Overview of XC5215-6HQ208 FPGA
The XC5215-6HQ208 is a sophisticated Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the renowned XC5200 family, originally manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This powerful programmable logic device delivers exceptional performance with 23,000 gates and 1,936 logic cells, making it an ideal solution for complex digital design applications. The device operates at speeds up to 83MHz and features 208 pins in a Heat Sink Plastic Quad Flat Pack (HSPQFP) configuration, providing engineers with a reliable platform for embedded systems and digital signal processing.
Key Specifications and Technical Features
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC5215-6HQ208 / XC5215-6HQ208-IO359 |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) / Rochester Electronics LLC |
| Family |
FPGA XC5200 Series |
| Logic Gates |
23,000 Gates |
| Logic Cells |
1,936 Cells |
| Maximum Frequency |
83MHz |
| Process Technology |
0.5µm CMOS |
| Supply Voltage |
5V |
| Package Type |
208-Pin HSPQFP (Heat Sink Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Operating Temperature |
Industrial Range |
| I/O Pins |
Up to 159 User I/O |
Advanced Architecture Features
The XC5215-6HQ208 incorporates Xilinx’s innovative VersaBlock™ logic module architecture, which provides:
- SRAM-based reprogrammable architecture for flexible design iterations
- Three-layer metal CMOS process for enhanced signal integrity
- VersaRing I/O interface delivering superior logic cell-to-I/O ratios
- Programmable output slew-rate control to optimize performance and minimize electromagnetic interference
- Zero flip-flop hold time for simplified system timing design
Performance Characteristics and Speed Grades
Speed Grade Comparison
| Speed Grade |
Maximum Frequency |
Typical Applications |
| -6 (Standard) |
83MHz |
General-purpose digital logic |
| -5 (Enhanced) |
Higher performance |
Time-critical applications |
| -4 (Premium) |
Maximum speed |
High-speed communications |
The -6 speed grade designation in XC5215-6HQ208 indicates standard commercial-grade performance, suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications where reliability and cost-effectiveness are paramount.
Application Areas and Use Cases
Primary Applications
The XC5215-6HQ208 FPGA excels in numerous application domains:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Audio and video signal processing
- Real-time data filtering
- Telecommunications signal conditioning
- Industrial Control Systems
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control applications
- Process automation
- Embedded Systems
- Custom processor implementations
- Hardware acceleration
- Protocol converters
- Communications Infrastructure
- Data routing and switching
- Protocol bridging
- Network interface controllers
- Test and Measurement Equipment
- Signal generation
- Pattern recognition
- Data acquisition systems
Design Support and Development Tools
Compatible Development Software
| Tool/Software |
Purpose |
Compatibility |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
Legacy FPGA design |
Full support |
| Vivado Design Suite |
Modern development environment |
Limited (migration path) |
| VHDL/Verilog HDL |
Hardware description languages |
Native support |
| Schematic Capture |
Visual design entry |
Fully supported |
| ABEL |
Boolean equation entry |
Supported |
Programming and Configuration
The XC5215-6HQ208 supports multiple configuration modes:
- Serial configuration for compact system designs
- Parallel configuration for high-speed programming
- JTAG boundary scan for in-system programming and testing
- Express mode for rapid configuration deployment
Package Information: 208-Pin HSPQFP
Package Dimensions and Characteristics
| Package Feature |
Specification |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Package Type |
HSPQFP (Heat Sink Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Body Size |
Standard QFP footprint |
| Pin Pitch |
Fine-pitch configuration |
| Thermal Performance |
Enhanced with heat sink capability |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
The HSPQFP package provides excellent thermal dissipation capabilities, essential for maintaining stable operation in demanding environments.
Ordering Information and Part Number Decoding
Part Number Breakdown: XC5215-6HQ208
- XC5215: Device family and gate count (23K gates)
- -6: Speed grade (commercial performance)
- HQ: Package designator (Heat Sink Quad Flat Pack)
- 208: Pin count
Related Part Numbers
| Part Number Variant |
Key Difference |
| XC5215-6HQ208I |
Industrial temperature range |
| XC5215-6HQ208C |
Commercial temperature range |
| XC5215-5HQ208 |
Enhanced speed grade (-5) |
| XC5215-6HQ240 |
240-pin package variant |
Comparison with Other Xilinx FPGA Devices
XC5200 Family Comparison
| Device |
Logic Cells |
Gates |
Max I/O |
Package Options |
| XC5202 |
256 cells |
3,000 gates |
112 I/O |
PQ100, TQ144 |
| XC5204 |
512 cells |
6,000 gates |
132 I/O |
PQ160, TQ144 |
| XC5206 |
784 cells |
9,000 gates |
148 I/O |
PQ160, PQ208 |
| XC5210 |
1,296 cells |
16,000 gates |
196 I/O |
PQ240, TQ144 |
| XC5215 |
1,936 cells |
23,000 gates |
244 I/O |
HQ208, HQ240, BG352 |
The XC5215-6HQ208 represents the flagship device in the XC5200 series, offering maximum logic density and I/O capability.
