XC3S50-4TQ144I

Field Programmable Gate Array Overview

The XC3S50-4TQ144I is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) belonging to the AMD Spartan-3 family. It features 50,000 system gates and 176 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs). The device operates at a maximum frequency of 280 MHz in the -4 speed grade. It utilizes a 90 nm process technology and supports a core voltage of 1.2 V. The component is housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP) with a pitch of 0.5 mm. It includes 144 user I/O pins and supports multiple configuration modes via external serial or parallel flash memory.

Field Programmable Gate Array Feature Summary

• Provides flexible logic resources through an architecture based on Configurable Logic Blocks and distributed Look-Up Tables for complex digital design implementation.
• Supports diverse I/O standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, and differential signaling to interface with various peripheral devices and communication protocols.
• Enables non-volatile configuration using external serial or parallel flash memory, allowing the FPGA to initialize automatically upon power-up.

Field Programmable Gate Array Applications

• Glue logic replacement in embedded systems
• Interface bridging between disparate protocol domains
• Low-speed data acquisition and buffering

Field Programmable Gate Array Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'I' indicates industrial temperature range compliance (-40°C to +85°C) against the manufacturer's official datasheet. Confirm package dimensions match the 144-pin TQFP specification. Ensure the design accounts for the SRAM-based nature requiring external configuration memory for persistent operation.

Field Programmable Gate Array Selection Notes

Select this component when moderate logic density around 50,000 gates is required within a cost-sensitive embedded application. Consider the TQFP package only if board space permits its larger footprint compared to BGA options. Verify that the -4 speed grade meets the timing requirements of the target clock frequencies.

Field Programmable Gate Array Part Context

This part belongs to the Spartan-3 FPGA family, which was designed for high-volume, cost-effective applications. It succeeded earlier Spartan-II devices and offered improved performance per dollar. The family is characterized by its balance of logic capacity and I/O flexibility, targeting consumer electronics and industrial control markets.

Field Programmable Gate Array Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-to-pin replacements are limited due to architectural differences. Review the Spartan-3A series for enhanced I/O capabilities and lower power consumption. Evaluate newer UltraScale+ families for long-term supply assurance, though physical compatibility will require redesign.