The XCS30-3TQ144I is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the AMD/Xilinx Spartan series. This industrial-grade FPGA delivers exceptional reliability for embedded system design, ASIC replacement applications, and high-volume production environments. Whether you’re developing telecommunications equipment, industrial automation systems, or consumer electronics, the XCS30-3TQ144I offers the flexibility and performance your project demands.
XCS30-3TQ144I Overview and Key Features
The XCS30-3TQ144I belongs to the renowned Xilinx FPGA Spartan family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive applications requiring programmable logic solutions. This FPGA chip provides an ideal balance between performance, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness.
Why Choose the XCS30-3TQ144I FPGA?
This Spartan series FPGA was developed as the first ASIC replacement solution for high-volume production with on-chip RAM. Key advantages include:
- Streamlined architecture based on proven XC4000 technology
- High system performance exceeding 80 MHz operation
- On-chip RAM for flexible memory configurations
- Industrial temperature range for demanding environments
- JTAG support for easy programming and testing
XCS30-3TQ144I Technical Specifications
General Product Information
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Part Number |
XCS30-3TQ144I |
| Series |
Spartan |
| Category |
Embedded – FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Package Type |
144-TQFP / 144-LQFP |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD/SMT) |
| RoHS Status |
Compliant |
XCS30-3TQ144I Logic Resources
| Resource |
Value |
| Number of CLBs |
576 |
| Logic Elements/Cells |
1,368 |
| System Gates |
Up to 40,000 |
| User I/O Pins |
113 |
| Total RAM Bits |
18,432 |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Supply Voltage (Vcc) |
5V |
| I/O Voltage |
5V Tolerant |
| Speed Grade |
-3 |
| Maximum Frequency |
80+ MHz System Performance |
Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +85°C (Industrial) |
| Temperature Grade |
I (Industrial) |
| Package Dimensions |
20mm x 20mm (Typical TQFP-144) |
| Pin Count |
144 Pins |
| Lead Pitch |
0.5mm |
XCS30-3TQ144I Pin Configuration and Package Details
The XCS30-3TQ144I utilizes a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with gull-wing leads. This surface-mount package offers excellent thermal performance and is compatible with standard SMT assembly processes.
Package Features
| Feature |
Description |
| Package Code |
TQ144 (TQFP-144) |
| Terminal Type |
Gull Wing |
| Package Shape |
Square |
| Body Material |
Plastic |
XCS30-3TQ144I Architecture and Design Features
FPGA Core Architecture
The XCS30-3TQ144I is built on the Xilinx XC4000-based architecture, providing a proven and reliable foundation for programmable logic designs. The architecture includes:
- Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): 576 CLBs provide the core logic resources
- Input/Output Blocks (IOBs): 113 user-programmable I/O pins
- Distributed RAM: 18,432 bits of on-chip RAM
- Programmable Interconnect: Flexible routing resources
Configuration and Programming Options
| Feature |
Support |
| JTAG Boundary Scan |
IEEE 1149.1/1532 Compliant |
| In-System Programming |
Supported via Serial PROM |
| Configuration Memory |
External PROM Required |
| Programming Interface |
JTAG, Serial, Parallel |
XCS30-3TQ144I Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Applications
The industrial temperature rating (-40°C to +85°C) makes the XCS30-3TQ144I ideal for:
- Industrial automation controllers
- Motor drive systems
- Process control equipment
- Factory automation systems
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) designs
Telecommunications Applications
- Network interface cards
- Protocol converters
- Data communication equipment
- Switching systems
Consumer Electronics
- Set-top boxes
- Display controllers
- Audio/video processing
- Gaming peripherals
Embedded Systems
- ASIC prototyping and replacement
- Custom peripheral interfaces
- Glue logic consolidation
- Legacy system upgrades
XCS30-3TQ144I Design Considerations
Power Supply Requirements
| Supply Rail |
Recommended Value |
| Vccint (Core) |
5V ± 5% |
| Vcco (I/O) |
5V |
| Decoupling |
0.1µF per Vcc pin recommended |
PCB Layout Guidelines
For optimal performance with the XCS30-3TQ144I:
- Use multi-layer PCB with dedicated power and ground planes
- Place decoupling capacitors close to power pins
- Route high-speed signals with controlled impedance traces
- Provide adequate thermal relief for power pins
Development Tools Compatibility
| Tool |
Compatibility |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
Fully Supported |
| JTAG Programmers |
Standard JTAG Interface |
| Third-Party EDA Tools |
Synopsys, Mentor Graphics |
XCS30-3TQ144I Ordering Information
Part Number Breakdown
| Code |
Meaning |
| XCS |
Xilinx Spartan Family |
| 30 |
Device Size (30K gates) |
| -3 |
Speed Grade |
| TQ |
TQFP Package |
| 144 |
144 Pins |
| I |
Industrial Temperature Range |
Related Part Numbers
| Part Number |
Description |
| XCS30-3TQ144C |
Commercial Temperature (0°C to +70°C) |
| XCS30-4TQ144I |
Faster Speed Grade (-4) |
| XCS30XL-5TQ144I |
Low-Voltage (3.3V) Version |
XCS30-3TQ144I vs. Alternative FPGA Solutions
Comparison with Modern Alternatives
| Feature |
XCS30-3TQ144I |
Spartan-3 |
Spartan-6 |
| Technology |
0.35µm |
90nm |
45nm |
| Core Voltage |
5V |
1.2V |
1.0V/1.2V |
| Logic Cells |
1,368 |
1,728+ |
3,840+ |
| Max I/O |
113 |
124+ |
186+ |
| RAM Bits |
18,432 |
72K+ |
576K+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the XCS30-3TQ144I used for?
The XCS30-3TQ144I is a programmable logic device used in industrial automation, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and embedded systems where flexible, reprogrammable logic is required.
Is the XCS30-3TQ144I still in production?
The XCS30-3TQ144I is classified as a mature product. For new designs, consider newer Spartan family devices, though the XCS30-3TQ144I remains available through authorized distributors for legacy support.
What software is needed to program the XCS30-3TQ144I?
The Xilinx ISE Design Suite is the recommended development environment for programming and configuring the XCS30-3TQ144I FPGA.
What is the difference between XCS30-3TQ144I and XCS30-3TQ144C?
The “I” suffix indicates Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), while “C” indicates Commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C).
Conclusion
The XCS30-3TQ144I Xilinx Spartan FPGA remains a reliable choice for industrial applications requiring proven programmable logic technology. With 576 CLBs, 1,368 logic cells, and industrial-grade temperature specifications, this FPGA delivers the performance and reliability needed for demanding embedded system designs.
For engineers working on ASIC replacement projects, legacy system maintenance, or cost-sensitive applications, the XCS30-3TQ144I provides an excellent balance of features, performance, and availability.
