Product Overview: XCS40XL-4PQ208I Field Programmable Gate Array
The XCS40XL-4PQ208I is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from AMD (formerly Xilinx), specifically designed for industrial applications requiring reliable, reconfigurable digital logic solutions. As part of the renowned Spartan-XL family, this FPGA delivers exceptional value for high-volume production environments while maintaining the flexibility and performance characteristics essential for modern embedded systems.
This industrial-grade FPGA operates across an extended temperature range of -40°C to 100°C, making it ideal for automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and industrial automation applications where environmental reliability is paramount.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XCS40XL-4PQ208I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-XL |
| Logic Capacity |
40,000 System Gates |
| Logic Elements/Cells |
1,862 Logic Cells |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
784 CLBs |
| Total RAM Bits |
25,088 bits |
| I/O Pins |
169 User I/O |
| Operating Voltage |
3.3V |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to 100°C (Industrial) |
| Package Type |
208-PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Package Dimensions |
28mm x 28mm |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (High Performance) |
| Maximum Frequency |
217 MHz |
Advanced Features and Capabilities
High-Density Logic Architecture
The XCS40XL-4PQ208I incorporates 784 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) providing 1,862 logic cells, delivering substantial computational resources for complex digital designs. This high logic density enables designers to implement sophisticated algorithms, state machines, and control systems within a single chip.
Embedded Memory Resources
With 25,088 bits of on-chip RAM, this Xilinx FPGA provides distributed memory resources that can be configured as single-port or dual-port RAM, ROM, or FIFO buffers. This flexibility is crucial for data buffering, look-up tables, and temporary data storage in signal processing applications.
Industrial Temperature Range
Operating reliably from -40°C to 100°C, the XCS40XL-4PQ208I is engineered for harsh environments encountered in automotive electronics, aerospace systems, and industrial control equipment. This extended temperature specification ensures consistent performance across demanding operational conditions.
Comprehensive I/O Capabilities
With 169 user-configurable I/O pins, this FPGA provides extensive connectivity options for interfacing with external components, sensors, memory devices, and communication protocols. The flexible I/O standards support various voltage levels and signaling requirements.
Performance Characteristics
| Performance Metric |
Value |
| Maximum Internal Frequency |
217 MHz |
| Speed Grade |
-4 (Optimized for Speed) |
| Propagation Delay |
Low latency for real-time processing |
| Power Consumption |
Optimized for industrial applications |
| Configuration Time |
Fast reconfiguration capability |
Application Areas
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The XCS40XL-4PQ208I excels in telecommunications equipment including:
- Digital signal processing (DSP) applications
- Protocol conversion and bridging
- Data packet routing and switching
- Line interface circuits
- SONET/SDH interface controllers
Industrial Automation and Control
Ideal for factory automation systems:
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) implementations
- Motor control algorithms
- Sensor interface and data acquisition
- Real-time monitoring systems
- Custom communication protocols
Automotive Electronics
Suitable for automotive applications requiring:
- Engine control unit (ECU) prototyping
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- In-vehicle networking
- Diagnostic interface modules
- Custom automotive protocols
Aerospace and Defense
Deployed in mission-critical aerospace systems:
- Avionics control systems
- Satellite communication equipment
- Radar signal processing
- Navigation systems
- Data encryption and security
Design and Development Advantages
Reconfigurable Architecture
Unlike ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), the XCS40XL-4PQ208I can be reprogrammed multiple times, allowing designers to:
- Update functionality in the field
- Prototype designs without fabrication costs
- Implement design revisions quickly
- Support multiple product variants with single hardware
Cost-Effective High-Volume Production
The Spartan-XL family is specifically optimized for high-volume manufacturing, offering:
- Competitive pricing approaching ASIC levels in volume
- Reduced time-to-market compared to ASIC development
- Elimination of NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs
- Lower inventory risks through programmable flexibility
Comprehensive Design Tool Support
Development is streamlined through Xilinx’s industry-leading design tools:
- ISE Design Suite compatibility
- VHDL and Verilog HDL support
- Extensive IP core libraries
- Comprehensive simulation and verification tools
- Place-and-route optimization
Package Information: 208-PQFP
| Package Detail |
Specification |
| Package Type |
208-Pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) |
| Body Size |
28mm x 28mm |
| Pin Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Lead Configuration |
Gull-wing leads on all four sides |
| Package Height |
Low-profile design for space-constrained applications |
The compact 208-PQFP package provides excellent thermal performance and high pin-count connectivity while maintaining a reasonable PCB footprint suitable for dense board designs.
