Product Overview
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I is a powerful Zynq-7000 All Programmable System-on-Chip (SoC) from AMD (formerly Xilinx). This embedded processor combines dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processing with FPGA fabric, delivering exceptional flexibility for industrial automation, automotive, medical devices, and aerospace applications. As part of the Xilinx FPGA family, this device bridges software and hardware programmability in a single chip.
Key Specifications and Features
Core Processing Architecture
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I integrates advanced processing capabilities with programmable logic, making it ideal for demanding embedded applications.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Processor Type |
Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore |
| Operating Frequency |
Up to 866 MHz |
| Logic Cells (LCs) |
85,000 |
| DSP Slices |
220 |
| Block RAM |
4.9 Mb |
| Package Type |
484-BBGA, FCBGA |
| Operating Voltage |
Core: 1V, I/O: 1.8V/3.3V |
| Temperature Range |
Industrial (-40°C to +100°C) |
| Total I/O Pins |
200 |
Memory and Storage Capabilities
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| On-Chip Memory |
256 KB |
| External Memory Interfaces |
DDR3, DDR3L, DDR2, LPDDR2 |
| Block RAM |
4.9 Mb |
| Distributed RAM |
1080 Kb |
Connectivity and Interfaces
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I offers comprehensive connectivity options for modern embedded designs:
| Interface |
Details |
| UART |
2 channels |
| CAN |
2 channels (CAN 2.0B compliant) |
| I²C |
2 channels |
| SPI |
2 channels |
| Ethernet |
2x Gigabit Ethernet |
| USB |
2x USB 2.0 OTG |
| SD/SDIO |
2 interfaces |
| PCIe |
Gen2 x1 |
| High-Speed Transceivers |
4x GTX transceivers (up to 6.6 Gbps) |
Technical Advantages and Benefits
Dual-Core ARM Processing Power
The integrated dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processors deliver robust computing performance for real-time operating systems (RTOS) and Linux-based applications. This architecture enables developers to run complex software algorithms while the FPGA fabric handles hardware acceleration tasks.
FPGA Fabric for Hardware Acceleration
With 85,000 logic cells and 220 DSP slices, the XC7Z020-1CLG484I provides substantial programmable logic resources for custom IP implementation, signal processing, and real-time data manipulation.
Industrial-Grade Reliability
The “-I” grade designation indicates this device meets industrial temperature specifications (-40°C to +100°C), ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments including factory automation, transportation systems, and outdoor installations.
Comprehensive Development Ecosystem
AMD provides extensive development tools including Vivado Design Suite and Vitis software platform, accelerating time-to-market for embedded applications.
Application Areas
Industrial Automation and Control
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I excels in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), machine vision systems, and motion control applications where deterministic real-time performance is critical.
Medical Devices
Medical imaging equipment, patient monitoring systems, and diagnostic devices benefit from the SoC’s processing power combined with hardware acceleration for signal processing algorithms.
Automotive Systems
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), infotainment platforms, and vehicle networking solutions leverage the device’s high-speed interfaces and processing capabilities.
Aerospace and Defense
Radar systems, software-defined radio, and avionics equipment utilize the XC7Z020’s radiation-hardened capabilities and secure boot features.
Video and Image Processing
Video surveillance, broadcast equipment, and image processing systems take advantage of the DSP slices and high-bandwidth memory interfaces for real-time processing.
