AMD XC3S1500-5FGG456C

Overview

XC3S1500-5FGG456C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Spartan-3 FPGA with 1,471,200 system gates, 116 I/O pins, and 150,000 equivalent logic cells. It features 576 Kbits of block RAM, operates at -5 speed grade (630 MHz DLL clock), and is packaged in a 456-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA). It targets high-volume embedded control and digital signal processing in industrial automation systems.

For engineers reviewing the XC3S1500-5FGG456C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include logic density, I/O count, block RAM capacity, speed grade timing compliance, and FBGA thermal/mechanical compatibility with PCB layout constraints.

Technical Context

The XC3S1500-5FGG456C implements a configurable logic fabric based on 4-input LUTs and distributed RAM, with dedicated carry chains for arithmetic. It integrates twelve Digital Clock Managers (DCMs) supporting phase shifting, frequency synthesis, and duty cycle correction across multiple clock domains.

Configuration is performed via Master Serial mode using external PROM or microcontroller, with JTAG boundary-scan support for testing. The device supports SelectIO standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and SSTL, with programmable drive strength and slew rate per I/O bank.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC3S1500-5FGG456C is housed in a 456-ball Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FGG) package with 23×23 array, 1.0 mm pitch, and thermal pad. Pin functions are organized into 12 I/O banks, each supporting independent VCCO and VREF voltages.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC3S1500-5FGG456C, the XC3S1000-5FGG456C offers cost reduction at the expense of logic and memory headroom, while the XC3S2000-5FGG456C provides scalable capacity within identical thermal and mechanical constraints - enabling drop-in upgrades where routing and power delivery support higher current draw.

Availability

XC3S1500-5FGG456C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motion control, medical imaging interface, and avionics data acquisition requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for XC3S1500-5FGG456C 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, ACAPs, and software tools for heterogeneous compute acceleration.

The Spartan-3 family was designed by Xilinx for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring predictable performance, low power, and broad I/O flexibility in industrial and embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by XC3S1500-5FGG456C?

The XC3S1500-5FGG456C carries the -5 speed grade, guaranteeing timing closure for internal logic paths up to 630 MHz when using the Digital Clock Manager's output. Actual system clock frequencies depend on design topology, I/O standard selection, and PCB layout; the device's DCMs support input clocks up to 250 MHz and generate outputs across a wide range via multiplication and division.

Does XC3S1500-5FGG456C support JTAG programming and debugging?

Yes, XC3S1500-5FGG456C includes full IEEE 1149.1-compliant JTAG boundary-scan logic. It supports in-system programming, configuration verification, and real-time debugging through the TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO pins. The JTAG interface also enables partial reconfiguration and hardware-assisted test of PCB interconnects.

What configuration modes are supported by XC3S1500-5FGG456C?

XC3S1500-5FGG456C supports Master Serial, Slave Serial, Slave Parallel, and JTAG configuration modes. Master Serial is most common, using an external PROM or microcontroller to drive CCLK and DIN. Configuration bitstreams can be stored in SPI flash, parallel NOR flash, or loaded dynamically via processor interface.

Can XC3S1500-5FGG456C operate with mixed I/O voltage standards on the same device?

Yes, XC3S1500-5FGG456C organizes its 116 I/Os into 12 independently powered banks. Each bank accepts a separate VCCO voltage (1.2V to 3.3V), allowing simultaneous use of LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and SSTL standards. VREF pins per bank enable precise termination for differential or stub-matched signaling.

Is XC3S1500-5FGG456C still in active production and supported by AMD?

XC3S1500-5FGG456C is a mature Spartan-3 device no longer in active production, but AMD continues to support it through legacy program channels. Aetrix Electronics maintains inventory and provides traceable, tested units sourced from authorized channels, with documentation and lifecycle guidance aligned with AMD's long-term support policy for discontinued programmable logic devices.