AMD XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C

Overview

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Virtex-4 FX family FPGA featuring 103,584 logic cells, embedded PowerPC 405 RISC processors, and integrated multi-gigabit transceivers operating up to 10.3125 Gbps. It supports PCI Express x4 endpoints and DDR2 memory interfaces, deployed in high-performance communication line cards and radar signal processing systems.

For engineers reviewing the XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include transceiver lane count, embedded processor core count, I/O voltage support (1.2 V/1.5 V/1.8 V/2.5 V), and thermal performance under sustained 10 Gbps serial operation.

Technical Context

The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C implements a hierarchical FPGA architecture with configurable logic blocks (CLBs), block RAM (4,992 kbits), and dedicated DSP48 slices for arithmetic-intensive tasks. Its dual PowerPC 405 cores operate at up to 500 MHz and support JTAG, UART, and interrupt controller peripherals.

Multi-gigabit transceivers are organized in four quads (16 lanes total), each supporting protocols including SATA, Serial RapidIO, and CPRI. The device uses SelectIO technology with programmable slew rate and termination for signal integrity across 720 user I/Os.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C is housed in a 1517-pin Fine-Pitch Flip-Chip BGA (FFG1517) package with 35×35 mm footprint, 1.0 mm ball pitch, and thermal lid for enhanced power dissipation. Pin assignments follow Xilinx UG070 and UG079 documentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-end FPGA applications.

Compared with XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C, the XCVU3P offers higher transceiver speed and logic density but requires full RTL and software porting due to architectural discontinuity, while the XC5VLX110T retains pin-compatible packaging with FFG1136 yet sacrifices processor integration and serial bandwidth for lower cost and power.

Availability

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, defense radar, and optical transport equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C 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 combining FPGA, CPU, GPU, and AI engine architectures.

The Virtex-4 FX family was originally designed by Xilinx for high-bandwidth, processor-integrated system-on-chip applications in communications and defense, emphasizing deterministic real-time processing with hardened serial I/O and embedded RISC cores.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the PowerPC 405 cores in XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C?

The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C supports dual PowerPC 405 cores rated for operation up to 500 MHz under specified thermal and voltage conditions. This frequency is achievable with proper cooling and 1.2 V ±3% VCCINT supply. The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C datasheet specifies timing closure requirements for PPC clock domain synchronization with fabric logic, and actual sustained frequency depends on board-level thermal design and clock tree routing.

Does XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C support PCI Express Gen2?

No, XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C supports PCI Express Gen1 only, with a maximum link speed of 2.5 Gbps per lane. Its integrated endpoint logic complies with PCIe Base Specification v1.1 and does not implement Gen2 features such as 5.0 GT/s encoding or advanced power management states. For Gen2 compatibility, designers must select Virtex-5 or later families. The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C remains widely used in Gen1-compliant line cards where backward compatibility and long-term availability are prioritized.

What is the I/O standard compatibility of XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C?

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C supports LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, HSTL, and differential standards including LVDS, RSDS, and BLVDS across its 720 user I/Os. Each of the 24 I/O banks is independently configurable for VCCO voltages from 1.2 V to 2.5 V. The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C does not support 3.3 V I/O directly; interfacing with 3.3 V peripherals requires level-shifting circuitry or external buffers.

How many block RAMs does XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C contain, and what is their organization?

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C contains 296 block RAM primitives, each configurable as 18 kbits (two 9 kbit ports) or 36 kbits (single port). Total distributed block RAM capacity is 4,992 kbits. These resources are distributed across CLB columns and support true dual-port operation with independent read/write clocks. The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C allows byte-write enable and parity generation per 8-bit segment, enabling robust FIFO and cache implementations without external memory.

Is XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C still in active production and supported by AMD?

XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C is in long-term product discontinuation status per AMD's official lifecycle notice. Last-time-buy dates have passed, and new wafer starts ceased in 2012. However, Aetrix Electronics maintains verified, traceable inventory sourced from authorized channels and legacy franchise distributors. The XC4VFX100-10FFG1517C remains fully supported with archived documentation, configuration tools, and technical advisory services for sustaining engineering and obsolescence mitigation programs.