The XCS30XL-4PQ240C is a high-performance, low-power Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Xilinx Spartan-XL family. This versatile programmable logic device delivers 30,000 system gates with 1,368 logic cells, making it an ideal solution for cost-effective digital circuit design in industrial, telecommunications, and embedded applications.
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Key Features and Benefits
The XCS30XL-4PQ240C belongs to the Xilinx FPGA Spartan-XL series, offering engineers a robust platform for implementing complex digital logic designs. This FPGA combines exceptional performance with low power consumption, operating on a 3.3V supply voltage.
Why Choose the XCS30XL-4PQ240C FPGA?
- High Logic Density: 30,000 system gates enable complex digital designs
- Low Power Operation: 3.3V supply voltage for energy-efficient applications
- Extensive I/O: 192 user-programmable I/O pins for maximum connectivity
- Flexible Memory: 18,432 bits of distributed RAM for data buffering
- Industry Standard: IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary scan support for testing
- Commercial Grade: 0°C to 85°C operating temperature range
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Technical Specifications
Core Logic Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Part Number |
XCS30XL-4PQ240C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| FPGA Family |
Spartan-XL |
| Logic Cells |
1,368 |
| System Gates |
30,000 |
| Typical Gate Range |
10,000 – 30,000 |
| CLB Matrix |
24 × 24 |
| Total CLBs |
576 |
| Flip-Flops |
1,536 |
Memory and I/O Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Distributed RAM Bits |
18,432 |
| Maximum User I/O |
192 |
| I/O Standards |
LVTTL, LVCMOS |
| 5V Tolerant Inputs |
Yes |
Electrical Specifications
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
V |
| Input Voltage |
-0.5 |
— |
5.5 |
V |
| Operating Frequency |
— |
— |
217 |
MHz |
Package Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
240 |
| Speed Grade |
-4 |
| Temperature Grade |
Commercial (C) |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount (SMD) |
| RoHS Compliant |
Yes |
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Part Number Decoder
Understanding the part number breakdown helps ensure you select the correct variant:
| Segment |
Value |
Description |
| XCS |
XCS |
Xilinx Spartan Family |
| 30 |
30 |
30,000 Gate Density |
| XL |
XL |
Low-Power 3.3V Version |
| -4 |
-4 |
Speed Grade (-4 Standard) |
| PQ |
PQ |
Plastic Quad Flat Package |
| 240 |
240 |
240-Pin Package |
| C |
C |
Commercial Temperature (0°C to 85°C) |
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Architecture Overview
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XCS30XL-4PQ240C features a 24×24 array of 576 Configurable Logic Blocks. Each CLB contains three look-up tables (LUTs) that function as high-speed logic generators, two flip-flops, and flexible routing multiplexers. This architecture supports functions of up to nine input variables in a single CLB.
Distributed RAM Capability
With 18,432 bits of distributed RAM, the XCS30XL-4PQ240C provides on-chip memory resources for data buffering, FIFO implementation, and small lookup tables without consuming external memory resources.
Input/Output Block Features
The 192 programmable I/O pins support multiple interface standards including LVTTL and LVCMOS. The 5V-tolerant inputs allow direct connection to legacy 5V systems while maintaining 3.3V operation.
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Applications
This Spartan-XL FPGA is suitable for a wide range of applications:
Industrial Applications
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Motor control systems
- Industrial automation equipment
- Process control instrumentation
Telecommunications
- Protocol conversion bridges
- Data encryption/decryption
- Network interface cards
- Modem implementations
Consumer Electronics
- Set-top boxes
- Digital video processing
- Audio signal processing
- Gaming peripherals
Embedded Systems
- ASIC prototyping and replacement
- Glue logic consolidation
- Custom peripheral interfaces
- Real-time control systems
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Configuration Modes
The FPGA supports multiple configuration methods:
| Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA controls configuration clock |
| Slave Serial |
External source provides clock |
| Master Parallel |
8-bit parallel data loading |
| JTAG (Boundary Scan) |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant programming |
XCS30XL-4PQ240C vs Related Part Numbers
| Part Number |
Gates |
Package |
Pins |
Temperature |
| XCS30XL-4PQ240C |
30K |
PQFP |
240 |
Commercial |
| XCS30XL-4PQ208C |
30K |
PQFP |
208 |
Commercial |
| XCS30XL-4TQ144C |
30K |
TQFP |
144 |
Commercial |
| XCS30XL-4VQ100C |
30K |
VQFP |
100 |
Commercial |
| XCS30XL-4BG256C |
30K |
BGA |
256 |
Commercial |
Design Resources for XCS30XL-4PQ240C
Development Tools
- ISE Design Suite: Xilinx’s legacy development environment
- Foundation Series Software: Schematic and HDL design entry
- Simulation Tools: Compatible with industry-standard simulators
Documentation
- Spartan-XL Family Data Sheet (DS060)
- FPGA Configuration User Guide
- Application Notes and Reference Designs
XCS30XL-4PQ240C Ordering Information
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
XCS30XL-4PQ240C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Status |
Legacy/Obsolete |
| Lead Time |
Check availability |
| Packaging |
Tray |
| Export Classification |
EAR99 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the XCS30XL-4PQ240C used for?
The XCS30XL-4PQ240C is a programmable logic device used for implementing custom digital circuits in applications such as industrial control, telecommunications equipment, embedded systems, and ASIC prototyping.
Is the XCS30XL-4PQ240C still in production?
This device is part of the legacy Spartan-XL family. For new designs, consider newer Spartan or Artix series FPGAs. However, the XCS30XL-4PQ240C remains available through authorized distributors for existing designs.
What software do I need to program the XCS30XL-4PQ240C?
The Xilinx ISE Design Suite (version 14.7 or earlier) supports Spartan-XL FPGA programming. The software supports VHDL, Verilog, and schematic design entry methods.
What is the maximum operating frequency?
The XCS30XL-4PQ240C with -4 speed grade supports internal logic frequencies up to 217 MHz, depending on design complexity and routing requirements.
Summary
The XCS30XL-4PQ240C delivers reliable, cost-effective programmable logic performance in a 240-pin PQFP package. With 30,000 system gates, 192 I/O pins, and 18,432 bits of distributed RAM, this Spartan-XL FPGA provides excellent value for industrial, telecommunications, and embedded applications requiring flexible, reprogrammable digital logic solutions.