The XQ4013E-4PG223M is a high-reliability, military-qualified Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the renowned Xilinx FPGA XC4000E series. Designed specifically for mission-critical aerospace, defense, and space applications, this ruggedized FPGA delivers exceptional performance in extreme operating environments.
XQ4013E-4PG223M Product Overview
The XQ4013E-4PG223M represents the military-grade version of the industry-proven XC4013E FPGA. The “XQ” prefix designation indicates this device meets stringent qualification standards required for military and aerospace electronic systems. With its ceramic 223-pin PGA package and extended temperature rating, this FPGA is engineered for applications where reliability is non-negotiable.
Key Features of XQ4013E-4PG223M FPGA
- Military Temperature Range: -55°C to +125°C operating temperature
- High-Density Logic: 576 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
- Robust Package: 223-Pin Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA)
- Speed Grade: -4 (highest performance tier)
- 5V Operation: Compatible with legacy military systems
- SRAM-Based Architecture: Field-programmable and reprogrammable
XQ4013E-4PG223M Technical Specifications
Logic Resources and Capacity
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XQ4013E-4PG223M |
| Logic Cells |
1,368 |
| Maximum Logic Gates (No RAM) |
13,000 |
| Typical Gate Range |
10,000 – 30,000 |
| CLB Matrix |
24 × 24 |
| Total CLBs |
576 |
| Total Flip-Flops |
1,536 |
| Maximum User I/O |
192 |
Memory Configuration Options
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Maximum RAM Bits (No Logic) |
18,432 bits |
| Distributed RAM per CLB |
Up to 32 bits |
| Edge-Triggered Synchronous RAM |
Supported |
| Dual-Port RAM |
Supported |
Package and Environmental Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
223-Pin Ceramic PGA (CPGA) |
| Package Code |
PG223 |
| Temperature Grade |
M (Military) |
| Operating Temperature |
-55°C to +125°C |
| Process Technology |
0.35μm CMOS |
| Supply Voltage (VCC) |
5V (4.75V to 5.25V) |
Electrical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Unit |
| VCC Supply Voltage |
4.75 |
5.0 |
5.25 |
V |
| Input Voltage (VIN) |
-0.5 |
– |
5.5 |
V |
| Storage Temperature |
-65 |
– |
+150 |
°C |
| Input Threshold (TTL) |
– |
1.2 |
– |
V |
| Input Threshold (CMOS) |
– |
2.5 |
– |
V |
XQ4013E-4PG223M Part Number Decoder
Understanding the XQ4013E-4PG223M part number helps identify key characteristics:
| Code Segment |
Meaning |
| XQ |
Xilinx Qualified (Military/Aerospace Grade) |
| 4013 |
XC4000 Series, 13K Gate Device |
| E |
Enhanced Architecture (XC4000E Family) |
| -4 |
Speed Grade 4 (Highest Performance) |
| PG |
Ceramic Pin Grid Array Package |
| 223 |
223 Total Pins |
| M |
Military Temperature Range (-55°C to +125°C) |
Aerospace and Defense Applications
Military Systems Integration
The XQ4013E-4PG223M FPGA is specifically qualified for demanding military and aerospace applications, including:
- Avionics Systems: Flight control computers, navigation systems, cockpit displays
- Electronic Warfare (EW): Signal processing, threat detection, countermeasures
- Missile Guidance: Navigation algorithms, sensor fusion, trajectory computation
- Military Communications: Encryption, frequency hopping, secure data links
- Radar Systems: Signal processing, beam forming, target tracking
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Image processing, data compression
Space-Grade Reliability Features
The ceramic PGA package construction provides:
- Hermetic Sealing: Protection against moisture and contamination
- Thermal Stability: Consistent performance across extreme temperatures
- Radiation Tolerance: Enhanced resistance to single-event effects
- Long-Term Reliability: Extended operational lifespan for space missions
XC4000E Architecture Benefits
Configurable Logic Block (CLB) Structure
Each CLB in the XQ4013E-4PG223M contains:
- Two 4-Input Function Generators: Implement any Boolean function
- One 3-Input Function Generator: Additional combinational logic
- Two Storage Elements: Configurable as flip-flops
- Fast Carry Logic: Optimized arithmetic operations
- Direct Feedback Paths: Reduced routing delays
Advanced Memory Features
The XQ4013E-4PG223M supports flexible on-chip memory configurations:
