AMD XC3S1500-4FG456C

Overview

XC3S1500-4FG456C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Spartan-3 FPGA featuring 1,474,560 system gates, 116 I/O pins, and a -4 speed grade in a 456-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package. It integrates 128 embedded 18×18 multipliers and supports DDR memory interfaces for high-throughput digital logic implementation in industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the XC3S1500-4FG456C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include I/O count, system gate density, embedded multiplier count, DDR interface support, and -4 speed grade timing performance.

Technical Context

The XC3S1500-4FG456C implements a configurable logic block (CLB) architecture with distributed RAM and shift registers per slice. It supports SelectIO standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, HSTL, and SSTL for flexible I/O interfacing.

Configuration is performed via Master Serial mode using external PROM or JTAG boundary-scan. The device includes dedicated Digital Clock Managers (DCMs) for clock synthesis, phase shifting, and duty-cycle correction across up to eight independent clock domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC3S1500-4FG456C is housed in a 456-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA) package with 116 user I/Os, 8 global clock inputs, configuration pins (e.g., INIT_B, PROGRAM_B, DONE), and dedicated power/ground balls distributed across the array.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC3S1000-4FG456C and XC3S2000-4FG456C, the XC3S1500-4FG456C offers balanced gate density and I/O count for mid-scale logic consolidation-avoiding underutilization penalties of larger devices while supporting complex peripherals that exceed the XC3S1000's capacity.

Availability

XC3S1500-4FG456C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, video bridge systems, and communications baseband applications requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for XC3S1500-4FG456C 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

AMD acquired Xilinx in 2022 and now develops adaptive computing platforms including FPGAs, MPSoCs, and ACAPs for data center, AI, and embedded markets.

The Spartan-3 family, including XC3S1500-4FG456C, was designed for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring reliable programmable logic with integrated clock management and memory interfaces.

FAQ

What is the core voltage requirement for XC3S1500-4FG456C?

The XC3S1500-4FG456C requires a 1.2 V ±3% supply on VCCINT for its internal logic fabric and DCMs. Deviation beyond this tolerance risks timing violations or configuration failure. External regulators must maintain load transient response within ±50 mV during switching events. The XC3S1500-4FG456C does not support dynamic voltage scaling.

Does XC3S1500-4FG456C support JTAG boundary-scan testing?

Yes, XC3S1500-4FG456C fully complies with IEEE 1149.1 and provides a dedicated 4-pin JTAG TAP controller for in-system programming, configuration verification, and board-level interconnect testing. The TDO pin is driven only during TAP state transitions, and the XC3S1500-4FG456C supports IDCODE and BYPASS instructions per standard.

Can XC3S1500-4FG456C be configured using serial PROM?

Yes, XC3S1500-4FG456C supports Master Serial configuration mode using industry-standard x8 or x16 parallel PROMs (e.g., XCFxxP series). Configuration occurs automatically after power-up when MODE pins are set to 00, and the XC3S1500-4FG456C reads the bitstream sequentially from address 0x000000.

What I/O standards are supported by XC3S1500-4FG456C?

XC3S1500-4FG456C supports LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, HSTL Class I/II, and SSTL2 Class I/II across its 116 user I/Os. Each I/O bank operates independently at VCCO voltages from 1.2 V to 3.3 V, allowing mixed-standard operation. Differential standards like LVDS require external termination resistors and are supported only on specific pin pairs.

Is XC3S1500-4FG456C still in active production?

No, XC3S1500-4FG456C is discontinued by AMD (Xilinx). However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified legacy inventory with full traceability and extended lifecycle support, including obsolescence monitoring and cross-reference guidance for migration paths to Spartan-6 or Artix-7 families where applicable.