Overview of XCS30-3PQ208C Spartan FPGA
The XCS30-3PQ208C is a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the renowned Xilinx Spartan family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for digital logic implementations. This programmable logic device offers 30,000 system gates and 576 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), making it an ideal solution for ASIC replacement and high-volume production applications.
As part of the Spartan series, the XCS30-3PQ208C provides engineers and designers with a cost-effective alternative to traditional ASICs while maintaining high performance and flexibility. Whether you’re working on industrial automation, telecommunications, or embedded systems, this Xilinx FPGA delivers the reliability and versatility your projects demand.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Features and Capabilities
| Specification |
Details |
| Part Number |
XCS30-3PQ208C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx (formerly Xilinx Inc.) |
| Product Family |
Spartan and Spartan-XL FPGA Families |
| System Gates |
30,000 gates |
| Configurable Logic Blocks |
576 CLBs |
| Typical Gate Range |
10,000 – 30,000 gates |
| Logic Array Dimensions |
24 x 24 |
| Maximum Flip-Flops |
1,536 |
| Maximum I/O Pins |
192 |
| Maximum RAM Bits |
18,432 bits |
Package and Physical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package) |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Speed Grade |
-3 (Standard Speed) |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial temperature range |
| Technology Node |
Advanced CMOS process |
Understanding XCS30-3PQ208C Product Code
Decoding the Part Number
The XCS30-3PQ208C designation contains important information:
- XCS30: Spartan family, 30,000 gate capacity
- -3: Speed grade indicating performance level
- PQ: Plastic Quad package type
- 208: Number of pins
- C: Commercial temperature grade
Performance Specifications and Operating Conditions
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
2.5V typical |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) |
Multiple voltage standards supported |
| Power Consumption |
Optimized for low-power applications |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
Up to 166 MHz (depending on design) |
Programming and Configuration
The XCS30-3PQ208C supports multiple configuration modes:
- Master Serial Mode: Device controls configuration
- Slave Serial Mode: External controller manages programming
- Boundary Scan (JTAG): IEEE 1149.1 compliant
- In-System Programming: Allows field updates without removal
Application Areas for XCS30-3PQ208C
Industrial and Commercial Applications
This versatile FPGA excels in numerous application domains:
- Industrial Automation: Control systems, motor drives, and process monitoring
- Telecommunications: Protocol processing, signal routing, and data handling
- Consumer Electronics: Digital signal processing and interface bridging
- Test and Measurement: Custom instrumentation and data acquisition
- Embedded Systems: System-on-chip prototyping and implementation
Why Choose XCS30-3PQ208C for Your Design
The XCS30-3PQ208C offers several compelling advantages:
- Cost-Effective Solution: Lower upfront costs compared to ASIC development
- Rapid Prototyping: Quick design iterations and testing
- Flexibility: In-field reprogramming capabilities
- Proven Architecture: Built on Xilinx’s reliable Spartan platform
- Extensive Support: Comprehensive development tools and documentation
Design Resources and Development Tools
Software and Programming Environment
Engineers working with the XCS30-3PQ208C can leverage:
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite: Complete development environment
- HDL Support: VHDL and Verilog compatibility
- Simulation Tools: ModelSim and other industry-standard simulators
- Constraint Editors: For timing and placement optimization
Technical Support Materials
| Resource Type |
Availability |
| Datasheet |
Available from manufacturer |
| Application Notes |
Extensive library of design guides |
| Reference Designs |
Sample projects and templates |
| Technical Forum Support |
Active community assistance |
Comparison with Related Xilinx FPGA Products
Product Family Alternatives
| Model |
Gates |
CLBs |
Package |
Best For |
| XCS20-3PQ208C |
20,000 |
Lower capacity |
208-pin PQFP |
Smaller designs |
| XCS30-3PQ208C |
30,000 |
576 |
208-pin PQFP |
Balanced performance |
| XCS40-3PQ208C |
40,000 |
Higher capacity |
208-pin PQFP |
Larger applications |
Ordering Information and Availability
Product Status and Lifecycle
Important Note: The XCS30-3PQ208C is currently listed as an obsolete item by some distributors. For new designs, consult with Xilinx/AMD representatives regarding current product recommendations and migration paths to newer Spartan families such as Spartan-6 or Spartan-7 series.
Alternative Package Options
The XCS30 is available in various package configurations:
- TQ144: 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack
- PQ208: 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (this model)
- VQG100: 100-pin Very Thin Quad Flat Pack
Installation and Implementation Guidelines
PCB Design Considerations
When incorporating the XCS30-3PQ208C into your design:
- Power Supply Design: Provide stable, low-noise power rails
- Decoupling Capacitors: Place close to power pins
- Signal Integrity: Follow high-speed design practices
- Thermal Management: Ensure adequate cooling for your application
- Programming Interface: Include JTAG header for configuration
Configuration Best Practices
To successfully implement the XCS30-3PQ208C:
- Follow Xilinx Guidelines: Adhere to recommended design practices
- Timing Closure: Use constraints files to meet performance targets
- Resource Utilization: Monitor CLB and routing usage
- Testing Protocol: Implement comprehensive verification strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions About XCS30-3PQ208C
Q: What is the main difference between speed grades? A: The -3 speed grade indicates standard performance. Lower numbers (like -4) are faster, while higher numbers represent commercial-grade timing.
Q: Can the XCS30-3PQ208C be reprogrammed? A: Yes, it supports in-system programming, allowing multiple configuration updates.
Q: What development tools are required? A: The Xilinx ISE Design Suite provides complete development capabilities for this device.
Q: Is this FPGA suitable for low-power applications? A: The Spartan family is optimized for cost-effectiveness with reasonable power consumption for its gate count.
Technical Support and Additional Resources
For comprehensive technical documentation, design examples, and application support for the XCS30-3PQ208C and other Xilinx FPGA solutions, engineers should consult:
- Official Xilinx/AMD documentation portals
- Authorized distributor technical resources
- Community forums and knowledge bases
- Application-specific design guides
The XCS30-3PQ208C represents a reliable choice for designers seeking proven FPGA technology with substantial logic capacity in a compact 208-pin package. While newer product families have since been introduced, this device continues to serve existing applications and designs requiring its specific characteristics.
Conclusion: Is XCS30-3PQ208C Right for Your Project?
The XCS30-3PQ208C FPGA delivers 30,000 gates of programmable logic in a versatile 208-pin package, making it suitable for a wide range of digital design applications. Its balanced combination of logic resources, I/O capabilities, and proven architecture makes it a solid choice for industrial, commercial, and embedded system designs.
For engineers evaluating FPGA options, the XCS30-3PQ208C offers the advantages of the mature Spartan platform with comprehensive development tool support and extensive technical documentation. Whether upgrading existing designs or exploring FPGA implementation for new projects, this device provides the flexibility and performance needed for successful digital logic implementations.
