Introduction
Xilinx is a leading provider of programmable logic devices including FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The Xilinx XC4VLX25 part number refers to a specific FPGA belonging to the Virtex-4 FPGA family that was introduced in 2006. The XC4VLX25 combines high performance, logic density and low power consumption making it well suited for a wide range of applications.
This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the Xilinx XC4VLX25-10FF668C FPGA in terms of its key features, architecture, available packages, and target applications.
XC4VLX25 FPGA Overview
The Xilinx XC4VLX25 device is a mid-range FPGA in the Virtex-4 series catering to cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. Some key characteristics are:
- Built on 90nm copper CMOS process for power efficiency
- Up to 25,660 logic cells providing over 200K equivalent logic gates
- 1866 Kbits (216 blocks) of 36-Kbit fast block RAM with 2-port access
- Up to 3.8 Gbps serial transceiver data rate per channel
- Up to 444 user I/O pins for flexible connectivity
- Power consumption as low as 0.15W per 1000 logic cells
- Partial reconfiguration capability to load sections of the FPGA dynamically
- Hard IP blocks for PCI, Ethernet, memory control etc. available
The XC4VLX25 combines Virtex-4 family features like advanced routing, DSP blocks, clock management, processors etc. in a mid-density, lower cost package suitable for high volume markets.
FPGA Architecture and Features
The Xilinx XC4VLX25 FPGA provides following key architectural components and features:
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The basic logic building block, each CLB contains 4 interconnected slices. Each slice has two 4-input LUTs and register storage. CLBs implement logic functions and macros.
36Kb Block RAM
With 216 in-built 36Kb RAM blocks that can be cascaded for wider words, the FPGA offers up to 7.8Mb of fast on-chip RAM for data buffering.
Digital Clock Managers (DCMs)
8 on-chip DCMs provide a range of clock management features like frequency synthesis, deskew, jitter filtering etc. for high performance.
Multi-Gigabit Transceivers
Up to 16 integrated multi-gigabit serial transceivers with data rates reaching 3.8Gbps support high-speed protocols.
PCI Express Endpoint Block
The integrated Endpoint block enables PCIe connectivity with flexible lane width support.
PowerPC Processor Block
An optional on-chip IBM PowerPC 405 processor enables embedded control, peripheral management and other functions.
These advanced architectural capabilities make the XC4VLX25 suitable for complex projects beyond just glue logic.
Available Packages
The XC4VLX25 FPGA is available in three Flip-chip packages, offering pin counts of 668 to 1517 pins:
| Package | Pins | Ball Pitch |
|---|---|---|
| FF668 | 668 | 1mm |
| FF900 | 900 | 1mm |
| FF1148 | 1148 | 1mm |
| FF1517 | 1517 | 1mm |
The fine 1mm ball pitch allows these high density packages to accommodate the several hundred I/O pins. The flip-chip design provides direct die contact to the package substrate minimizing parasitics.
Applications of XC4VLX25
With its balance of logic capacity, features and cost-effectiveness, the Xilinx XC4VLX25 FPGA suits a wide spectrum of applications:
- Automotive – Engine control units, driver assistance systems
- Industrial – Motor drives, robotics, instrumentation
- Video and Imaging – Video conferencing systems, medical imaging
- Wired Communications – Switching, routing, base stations
- Wireless Infrastructure – 3G/4G wireless base stations
- Aerospace and Defense – Radars, guidance systems, encryption
- High-end Consumer Devices – Gaming consoles, A/V receivers
The Virtex-4 family FPGAs offer ASIC-like capabilities but with reduced risks, cost and faster time-to-market. The density, performance and power efficiency specifically make the XC4VLX25 suitable for high volume markets like automotive, consumer devices and communications infrastructure.
XC4VLX25-10FF668C Part Number Significance
The full Xilinx part number reveals more details regarding the specific device:
XC4VLX25 – Base FPGA model
-10 – Operating speed grade (-10 = 100MHz)
FF668 – 668 pin Flip-Chip BGA package
C – RoHS 6/6 compliant lead-free package
Therefore, the XC4VLX25-10FF668C indicates:
- Virtex-4 XC4VLX25 family FPGA
- Lowest cost -10 speed grade
- High density 668 pin FF BGA package
- RoHS 6/6 compliant Pb-free solder balls
This combination targets cost-driven high volume applications which can use the available logic and features without needing max performance.
Summary
The Xilinx XC4VLX25-10FF668C FPGA delivers an optimal mix of capacity, capabilities and cost-effectiveness on proven 90nm Virtex-4 technology. Over 200K logic cell density, 3600Kb of on-chip RAM, up to 16 multi-gigabit serial transceivers, abundant hard IP blocks and 1mm fine pitch 668 pin packaging suit the device to a large variety of applications in automotive, industrial, communications, aerospace/defense and other high volume segments. The performance, features and smaller cost provides ASIC-class value at lower risk and time-to-market.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 FPGAs?
Virtex-5 moved to 65nm process advancing to 40nm lithography for added density and performance compared to 90nm Virtex-4 generation.
What voltage does XC4VLX25 operate at?
XC4VLX25 supports voltage from 0.97V to 1.2V allowing optimized power efficiency. 1.0V is the nominal supply voltage.
Does XC4VLX25 support partial reconfiguration?
Yes, the early access partial reconfiguration feature is available in XC4VLX25 to dynamically modify sections of the FPGA as needed.
What is the typical power consumption of XC4VLX25?
At 500K gate utilization, supply voltage of 1V and speed grade -10, power is typically under 2W. Maximum thermal power reaches 15W.
What is the difference between FX668 and FF668 packages?
FF668 is the Flip-chip version while FX668 is the same 668 pin count but wire-bonded package. FF provides better electrical performance than FX.