Performance Characteristics
Processing Performance
| Metric |
Value |
| DMIPS |
2,500 (dual-core) |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
866 MHz |
| DSP Performance |
Up to 275 GMAC/s |
| Memory Bandwidth |
Up to 1066 Mbps (DDR3) |
Power Consumption
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I features intelligent power management:
- Static Power: 1.5W typical
- Dynamic Power: Varies based on logic utilization
- Power Domains: Independent voltage islands for optimized efficiency
Package and Pin Configuration
CLG484 Package Details
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
484-ball Fine Pitch BGA |
| Ball Pitch |
0.8 mm |
| Package Dimensions |
19 mm x 19 mm |
| User I/O Pins |
200 |
| Ground/Power Balls |
284 |
Development and Programming
Supported Design Flows
- Hardware Development: Vivado Design Suite for FPGA logic implementation
- Software Development: Vitis IDE, SDK, or third-party tools
- Operating Systems: Linux, FreeRTOS, Bare-metal applications
- Programming Interfaces: JTAG, Quad-SPI Flash, SD Card boot
Design Resources
- Reference designs and IP cores
- Board Support Packages (BSPs)
- Linux kernel and drivers
- Hardware abstraction layers
- Example projects and tutorials
Quality and Compliance
Industry Certifications
- RoHS compliant
- REACH compliant
- Industrial temperature grade
- AEC-Q100 automotive qualification (select grades)
Reliability Standards
- MTBF: >1 million hours
- ESD protection: HBM Class 2
- Latch-up immunity: JEDEC standard
Comparison with Related Devices
Zynq-7000 Family Positioning
| Device |
Logic Cells |
DSP Slices |
Block RAM |
Transceivers |
| XC7Z010 |
28K |
80 |
2.1 Mb |
0 |
| XC7Z020 |
85K |
220 |
4.9 Mb |
4 |
| XC7Z030 |
125K |
400 |
9.3 Mb |
4 |
| XC7Z045 |
350K |
900 |
19.1 Mb |
8 |
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC7Z020-1CLG484I
- XC: Extended temperature commercial
- 7Z020: Device family and size
- 1: Speed grade (-1 is fastest)
- CLG484: Package type (484-ball FBGA)
- I: Industrial temperature range
Related Part Numbers
- XC7Z020-2CLG484I: Faster speed grade option
- XC7Z020-1CLG484C: Commercial temperature range
- XC7Z020-1CLG400I: 400-ball package variant
Getting Started Guide
Minimum Development Requirements
- Development Board: ZedBoard, MicroZed, or custom board
- Software Tools: Vivado Design Suite (free WebPACK edition available)
- Programming Cable: Platform Cable USB II or compatible JTAG programmer
- Power Supply: Appropriate voltage regulators for core and I/O
Basic Setup Steps
- Install Vivado Design Suite and SDK
- Connect JTAG programmer to target board
- Create new project or import example design
- Synthesize, implement, and generate bitstream
- Program FPGA and boot processor
- Develop and debug software application
Support and Documentation
Technical Resources
- Product datasheet (DS190)
- Technical Reference Manual (UG585)
- Packaging and pinout specifications
- Application notes and design guides
- Community forums and knowledge base
Professional Support
AMD offers comprehensive technical support including:
- Design consultation services
- Training workshops and webinars
- FAE (Field Application Engineer) assistance
- Early access programs for new features
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XC7Z020 and XQ7Z020?
The XQ7Z020 is the space-grade version with enhanced radiation tolerance for aerospace applications, while the XC7Z020-1CLG484I is the industrial-grade version suitable for commercial and industrial use.
Can I run Linux on the XC7Z020?
Yes, the ARM Cortex-A9 processors support full Linux distributions including PetaLinux and Ubuntu. AMD provides comprehensive BSPs and drivers.
What development board is recommended?
The ZedBoard is an excellent starting platform, offering comprehensive peripherals and expansion options. For production, custom boards or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modules are available.
How does the FPGA fabric communicate with the ARM processors?
The Processing System (PS) and Programmable Logic (PL) communicate through high-bandwidth AXI interconnects, enabling efficient data transfer and peripheral access.
What is the power consumption?
Typical power consumption ranges from 1.5W static to 3-5W under full load, depending on logic utilization and I/O activity. Dynamic power management can significantly reduce consumption.
Conclusion
The XC7Z020-1CLG484I represents a powerful solution for embedded systems requiring both processing performance and hardware acceleration. Its combination of dual-core ARM processors, substantial FPGA fabric, and comprehensive peripheral interfaces makes it suitable for demanding industrial, automotive, medical, and aerospace applications. With robust development tools and extensive community support, designers can rapidly prototype and deploy complex systems using this versatile All Programmable SoC.