Pin Configuration and Functionality
The XCS40XL-4PQ208I pinout includes:
- Power Supply Pins: Multiple VCC and GND pins for stable power distribution
- Configuration Pins: Dedicated pins for FPGA programming and configuration
- I/O Pins: 169 user-programmable I/O pins supporting various standards
- JTAG Interface: Boundary-scan testing and programming interface
- Clock Inputs: Dedicated global clock network inputs
- Special Function Pins: Reset, mode selection, and status indicators
Product Lifecycle and Availability
Important Note: The XCS40XL-4PQ208I has been designated as “not recommended for new designs” by AMD/Xilinx as newer FPGA families offer enhanced capabilities. However, it remains available for:
- Legacy system maintenance and repair
- Existing production line continuity
- Drop-in replacement requirements
- Cost-sensitive applications where proven technology is preferred
For new designs, consider exploring current-generation Spartan or Artix FPGA families that offer improved performance, lower power consumption, and enhanced features.
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
- Manufactured using advanced CMOS technology
- Rigorous quality control and testing procedures
- RoHS compliant for environmental standards
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection on all I/O pins
Reliability Features
- Industrial-grade temperature qualification
- Long operational lifetime
- Proven field reliability across multiple industries
- Comprehensive built-in self-test capabilities
Ordering and Supply Chain Information
| Ordering Detail |
Information |
| Full Part Number |
XCS40XL-4PQ208I |
| Manufacturer Part Number |
XCS40XL-4PQ208I |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (Xilinx) |
| Product Status |
Available (Not for New Designs) |
| Packaging Options |
Tube, Tray, Reel |
| Lead Time |
Varies by distributor and quantity |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
Check with authorized distributors |
Comparison with Related Products
| Model |
Gates |
CLBs |
I/O Pins |
Package |
Key Difference |
| XCS40XL-4PQ208I |
40,000 |
784 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
Industrial temp, Speed grade -4 |
| XCS40XL-3PQ208I |
40,000 |
784 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
Speed grade -3 (standard) |
| XCS40XL-4PQG208C |
40,000 |
784 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
Commercial temperature range |
| XCS30XL-4PQ208I |
30,000 |
576 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
Lower gate count |
| XCS05XL-4PQ208I |
5,000 |
98 |
169 |
208-PQFP |
Entry-level capacity |
Technical Resources and Documentation
Essential resources for working with the XCS40XL-4PQ208I:
- Datasheet: Complete electrical and functional specifications
- User Guide: Spartan and Spartan-XL Families reference manual
- Application Notes: Design guidelines and best practices
- PCB Design Guidelines: Layout recommendations and thermal management
- Reference Designs: Example implementations and starting points
- Development Tools: ISE Design Suite, ModelSim, Vivado (for newer workflows)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between the XCS40XL-4PQ208I and XCS40XL-3PQ208I?
A: The primary difference is the speed grade. The “-4” designation indicates a higher performance grade with faster propagation delays and higher maximum operating frequencies compared to the “-3” version.
Q: Can the XCS40XL-4PQ208I be used in new product designs?
A: While technically available, AMD/Xilinx has marked this product as “not recommended for new designs.” It’s advisable to use newer FPGA families for new projects while this device remains suitable for maintaining existing products.
Q: What programming methods are supported?
A: The XCS40XL-4PQ208I supports JTAG programming, Master Serial mode, Slave Serial mode, and Peripheral mode configuration methods, providing flexibility for various system architectures.
Q: Is the device 5V tolerant?
A: The XCS40XL-4PQ208I operates at 3.3V core voltage. I/O pin voltage tolerance depends on the selected I/O standard configuration. Consult the datasheet for specific voltage compatibility.
Q: What is the typical power consumption?
A: Power consumption varies significantly based on design complexity, clock frequencies, and I/O activity. Xilinx provides power estimation tools within ISE Design Suite to calculate expected power consumption for specific designs.
Why Choose XCS40XL-4PQ208I?
Proven Reliability
With decades of deployment across critical applications, the Spartan-XL family has established a track record of reliable operation in demanding environments. The XCS40XL-4PQ208I specifically offers:
- Extensive field-proven performance data
- Well-documented characteristics and behaviors
- Stable supply chain for legacy support
- Comprehensive technical support resources
Optimal Balance
This FPGA strikes an ideal balance between:
- Logic capacity sufficient for moderately complex designs
- Cost-effectiveness for high-volume production
- Performance adequate for most control and processing applications
- Industrial-grade reliability specifications
Design Flexibility
The reprogrammable nature provides:
- Rapid prototyping capabilities
- In-field updateability
- Design iteration without hardware changes
- Future-proofing through firmware updates
Conclusion: Industrial-Grade FPGA Solution
The XCS40XL-4PQ208I represents a mature, reliable FPGA solution for industrial applications requiring 40,000 gates of programmable logic with extended temperature operation. While newer FPGA families have superseded it for new designs, this device continues to serve critical roles in legacy systems and applications where proven technology and long-term availability are essential.
For system maintenance, legacy product support, or cost-sensitive applications in industrial environments, the XCS40XL-4PQ208I delivers the performance, reliability, and flexibility that have made the Spartan-XL family a cornerstone of programmable logic solutions.
Whether you’re maintaining existing telecommunications equipment, industrial control systems, or aerospace applications, the XCS40XL-4PQ208I provides the robust, field-proven FPGA technology needed for mission-critical operations.
