Overview of XC5204-6PQG100I Xilinx FPGA
The XC5204-6PQG100I is a high-performance Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx FPGA XC5200 family, designed to deliver cost-effective programmable logic solutions for industrial applications. This industrial-grade FPGA features 6,000 gates, 480 logic cells, and operates reliably across extended temperature ranges, making it ideal for demanding environments in aerospace, defense, industrial automation, and telecommunications.
Key Features and Specifications
Core FPGA Architecture
The XC5204-6PQG100I incorporates Xilinx’s proven VersaBlock™ architecture with advanced features:
- Logic Capacity: 6,000 gates with 480 configurable logic blocks (CLBs)
- Operating Frequency: Up to 83MHz system performance
- Technology Node: 0.5μm CMOS process technology
- Voltage Supply: 5V single power supply operation
- Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C (Industrial grade)
- Package Type: 100-Pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack)
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XC5204-6PQG100I |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx Inc. (Now AMD) |
| Product Family |
XC5200 FPGA Series |
| Logic Elements |
480 Cells |
| Gate Count |
6,000 Gates |
| Max Frequency |
83 MHz |
| I/O Pins |
82 User I/O |
| Supply Voltage |
5V |
| Package |
100-PQFP |
| Operating Temp |
-40°C to +100°C |
| Technology |
0.5μm SRAM-based |
Advanced Features and Architecture
VersaBlock™ Logic Module
The XC5204-6PQG100I features Xilinx’s innovative VersaBlock logic architecture, providing:
- Register-rich design for high-speed sequential circuits
- Flexible logic element configuration
- Enhanced routing resources for complex designs
- Low-power SRAM-based configuration
VersaRing™ I/O Interface
The VersaRing I/O system delivers robust interface capabilities:
- 82 user-configurable I/O pins
- Multiple I/O standards support
- Programmable drive strength
- Slew rate control for signal integrity
Interconnect Resources
- Hierarchical routing architecture
- Dedicated carry chains for arithmetic operations
- Fast local interconnects
- Global clock distribution networks
Performance Characteristics
Timing and Speed Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (Commercial/Industrial) |
| System Clock |
Up to 83 MHz |
| Pin-to-Pin Delay |
6ns (typical) |
| Setup Time |
3ns (typical) |
| Clock-to-Out |
4ns (typical) |
Power Consumption
- Static Power: Low standby current
- Dynamic Power: Proportional to switching frequency
- Power Supply: Single 5V rail simplifies design
Application Areas
Industrial Automation
The XC5204-6PQG100I excels in industrial control applications:
- Process control systems
- Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Motor control interfaces
- Sensor data acquisition
Communications Equipment
Ideal for telecommunications infrastructure:
- Wired networking equipment
- Protocol converters
- Data multiplexers
- Communications interfaces
- Signal processing modules
Aerospace and Defense
Proven reliability for mission-critical applications:
- Avionics control systems
- Radar signal processing
- Navigation equipment
- Military communications
- Embedded control systems
Consumer Electronics
Versatile solutions for consumer products:
- Set-top boxes
- Gaming consoles
- Audio/video processing
- Display controllers
- Interface bridging
Development and Design Support
Compatible Design Tools
The XC5204-6PQG100I is fully supported by industry-standard development environments:
| Tool Category |
Supported Options |
| Schematic Entry |
OrCAD, Viewlogic, Mentor Graphics |
| HDL Synthesis |
VHDL, Verilog HDL |
| Text Entry |
ABEL, PALASM |
| Implementation |
Xilinx Foundation/Alliance Series |
| Simulation |
ModelSim, VCS, NC-Verilog |
Design Entry Methods
- ABEL: Text-based design entry for Boolean equations
- Schematic Capture: Graphical design using standard EDA tools
- VHDL: IEEE-standard hardware description language
- Verilog HDL: Industry-standard HDL synthesis
- Mixed Methods: Combine schematic and HDL approaches
Package Information and Pin Configuration
PQFP Package Details
| Package Characteristic |
Specification |
| Package Type |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack |
| Total Pins |
100 |
| Pin Pitch |
0.65mm |
| Body Size |
14mm × 14mm |
| Lead Frame |
Copper alloy |
| RoHS Compliant |
Yes (Lead-free) |
| MSL Rating |
MSL 3 |
Pin Distribution
- Power Pins: VCC, GND (distributed for low impedance)
- I/O Pins: 82 user-programmable pins
- Configuration Pins: PROG, DONE, INIT
- Special Function: Clock inputs, dedicated routing
Quality and Reliability Standards
Compliance Certifications
- RoHS Compliant: Lead-free, environmentally friendly
- REACH Compliant: European chemical regulations
- Moisture Sensitivity: MSL Level 3
- ESD Protection: Human Body Model (HBM) rated
Reliability Metrics
