AMD XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C

Overview

XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Virtex-5 FPGA featuring 46,080 logic cells, 2.5 Gbps serial transceivers, and embedded Block RAM totaling 2,088 kbits. It implements high-speed signal processing in telecom line cards and supports PCI Express Gen1 x8 endpoint functionality with integrated RocketIO GTP transceivers.

For engineers reviewing the XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include transceiver data rate, I/O standard support (LVDS, SSTL, HSTL), on-chip memory depth, and thermal performance in air-cooled 1136-pin flip-chip BGA systems.

Technical Context

The XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C uses a 65 nm copper process and employs a hierarchical CLB architecture with four-input LUTs and dual flip-flops per slice. It integrates 12 RocketIO GTP transceivers operating at 100 Mbps–2.5 Gbps, each with dedicated clocking and 8B/10B encoding.

Configuration occurs via Master SelectMAP or JTAG, supporting multi-boot from external SPI flash. The device includes 12 Digital Clock Managers (DCMs) and 20 Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for jitter-reduced clock synthesis and phase alignment across multiple domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C is housed in a 1136-pin flip-chip BGA (FF1136) package with 35×35 mm body size, 1.0 mm ball pitch, and Pb-free / RoHS-compliant construction. Thermal pad on underside requires soldered thermal interface to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA-based system integration applications.

Compared with XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C, the XC5VLX30T offers reduced resources at lower cost for constrained applications, while the XCVU3P delivers generational improvements in speed, integration, and power efficiency-but requires PCB redesign and toolchain migration.

Availability

XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, medical imaging systems, and avionics data concentrators requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C 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 leads development of adaptive computing platforms including FPGAs, ACAPs, and software-defined hardware solutions.

The Virtex-5 family was designed for high-performance, serial connectivity–intensive applications such as wired/wireless infrastructure, defense signal processing, and scientific computing where transceiver density and clock management precision are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported transceiver data rate for XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C?

The XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C integrates RocketIO GTP transceivers rated for operation from 100 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps. Each transceiver supports protocols including CPRI, SATA, and PCIe Gen1. This 2.5 Gbps limit is specified under recommended operating conditions with proper reference clock jitter and PCB layout compliance per Xilinx UG192.

Does XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C support partial reconfiguration?

Yes, XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C supports partial reconfiguration through its ICAP (Internal Configuration Access Port) and dedicated configuration logic. This capability enables dynamic module swapping in the FPGA fabric without resetting the entire device-used in adaptive radio protocols and field-upgradable control firmware. Implementation requires Xilinx ISE 14.7 or later with PlanAhead tools.

What configuration modes are supported by XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C?

XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C supports Master SelectMAP, Slave SelectMAP, JTAG, and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) configuration modes. Mode selection is controlled by M0–M2 pins at power-up. Master SelectMAP allows autonomous boot from external parallel PROM, while SPI mode enables compact flash storage and faster configuration than parallel methods.

Is XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C compatible with Vivado Design Suite?

No, XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C is not supported in Vivado Design Suite. It requires Xilinx ISE Design Suite 14.7-the final ISE release-with specific service packs for Virtex-5 device support. Vivado targets 7-series and newer architectures; attempting to synthesize XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C in Vivado will result in unrecognized part errors.

What thermal management is required for XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C in continuous operation?

XC5VLX50T-1FF1136C requires a thermally enhanced PCB layout with a soldered thermal pad on the package underside connected to an internal ground plane and external heat sink. Under worst-case 85°C ambient and full utilization, junction temperature must remain ≤100°C. Xilinx DS216 specifies a θJA of 10.5°C/W for the FF1136 package with 4-layer board and 2 oz copper.