AMD XC3120A-3PC68C

Overview

XC3120A-3PC68C from AMD is a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 1,200 usable gates, 68-pin plastic DIP package, 35 ns maximum propagation delay, and 5 V single-supply operation. It serves as a reconfigurable logic fabric in digital control systems for industrial automation and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the XC3120A-3PC68C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include gate count, I/O count, speed grade, package type, and compatibility with Xilinx XC3000-series design tools and programming hardware.

Technical Context

The XC3120A-3PC68C implements configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and interconnect resources based on AMD's XC3000 architecture. It supports SRAM-based configuration, JTAG boundary-scan testing per IEEE 1149.1, and in-system programmability via serial mode.

Logic density is defined by 1,200 usable gates with up to 54 user I/O pins. The -3 speed grade guarantees t_PD ≤ 35 ns across commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C) under 5 V ± 5% supply conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC3120A-3PC68C uses a 68-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.3" body width and standard DIP pin spacing. Pin numbering follows conventional DIP layout with pin 1 marked by notch or dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA logic implementation applications.

Compared with XC3120A-3PC68C, XC3020-7PC68C trades speed for density, while XC3010-3PC68C reduces gate capacity without sacrificing timing - both retain pin-compatible PDIP-68 packaging and XC3000-series toolchain support.

Availability

XC3120A-3PC68C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, automated test equipment, and legacy system upgrades requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for XC3120A-3PC68C includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) was a pioneering semiconductor company known for innovation in programmable logic, microprocessors, and memory technologies prior to its programmable logic business acquisition by Xilinx in 1992.

The XC3120A-3PC68C belongs to AMD's XC3000 family of SRAM-based FPGAs, designed specifically for reconfigurable digital logic implementation in commercial embedded systems where flexibility, moderate density, and through-hole manufacturability were essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by XC3120A-3PC68C?

The XC3120A-3PC68C does not specify a fixed maximum clock frequency due to architecture-dependent path delays. Its -3 speed grade guarantees a maximum propagation delay of 35 ns for critical logic paths, enabling reliable operation in synchronous designs with clock periods ≥ 35 ns (i.e., ≤ 28.6 MHz worst-case). Actual achievable frequency depends on design topology and routing.

Is XC3120A-3PC68C compatible with modern Xilinx programming tools?

No - XC3120A-3PC68C requires legacy AMD/Xilinx XC3000-series tools such as the XACT 3.x design suite and compatible hardware programmers (e.g., Xilinx Parallel Cable III with appropriate PROM files). Modern Vivado or ISE software does not support this device.

Does XC3120A-3PC68C support in-system programming (ISP)?

Yes - XC3120A-3PC68C supports in-system programming via its serial configuration interface using the PROGRAM, CLK, and DIN pins. This allows reconfiguration while mounted on the target board, provided proper voltage and timing conditions are met during programming.

What is the configuration memory technology used in XC3120A-3PC68C?

XC3120A-3PC68C uses volatile static RAM (SRAM) cells to store its configuration bitstream. Configuration must be reloaded at power-up using an external PROM or host processor; it does not include on-chip non-volatile storage.

Can XC3120A-3PC68C operate with mixed 3.3 V and 5 V logic levels?

No - XC3120A-3PC68C is strictly a 5 V device. Its I/O structure, internal logic thresholds, and absolute maximum ratings are specified only for 5 V ± 5% operation. Interfacing with 3.3 V systems requires external level-shifting circuitry.