The XC4085XLA-HQ240C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s XC4000XLA family. Featuring 85,000 gates, 7,448 logic cells, and a 240-pin HSPQFP package, this device is engineered for complex, high-density digital designs across industrial, telecommunications, aerospace, and embedded systems. Whether you are prototyping or deploying in production, the XC4085XLA-HQ240C delivers the architectural versatility and speed performance that demanding applications require.

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What Is the XC4085XLA-HQ240C?

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C belongs to Xilinx’s XC4000XLA/XV series — a family of Xilinx FPGA devices built on advanced 0.35µm CMOS technology. This part number encodes key configuration details: the XC4085 designates the device density (85K gates), XLA indicates the extended low-voltage architecture operating at 3.3V, and HQ240C specifies the 240-pin HSPQFP (Heat Slug Plastic Quad Flat Pack) commercial-temperature package.

Designed as the result of over fifteen years of FPGA engineering and real-world customer feedback, this device combines rich routing resources with sophisticated EDA software support to enable fully automated implementation of high-complexity logic designs.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Key Specifications

The table below summarizes the core technical parameters of the XC4085XLA-HQ240C at a glance.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Package Information

Understanding the physical package is critical for PCB layout and thermal management. The table below details the package dimensions and mechanical characteristics.

Note: The “EP” suffix in HSPQFP EP refers to an exposed pad (heat slug) on the underside of the package, which significantly improves thermal dissipation compared to standard PQFP packages.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Architecture & Internal Features

Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C contains 3,136 Configurable Logic Blocks, each consisting of two flip-flops and two function generators. This architecture enables efficient implementation of combinational and registered logic without external glue logic.

Routing Resources

The XC4000XLA routing matrix provides abundant general-purpose routing, long-line interconnects, and dedicated fast-carry chains. This ensures minimal routing congestion even in large, dense designs.

On-Chip RAM & Distributed Memory

CLBs can be configured as distributed RAM, allowing designers to implement small, fast look-up tables and shift registers without consuming dedicated block RAM resources.

Clock Management

The device supports dedicated global clock networks to minimize clock skew across the entire fabric. Up to four global clock buffers are available, supporting synchronous, high-fan-out clock distribution for multi-clock-domain designs.

I/O Interface Standards

With 240 pins and programmable I/O standards, the XC4085XLA-HQ240C supports a wide range of signal interfaces compatible with 3.3V LVTTL and LVCMOS logic levels, enabling seamless integration with common MCUs, DSPs, and memory devices.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Part Number Decoder

Understanding the Xilinx part number naming convention helps engineers quickly identify the correct device variant.

For industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C) requirements, look for the “I” suffix variant, e.g., XC4085XLA-HQ240I.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Speed Grade Comparison

The XC4085XLA is available in multiple speed grades. The table below compares the most common 240-pin HQ variants by performance.

The speed grade suffix (07, 08, 09) indicates relative timing performance. A lower number = faster device. Choose based on your system’s critical path timing requirements.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C Applications

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C is suitable for a broad range of applications across multiple industries due to its large gate count, high-speed operation, and robust 240-pin package.

Telecommunications & Networking

Protocol processing, line card logic, and high-speed switching fabric control benefit from the device’s abundant routing and CLB resources.

Aerospace & Defense

Radar signal processing, flight control system logic, and secure communication front-end implementations leverage the FPGA’s reliability and deterministic timing behavior.

Industrial Automation

PLC replacement logic, servo motor control, real-time sensor fusion, and robotics control systems use the XC4085XLA-HQ240C as a flexible processing hub.

Medical Devices

Imaging system front-ends, patient monitoring signal acquisition, and diagnostic processing pipelines are common medical applications for this high-density FPGA.

Embedded Computing

Custom accelerator blocks, co-processor logic, and hardware abstraction layers in embedded system designs take advantage of the device’s 3.3V I/O compatibility and wide pin count.

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XC4085XLA-HQ240C vs. Comparable Xilinx FPGAs

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C occupies the highest density slot within the 240-pin HSPQFP form factor, making it the best choice when maximum logic capacity is needed without migrating to a larger BGA footprint.

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Design Tools & Software Support

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C is supported by Xilinx’s legacy ISE Design Suite, which provides:

• Synthesis: XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology) for RTL-to-gate-level mapping
• Implementation: Map, Place & Route (PAR) for physical implementation
• Simulation: ISim for functional and timing simulation
• Programming: iMPACT for JTAG-based device programming and configuration

For modern design flows, the XC4000XLA family is not supported in Vivado. Engineers should use ISE 14.7 for this device family.

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How to Order the XC4085XLA-HQ240C

When sourcing the XC4085XLA-HQ240C, verify the following to ensure authentic, properly graded components:

1. Confirm the full part number including speed grade and temperature suffix.
2. Request a certificate of conformance (CoC) from your distributor.
3. Inspect date codes — this is a mature, legacy FPGA; verify lot freshness.
4. Check RoHS status if your application requires lead-free compliance (alternative packages may be required).
5. Evaluate stock availability from authorized or franchised distributors to reduce counterfeit risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “HQ240” mean in the XC4085XLA-HQ240C part number?

“HQ240” refers to the 240-pin Heat Slug Plastic Quad Flat Pack (HSPQFP) package. The heat slug improves thermal performance compared to standard PQFP packages.

Is the XC4085XLA-HQ240C RoHS compliant?

No, the XC4085XLA-HQ240C in its standard form is not RoHS compliant (contains lead). If lead-free compliance is required, consult your distributor for alternative variants or packaging options.

What software do I use to program the XC4085XLA-HQ240C?

This device is programmed using Xilinx ISE Design Suite (version 14.7 recommended) with iMPACT for JTAG configuration. Vivado does not support the XC4000XLA family.

What is the maximum operating frequency of the XC4085XLA-HQ240C?

The -09 speed grade variant operates at up to approximately 227 MHz on the internal logic paths. Faster variants (e.g., -07) achieve up to ~263 MHz.

Can I replace the XC4085XLA-HQ240C with a newer FPGA?

Yes. For new designs, Xilinx Spartan-7 or Artix-7 families offer far greater density, lower power, and full Vivado support with broadly compatible FPGA design methodologies.

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Summary

The XC4085XLA-HQ240C remains a robust, high-density FPGA solution for engineers working with legacy systems or designs optimized for the XC4000XLA architecture. With 85,000 gates, 3,136 CLBs, a 227 MHz operating frequency, and a compact 240-pin HSPQFP package, it delivers proven programmable logic performance for telecommunications, industrial, aerospace, and embedded applications. Proper sourcing, speed grade selection, and EDA tool compatibility are key considerations when designing with this device.