Power Consumption and Thermal Management
Power Supply Requirements
| Parameter |
Typical |
Maximum |
| Core Voltage (VCC) |
5.0V ± 5% |
5.25V |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) |
5.0V |
5.25V |
| Static Power |
50mW |
100mW |
| Dynamic Power |
Design-dependent |
Varies with utilization |
Thermal Considerations
The HSPQFP package with heat sink capability enables:
- Improved thermal dissipation in high-density designs
- Extended operational lifetime through reduced junction temperatures
- Compatibility with standard thermal management solutions
Reliability and Quality Standards
Manufacturing and Quality
Rochester Electronics LLC, the current manufacturer, provides:
- Extended product availability for legacy Xilinx components
- Quality assurance through rigorous testing protocols
- Traceability with comprehensive documentation
- RoHS compliance options available
Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Commercial Grade |
Industrial Grade |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +70°C |
-40°C to +85°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C to +150°C |
-65°C to +150°C |
| Relative Humidity |
5% to 95% non-condensing |
5% to 95% non-condensing |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Implementation Guidelines
When designing with the XC5215-6HQ208, engineers should consider:
- Power Distribution Network
- Implement proper decoupling capacitors near power pins
- Use adequate power plane copper for 5V supply
- Consider separate analog and digital grounds
- Signal Integrity
- Utilize programmable slew-rate control to minimize EMI
- Implement proper termination for high-speed signals
- Consider impedance matching for critical paths
- Thermal Management
- Ensure adequate airflow around the HSPQFP package
- Consider heat sink attachment for high-utilization designs
- Monitor junction temperature in thermal analysis
- Configuration Strategy
- Select appropriate configuration mode for application
- Implement configuration memory with adequate reliability
- Design fail-safe configuration backup mechanisms
Migration and Obsolescence Management
Current Availability Status
The XC5215-6HQ208 is considered a legacy component, with the following implications:
- Not recommended for new designs by original manufacturer
- Available through authorized distributors like Rochester Electronics
- Long-term support provided by specialty suppliers
- Migration paths available to modern FPGA families
Modern Alternatives
For new designs, consider migrating to:
- Xilinx Spartan Series: Cost-effective FPGA solutions
- Xilinx Artix-7: Enhanced performance and lower power
- AMD Kintex/Virtex: High-performance applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the XC5215-6HQ208 FPGA used for?
The XC5215-6HQ208 is used in digital signal processing, industrial control systems, embedded computing, telecommunications equipment, and test instrumentation applications requiring programmable logic with 23,000 gates of capacity.
Is the XC5215-6HQ208 still available for purchase?
Yes, the XC5215-6HQ208 remains available through authorized distributors such as Rochester Electronics LLC and specialty component suppliers, though it is not recommended for new designs.
What development tools support XC5215-6HQ208?
The device is fully supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, with design entry options including VHDL, Verilog HDL, schematic capture, and ABEL. Modern Vivado tools offer limited support for migration purposes.
What is the operating voltage of XC5215-6HQ208?
The XC5215-6HQ208 operates at 5V for both core voltage (VCC) and I/O voltage (VCCIO), typical of legacy FPGA architectures.
Can I replace XC5215-6HQ208 with a modern FPGA?
Yes, migration to modern devices like Spartan or Artix-7 families is possible, though it requires design conversion and verification due to architectural differences and voltage level changes.
Conclusion: XC5215-6HQ208 for Legacy System Support
The XC5215-6HQ208 FPGA represents a proven solution for legacy system maintenance and specialized applications where the XC5200 architecture is specifically required. With 23,000 gates, 1,936 logic cells, and robust 5V operation, this device continues to serve critical roles in industrial, communications, and embedded systems.
While not recommended for new designs, the XC5215-6HQ208 remains available through authorized channels, ensuring long-term support for existing systems. Engineers working with legacy platforms benefit from comprehensive documentation, established development tools, and the device’s proven track record in demanding applications.
For organizations maintaining XC5200-based systems, the availability of the XC5215-6HQ208 through suppliers like Rochester Electronics provides peace of mind for continued production and maintenance operations. The device’s mature technology, extensive application history, and ongoing support make it a reliable choice for system upgrades and replacements in established product lines.
When evaluating programmable logic solutions, the XC5215-6HQ208 stands as a testament to Xilinx’s engineering excellence and the enduring value of well-designed FPGA architectures in specialized applications.
