AMD XC3S50A-4VQG100C
- Part No.:
- XC3S50A-4VQG100C
- Manufacturer:
- AMD
- Category:
- FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)
- Package:
- 100-TQFP
- Datasheet:
-
XC3S50A-4VQG100C.pdf
- Description:
- IC FPGA 68 I/O 100VQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
XC3S50A-4VQG100C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Spartan-3A FPGA with 50,000 system gates, 176 logic cells, 128 KB of total block RAM, and configured for -4 speed grade in a 100-pin VQFP package. It targets low-cost, high-volume embedded control and interface bridging applications requiring deterministic timing and I/O flexibility.
For engineers reviewing the XC3S50A-4VQG100C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include logic density, I/O count (66 user I/Os), single-ended LVCMOS/LVTTL support, internal configuration memory, and industrial temperature range operation.
Technical Context
The XC3S50A-4VQG100C implements a fully SRAM-based configurable logic architecture with dedicated carry chains, distributed RAM, and four digital clock managers (DCMs) supporting phase shifting, frequency synthesis, and duty cycle correction. Its configuration is loaded via master serial mode using an external PROM or processor.
It supports JTAG boundary-scan testing per IEEE 1149.1, includes SelectIO technology for programmable I/O standards up to 3.3 V, and integrates internal pull-up resistors and slew-rate control on all user I/O pins.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Logic Cells | 176 - provides combinational and sequential logic resources for state machines and data path implementation |
| System Gates | 50,000 - indicates overall logic capacity compatible with ASIC-style gate-count estimation |
| Block RAM | 128 KB - enables on-chip buffering, FIFOs, and small lookup tables without external memory |
| User I/O Pins | 66 - supports parallel bus interfaces, sensor aggregation, and multi-protocol GPIO expansion |
| Speed Grade | -4 - guarantees maximum operating frequency of 410 MHz for DCM outputs and 280 MHz for internal logic |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 85°C - qualified for industrial environment deployment without derating |
| Package | VQFP-100 - 14 × 14 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch, surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles |
Pinout & Package
VQFP-100 (Very Thin Quad Flat Package) with 100 leads, 0.5 mm pitch, and exposed pad not present. Package meets JEDEC MO-178AC standard and supports automated optical inspection (AOI) and X-ray void detection.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND | Ground reference | Provides common return path for core and I/O power domains; multiple pins ensure low-impedance grounding |
| VCCO_0 | I/O bank supply | Supplies 3.3 V or 2.5 V to Bank 0 I/Os; voltage level sets compatible signaling standard |
| VCCINT | Core logic supply | Delivers regulated 1.2 V to internal FPGA fabric; requires low-noise decoupling |
| TCK/TMS/TDI/TDO | JTAG interface | Enables IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan testing, programming, and debug access |
| PROGRAM_B | Configuration reset | Active-low signal that clears configuration memory and initiates reconfiguration sequence |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Digital Clock Managers (DCMs) | Four integrated DCMs provide jitter-reduced clock synthesis, phase alignment, and frequency multiplication/division without external PLL ICs |
| Internal Configuration Memory | On-chip non-volatile memory stores configuration bitstream, eliminating need for external PROM in many designs |
| SelectIO Technology | Per-pin I/O standard selection supports LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and SSTL-2 within same bank, simplifying mixed-voltage board design |
| Boundary-Scan Support | Full IEEE 1149.1 compliance enables production testability and in-system debugging without physical probe access |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Diagnostic Interface |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time digital input/output conditioning and protocol translation between field sensors/actuators and controller bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: FPGA fabric implements custom logic for debounce, pulse-width modulation, and RS-485/UART bridging with sub-microsecond latency. Use Value: XC3S50A-4VQG100C delivers deterministic timing and 66 I/Os in compact VQFP-100, reducing BOM count versus discrete glue logic. | Use Scenario: Translating between vehicle CAN bus and USB/RS232 host diagnostics tools in service equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: XC3S50A-4VQG100C acts as protocol bridge with dual-bank I/O, isolating CAN transceiver voltage domain from host interface domain. Use Value: Internal DCMs generate precise baud-rate clocks; SelectIO allows simultaneous 3.3 V CAN PHY and 5 V USB signaling without level shifters. |
| Medical Sensor Hub | Legacy Equipment Adapter |
Use Scenario: Aggregating analog and digital signals from multiple patient monitoring sensors into a unified SPI/I2C stream. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: XC3S50A-4VQG100C implements synchronized sampling control, data formatting, and error-checking logic across 12+ sensor channels. Use Value: 128 KB block RAM buffers burst sensor data; industrial temp rating ensures reliability in clinical environments. | Use Scenario: Retrofitting parallel printer ports or ISA bus peripherals with modern USB or Ethernet connectivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: XC3S50A-4VQG100C emulates legacy timing waveforms and handshaking protocols while interfacing to USB PHY controllers. Use Value: SRAM-based configuration enables field-upgradable logic; VQFP-100 footprint fits legacy PCB layouts with minimal redesign. |
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-4VQG100C | Higher logic density (256 cells, 100K gates), same package and speed grade | Supports more complex state machines and larger protocol stacks; requires identical PCB layout | Choose when additional logic resources are needed without changing board design |
| XC3S50-4VQG100C | Same logic resources but lacks internal configuration memory; requires external PROM | Suitable for cost-sensitive designs where configuration storage is already provided externally | Prefer XC3S50A-4VQG100C when eliminating external configuration memory reduces component count and improves boot reliability |
Compared with XC3S100A-4VQG100C and XC3S50-4VQG100C, the XC3S50A-4VQG100C uniquely balances gate count, I/O count, and integrated configuration memory in VQFP-100 - making it optimal for space-constrained industrial control modules where boot simplicity and layout reuse matter.
