The XCS40-3PQ208C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the legendary Xilinx Spartan series. This versatile IC offers 40,000 system gates and 169 user I/O pins, making it an excellent choice for ASIC replacement, embedded systems, and industrial control applications.
XCS40-3PQ208C Overview and Key Features
The XCS40-3PQ208C belongs to the Spartan family of FPGAs, designed for cost-effective, high-volume production applications. This device delivers exceptional performance while maintaining competitive pricing compared to traditional mask-programmed ASICs.
Why Choose the XCS40-3PQ208C FPGA?
Engineers and designers choose the XCS40-3PQ208C for several compelling reasons:
- Cost-effective ASIC replacement – eliminates initial NRE costs and long development cycles
- High-density logic – 40,000 system gates for complex digital designs
- On-chip RAM – integrated memory resources for efficient data handling
- Flexible I/O – 169 user-programmable I/O pins
- Field programmability – enables rapid prototyping and in-field updates
XCS40-3PQ208C Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XCS40-3PQ208C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Family |
Spartan |
| System Gates |
40,000 |
| Logic Cells |
1,862 |
| CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
784 |
| User I/O Pins |
169 |
| Package Type |
208-PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Package) |
| Package Dimensions |
28mm × 28mm |
| Technology |
CMOS |
| Speed Grade |
-3 |
| Maximum Frequency |
125 MHz |
XCS40-3PQ208C Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Value |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
5.0V ±5% |
| Input Voltage (VIH) |
2.0V min |
| Input Voltage (VIL) |
0.8V max |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C to +150°C |
XCS40-3PQ208C Memory Resources
| Resource Type |
Quantity |
| Total RAM Bits |
25,088 |
| Distributed RAM |
Available per CLB |
| Configuration Memory |
On-chip |
XCS40-3PQ208C Pin Configuration and Package Details
The 208-PQFP package provides excellent signal integrity and thermal performance for demanding applications.
Pin Category Breakdown
| Pin Type |
Count |
Description |
| User I/O |
169 |
Programmable input/output pins |
| Power (VCC) |
Multiple |
Core power supply pins |
| Ground (GND) |
Multiple |
Ground reference pins |
| Configuration |
Dedicated |
JTAG, CCLK, DONE, PROG |
| Global Clock |
4 |
Low-skew clock distribution |
Applications for XCS40-3PQ208C Spartan FPGA
The XCS40-3PQ208C excels in numerous application areas where flexibility and performance are critical.
Industrial Applications
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Motor control systems
- Factory automation equipment
- Process control instrumentation
Communications Equipment
- Protocol conversion bridges
- Network interface cards
- Wireless infrastructure
- Signal processing units
Consumer Electronics
- Video processing systems
- Audio equipment
- Display controllers
- Gaming peripherals
Embedded Systems
- Custom microcontroller peripherals
- Co-processor implementations
- Interface bridging solutions
- Real-time data acquisition
XCS40-3PQ208C Design Resources and Development Tools
Designing with the XCS40-3PQ208C requires the appropriate software tools and documentation.
Recommended Development Software
| Tool |
Purpose |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
HDL synthesis and implementation |
| ISim |
Functional simulation |
| FPGA Editor |
Low-level design editing |
| iMPACT |
Device programming and configuration |
Configuration Modes Supported
The XCS40-3PQ208C supports multiple configuration modes for flexibility:
- Master Serial Mode
- Slave Serial Mode
- Master Parallel Mode
- Slave Parallel Mode
- JTAG/Boundary Scan Mode
How to Order XCS40-3PQ208C
Part Number Decoder
Understanding the XCS40-3PQ208C part number helps ensure you order the correct device:
| Segment |
Meaning |
| XCS |
Spartan Family Identifier |
| 40 |
40,000 System Gates |
| -3 |
Speed Grade (-3 = Standard) |
| PQ |
Plastic Quad Flat Package |
| 208 |
208-Pin Package |
| C |
Commercial Temperature (0°C to +85°C) |
Purchasing Options
The XCS40-3PQ208C is available through authorized distributors and specialty Xilinx FPGA suppliers worldwide.
XCS40-3PQ208C vs. Alternative Parts
Spartan Family Comparison
| Part Number |
Gates |
I/O Pins |
Package |
Speed Grades |
| XCS05 |
5,000 |
77 |
Various |
-3, -4 |
| XCS10 |
10,000 |
112 |
Various |
-3, -4 |
| XCS20 |
20,000 |
144 |
Various |
-3, -4 |
| XCS40 |
40,000 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
-3, -4 |
Frequently Asked Questions About XCS40-3PQ208C
Is the XCS40-3PQ208C still in production?
The XCS40-3PQ208C is a mature product. While newer Spartan generations exist, this device remains available through distributors for legacy designs and ongoing production requirements.
What is the difference between XCS40-3PQ208C and XCS40-4PQ208C?
The -3 and -4 suffixes indicate different speed grades. The -4 variant offers faster internal timing specifications, suitable for designs requiring higher operating frequencies.
Can I migrate from XCS40-3PQ208C to newer FPGAs?
Yes, migration paths exist to newer Spartan-3, Spartan-6, and Artix-7 families. However, this requires design re-synthesis and board layout modifications due to different pinouts and packages.
What programming cables work with XCS40-3PQ208C?
The device supports programming via Xilinx Platform Cable USB, Parallel Cable IV, and compatible third-party JTAG programmers.
Conclusion
The XCS40-3PQ208C remains a reliable choice for engineers requiring a proven, cost-effective FPGA solution. With 40,000 system gates, 169 I/O pins, and comprehensive development tool support, this Spartan-series device delivers the performance and flexibility needed for industrial, communications, and embedded applications.
