AMD XC3S50A-4TQG144I
- Part No.:
- XC3S50A-4TQG144I
- Manufacturer:
- AMD
- Category:
- FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
- Package:
- 144-LQFP
- Datasheet:
-
XC3S50A-4TQG144I.pdf
- Description:
- IC FPGA 108 I/O 144TQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,660
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Product details
Overview
XC3S50A-4TQG144I from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Spartan-3A FPGA with 50,000 system gates, 144-pin TQFP package, -4 speed grade, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C); used in low-cost embedded control and interface bridging applications.
For engineers reviewing the XC3S50A-4TQG144I datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection factors include logic capacity, I/O count (108 user I/Os), configuration mode support (Master Serial, Slave Serial, JTAG), and industrial-grade thermal reliability.
Technical Context
The XC3S50A-4TQG144I implements a configurable logic fabric based on 4-input LUTs and flip-flops, with dedicated carry logic for arithmetic. It integrates up to 128 Kbits of block RAM and supports differential signaling (LVDS, LVPECL) on select I/O banks.
Configuration is performed via external SPI PROM or JTAG boundary-scan; internal startup sequence includes power-on reset, configuration clock generation, and CRC verification. The device supports multi-boot through dual-bitstream storage in external PROM.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Logic Capacity | 50,000 system gates - defines maximum combinational logic density for gate-equivalent designs |
| User I/O Pins | 108 - supports parallel bus interfaces, sensor arrays, and multi-protocol peripheral connectivity |
| Block RAM | 128 Kbits - enables FIFOs, small buffers, and state-machine data storage without external memory |
| Speed Grade | -4 - guarantees timing closure at 333 MHz for register-to-register paths under industrial conditions |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial environments including factory automation and outdoor equipment |
| Configuration Mode | Master Serial, Slave Serial, JTAG - allows flexible boot sources and in-system programming capability |
Pinout & Package
XC3S50A-4TQG144I is housed in a 144-lead Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch, 20 mm × 20 mm body size, and exposed pad for thermal dissipation. Pin assignment follows Xilinx Spartan-3A family standard layout.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCCINT | Core power supply | 1.2 V supply for FPGA logic fabric; requires local decoupling near package corner |
| VCCAUX | Auxiliary power supply | 3.3 V supply for I/O banks and configuration circuitry; shared across all banks |
| PROGRAM_B | Active-low configuration initiator | Pulling low forces reconfiguration; must be pulled high during normal operation |
| DONE | Configuration status indicator | Open-drain output that goes high when configuration completes successfully |
| TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO | JTAG test access port | Enables boundary-scan testing, debugging, and in-circuit programming |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Multi-voltage I/O banks | Supports mixed-voltage interfaces (1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) per bank - simplifies integration with legacy and modern peripherals |
| Dedicated DSP slices | None - XC3S50A lacks hard multiplier blocks; arithmetic relies on LUT-based implementation |
| Internal oscillator | ~4 MHz RC oscillator - usable for configuration monitoring or low-speed clocking, not for timing-critical logic |
| Power-down mode | Reduces static current by >90% - extends uptime in battery-backed or energy-constrained systems |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Legacy Bus Bridge |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Interface between RS-485 fieldbus and microcontroller-based controller in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FPGA acts as protocol translator and signal conditioner with real-time I/O mapping. Use Value: Enables deterministic response under 10 µs latency using synchronous logic and 108 available I/Os. | Use Scenario: Bridging ISA or PCI bus signals to modern ARM-based host in retro-computing or test equipment upgrades. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FPGA implements custom address decoding, handshaking, and data-width conversion. Use Value: Supports 33 MHz PCI clock domain crossing and 16-bit/32-bit data alignment without external glue logic. |
| Motor Control Encoder Interface | Medical Sensor Hub |
Use Scenario: Quadrature decoding and position tracking for BLDC motor drives in HVAC and industrial actuators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FPGA performs high-speed edge detection and counter accumulation synchronized to encoder clock. Use Value: Achieves 10 MHz quadrature input handling with sub-microsecond jitter using dedicated carry chains. | Use Scenario: Aggregating analog front-end outputs (ECG, SpO₂, temperature) into a unified digital stream for MCU processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FPGA manages time-division multiplexing, sample alignment, and SPI/I²C protocol translation. Use Value: Delivers synchronized 12-bit ADC sampling across 8 channels at 1 kHz aggregate rate with no host CPU overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA-based interface and control applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC3S100A-4TQG144I | 100K-gate capacity, same package and speed grade | Higher logic density supports larger state machines and more concurrent peripherals | Select when design requires >50K gates but retains identical footprint and thermal profile |
| LFE5U-12F-6BG256C | 12K LUTs, 256-pin CABGA, 1.2 V core, -6 speed grade | Lower power, higher I/O count (197), but different pinout and configuration architecture | Choose for new designs prioritizing power efficiency and future scalability over drop-in replacement |
Compared with XC3S50A-4TQG144I, the XC3S100A-4TQG144I offers direct footprint compatibility and increased logic headroom, while the LFE5U-12F-6BG256C provides superior power efficiency and I/O bandwidth at the cost of board redesign and toolchain migration.