Availability
XC3S50A-4VQG100C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical device connectivity, and automotive diagnostic tooling requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for XC3S50A-4VQG100C 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 related software tools for heterogeneous compute acceleration.
The Spartan-3A family, including XC3S50A-4VQG100C, was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications demanding reliable I/O flexibility, deterministic timing, and low-power operation in industrial and embedded systems.
FAQ
What is the configuration method supported by XC3S50A-4VQG100C?
The XC3S50A-4VQG100C supports master serial, slave serial, and JTAG configuration modes. It includes internal configuration memory enabling single-image configuration without external PROM. The XC3S50A-4VQG100C also accepts bitstreams from microcontrollers via SPI or parallel interfaces during system initialization.
Does XC3S50A-4VQG100C support differential I/O standards like LVDS?
No, the XC3S50A-4VQG100C does not support LVDS or other differential I/O standards. Its SelectIO technology supports only single-ended standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and SSTL-2. Differential signaling requires higher-density Spartan-3E or Spartan-6 devices.
What is the maximum operating frequency of the DCMs in XC3S50A-4VQG100C?
The XC3S50A-4VQG100C's four Digital Clock Managers operate up to 333 MHz input and generate output frequencies up to 410 MHz. Phase shift resolution is ±125 ps, and jitter is specified at 200 ps peak-to-peak for internal feedback loops.
Can XC3S50A-4VQG100C be used in automotive applications?
The XC3S50A-4VQG100C is rated for 0°C to 85°C industrial temperature range and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. It may be used in under-hood diagnostic tools or service equipment, but not in safety-critical or engine-control automotive applications requiring automotive-grade qualification.
Is there a pin-compatible replacement for XC3S50A-4VQG100C with higher density?
Yes, the XC3S100A-4VQG100C is pin-compatible with XC3S50A-4VQG100C and offers increased logic capacity (256 cells vs. 176) and gate count (100K vs. 50K) while retaining identical VQFP-100 packaging and speed grade.
XC3S50A-4VQG100C Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- AMD
- Series:
- Spartan®-3A
- Package/Case:
- 100-TQFP
- 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:
- 68
- Number of Gates:
- 50000
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1.14V ~ 1.26V
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 85°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 100-VQFP (14x14)
XC3S50A-4VQG100C FAQ
1.How can I place an order for XC3S50A-4VQG100C through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for XC3S50A-4VQG100C 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-4VQG100C reliable?
The price and inventory of XC3S50A-4VQG100C are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for XC3S50A-4VQG100C is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for XC3S50A-4VQG100C?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for XC3S50A-4VQG100C transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for XC3S50A-4VQG100C?
XC3S50A-4VQG100C orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your XC3S50A-4VQG100C 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-4VQG100C?
For technical support, including XC3S50A-4VQG100C datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your XC3S50A-4VQG100C requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that XC3S50A-4VQG100C is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All XC3S50A-4VQG100C 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-4VQG100C meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of XC3S50A-4VQG100C?
All XC3S50A-4VQG100C units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with XC3S50A-4VQG100C, 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-4VQG100C part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for XC3S50A-4VQG100C:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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