Product Overview

The XCS05XL-4VQG100C (also known as XCS05XL-4VQ100C) is a field programmable gate array from AMD (formerly Xilinx) in the Spartan-XL family, offering a reliable solution for designers seeking cost-effective programmable logic for high-volume production applications. This FPGA features 5,000 gates, 238 cells, and operates at speeds up to 217MHz with a 3.3V supply voltage in a 100-pin VTQFP package.

Key Technical Specifications for FPGA Design

Understanding the technical parameters of the XCS05XL-4VQ100C is essential for successful FPGA implementation in your design projects.

Environmental and Operating Characteristics

FPGA Architecture and Performance Features

Logic Resources for Digital Design

The XCS05XL-4VQ100C delivers substantial logic resources for embedded applications. With 238 macrocells and 360 flip-flops, this programmable gate array provides designers with flexible options for implementing custom digital logic circuits. The device supports various design architectures, from simple state machines to more complex data processing functions.

Interface Standards and Connectivity

This field programmable gate array supports multiple I/O interface standards including TTL, LVTTL, and PCI, making it compatible with a wide range of digital systems and peripheral devices. The 77 available I/O lines provide sufficient connectivity for most embedded applications while maintaining a compact footprint.

Speed Grade and Timing Characteristics

The “-4” speed grade designation indicates this is a commercial-speed version of the Spartan-XL family, offering maximum operating frequencies of 217MHz for critical timing paths. The 4ns propagation delay makes this FPGA suitable for applications requiring responsive logic operations.

Target Applications and Use Cases

Communications and Networking Equipment

The XCS05XL-4VQG100C excels in communications infrastructure where programmable logic enables flexible protocol handling and signal processing. Its PCI interface support makes it particularly suitable for legacy communications equipment upgrades.

Industrial Control Systems

For industrial automation applications, this Xilinx FPGA provides reliable logic control with wide temperature tolerance. The commercial temperature range of 0°C to +85°C covers most industrial environment requirements.

Enterprise and Data Center Applications

In enterprise computing environments, the XCS05XL-4VQ100C can serve as a glue logic device, bridging different system components and providing custom interface logic that standard ASICs cannot address cost-effectively.

Consumer Electronics and Portable Devices

The 3.3V operation and compact VTQFP package make this FPGA suitable for consumer electronics where board space and power consumption are critical design constraints.

Spartan-XL Family Advantages

ASIC Replacement Strategy

The Spartan and Spartan-XL FPGA families provide a high-volume production solution that delivers key requirements for ASIC replacement up to 40,000 gates, including high performance, on-chip RAM, and core solutions. For manufacturers, this means avoiding the high initial costs and long development cycles associated with traditional ASIC development.

Cost-Effective Programmable Logic

By streamlining the feature set and leveraging advanced process technologies, the Spartan series delivers essential features required by ASIC and high-volume logic users, making it an economical choice for production environments. The programmability allows for design iterations without expensive mask changes.

Simplified Design Flow

The Spartan-XL architecture offers a straightforward design methodology, making it accessible to engineers transitioning from discrete logic or standard cell designs to programmable logic platforms.

Package Information and PCB Design Considerations

VTQFP Package Characteristics

PCB Layout Recommendations

When designing PCBs with the XCS05XL-4VQ100C, engineers should consider proper power distribution, decoupling capacitor placement near power pins, and appropriate trace routing for high-speed signals. The gull-wing lead termination style facilitates reliable surface mount soldering using standard reflow processes.

Design Tools and Development Support

Compatible Development Environments

The XCS05XL-4VQ100C is supported by AMD’s (Xilinx’s) ISE design tools, which provide comprehensive development capabilities including:

• HDL synthesis (VHDL and Verilog)
• Constraint-driven implementation
• Timing analysis and optimization
• Programming file generation
• In-system configuration support

Programming and Configuration

This FPGA supports standard Xilinx configuration modes, enabling flexible programming options for both prototype development and production programming requirements.

Comparison Table: Key Feature Summary

Why Choose the XCS05XL-4VQ100C FPGA?

Proven Spartan-XL Architecture

The Spartan-XL family has established a strong track record in high-volume production environments, offering reliability that engineers can depend on for critical applications.

Balanced Performance and Cost

This field programmable gate array strikes an optimal balance between logic capacity, performance, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for applications where custom logic is needed without ASIC-level investment.

Design Flexibility

With programmable logic resources, designers can implement custom functions, modify designs in the field if needed, and create product variants without changing hardware—capabilities that fixed-function logic cannot match.

Industry Standard Support

As part of the widely adopted Xilinx/AMD FPGA ecosystem, the XCS05XL-4VQ100C benefits from extensive documentation, proven design methodologies, and a large community of experienced developers.

Ordering Information and Availability

The XCS05XL-4VQG100C (alternate marking: XCS05XL-4VQ100C) is available through authorized distributors. When ordering, specify the complete part number to ensure you receive the correct speed grade and package configuration for your application requirements.

Conclusion

The XCS05XL-4VQ100C represents a mature, reliable FPGA solution for engineers requiring programmable logic in commercial applications. Its combination of adequate logic resources, commercial-grade specifications, compact packaging, and cost-effective pricing makes it particularly suitable for high-volume production where ASIC-like economics are desired with the flexibility of programmable technology.

Whether you’re upgrading legacy designs, developing new embedded systems, or seeking ASIC alternatives, this Spartan-XL FPGA provides the performance and features needed for successful implementation in communications equipment, industrial controls, enterprise systems, and consumer electronics.

For detailed technical specifications, timing parameters, and design guidelines, consult the official AMD (Xilinx) datasheet and reference materials.