| Configuration |
Description |
| 16×2 Dual-Port RAM |
Two independent read ports |
| 32×1 Single-Port RAM |
Maximum depth configuration |
| Edge-Triggered Mode |
Synchronous read/write operations |
| Distributed RAM |
Logic integrated with memory |
Clock Distribution Network
- Eight Global Clock Buffers: Low-skew clock distribution
- Four Primary Global Clocks: High-performance routing
- Four Secondary Global Clocks: Additional clock resources
- Dedicated Clock Routing: Minimized clock-to-output delays
Design and Development Support
Compatible Development Tools
| Tool |
Purpose |
| Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
Legacy design environment |
| XACT Design Manager |
Classic FPGA development |
| Foundation Series |
Schematic and HDL entry |
| JTAG Boundary Scan |
Programming and debugging |
Supported Design Entry Methods
- VHDL: IEEE standard hardware description language
- Verilog HDL: Industry-standard hardware design
- Schematic Capture: Graphical design entry
- Core Generator: Pre-built IP integration
Quality and Compliance Standards
Military Qualification
The XQ4013E-4PG223M meets or exceeds:
| Standard |
Description |
| MIL-PRF-38535 |
Integrated circuits manufacturing |
| MIL-STD-883 |
Test methods and procedures |
| QML |
Qualified Manufacturers List compliance |
| DESC/DSCC |
Defense Supply Center approved |
Environmental Stress Screening
- Temperature Cycling: -55°C to +125°C qualification
- Burn-In Testing: High-temperature operational stress
- Hermeticity Testing: Package seal integrity verification
- Particle Impact Noise Detection (PIND): Internal contamination screening
Comparison: XQ4013E vs. XC4013E Commercial Grade
| Feature |
XQ4013E-4PG223M (Military) |
XC4013E (Commercial) |
| Temperature Range |
-55°C to +125°C |
0°C to +70°C |
| Package Material |
Ceramic (Hermetic) |
Plastic |
| Qualification Level |
MIL-PRF-38535 |
Commercial |
| Screening Level |
100% tested |
Sample tested |
| Price Point |
Premium |
Standard |
| Lead Time |
Extended |
Standard |
Ordering Information
XQ4013E-4PG223M Specifications Summary
| Attribute |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Product Family |
XC4000E Series |
| Device Type |
FPGA |
| Part Number |
XQ4013E-4PG223M |
| Package |
223-CPGA |
| Temperature Grade |
Military (-55°C to +125°C) |
| RoHS Status |
Non-RoHS (Military specification) |
| Life Cycle Status |
Mature/Legacy Product |
Frequently Asked Questions About XQ4013E-4PG223M
What is the difference between XQ and XC prefix in Xilinx FPGAs?
The XQ prefix indicates a military-qualified device meeting MIL-PRF-38535 specifications with ceramic packaging and extended temperature operation. The XC prefix denotes commercial-grade devices with plastic packaging and standard temperature ratings.
Is the XQ4013E-4PG223M suitable for new designs?
While the XQ4013E-4PG223M remains available for existing programs and legacy system support, designers starting new projects should consider newer Xilinx military-grade offerings such as the Virtex-6Q or Kintex families for enhanced performance and additional features.
What programming methods support the XQ4013E-4PG223M?
The device supports multiple configuration modes including Master Serial, Slave Serial, Master Parallel, and JTAG boundary scan programming. Configuration data can be stored in external PROMs or loaded dynamically from a system processor.
How does the XQ4013E-4PG223M handle radiation environments?
The ceramic packaging and military qualification provide enhanced tolerance to radiation effects. For critical space applications, additional system-level mitigation techniques such as triple modular redundancy (TMR) may be implemented in the FPGA design.
Conclusion
The XQ4013E-4PG223M military-grade FPGA delivers proven reliability for aerospace and defense applications requiring extended temperature operation and hermetically sealed packaging. With 576 CLBs, 1,536 flip-flops, and 18K bits of distributed RAM, this device provides the logic density and flexibility needed for complex military electronics systems.
For engineers maintaining legacy military systems or requiring proven, qualified components, the XQ4013E-4PG223M continues to serve as a reliable choice backed by decades of field deployment in mission-critical applications worldwide.