| Reliability Parameter |
Specification |
| MTBF |
>1,000,000 hours |
| Operating Life |
20+ years typical |
| Temperature Cycling |
-55°C to +125°C tested |
| Humidity Resistance |
85°C/85% RH rated |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Power Supply Design
For optimal performance:
- Decoupling Capacitors: Place 0.1μF ceramic caps near each VCC pin
- Bulk Capacitance: Add 10μF tantalum near power entry
- Ground Plane: Use solid ground plane for noise immunity
- Power Sequencing: No specific sequence required
Thermal Management
- Junction Temperature: Keep below +100°C maximum
- Airflow: Natural convection typically sufficient
- Heat Sinking: Consider for high-utilization designs
- Thermal Monitoring: Implement if operating near limits
Configuration Best Practices
- Mode Selection: Choose appropriate configuration mode
- Pull-ups: Use on mode pins as recommended
- Decoupling: Critical for clean configuration
- Reset Strategy: Implement proper power-on reset
Comparison with Similar FPGAs
XC5200 Family Comparison
| Device |
Gates |
Cells |
I/O Pins |
Package Options |
| XC5202 |
2,000 |
196 |
77 |
PQ100, VQ100 |
| XC5204 |
6,000 |
480 |
82 |
PQ100, VQ100, TQ144 |
| XC5206 |
12,000 |
980 |
166 |
PQ240, BG256 |
Ordering Information and Part Number Breakdown
Part Number Nomenclature
XC5204-6PQG100I
- XC: Xilinx FPGA
- 5204: XC5200 family, 4K usable gates
- 6: Speed grade (-6)
- PQ: Plastic Quad package
- G: RoHS compliant (Green/Lead-free)
- 100: Pin count
- I: Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C)
Available Variants
| Part Number |
Temp Range |
Package |
Notes |
| XC5204-6PQ100C |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
100-PQFP |
Standard version |
| XC5204-6PQG100I |
Industrial (-40°C to +100°C) |
100-PQFP |
Extended temp |
| XC5204-6VQ100I |
Industrial |
100-VTQFP |
Very thin quad package |
Lifecycle and Availability Status
Important Note: The XC5204 family is classified as not recommended for new designs by AMD Xilinx. While existing inventory remains available through authorized distributors, engineers designing new products should consider:
Modern Alternatives
- Spartan-7 Series: Direct upgrade path with enhanced features
- Artix-7 Family: Higher performance, lower power consumption
- Spartan-6 Series: Intermediate upgrade option
Technical Support and Resources
Available Documentation
- Product Datasheet (PDF)
- User Guide and Application Notes
- Reference Design Library
- IBIS Models for signal integrity
- BSDL Files for boundary scan
Getting Started Resources
- Download latest development tools
- Review family user guide
- Study reference designs
- Join Xilinx community forums
- Access technical support portal
Purchasing and Distribution
Authorized Distributors
The XC5204-6PQG100I is available through:
- Arrow Electronics
- Avnet
- Digi-Key Electronics
- Mouser Electronics
- Future Electronics
Lead Time and Pricing
- Availability: Check with distributors (obsolete stock)
- Minimum Order: Varies by distributor
- Packaging: Tubes, trays, or tape & reel
- Pricing: Contact distributors for current quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XC5204-6PQ100I and XC5204-6PQ100C?
The primary difference is the operating temperature range. The “I” suffix indicates industrial grade (-40°C to +100°C), while “C” denotes commercial grade (0°C to +70°C). Choose based on your application’s environmental requirements.
Can I use modern Xilinx tools with XC5204?
The XC5204 is supported by legacy ISE Design Suite, not the modern Vivado tools. Download ISE version 14.7 (last release) for development support.
What programming methods are supported?
The XC5204-6PQG100I supports multiple configuration modes including Master Serial, Slave Serial, Master Parallel, Slave Parallel, and JTAG boundary scan programming.
Is this FPGA suitable for new designs?
AMD Xilinx has marked this device as “not recommended for new designs.” Consider modern alternatives like Spartan-7 for better long-term support and availability.
What are the main advantages of the XC5200 family?
Key benefits include low cost, 5V single-supply operation, register-rich architecture, and proven reliability in industrial applications. However, newer families offer better performance per dollar.
Conclusion
The XC5204-6PQG100I represents a proven FPGA solution for industrial programmable logic applications requiring extended temperature operation and 5V compatibility. While newer device families offer enhanced capabilities, existing designs utilizing this FPGA can rely on its robust architecture and established track record.
For engineers maintaining legacy systems or working with existing XC5204-based designs, this industrial-grade FPGA continues to provide reliable performance. New projects should evaluate modern Xilinx FPGA families for optimal features, support, and long-term availability.
