Overview of XCS30XL-5VQ100I Field Programmable Gate Array
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I is a robust industrial-grade Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD/Xilinx’s Spartan-XL family, designed to deliver exceptional performance in harsh operating environments. This programmable logic device features 30,000 system gates and operates across an extended industrial temperature range, making it an ideal solution for mission-critical applications in telecommunications, industrial automation, and embedded systems.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Performance Parameters
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XCS30XL-5VQ100I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-XL |
| System Gates |
30,000 |
| Logic Cells |
1,368 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
576 |
| Maximum User I/O |
77 |
| Total Flip-Flops |
1,536 |
| Package Type |
100-pin VQFP (Very Quad Flat Pack) |
| Operating Voltage |
3.3V |
| Speed Grade |
-5 |
Temperature and Environmental Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Temperature Grade |
Industrial (-40°C to +100°C) |
| Junction Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C |
| Package Designation |
VQ100 (100-pin VQFP) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Lead-Free Status |
RoHS Compliant |
XCS30XL-5VQ100I Architecture and Features
Programmable Logic Resources
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I incorporates a sophisticated architecture optimized for high-density logic implementation. With 576 Configurable Logic Blocks arranged in a 24 x 24 array, this Xilinx FPGA delivers flexible design capabilities for complex digital circuits.
Logic Block Distribution
| Resource Type |
Quantity |
Description |
| CLB Array |
24 x 24 |
Configurable Logic Block matrix |
| Total CLBs |
576 |
Each CLB contains two logic cells |
| Logic Cells |
1,368 |
Basic programmable logic units |
| Flip-Flops |
1,536 |
Sequential logic elements |
| Maximum RAM Bits |
18,432 |
Distributed memory capability |
On-Chip Memory Architecture
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I features distributed RAM capabilities within its CLB structure, allowing designers to implement small memory blocks directly within the logic fabric. This architecture enables efficient data buffering and storage without requiring external memory components for many applications.
Performance Characteristics
Timing and Speed Specifications
| Performance Metric |
Specification |
| Speed Grade |
-5 (5ns) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
Up to 166 MHz (design-dependent) |
| Propagation Delay |
5ns typical |
| Clock Distribution |
Global and secondary clock networks |
Power Consumption Profile
The industrial-grade XCS30XL-5VQ100I operates at 3.3V core voltage, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. The device features multiple power-saving modes including a power-down state that retains configuration while minimizing current consumption.
Industrial Applications and Use Cases
Primary Application Domains
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I excels in environments requiring reliable operation across extended temperature ranges and harsh conditions:
Industrial Control Systems
- Process automation controllers
- Factory automation equipment
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control applications
- Real-time monitoring systems
Communications Infrastructure
- Telecommunications switching equipment
- Protocol conversion interfaces
- High-speed data acquisition systems
- Network interface controllers
- Digital signal processing applications
Embedded Systems
- Industrial embedded computing platforms
- Custom processing engines
- Sensor interface systems
- Data logging equipment
- Test and measurement instruments
Automotive and Transportation
- Vehicle control units
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) interfaces
- Infotainment system controllers
- Diagnostic equipment
- Industrial vehicle systems
Package and Pin Configuration
VQ100 Package Details
| Package Attribute |
Specification |
| Package Type |
VQFP (Very Quad Flat Pack) |
| Total Pins |
100 |
| Pin Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Body Size |
14mm x 14mm (nominal) |
| Height |
Low-profile surface mount |
| Thermal Performance |
Enhanced heat dissipation |
I/O Configuration Options
The 100-pin package provides up to 77 user-configurable I/O pins, with each I/O supporting multiple voltage standards and offering programmable drive strength, slew rate control, and pull-up/pull-down resistors.
Configuration and Programming
Supported Configuration Modes
| Configuration Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA controls external serial PROM |
| Slave Serial |
External controller provides bitstream |
| Master Parallel |
FPGA controls parallel PROM |
| Slave Parallel |
Fast configuration via 8-bit bus |
| JTAG Boundary Scan |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant testing and programming |
Development Tools Compatibility
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, providing comprehensive tools for design entry, synthesis, implementation, and verification. Engineers can leverage VHDL or Verilog HDL for design implementation.
Quality and Reliability Standards
Industrial Grade Certification
The “I” designation in XCS30XL-5VQ100I indicates industrial temperature grade qualification, ensuring reliable operation from -40°C to +100°C junction temperature. This makes the device suitable for deployment in:
- Outdoor equipment installations
- High-temperature industrial environments
- Automotive under-hood applications
- Military and aerospace systems (commercial grade)
- Extended-temperature embedded systems
Manufacturing Quality
Each XCS30XL-5VQ100I undergoes rigorous testing to meet stringent quality standards, including:
- 100% electrical testing
- Temperature cycling qualification
- Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) rating
- ESD protection verification
- Long-term reliability testing
Comparison with Related Spartan-XL Devices
XCS30XL Family Variants
| Part Number |
Speed Grade |
Package |
Temperature Range |
Key Difference |
| XCS30XL-4VQ100I |
-4 (faster) |
VQ100 |
Industrial |
Higher speed grade |
| XCS30XL-5VQ100I |
-5 (standard) |
VQ100 |
Industrial |
Balanced performance |
| XCS30XL-5VQ100C |
-5 |
VQ100 |
Commercial (0°C to 85°C) |
Commercial temp range |
| XCS30XL-5TQ144I |
-5 |
TQ144 |
Industrial |
More I/O pins available |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Thermal Management
For industrial applications operating at elevated temperatures, proper thermal design is critical. Consider:
- Adequate PCB copper plane area for heat dissipation
- Thermal vias connecting to ground planes
- Airflow considerations in enclosure design
- Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance calculations
Power Supply Design
Ensure stable 3.3V power delivery with:
- Low-ESR decoupling capacitors near power pins
- Separate analog and digital power planes where applicable
- Current capacity matching expected dynamic power consumption
- Proper sequencing for multi-voltage systems
Availability and Procurement
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I is available through authorized electronic component distributors worldwide. While the Spartan-XL family is considered a mature product line, it remains in production for legacy system support and cost-sensitive applications where proven reliability is essential.
Storage and Handling Requirements
| Requirement |
Specification |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level |
MSL 3 |
| ESD Sensitivity |
Class 1 (protected) |
| Storage Temperature |
-55°C to +150°C |
| Reflow Temperature |
260°C peak for lead-free |
Conclusion
The XCS30XL-5VQ100I represents a reliable, cost-effective FPGA solution for industrial applications requiring proven technology and extended temperature operation. With 30,000 system gates, comprehensive I/O capabilities, and industrial-grade reliability, this device continues to serve critical roles in telecommunications, industrial control, automotive, and embedded system applications.
Its combination of adequate logic resources, industrial temperature rating, and mature development tool support makes the XCS30XL-5VQ100I an excellent choice for new designs requiring long-term availability and established design practices, as well as for maintaining existing production systems.
Whether you’re developing industrial control equipment, communications infrastructure, or embedded computing platforms, the XCS30XL-5VQ100I delivers the programmable logic performance and environmental ruggedness needed for demanding real-world applications.
