Overview of the XC5206-6PQG160C FPGA
The XC5206-6PQG160C is a sophisticated Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD’s XC5200 family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for complex digital logic applications. This advanced programmable logic device offers engineers and designers the flexibility to implement custom digital circuits with impressive speed grades and comprehensive I/O capabilities, making it an ideal choice for telecommunications, industrial control, signal processing, and embedded systems applications.
Key Features and Specifications
Technical Specifications Table
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC5206-6PQ160C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Product Family |
XC5200 Series FPGA |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (High Performance) |
| Package Type |
160-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial (0°C to +70°C) |
| Logic Cells |
6,000 usable gates |
| User I/O Pins |
Up to 117 |
| Supply Voltage |
5V ±5% |
| Technology |
CMOS |
Performance Characteristics
The XC5206-6PQG160C stands out in the Xilinx FPGA product line with its optimized speed grade designation of “-6”, which ensures faster signal propagation and reduced setup times for demanding applications. This high-performance variant enables designers to achieve superior clock frequencies while maintaining signal integrity across complex logic designs.
Architectural Advantages
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The device architecture features advanced Configurable Logic Blocks that provide:
- Flexible logic implementation with lookup tables (LUTs)
- Fast carry chain logic for arithmetic operations
- Dedicated storage elements for state machine implementation
- Efficient routing resources for signal distribution
I/O Capabilities Summary
| Feature |
Details |
| Total Pins |
160 |
| Maximum User I/O |
117 pins |
| I/O Standards |
TTL, CMOS compatible |
| Output Drive |
24mA source/sink capability |
| Input Protection |
Schmitt trigger inputs available |
| Special Functions |
Programmable pull-up/pull-down resistors |
Applications and Use Cases
Primary Application Areas
The XC5206-6PQG160C excels in diverse engineering applications:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) – Implementation of filters, FFT algorithms, and data converters
- Industrial Automation – PLC replacement, motor control, and process monitoring
- Telecommunications – Protocol converters, data multiplexers, and interface bridging
- Embedded Systems – Custom peripheral controllers and hardware acceleration
- Test and Measurement – Logic analyzers, pattern generators, and instrumentation
Industry-Specific Benefits
| Industry |
Key Advantages |
| Telecommunications |
High-speed data processing, protocol flexibility |
| Aerospace |
Radiation-tolerant design options, reliable performance |
| Medical Devices |
Precise timing control, real-time processing |
| Automotive |
Robust I/O, wide temperature variants available |
| Consumer Electronics |
Cost-effective prototyping, rapid time-to-market |
Design and Development Support
Programming and Configuration
The XC5206-6PQG160C supports multiple configuration methods:
- JTAG boundary scan for in-system programming
- Serial configuration for minimal pin usage
- Parallel configuration for faster programming times
- Master and slave modes for daisy-chain setups
Development Tools Compatibility
| Tool Category |
Compatible Software |
| Design Entry |
Schematic capture, HDL (VHDL/Verilog) |
| Synthesis |
Xilinx ISE, third-party tools |
| Simulation |
ModelSim, ISE Simulator |
| Implementation |
Place and Route optimization |
| Programming |
iMPACT, Vivado programming tools |
Package and Pin Configuration
PQFP Package Details
The 160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) offers several advantages:
- Compact footprint for space-constrained designs
- Good thermal characteristics for reliable operation
- Industry-standard pinout for PCB layout compatibility
- Lead pitch optimized for automated assembly
Physical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Body Size |
28mm × 28mm |
| Lead Pitch |
0.65mm |
| Height |
3.4mm maximum |
| Weight |
Approximately 2 grams |
| Pin Count |
160 pins (40 per side) |
Electrical Characteristics
Power Consumption Profile
Understanding power requirements is crucial for system design:
| Operating Mode |
Typical Power |
Maximum Power |
| Static (Standby) |
150mW |
200mW |
| Dynamic (50% Toggle) |
450mW |
600mW |
| Maximum (100% Toggle) |
750mW |
1.0W |
Environmental and Reliability Ratings
- ESD Protection: Human Body Model (HBM) >2000V
- Latch-up Immunity: >100mA per JEDEC standards
- MTBF Rating: >1,000,000 hours at 55°C
- Moisture Sensitivity: Level 3 per J-STD-020
Comparison with Alternative Devices
XC5200 Family Comparison
| Part Number |
Logic Cells |
User I/O |
Speed Grade |
Best For |
| XC5202-6PQ100C |
2,000 gates |
77 I/O |
-6 |
Small designs |
| XC5204-6PQ160C |
4,000 gates |
