AMD XC4008-5PQ208C

XC4000 FPGA IC -- XC4008-5PQ208C Chip Details

1. Overview

The XC4008-5PQ208C is a member of the Xilinx XC4000 family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), designed for high-performance digital logic applications.  This chip features a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Package (PQFP), operates at a speed grade of -5 (indicating optimized timing performance), and leverages Xilinx’s advanced SRAM-based configuration technology.  With approximately 8,000 usable gates and a flexible architecture, it supports reconfigurable logic designs, making it ideal for prototyping and medium-complexity systems.  Its 5V core voltage and robust I/O compatibility ensure seamless integration into mixed-voltage environments.

2. Key Features

The XC4008-5PQ208C stands out with its high-density programmable logic cells, offering 100 configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and 160 user I/O pins.  It incorporates dedicated on-chip RAM blocks (up to 32 bits per CLB) for distributed memory applications and supports fast carry logic for arithmetic operations.  The device utilizes Xilinx’s patented interconnect architecture, enabling low-skew clock distribution and high-speed signal routing.  With a typical propagation delay of 5 ns for critical paths, it balances performance and power efficiency, consuming less than 1W under active conditions.

3. Applications

This FPGA is widely used in industrial automation, telecommunications, and embedded control systems.  It excels in applications such as protocol conversion (e.g., UART, SPI), motor control interfaces, and real-time data processing.  Additionally, its reprogrammability makes it a cost-effective solution for prototyping ASIC designs, military signal processing modules, and legacy system upgrades.  The chip’s resilience to radiation (for commercial-grade use) and extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) further suit automotive and aerospace subsystems.

4. Selection Advantages

Choosing the XC4008-5PQ208C provides engineers with unparalleled design flexibility and time-to-market advantages.  Its compatibility with Xilinx’s development tools (e.g., XACTstep) simplifies logic synthesis and verification.  The FPGA’s field-upgradability reduces lifecycle costs, while its mature technology ensures reliable long-term supply for legacy systems.  Compared to fixed-function ASICs, it eliminates NRE (non-recurring engineering) expenses and supports iterative development.  For low-to-mid-volume production, it delivers superior cost-performance ratios, particularly in scenarios requiring rapid customization or post-deployment firmware updates.