Overview of the XC5202-6PC84I Field Programmable Gate Array
The XC5202-6PC84I is a highly reliable field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD’s (formerly Xilinx) XC5200 family, engineered for industrial applications requiring extended temperature operation. This SRAM-based FPGA delivers 3,000 usable gates across 256 logic cells, making it ideal for legacy system maintenance, prototyping, and compact embedded designs where reliability and proven architecture are paramount.
As part of the proven Xilinx FPGA family, the XC5202-6PC84I combines the VersaBlock logic module with VersaRing I/O interface technology to provide design flexibility while maintaining backward compatibility with established development workflows.
Key Technical Specifications
Electrical and Performance Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
Details |
| Logic Density |
3,000 Gates |
256 configurable logic cells |
| Operating Frequency |
83 MHz |
Maximum system clock speed |
| Operating Voltage |
5V |
Standard supply voltage |
| Speed Grade |
-6 |
Commercial industrial grade |
| Technology Node |
0.5μm CMOS |
Mature, proven process |
| Propagation Delay |
5.6 ns |
Typical gate delay |
Package and Environmental Specifications
| Characteristic |
Value |
Notes |
| Package Type |
84-Pin PLCC |
Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (J-Lead) |
| Total I/O Pins |
65 I/O |
User-configurable inputs/outputs |
| Temperature Range |
-40°C to +105°C (Industrial) |
Extended temperature grade “I” designation |
| Package Finish |
Tin/Lead (Sn85Pb15) |
Standard leaded finish |
| Mounting Style |
Through-hole/Surface Mount |
J-lead compatible |
| Package Height |
5.08mm |
Low-profile design |
Architecture and Logic Resources
Configurable Logic Block (CLB) Structure
| Resource Type |
Quantity |
Capability |
| CLBs |
64 Blocks |
VersaBlock architecture |
| Logic Cells |
256 Cells |
4 cells per CLB |
| Flip-Flops |
Register/latch rich |
Embedded storage elements |
| LUTs per CLB |
Multiple |
Combinatorial logic functions |
Applications and Use Cases
Primary Application Areas
The XC5202-6PC84I excels in several industrial and commercial applications:
Industrial Control Systems
- Factory automation controllers
- Motor control interfaces
- Sensor data processing
- Legacy equipment modernization
Embedded Communications
- Protocol converters
- Serial interface bridges
- Industrial networking nodes
- Custom communication controllers
Automotive Electronics
- Engine control units (ECUs)
- Dashboard instrumentation
- In-vehicle network gateways
- Diagnostic equipment
Medical Device Integration
- Patient monitoring equipment
- Diagnostic instrument control
- Medical imaging interfaces
- Laboratory automation
Design and Development Support
Software Compatibility
| Design Tool |
Support Level |
Features |
| Xilinx ISE |
Full Support |
Legacy development environment |
| VHDL Synthesis |
Complete |
Industry-standard HDL |
| Verilog HDL |
Complete |
Alternative HDL support |
| ABEL |
Supported |
Equation-based entry |
| Schematic Capture |
Supported |
Traditional design entry |
Development Environment Features
The XC5202-6PC84I is fully supported through comprehensive development tools that enable rapid prototyping and deployment:
- Cross-platform compatibility: Windows and Unix workstations
- Synthesis tool integration: Compatible with major synthesis vendors
- Simulation support: Behavioral and timing simulation
- Programming interfaces: JTAG boundary scan for in-system programming
Competitive Advantages
Why Choose the XC5202-6PC84I?
Proven Reliability Built on Xilinx’s fourth-generation FPGA architecture, the XC5200 family represents years of field-proven performance with extensive deployment history across multiple industries.
Extended Temperature Range The “I” grade specification ensures reliable operation from -40°C to +105°C, essential for harsh industrial environments, automotive applications, and outdoor equipment.
Register-Rich Architecture The VersaBlock logic module provides abundant flip-flops and latches, ideal for state machine implementation and pipelined data processing without external components.
Legacy System Support For maintaining and upgrading existing designs, the XC5202-6PC84I offers direct compatibility with established code bases and proven development methodologies.