Availability
XC3S50A-4TQG144I is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and legacy system upgrades requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for XC3S50A-4TQG144I 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 oversees the Spartan FPGA product line. Xilinx pioneered programmable logic architecture and introduced the Spartan series for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications.
The Spartan-3A family, including XC3S50A-4TQG144I, was designed for embedded control, interface bridging, and logic replacement in industrial and communications equipment where gate count, I/O flexibility, and industrial temperature operation are critical.
FAQ
What is the configuration method supported by XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
The XC3S50A-4TQG144I supports Master Serial (via external SPI PROM), Slave Serial (host-controlled), and JTAG modes. Configuration bitstream is loaded into SRAM on power-up; no non-volatile on-chip storage exists. The XC3S50A-4TQG144I requires external memory for persistent configuration unless reprogrammed via JTAG each power cycle.
Does XC3S50A-4TQG144I include built-in transceivers for high-speed serial communication?
No, the XC3S50A-4TQG144I does not integrate multi-gigabit transceivers. It supports only single-ended and differential I/O standards (LVCMOS, LVTTL, LVDS, LVPECL) up to 375 Mbps per pin. High-speed serial protocols like PCIe or Gigabit Ethernet require external PHYs or must be implemented using logic resources and external clocking.
What is the maximum operating frequency for logic paths in XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
The XC3S50A-4TQG144I -4 speed grade guarantees 333 MHz register-to-register performance under worst-case industrial conditions. Actual achievable frequency depends on routing, logic depth, and I/O constraints; synthesis tools report timing closure against this specification. The XC3S50A-4TQG144I does not support hardened PLLs beyond basic DCM modules.
Can XC3S50A-4TQG144I operate in automotive environments?
No, the XC3S50A-4TQG144I is rated for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), not automotive AEC-Q100 qualification. It lacks automotive-specific screening, burn-in, or failure rate reporting. For automotive use, designers must select Xilinx Automotive-grade variants (e.g., XC3S50A-4TQG144C) or newer AMD/Xilinx families with formal AEC certification.
Is there a pin-compatible replacement for XC3S50A-4TQG144I in active production?
No pin-compatible, functionally identical replacement is currently in active production. The XC3S50A-4TQG144I remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics' legacy component program, but newer Spartan-6 or Artix-7 devices require PCB redesign due to differing pinouts, voltage requirements, and configuration schemes.
XC3S50A-4TQG144I Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- AMD
- Series:
- Spartan®-3A
- Package/Case:
- 144-LQFP
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Number of LABs/CLBs:
- 176
- Number of Logic Elements/Cells:
- 1584
- Total RAM Bits:
- 55296
- Number of I/O:
- 108
- Number of Gates:
- 50000
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.14V ~ 1.26V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 100°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 144-TQFP (20x20)
XC3S50A-4TQG144I FAQ
1.How can I place an order for XC3S50A-4TQG144I through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for XC3S50A-4TQG144I on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for XC3S50A-4TQG144I reliable?
The price and inventory of XC3S50A-4TQG144I are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for XC3S50A-4TQG144I is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for XC3S50A-4TQG144I transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
XC3S50A-4TQG144I orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your XC3S50A-4TQG144I order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
For technical support, including XC3S50A-4TQG144I datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your XC3S50A-4TQG144I requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that XC3S50A-4TQG144I is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All XC3S50A-4TQG144I products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that XC3S50A-4TQG144I meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of XC3S50A-4TQG144I?
All XC3S50A-4TQG144I units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with XC3S50A-4TQG144I, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The XC3S50A-4TQG144I part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for XC3S50A-4TQG144I:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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