The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA/XV family. Designed for demanding embedded logic applications, this 44,000-gate FPGA delivers 3.3V operation, 193 user I/Os, and a compact 240-pin HQFP package — making it a trusted choice for industrial, telecommunications, and signal-processing designs.

If you’re sourcing or evaluating Xilinx FPGA solutions for your next PCB project, the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I offers a mature, well-documented platform backed by Xilinx’s legacy XC4000XLA architecture.

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XC4044XLA-08HQ240I Key Specifications at a Glance

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What Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I?

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA/XV product family — one of the most architecturally rich FPGA families developed for general-purpose programmable logic. The “44” in the part number corresponds to approximately 44,000 usable gates, while the “-08” speed grade indicates an 8 ns pin-to-pin delay. The “HQ240” denotes the 240-pin Heat-sink Quad Flat Package (HQFP), and the trailing “I” designates the industrial temperature screening (0°C to +85°C), suitable for environments where thermal robustness matters.

This device incorporates 1,600 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), each containing multiple look-up tables (LUTs) and flip-flops, enabling flexible implementation of combinational and sequential logic. With 51,200 total RAM bits distributed across the fabric, it supports embedded data storage, shift registers, and FIFO buffers without external memory in many applications.

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XC4044XLA-08HQ240I Package and Pinout Details

Package Overview

I/O Configuration

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XC4044XLA-08HQ240I Electrical Characteristics

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Architecture and Logic Features

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I is built around Xilinx’s flexible array architecture, which was the result of over fifteen years of FPGA design innovation and customer feedback at the time of its development. Core architectural highlights include:

Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)

Each of the 1,600 CLBs contains look-up tables (LUTs), storage elements (flip-flops), and carry logic chains. This allows efficient implementation of arithmetic circuits, state machines, and complex combinational functions. The CLB interconnect network provides abundant routing resources to minimize placement-and-route congestion even in high-density designs.

Embedded RAM

With 51,200 bits of distributed on-chip RAM, the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I supports:

• Dual-port and single-port RAM blocks
• Shift registers
• ROM tables
• FIFO buffers

Low-Power Segmented Routing Architecture

The device features a low-power segmented routing architecture that minimizes dynamic power consumption by limiting signal propagation to only the necessary routing segments. This makes it suitable for power-sensitive industrial applications.

Boundary Scan (JTAG)

Full IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan support is included, enabling in-system testing, programming verification, and board-level debug without physical probing.

Unlimited Reprogrammability

As a SRAM-based FPGA, the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I supports unlimited in-circuit reprogrammability, allowing design updates and iterative development without replacing the device on the PCB.

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XC4044XLA-08HQ240I vs. Similar XC4000XLA Family Devices

Note: The “-08” speed grade on the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I offers faster pin-to-pin timing than the “-09” grade, making it better suited for high-frequency signal paths.

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Part Number Decoder: Understanding XC4044XLA-08HQ240I

Breaking down the part number helps engineers select the correct variant:

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Applications of the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I FPGA

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I FPGA is well-suited for a wide range of applications where programmable logic, moderate gate density, and 3.3V operation are required:

• Industrial control systems – PLCs, motor controllers, and sensor interface logic
• Telecommunications equipment – Line card control, framing, and protocol bridging
• Test and measurement instruments – Custom data acquisition and signal routing
• Defense and avionics (with appropriate qualification) – Legacy system maintenance and upgrades
• Embedded computing boards – Bus interface logic, glue logic, and state machine controllers
• PCB prototyping – Rapid iteration of digital logic designs before ASIC tape-out

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Design Tool Support

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I is supported by Xilinx’s legacy ISE Design Suite (formerly called Foundation). While the XC4000XLA family is not supported in the newer Vivado Design Suite (which targets 7-Series and newer devices), ISE remains available for maintaining existing XC4000-based designs.

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Ordering and Availability Information

⚠️ Important: The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I has been declared end-of-life (EOL) by Xilinx (AMD). Engineers designing new products should consider migrating to current-generation Xilinx FPGAs such as the Spartan-7, Artix-7, or Zynq families. For legacy system maintenance, stock may still be available through authorized distributors and specialty component suppliers.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I used for?

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I is a programmable logic device used to implement custom digital circuits. Common uses include industrial control logic, communication protocol bridging, test equipment, and legacy system maintenance.

What is the supply voltage for the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I?

The device operates from a supply voltage of 3.0 V to 3.6 V, with 3.3 V as the nominal voltage.

Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I RoHS compliant?

No. This device uses a SnPb (tin-lead) finish and is not RoHS compliant. Engineers must account for this in board assembly and waste disposal planning.

What package does the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I come in?

It comes in a 240-pin HQFP (Heat-sink Quad Flat Pack) surface-mount package with a 0.5 mm pin pitch and 32 × 32 mm body size.

Is the XC4044XLA-08HQ240I still in production?

No. Xilinx issued an EOL notice for the XC4000XLA family in November 2004. It is available only as last-time-buy inventory from distributors and excess component suppliers.

What is the difference between speed grade -08 and -09?

The speed grade number indicates the worst-case pin-to-pin propagation delay. The -08 grade has a maximum delay of 8 ns, while the -09 grade has a maximum of 9 ns. A lower number means faster performance.

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Summary

The XC4044XLA-08HQ240I is a legacy Xilinx XC4000XLA FPGA featuring 44,000 gates, 1,600 CLBs, 193 I/Os, and 6.3 kB of distributed on-chip RAM in a 240-pin surface-mount HQFP package. Operating at 3.3V with an 8 ns speed grade and industrial temperature rating, it remains a capable device for maintaining and upgrading existing embedded systems, test equipment, and industrial controllers. Engineers procuring this part for new designs should plan a migration strategy to a current-generation FPGA platform.