Technical Comparison Table
XC5202-6PC84I vs. Alternative Configurations
| Part Number |
Temperature |
Package |
I/O Count |
Application |
| XC5202-6PC84I |
Industrial (-40°C to +105°C) |
84-PLCC |
65 |
Harsh environments |
| XC5202-6PC84C |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
84-PLCC |
65 |
Standard applications |
| XC5202-6VQ100I |
Industrial |
100-VQFP |
Higher I/O |
Pin-intensive designs |
| XC5202-5PC84C |
Commercial, Speed -5 |
84-PLCC |
65 |
Faster performance |
Ordering Information and Compliance
Part Number Breakdown
XC5202-6PC84I decodes as follows:
- XC5202: XC5200 family, 3K gate density
- 6: Speed grade (commercial/industrial performance)
- PC84: 84-pin PLCC package
- I: Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +105°C)
Lifecycle Status and Availability
Important Note: The XC5202-6PC84I is classified as an obsolete component by the manufacturer. While new stock availability may be limited, this device remains valuable for:
- Legacy system maintenance and repair
- Long-term spare parts inventory
- Existing design continuity
- Cost-effective prototyping where proven technology is preferred
Installation and Implementation Guidelines
PCB Design Recommendations
| Design Aspect |
Recommendation |
Rationale |
| Decoupling Capacitors |
0.1μF at each VCC pin |
Minimize power supply noise |
| Power Plane |
Dedicated 5V plane |
Reduce voltage drop |
| Clock Distribution |
Low-skew routing |
Maintain timing margins |
| JTAG Chain |
Accessible test points |
Enable programming/debugging |
| Thermal Management |
Adequate airflow |
Extended temperature operation |
Programming and Configuration
The XC5202-6PC84I supports multiple configuration methods:
- Master Serial mode: FPGA controls external PROM
- Slave Serial mode: External processor provides bitstream
- JTAG programming: In-system development and debugging
- Boundary scan: IEEE 1149.1 compliant testing
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
| Standard |
Compliance |
Benefit |
| RoHS |
Non-compliant (leaded) |
Exemption for legacy applications |
| ISO 9001 |
Certified manufacturing |
Consistent quality control |
| JEDEC Standards |
Package compliance |
Industry compatibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the XC5202-6PC84I suitable for industrial applications?
The industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +105°C) and proven 0.5μm CMOS technology provide exceptional reliability in demanding environments including factory floors, automotive systems, and outdoor installations.
Can the XC5202-6PC84I replace the commercial grade XC5202-6PC84C?
Yes, the XC5202-6PC84I is functionally identical to the commercial grade variant but offers extended temperature capability. It can serve as a drop-in replacement when environmental conditions exceed commercial specifications.
What development tools are required for XC5202-6PC84I design?
Xilinx ISE Design Suite (legacy version) provides complete support including synthesis, implementation, and programming. The device supports VHDL, Verilog, schematic entry, and ABEL design methodologies.
Is programming hardware available for the XC5202-6PC84I?
Standard JTAG programmers compatible with Xilinx devices support the XC5202-6PC84I. Xilinx Platform Cable USB and compatible third-party programmers enable device configuration and debugging.
How does gate count translate to practical design capacity?
The 3,000 usable gates typically support designs containing several thousand flip-flops, complex state machines, and moderate arithmetic functions. The 256 logic cells provide approximately 100-150 equivalent logic macrocells depending on design architecture.
Related Products and Migration Paths
Complementary Components
For complete system design, consider these complementary products:
- Configuration PROMs: XC1700 series for bitstream storage
- Development boards: XC5200 evaluation platforms
- Programming cables: Platform Cable USB or Parallel Cable IV
- Support components: 5V voltage regulators, oscillators
Migration Considerations
For new designs or modernization projects, evaluate current-generation Xilinx FPGA families offering:
- Higher logic density
- Lower power consumption
- Advanced I/O standards
- Modern development tools
However, the XC5202-6PC84I remains the optimal choice for maintaining existing designs and applications where proven technology and 5V compatibility are essential requirements.
Summary: XC5202-6PC84I Key Benefits
The XC5202-6PC84I field-programmable gate array delivers reliable programmable logic for industrial applications requiring extended temperature operation. With 3,000 gates, 65 I/O pins, and proven architecture, this device serves legacy system maintenance, embedded control, and specialized industrial applications where 5V operation and -40°C to +105°C temperature capability are mandatory.
For engineers maintaining existing systems or developing new designs with proven technology requirements, the XC5202-6PC84I offers an excellent balance of functionality, reliability, and compatibility within the comprehensive ecosystem of Xilinx FPGA solutions.