117 I/O |
-6 |
Medium complexity |
| XC5206-6PQ160C |
6,000 gates |
117 I/O |
-6 |
High complexity |
| XC5210-6PQ240C |
10,000 gates |
173 I/O |
-6 |
Maximum capacity |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
PCB Layout Guidelines
For optimal performance with the XC5206-6PQG160C:
- Power Plane Design – Implement dedicated power and ground planes
- Decoupling Capacitors – Place 0.1µF and 10µF capacitors near VCC pins
- Signal Integrity – Maintain controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- Thermal Management – Ensure adequate airflow and thermal vias
- Configuration Interface – Protect programming pins with series resistors
Clock Distribution Strategy
| Clock Type |
Recommendation |
| Primary Clock |
Use dedicated global clock inputs |
| Secondary Clocks |
Leverage clock tree synthesis |
| External Clocks |
Buffer with low-skew drivers |
| Internal Clocks |
Utilize internal oscillators when available |
Ordering and Availability Information
Part Number Breakdown
Understanding the XC5206-6PQG160C nomenclature:
- XC = Xilinx/AMD FPGA family identifier
- 5206 = XC5200 series with 6,000 usable gates
- -6 = Speed grade (higher number = faster performance)
- PQ = Plastic Quad Flat Pack package
- 160 = Total pin count
- C = Commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C)
Related Part Numbers
| Temperature Variant |
Part Number |
Operating Range |
| Commercial |
XC5206-6PQ160C |
0°C to +70°C |
| Industrial |
XC5206-6PQ160I |
-40°C to +85°C |
| Military |
XC5206-6PQ160M |
-55°C to +125°C |
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation Available
Engineers working with the XC5206-6PQG160C have access to comprehensive resources:
- Datasheet – Complete electrical and timing specifications
- User Guide – Architecture overview and design methodology
- Application Notes – Design examples and best practices
- IBIS Models – For signal integrity simulation
- Package Drawings – Mechanical specifications and footprints
Community and Support
| Resource Type |
Access Method |
| Technical Support |
AMD/Xilinx support portal |
| Design Forums |
Online engineering communities |
| Application Engineers |
Direct consultation available |
| Training Materials |
Web-based tutorials and courses |
| Reference Designs |
Downloadable example projects |
Quality and Compliance
Industry Certifications
The XC5206-6PQG160C meets stringent industry standards:
- RoHS Compliant – Lead-free manufacturing process
- REACH Certified – Environmental regulations compliance
- ISO 9001 – Quality management system certified
- AEC-Q100 – Automotive-grade variants available
- MIL-STD-883 – Military-grade testing for appropriate versions
Procurement and Logistics
Packaging Options
| Packaging Type |
Quantity per Package |
Ideal For |
| Tape and Reel |
500 units |
High-volume production |
| Tube |
30 units |
Medium-volume assembly |
| Tray |
90 units |
Prototyping and development |
Lead Time and Availability
Current market conditions for the XC5206-6PQG160C:
- Standard Lead Time: 8-12 weeks from factory
- Distributor Stock: Check with authorized distributors
- Minimum Order: Varies by supplier
- Sample Availability: Contact AMD for engineering samples
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the XC5206-6PQG160C suitable for high-speed applications?
The “-6” speed grade designation indicates this device is optimized for maximum performance with reduced propagation delays and faster clock-to-output times compared to slower speed grades.
Can the XC5206-6PQG160C be reprogrammed?
Yes, this FPGA is fully reprogrammable and can be configured multiple times, making it ideal for prototyping and applications requiring field updates.
What is the difference between commercial, industrial, and military temperature ranges?
The suffix letter determines the operating temperature range: ‘C’ (0°C to +70°C), ‘I’ (-40°C to +85°C), and ‘M’ (-55°C to +125°C), with corresponding reliability testing levels.
Is the XC5206-6PQG160C suitable for new designs?
While the XC5200 family is mature technology, it remains viable for specific applications. For new designs, consider evaluating newer AMD/Xilinx FPGA families for enhanced features and support.
Conclusion: Leveraging the XC5206-6PQG160C in Your Design
The XC5206-6PQG160C represents a proven solution for engineers requiring reliable, high-performance programmable logic in a compact package. With its robust feature set, comprehensive I/O capabilities, and excellent speed performance, this FPGA continues to serve critical roles in industrial, telecommunications, and embedded applications.
By understanding the technical specifications, design considerations, and application strengths outlined in this guide, engineers can effectively integrate the XC5206-6PQG160C into their projects while optimizing for performance, power consumption, and cost efficiency.
For the latest technical documentation, pricing, and availability information, consult authorized AMD distributors and the official Xilinx FPGA resource center.
