AMD XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C

Overview

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a high-performance Virtex-5 FPGA featuring 155,328 logic cells, 12.5 Mb of block RAM, and 640 DSP48E slices. It supports PCIe Gen1 x8, DDR2-533 memory interfaces, and operates at -1 speed grade with 1.0V core voltage. It is used in high-bandwidth digital signal processing systems such as radar beamforming and multi-channel software-defined radio.

For engineers reviewing the XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include I/O count (720 user I/Os), transceiver capability (no integrated transceivers), thermal design for FFG1738 package, and compatibility with ISE 14.7 toolchain.

Technical Context

The XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C implements a column-based architecture with configurable logic blocks (CLBs), dedicated DSP slices, and hierarchical clock networks. It supports SelectIO standards including LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, and differential signaling up to 1.25 Gbps per I/O pair.

It lacks built-in multi-gigabit transceivers (MGTs), distinguishing it from the LX155T-1FFG1738I variant with transceivers. Configuration is performed via Master SelectMAP or JTAG using external PROM or processor-controlled interface.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C is housed in a 1738-pin flip-chip BGA (FFG1738) package with 720 user-configurable I/Os distributed across 16 banks. Power delivery includes dedicated VCCINT, VCCAUX, VCCO, and VREF pins per bank; configuration pins (INIT_B, PROGRAM_B, CCLK, DIN) are located on Bank 0 and Bank 16.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-density logic and DSP-intensive applications.

Compared with XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C, the XC5VLX330T offers headroom for logic expansion but increases thermal load, while the XC6VLX240T delivers architectural improvements and smaller package at the cost of toolchain migration and revalidation effort.

Availability

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar signal processing, medical imaging backend, and industrial machine vision applications requiring stable component supply throughout extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C 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.

The Virtex-5 family was designed for high-performance logic, DSP, and connectivity applications in aerospace, defense, and medical imaging systems where deterministic timing and large on-chip memory are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported memory interface speed for XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C?

The XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C supports DDR2-533 memory interfaces with 275 MHz clock frequency. Its I/O banks are configured for SSTL18_I standard, enabling reliable 533 Mbps data rates per pin. The FPGA's memory controller IP supports single-ended and differential address/control signals, and timing closure is validated up to 275 MHz under -1 speed grade conditions. XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C does not support DDR3 or LPDDR interfaces.

Does XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C include integrated multi-gigabit transceivers?

No, XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C does not include integrated multi-gigabit transceivers. It belongs to the LX (Logic) subfamily of Virtex-5, which omits MGTs to reduce cost and power. High-speed serial connectivity must be implemented externally using discrete transceivers or parallel I/O with source-synchronous timing. This distinguishes XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C from the SX (Signal Processing) or FX (Fusion + Transceivers) variants in the same generation.

Which Xilinx ISE version fully supports XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C design flow and timing analysis?

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C is fully supported in Xilinx ISE Design Suite 14.7, including synthesis, place-and-route, and static timing analysis. Earlier versions (e.g., ISE 13.4) support basic functionality but lack updated speed files for -1 speed grade corner cases. ISE 14.7 includes verified device models, constraint templates, and bitstream generation compatible with XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C FFG1738 package routing rules.

What thermal management considerations apply to XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C in continuous operation?

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C requires active thermal management due to its 1738-pin FFG1738 package and typical power dissipation of 8–12 W under full utilization. Recommended PCB layout includes ≥12 thermal vias under the die area, 2 oz copper planes for VCCINT and ground, and a heatsink with ≥15°C/W thermal resistance. Junction temperature must remain below 100°C per Xilinx DS100 specification. XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C thermal data is validated for commercial temperature grade (0°C to 85°C ambient).

Can XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C be configured via JTAG only, or are other methods supported?

XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C supports multiple configuration modes: JTAG, Master SelectMAP, Slave SelectMAP, and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). JTAG is used for debugging and initial programming, while Master SelectMAP enables autonomous boot from external flash. The configuration mode is selected via MODE pins (M2:M0); XC5VLX155T-1FFG1738C does not require external microcontroller control when using Master SelectMAP with PROM.