-pin package) |
| On-chip RAM |
Distributed RAM via CLBs |
Electrical Characteristics
| Electrical Parameter |
Value |
| Core Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
3.0V – 3.6V |
| I/O Voltage Compatibility |
3.3V (5V tolerant with constraints) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
227 MHz |
| Process Node |
0.35 µm CMOS |
| Logic Level: V<sub>IH</sub> (Min) |
2.0V |
| Logic Level: V<sub>IL</sub> (Max) |
0.8V |
| Logic Level: V<sub>OH</sub> (Min) |
2.4V |
| Logic Level: V<sub>OL</sub> (Max) |
0.4V |
Speed Grade Comparison – XC4036XLA Family
| Speed Grade |
Max Frequency |
Propagation Delay |
Typical Application |
| -07 (Fastest) |
~294 MHz |
7 ns |
High-speed DSP, communications |
| -08 |
~263 MHz |
8 ns |
General-purpose high-speed logic |
| -09 (This Part) |
227 MHz |
9 ns |
Industrial control, embedded systems |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I Package Options Comparison
Xilinx offers the XC4036XLA in multiple package configurations. The 208-pin HSPQFP is the most popular for PCB-friendly through-hole design.
| Part Number |
Package |
Pins |
Temp Grade |
Typical Use Case |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ208C |
HSPQFP |
208 |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
Consumer / lab equipment |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ208I |
HSPQFP |
208 |
Industrial (–40°C to +100°C) |
Industrial / military-grade |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ240C |
HSPQFP |
240 |
Commercial |
Higher I/O count, consumer |
| XC4036XLA-09HQ240I |
HSPQFP |
240 |
Industrial |
Higher I/O, industrial |
| XC4036XLA-09BG352C |
BGA |
352 |
Commercial |
High-density PCB designs |
| XC4036XLA-09BG432C |
BGA |
432 |
Commercial |
Maximum I/O density |
Why Choose the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I for Industrial Applications?
Industrial Temperature Grade Advantage
The “I” temperature suffix makes the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I the correct choice when the device must operate reliably in environments beyond normal commercial ranges. The extended –40°C to +100°C operating range ensures stable performance in:
- Outdoor industrial control panels
- Automotive test equipment
- Military and defense electronics
- Ruggedized embedded systems
- Factory automation and robotics
XC4000XLA Family Highlights
The XC4000XLA devices are improved versions of the earlier XC4000XL series. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced clock distribution networks for higher operating frequencies
- Increased routing resources for complex interconnects
- Compatible development ecosystem with Xilinx ISE Design Suite
- Dual-rail I/O architecture supporting 3.3V and limited 5V-tolerant I/O
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I vs. Competitive FPGAs
| Feature |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I |
Comparable Altera Device |
| Gates |
36,000 |
EPF10K30 (~30,000) |
| Package |
208-pin QFP |
240-pin QFP |
| Voltage |
3.3V |
3.3V |
| Process |
0.35 µm |
0.35 µm |
| Max Freq |
227 MHz |
~119 MHz (system) |
| Temp Grade (I version) |
–40°C to +100°C |
–40°C to +100°C |
Development Tools for XC4036XLA-09HQ208I
Supported EDA and Design Software
| Tool |
Vendor |
Compatibility |
| ISE Design Suite |
Xilinx (AMD) |
Fully supported (primary tool) |
| Vivado |
Xilinx (AMD) |
Not supported (legacy device) |
| Synopsys Design Compiler |
Synopsys |
Supported via synthesis |
| Mentor ModelSim |
Siemens EDA |
Full simulation support |
JTAG and In-System Programming
The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I supports in-system configuration via the JTAG boundary scan interface, enabling:
- Fast in-circuit programming without removing the device
- Boundary scan testing for PCB validation
- Multi-device JTAG chain configuration
Ordering Information and Variants
How to Order the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I
When specifying this part for procurement, confirm the following attributes with your authorized distributor:
| Attribute |
Value to Confirm |
| Full Part Number |
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (I suffix) |
| Package |
208-pin HSPQFP |
| Country of Origin |
USA (Xilinx/AMD) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Non-RoHS (legacy product) |
| Product Status |
Obsolete – confirm stock availability |
⚠️ Obsolescence Notice: The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I is classified as an obsolete/under obsolescence product by AMD (formerly Xilinx). Engineers starting new designs should evaluate migration to modern Xilinx families such as the Artix-7 or Spartan-7 FPGA series. For legacy repair and maintenance, authorized independent distributors may still hold inventory.
XC4036XLA-09HQ208I Applications
The combination of 36,000 system gates, industrial temperature range, and 208-pin through-hole QFP package makes the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I well-suited for:
| Application Area |
Use Case |
| Industrial Automation |
PLC logic controllers, motor drive control |
| Telecommunications |
Protocol conversion, line card logic |
| Medical Devices |
Signal processing, sensor interfacing |
| Military / Defense |
Ruggedized embedded computing |
| Test & Measurement |
Pattern generators, logic analyzers |
| Embedded Systems |
Custom coprocessors, bus interfaces |
| Automotive Electronics |
Engine control units (test/legacy designs) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between XC4036XLA-09HQ208I and XC4036XLA-09HQ208C?
The only difference is the operating temperature range. The “I” variant is rated for Industrial use (–40°C to +100°C), while the “C” variant is rated for Commercial use (0°C to +85°C). All other electrical parameters — gate count, speed grade, package, and supply voltage — are identical.
Is the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I still in production?
No. AMD (Xilinx) has classified this device as obsolete/under obsolescence. It is no longer actively manufactured. Stock is available through authorized and independent component distributors. For new designs, Xilinx recommends migrating to the Spartan-7 or Artix-7 families.
What software do I use to program the XC4036XLA-09HQ208I?
Use the Xilinx ISE Design Suite (not Vivado, which does not support this legacy device). Bitstream generation and device programming are both handled through ISE.
What is the maximum I/O count for the 208-pin package?
The 208-pin HSPQFP package provides approximately 168 user I/O pins, with the remaining pins dedicated to power, ground, and configuration signals.
Summary
The XC4036XLA-09HQ208I is a proven, field-tested FPGA solution for industrial and legacy embedded applications requiring 36,000 system gates, 3.3V operation, 227 MHz maximum frequency, and a wide industrial temperature range in a standard 208-pin QFP package. While the device has reached end-of-life status, it remains available through distribution channels for existing design maintenance and system repair needs.
