Introduction
The XQ6SLX150 is a high-performance defense-grade Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Xilinx Spartan-6Q family, designed specifically for mission-critical applications in aerospace and defense sectors. Built on a mature 45nm low-power copper process technology, this device offers an optimal balance of cost, power efficiency, and performance while meeting the stringent requirements of military and defense applications.
Device Overview
The XQ6SLX150 represents the highest-density device in the defense-grade Spartan-6Q FPGA family with 147,443 logic cells, making it ideal for complex digital systems in rugged environments. This device undergoes additional screening and qualification testing beyond commercial variants, ensuring reliability in mission-critical applications. The “XQ” prefix designates its defense-grade qualification, while the “SLX150” indicates its position as the highest capacity device in the Spartan-6 LX (logic-optimized) family.
Key Features
Logic Resources
- Logic Cells: 147,443 logic cells
- Slices: 23,038 slices
- Flip-Flops: Up to 184,304 (8 per slice)
- Look-Up Tables (LUTs): 6-input dual-register architecture
- Block RAM: 4.8 Mb (268 ร 18 Kb blocks)
- Distributed RAM: Up to 1.355 Mb
Processing Capabilities
- DSP48A1 Slices: 180 slices with 18ร18 multipliers, adders, and accumulators
- Clock Management Tiles (CMT): 6 CMTs, each with 2 DCMs and 1 PLL
- Maximum Frequency: Up to 375 MHz (speed grade dependent)
Connectivity
- I/O Standards: Support for over 40 single-ended and differential I/O standards
- Maximum User I/O: Up to 338 (package dependent)
- Memory Interface: Integrated memory controllers supporting DDR3/DDR2/LPDDR
- Memory Speed: Up to 800 Mbps DDR3 support
Special Features
- Security: Enhanced security with AES encryption and Device DNA identification
- Temperature Range: Extended Q-grade temperature range (-40ยฐC to +125ยฐC)
- Configuration: Multiple configuration options including JTAG, SPI, and BPI
Defense-Grade Specifications
The XQ6SLX150 offers enhanced reliability through:
- Extended temperature range operation (-40ยฐC to +125ยฐC)
- Additional screening and qualification testing
- Available in speed grades -2Q and -3Q (Q designating extended temp range)
- DC and AC electrical parameters equivalent to commercial specifications
- Military-standard compliance for ruggedization
Power Management
- Core Voltage: 1.14V to 1.26V (standard grades)
- Advanced Power Management: Hibernation mode for near-zero power consumption
- Power Optimization: Multiple low-power modes for system efficiency
- Suspend Mode: Ability to save configuration and state while reducing power
Package Options
The XQ6SLX150 is available in several package options:
- CSG484: 484-pin chip-scale ball grid array package
- FGG484: 484-pin fine-pitch ball grid array package
- FGG900: 900-pin fine-pitch ball grid array package
Applications
The XQ6SLX150 is particularly suited for mission-critical applications including:
- Military communications systems
- Secure data processing
- Radar and sonar processing
- Electronic warfare systems
- Avionics
- Missiles and munitions
- Secure Type-1 cryptography implementations
- Anti-tamper systems for sensitive electronics
Development Tools
The XQ6SLX150 is supported by:
- ISE Design Suite (no-cost, front-to-back FPGA design solution)
- Compatible with Linux and Windows development environments
- Extensive IP library for accelerated design
- Power estimator tools for accurate power analysis
- Security and reliability design guidelines
Ordering Information
When ordering the XQ6SLX150 device, the complete part number follows this format: XQ6SLX150-[Speed Grade][Package][Temperature Grade]
Example: XQ6SLX150-2CSG484Q
- XQ6SLX150: Device name
- 2: Speed grade (-2Q or -3Q available)
- CSG484: Package type and pin count
- Q: Extended temperature range qualification
Conclusion
The XQ6SLX150 delivers high-performance FPGA capabilities for defense applications, combining Xilinx’s proven Spartan-6 architecture with extended reliability features required for mission-critical systems. With its balance of logic density, processing capability, and power efficiency, this defense-grade FPGA provides a secure and reliable platform for advanced military and aerospace applications where failure is not an option.
For complete specifications and detailed information, please refer to the official Xilinx/AMD documentation including the Spartan-6Q Family Overview (DS172) and the Spartan-6 FPGA Data Sheet: DC and Switching Characteristics (DS162).
