Overview of the XCS05XL-4VQG100C Field Programmable Gate Array
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C is a member of AMD’s (formerly Xilinx) renowned Spartan-XL FPGA family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for ASIC replacement applications up to 5,000 gates. This programmable logic device combines high-volume production capabilities with cost-effective implementation, making it an ideal choice for communications equipment, wireless infrastructure, enterprise systems, and portable electronics.
As a versatile Xilinx FPGA solution, the XCS05XL-4VQG100C offers engineers the flexibility of programmable logic without the high initial costs and long development cycles associated with conventional ASICs.
Key Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XCS05XL-4VQG100C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-XL |
| Logic Cells |
238 cells |
| System Gates |
5,000 gates |
| Usable Gates |
3,200 gates |
| I/O Pins |
77 user I/O |
| Flip-Flops |
360 |
| Maximum Frequency |
217 MHz internal performance |
| System Clock Rate |
Exceeds 80 MHz |
| Package Type |
100-Pin VTQFP (Very Thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| Supply Voltage |
3.3V (3.0V – 3.6V range) |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial grade) |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (4.6 ns typical) |
Advanced Features and Architecture
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C incorporates a regular, flexible programmable architecture featuring Configurable Logic Blocks interconnected through a sophisticated routing hierarchy. This design enables optimal resource utilization and high-speed signal propagation across the device.
Memory and Performance Capabilities
| Feature |
Details |
| Internal Performance |
Exceeds 150 MHz |
| Edge-Triggered RAM |
On-chip single-port RAM blocks |
| Standby Power |
Ultra-low 15µA consumption |
| Configuration |
Non-volatile memory retention |
| Reprogrammability |
Unlimited reconfiguration cycles |
Interface Standards and I/O Compatibility
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C supports multiple industry-standard interfaces:
- TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic)
- LVTTL (Low-Voltage TTL)
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- CMOS compatible I/O standards
Package Information and Physical Characteristics
| Package Specification |
Description |
| Package Code |
VTQFP100 / TQFP100 |
| Pin Count |
100 pins |
| Package Shape |
Square form factor |
| Terminal Form |
Gull wing leads |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Body Dimensions |
0.63mm square profile |
Target Applications and Industry Use Cases
Communications and Networking
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C excels in telecommunications infrastructure, providing the logic density and performance required for protocol processing, signal routing, and data management applications.
Industrial Automation
With its robust operating temperature range and high reliability, this FPGA is well-suited for industrial control systems, sensor interfaces, and real-time monitoring applications.
Portable and Battery-Powered Devices
The ultra-low standby current of 15µA makes the XCS05XL-4VQG100C ideal for:
- Battery-powered instrumentation
- Portable medical devices
- Handheld test equipment
- Mobile data acquisition systems
Enterprise Computing
Data center applications benefit from the device’s high-speed performance and flexible I/O configuration for custom logic implementation.
Design and Development Environment
Xilinx Proprietary Design Software
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C is fully supported by Xilinx development tools, enabling straightforward design entry, simulation, synthesis, and implementation. Engineers can create custom logic functions tailored to specific project requirements with comprehensive debugging and verification capabilities.
Programming and Configuration
- Configuration Method: JTAG boundary scan or serial/parallel programming
- Non-Volatile Storage: Retains programmed settings without external power
- Reconfiguration: In-system programmability for field updates
Performance Specifications by Speed Grade
| Parameter |
Speed Grade -4 (Max) |
| Toggle Frequency |
217 MHz |
| Setup Time |
1.5 ns |
| Clock-to-Out |
5.2 ns (typical) |
| Routing Delay |
4.6 ns (with 50pF load) |
Quality and Compliance Standards
Environmental Compliance
| Standard |
Status |
| RoHS Compliance |
Lead-free / RoHS compliant |
| REACH Compliance |
Not compliant |
| ECCN Code |
EAR99 |
| Lifecycle Status |
Obsolete (legacy support available) |
Testing and Reliability
- 100% functional testing on all devices
- Comprehensive parametric testing
- Full electrical characterization
- Extended temperature qualification
Comparison with Related Spartan-XL Family Members
| Device |
Logic Cells |
System Gates |
Speed Grade Options |
| XCS05XL |
238 |
5,000 |
-3, -4, -5, -6 |
| XCS10XL |
466 |
10,000 |
-3, -4, -5, -6 |
| XCS20XL |
950 |
20,000 |
-3, -4, -5, -6 |
| XCS30XL |
1,368 |
30,000 |
-3, -4, -5 |
| XCS40XL |
1,862 |
40,000 |
-3, -4, -5 |
Supply Chain and Availability
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C is available through authorized distributors including DigiKey Electronics. While the product is marked as obsolete by the manufacturer, legacy support and remaining inventory continue to serve existing designs and replacement applications.
Ordering Information
When ordering the XCS05XL-4VQG100C, ensure you specify:
- Full part number including speed grade suffix
- Required quantity for volume pricing
- Packaging requirements (tape and reel or tray)
- Special handling or testing requirements
Alternative Part Numbers and Cross-References
Common variations and related part numbers include:
- XCS05XL-3VQG100C (Speed grade -3)
- XCS05XL-5VQG100C (Speed grade -5)
- XCS05XL-6VQG100C (Speed grade -6)
- XCS05XL-4VQG100I (Industrial temperature range)
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation Available
- Complete datasheet with electrical specifications
- Application notes for design optimization
- PCB layout guidelines and footprint information
- IBIS models for signal integrity analysis
- CAD/EDA library symbols
Design Resources
Engineers implementing the XCS05XL-4VQG100C can access extensive technical resources including reference designs, example code, and community forums for troubleshooting and optimization guidance.
Conclusion: Why Choose the XCS05XL-4VQG100C
The XCS05XL-4VQG100C represents a proven FPGA solution that balances performance, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. Its 5,000-gate capacity, 77 I/O pins, and 217 MHz internal performance make it suitable for a wide range of embedded applications requiring custom logic implementation.
Key advantages include:
- High-performance 3.3V operation
- Comprehensive I/O standard support
- Ultra-low power standby mode
- Non-volatile configuration retention
- Proven reliability in demanding applications
- Cost-effective alternative to ASIC development
Whether you’re developing communications equipment, industrial control systems, or portable electronics, the XCS05XL-4VQG100C delivers the programmable logic capabilities and performance characteristics needed for successful product implementation.
