The XC3S50A-4VQ100I is a cutting-edge Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s acclaimed Spartan-3A family, engineered to deliver exceptional performance and versatility for a wide range of digital design applications. This industrial-grade FPGA combines advanced technology with cost-effective solutions, making it an ideal choice for embedded systems, telecommunications, and industrial automation projects.
Product Specifications
Core Architecture
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I features a robust architecture built on advanced 90nm process technology, offering superior performance and power efficiency:
- Logic Cells: 50,000 system gates
- Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): 1,728 slices
- Block RAM: 216 Kbits of distributed RAM
- Dedicated Multipliers: 4 dedicated 18×18 multipliers
- I/O Standards: Support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, and differential signaling
Package and Performance
- Package Type: VQ100 (100-pin Very Thin Quad Flat Pack)
- Speed Grade: -4 (high-performance grade)
- Operating Temperature: Industrial range (-40ยฐC to +100ยฐC)
- Power Supply: 1.2V core, 3.3V I/O
- Maximum Frequency: Up to 200+ MHz system performance
Key Features
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I incorporates advanced features that set it apart in the FPGA market:
- Enhanced clock management with Digital Clock Managers (DCMs)
- Flexible memory architecture with distributed and block RAM options
- Comprehensive DSP capabilities with dedicated multiplier blocks
- Advanced routing architecture for optimal signal integrity
- Support for partial reconfiguration and configuration compression
Pricing Information
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I offers competitive pricing in the mid-range FPGA segment. Current market pricing typically ranges from $25 to $45 per unit, depending on order quantity and supplier. Volume discounts are available for orders exceeding 100 units, with significant cost reductions for production quantities over 1,000 pieces.
For the most current XC3S50A-4VQ100I pricing and availability, contact authorized Xilinx distributors or electronic component suppliers. Many suppliers offer flexible pricing options including:
- Single unit pricing for prototyping
- Volume pricing tiers for production runs
- Long-term supply agreements for sustained projects
- Engineering samples for evaluation purposes
Documents & Media
Technical Documentation
Comprehensive documentation is available for the XC3S50A-4VQ100I to support design engineers throughout the development process:
Core Documentation:
- Product Data Sheet with complete electrical specifications
- User Guide detailing architecture and design considerations
- Package and Pinout Information with mechanical drawings
- Power and Thermal Management Guidelines
Design Resources:
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite compatibility information
- Reference designs and application notes
- Configuration and programming guides
- Timing and constraint methodology documentation
Development Tools:
- Xilinx Vivado Design Suite support documentation
- ChipScope Pro debugging tool compatibility
- IP Core integration guidelines
- Simulation model libraries
Media Resources
- High-resolution product images and package photos
- 3D CAD models for mechanical design integration
- Technical presentation slides and webinar recordings
- Video tutorials covering design flow and best practices
Related Resources
Development Kits and Evaluation Boards
Several development platforms support the XC3S50A-4VQ100I for rapid prototyping and evaluation:
- Spartan-3A Starter Kit featuring the XC3S50A-4VQ100I
- Custom evaluation boards from third-party vendors
- Educational development platforms for academic use
Compatible IP Cores
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I supports a wide range of intellectual property cores:
- Communication protocol stacks (Ethernet, USB, UART)
- Digital signal processing libraries
- Memory controllers and interfaces
- Video and image processing cores
Software Tools
Essential software tools for XC3S50A-4VQ100I development include:
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite (legacy support)
- Xilinx Vivado Design Suite (current generation)
- ModelSim simulation environment
- Third-party synthesis and analysis tools
Application Areas
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I excels in diverse application domains:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Telecommunications infrastructure equipment
- Medical device implementations
- Automotive electronics and ADAS systems
- Aerospace and defense applications
Environmental & Export Classifications
Environmental Compliance
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I meets stringent environmental standards and regulations:
RoHS Compliance: Fully compliant with RoHS 2011/65/EU directive, containing no restricted hazardous substances including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and specified flame retardants.
REACH Regulation: Compliant with EU REACH regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning chemical substances registration and evaluation.
Conflict Minerals: Xilinx maintains responsible sourcing practices in accordance with Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act, ensuring conflict-free mineral sourcing.
Export Control Classifications
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I is subject to various export control regulations:
US Export Administration Regulations (EAR): Classified under ECCN 3A001, subject to export licensing requirements for certain destinations and end-uses.
Encryption Classification: Contains no encryption functionality, simplifying export compliance for most applications.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Generally not subject to ITAR restrictions for commercial applications, though specific implementations may require evaluation.
Operating Environment Classifications
- Temperature Grade: Industrial (-40ยฐC to +100ยฐC ambient)
- Humidity Rating: 85% relative humidity, non-condensing
- Altitude Rating: Up to 2,000 meters above sea level
- Vibration Resistance: MIL-STD-883 compliant for harsh environment applications
The XC3S50A-4VQ100I represents an excellent balance of performance, features, and cost-effectiveness in the FPGA market. Its robust architecture, comprehensive tool support, and extensive documentation make it an ideal choice for engineers developing next-generation digital systems across multiple industry sectors.