Introduction
Xilinx is a leading provider of programmable logic devices including FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The Xilinx XC4VLX25 part number refers to a specific FPGA belonging to the Virtex-4 FPGA family that was introduced in 2006. The XC4VLX25 combines high performance, logic density and low power consumption making it well suited for a wide range of applications.
This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the Xilinx XC4VLX25-10FF668C FPGA in terms of its key features, architecture, available packages, and target applications.
XC4VLX25 FPGA Overview
The Xilinx XC4VLX25 device is a mid-range FPGA in the Virtex-4 series catering to cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. Some key characteristics are:
- Built on 90nm copper CMOS process for power efficiency
- Up to 25,660 logic cells providing over 200K equivalent logic gates
- 1866 Kbits (216 blocks) of 36-Kbit fast block RAM with 2-port access
- Up to 3.8 Gbps serial transceiver data rate per channel
- Up to 444 user I/O pins for flexible connectivity
- Power consumption as low as 0.15W per 1000 logic cells
- Partial reconfiguration capability to load sections of the FPGA dynamically
- Hard IP blocks for PCI, Ethernet, memory control etc. available
The XC4VLX25 combines Virtex-4 family features like advanced routing, DSP blocks, clock management, processors etc. in a mid-density, lower cost package suitable for high volume markets.
FPGA Architecture and Features
The Xilinx XC4VLX25 FPGA provides following key architectural components and features:
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The basic logic building block, each CLB contains 4 interconnected slices. Each slice has two 4-input LUTs and register storage. CLBs implement logic functions and macros.
36Kb Block RAM
With 216 in-built 36Kb RAM blocks that can be cascaded for wider words, the FPGA offers up to 7.8Mb of fast on-chip RAM for data buffering.
Digital Clock Managers (DCMs)
8 on-chip DCMs provide a range of clock management features like frequency synthesis, deskew, jitter filtering etc. for high performance.
Multi-Gigabit Transceivers
Up to 16 integrated multi-gigabit serial transceivers with data rates reaching 3.8Gbps support high-speed protocols.
PCI Express Endpoint Block
The integrated Endpoint block enables PCIe connectivity with flexible lane width support.
PowerPC Processor Block
An optional on-chip IBM PowerPC 405 processor enables embedded control, peripheral management and other functions.
These advanced architectural capabilities make the XC4VLX25 suitable for complex projects beyond just glue logic.
Available Packages
The XC4VLX25 FPGA is available in three Flip-chip packages, offering pin counts of 668 to 1517 pins:
| Package | Pins | Ball Pitch |
|---|---|---|
| FF668 | 668 | 1mm |
| FF900 | 900 | 1mm |
| FF1148 | 1148 | 1mm |
| FF1517 | 1517 | 1mm |
The fine 1mm ball pitch allows these high density packages to accommodate the several hundred I/O pins. The flip-chip design provides direct die contact to the package substrate minimizing parasitics.
Applications of XC4VLX25
With its balance of logic capacity, features and cost-effectiveness, the Xilinx XC4VLX25 FPGA suits a wide spectrum of applications:
- Automotive – Engine control units, driver assistance systems
- Industrial – Motor drives, robotics, instrumentation
- Video and Imaging – Video conferencing systems, medical imaging
- Wired Communications – Switching, routing, base stations
- Wireless Infrastructure – 3G/4G wireless base stations
- Aerospace and Defense – Radars, guidance systems, encryption
- High-end Consumer Devices – Gaming consoles, A/V receivers
The Virtex-4 family FPGAs offer ASIC-like capabilities but with reduced risks, cost and faster time-to-market. The density, performance and power efficiency specifically make the XC4VLX25 suitable for high volume markets like automotive, consumer devices and communications infrastructure.
XC4VLX25-10FF668C Part Number Significance
The full Xilinx part number reveals more details regarding the specific device:
XC4VLX25 – Base FPGA model
-10 – Operating speed grade (-10 = 100MHz)
FF668 – 668 pin Flip-Chip BGA package
C – RoHS 6/6 compliant lead-free package
Therefore, the XC4VLX25-10FF668C indicates:
- Virtex-4 XC4VLX25 family FPGA
- Lowest cost -10 speed grade
- High density 668 pin FF BGA package
- RoHS 6/6 compliant Pb-free solder balls
This combination targets cost-driven high volume applications which can use the available logic and features without needing max performance.
Summary
The Xilinx XC4VLX25-10FF668C FPGA delivers an optimal mix of capacity, capabilities and cost-effectiveness on proven 90nm Virtex-4 technology. Over 200K logic cell density, 3600Kb of on-chip RAM, up to 16 multi-gigabit serial transceivers, abundant hard IP blocks and 1mm fine pitch 668 pin packaging suit the device to a large variety of applications in automotive, industrial, communications, aerospace/defense and other high volume segments. The performance, features and smaller cost provides ASIC-class value at lower risk and time-to-market.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 FPGAs?
Virtex-5 moved to 65nm process advancing to 40nm lithography for added density and performance compared to 90nm Virtex-4 generation.
What voltage does XC4VLX25 operate at?
XC4VLX25 supports voltage from 0.97V to 1.2V allowing optimized power efficiency. 1.0V is the nominal supply voltage.
Does XC4VLX25 support partial reconfiguration?
Yes, the early access partial reconfiguration feature is available in XC4VLX25 to dynamically modify sections of the FPGA as needed.
What is the typical power consumption of XC4VLX25?
At 500K gate utilization, supply voltage of 1V and speed grade -10, power is typically under 2W. Maximum thermal power reaches 15W.
What is the difference between FX668 and FF668 packages?
FF668 is the Flip-chip version while FX668 is the same 668 pin count but wire-bonded package. FF provides better electrical performance than FX.
