The XC4036XLA-9HQ240I is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Xilinx XC4000XLA family, now distributed under AMD. Designed for complex digital logic applications, this device delivers 36,000 system gates, 3,078 logic cells, and a maximum operating frequency of 227 MHz — all packaged in a compact 240-pin HSPQFP (Heat Sink Plastic Quad Flat Package). Whether you are working on telecommunications equipment, industrial control systems, or embedded processing boards, the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I offers the architectural versatility and routing resources needed to implement demanding, high-density designs.

Note: This part is designated as Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND). Engineers are advised to consider modern Xilinx FPGA alternatives for new projects, while the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I remains widely available for legacy system maintenance, repairs, and ongoing production.

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What Is the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I?

The XC4036XLA-9HQ240I is a member of the XC4000XLA/XV Field Programmable Gate Array product family from Xilinx (AMD). The XC4000XLA series represents an improved version of the earlier XC4000XL family, offering enhanced speed performance, expanded routing resources, and 3.3V CMOS operating voltage. The “-9” in the part number denotes the speed grade (9 ns pin-to-pin logic delay), “HQ240” indicates the 240-pin HSPQFP package, and the trailing “I” specifies the industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), making this variant suitable for harsh operating environments.

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XC4036XLA-9HQ240I Key Features

The following highlights summarize the core capabilities of this FPGA:

• 36,000 system gates for complex logic implementation
• 3,078 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) providing flexible, reconfigurable logic fabric
• 1,296 CLBs arranged in a high-density array
• Maximum system frequency of 227 MHz
• 3.3V core and I/O supply voltage with 5V-tolerant input compatibility
• 240-pin HSPQFP package — compact and surface-mount compatible
• 0.35µm CMOS process technology
• Industrial temperature grade: -40°C to +85°C
• On-chip SelectRAM™ block RAM resources
• Boundary scan (JTAG IEEE 1149.1) support
• Fully supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite

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XC4036XLA-9HQ240I Full Technical Specifications

General Specifications

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Logic & Density Specifications

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Performance & Electrical Specifications

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Package & Physical Specifications

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Memory Resources

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Programming & Configuration

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XC4036XLA-9HQ240I Part Number Decoder

Understanding the part number structure helps engineers select the right variant:

Commercial vs. Industrial: The commercial temperature variant is XC4036XLA-9HQ240C (0°C to +85°C). The industrial grade “I” version covered in this guide is better suited for outdoor equipment, automotive-adjacent applications, and industrial automation environments where temperatures fluctuate significantly.

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XC4000XLA Family Architecture Overview

CLB (Configurable Logic Block) Structure

The XC4000XLA architecture is built around its Configurable Logic Block, which provides the fundamental programmable logic unit. Each CLB contains:

• Two 4-input function generators (F and G) — implemented as Look-Up Tables (LUTs)
• One 3-input function generator (H)
• Two dedicated flip-flops per CLB
• Wide function capability via F, G, H function chaining
• Carry logic for fast arithmetic operations

Routing Architecture

The device features a hierarchical routing architecture including:

• Single-length lines for short, fast local connections
• Double-length lines for medium-distance routing
• Long lines spanning the full device for global signals
• Dedicated carry chains enabling fast ripple-carry adders

I/O Block (IOB) Features

Each I/O Block in the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I supports:

• Programmable input/output signal direction
• Optional registered or combinational I/O
• Slew-rate control for reduced EMI
• Weak pull-up or pull-down resistors
• 3.3V LVTTL and LVCMOS standard compatibility

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Ordering Information: XC4036XLA Variants

The XC4036XLA is available in multiple speed grades and package configurations. The table below lists common ordering variants:

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Applications of the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I

The XC4036XLA-9HQ240I has been widely deployed across industries that require programmable logic with moderate density and robust temperature performance. Common application areas include:

Telecommunications Equipment

High-frequency operation at up to 227 MHz makes this FPGA suitable for data framing, protocol bridging, and multiplexing functions in telecom line cards and switching fabric boards.

Industrial Control Systems

The industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) qualifies the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I for PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), motor drive controllers, SCADA interface boards, and factory automation systems exposed to extreme ambient temperatures.

Military & Aerospace (Legacy Systems)

Due to its age and extensive deployment history, this device is frequently sourced for maintenance and repair of legacy defense electronics and avionics systems originally designed in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Medical Instrumentation

Diagnostic and monitoring equipment requiring real-time signal processing at regulated voltages have historically leveraged the XC4000XLA family for its predictable timing and reliable 3.3V operation.

Test & Measurement

Automated test equipment (ATE) and logic analyzers often use FPGAs for pattern generation, data capture, and real-time comparison — tasks where the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I’s gate count and I/O capacity are well matched.

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XC4036XLA-9HQ240I vs. XC4036XLA-9HQ240C: Key Differences

The two most commonly compared variants differ only in temperature grade:

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Design Tools & Software Support

The XC4036XLA-9HQ240I is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (specifically ISE 9.2i and later legacy versions). Modern Xilinx Vivado does not support the XC4000XLA family. Designers working with this device should use:

HDL languages supported include VHDL, Verilog, and ABEL, with support for schematic-based design entry via ISE Foundation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the “-9” speed grade mean on the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I?

The “-9” denotes a 9-nanosecond pin-to-pin combinatorial delay. This is the worst-case propagation delay from any input pin through internal logic to any output pin. A lower number indicates a faster device — for example, an “-8” grade version offers 8 ns delay and higher maximum frequency operation.

Is the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I still in production?

No. This device has been classified as Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) by AMD (formerly Xilinx). It is available through authorized distributors and independent component suppliers primarily for legacy system maintenance.

Can the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I be programmed with modern Vivado software?

No. Vivado does not support the XC4000XLA family. Designers must use the legacy Xilinx ISE Design Suite to synthesize, implement, and configure this device.

What is the pin count and package type of the XC4036XLA-9HQ240I?

This device uses a 240-pin HSPQFP (Heat Sink Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package, designated “HQ240” in the part number.

What is the difference between XC4036XLA-9HQ240I and XC4036XLA-09HQ240I?

These are the same device. Distributors and datasheets may format the speed grade with or without a leading zero (“-9” vs. “-09”). Both designations refer to the identical 9 ns speed grade component.

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Summary

The XC4036XLA-9HQ240I is a 36,000-gate, 3.3V FPGA from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family, packaged in a 240-pin HSPQFP and rated for industrial temperatures from -40°C to +85°C. With a maximum operating frequency of 227 MHz, 1,296 CLBs, up to 192 user I/O pins, and JTAG configuration support, it delivers a capable combination of density, speed, and environmental resilience for legacy applications. While no longer recommended for new designs, it remains an essential part for maintaining and repairing industrial, telecoms, and legacy embedded systems built around the XC4000XLA architecture.

For engineers looking at modern programmable logic options, a broader range of current-generation products is available — explore the full portfolio of Xilinx FPGA devices for drop-in compatible or next-generation alternatives.