Introduction
The Xilinx XC6SLX4-2TQG144C is a small form factor FPGA that is part of the Spartan-6 low-cost FPGA family. With abundant logic, memory, and DSP slices combined with high-speed serial transceivers and a wealth of I/O, this device provides a capable programmable logic foundation for cost-sensitive applications.
Some key highlights of the XC6SLX4 FPGA include:
- Built on 45nm process technology
- Contains 3,664 logic slices
- 92 Kb block RAM capacity
- 16 DSP48A1 slices with 25×18 multipliers
- Multi-gigabit serial transceivers
- 424 user I/O pins
- Low-power 1.0V core supply
- Space-saving 144-pin TQG package
In this overview article, we will explore the XC6SLX4 architecture, functionality, design tools, and typical applications to better understand the value this FPGA brings.
XC6SLX4 Architecture
The XC6SLX4 utilizes a streamlined architecture to provide balanced programmable logic capability.
Configurable Logic Blocks
The core programmable logic fabric consists of slices containing:
- 4 LUTs + 8 flip-flops per slice
- Arithmetic carry circuits
- Memory LUTs
XC6SLX4 contains a total of 3,664 slices, organized into 332 configurable logic blocks (CLBs).
Block RAM
92Kb of dual-port block RAM provides on-chip data storage:
- 116 blocks of 36Kb each
- True dual read/write ports
- Configurable as RAM, ROM or FIFO
Block RAM enables buffering data on the FPGA without consuming logic slices.
DSP Slices
16 dedicated low-power DSP slices provide:
- 25×18 bit signed multipliers
- 48-bit adder/accumulator
- Cascade connections
DSP slices are optimized for implementing filters, FFTs, and other signal processing algorithms.
I/O
The FPGA includes:
- 424 user I/O pins
- Flexible interfacing options
- 1.2V to 3.3V I/O standards
- Multi-gigabit serial transceivers
Abundant I/O enables connecting to a wide range of interfaces and peripherals.
XC6SLX4 Features
Here are some of the key features and specifications of the Xilinx XC6SLX4-2TQG144C FPGA:
Logic Cells
- 3,664 logic slices
- 14,656 LUTs
- 29,312 flip-flops
- 332 CLBs
Block RAM
- 92Kb total
- 116 x 36Kb blocks
- 4-36Kb RAM selectable
DSP Slices
- 16 x DSP48A1 slices
- 25×18 multipliers
Transceivers
- 4x 3.2Gbps RocketIO
I/O Pins
- 424 user I/O
- High-speed connectors
Nominal Power
- 1.0V core voltage
- 0.8W total power consumption
Packaging
- 15mm x 15mm, 0.8mm pitch
- 144-pin TQG package
- 1326-pin BGA footprint
XC6SLX4 Design Tools
Xilinx provides the ISE Design Suite for developing with the Spartan-6 family:
ISE WebPACK
- VHDL, Verilog and schematic design entry
- XST synthesis
- Xilinx Platform Studio development
- ISim simulator
ChipScope Tools
- Debug and analyze logic post-synthesis
- Virtual I/O, logic analyzer
EDK Embedded Tools
- Microblaze soft-core processors
- Device drivers, RTOS, stacks
- Debugging and analysis
Robust tools supports the full FPGA development cycle.
XC6SLX4 Applications
With its balance of programmable logic, DSP, and transceivers, the XC6SLX4 suits a wide range of digital systems:
- Wireless communications infrastructure
- Video and image processing
- Automotive driver assistance
- Instrumentation and industrial automation
- Functional test and verification
- Pre-silicon prototyping
- Digital signal processing
For these embedded and signal processing applications, the XC6SLX4 provides a great mix of capability and low cost.
Comparison to CoolRunner-II CPLD
Compared to the CoolRunner-II CPLD such as XC2C64A:
- XC6SLX4 provides abundant FPGA fabric vs CPLD macrocells
- Higher performance programmable logic
- Dedicated DSP blocks for complex math
- Multi-gigabit serial transceivers
- Much more block RAM on-chip memory
- Lower cost per logic cell
For more demanding logic, DSP, and high-speed I/O the XC6SLX4 is far more capable than CPLDs.
Conclusion
The Xilinx XC6SLX4 packs robust Spartan-6 FPGA resources into a compact form factor ideal for space-constrained applications. With abundant logic slices, ample memory, dedicated DSP, multi-gigabit transceivers, feature-rich I/O, and low-power consumption, this FPGA provides outstanding value. The ISE Design Suite enables tapping into the XC6SLX4 capabilities using standard languages and development flows. For balanced yet cost-optimized programmable acceleration, the XC6SLX4 FPGA is an excellent choice.
XC6SLX4 FPGA FAQ
Here are some common questions about the Xilinx XC6SLX4-2TQG144C FPGA:
What type of design entry methods can be used with the XC6SLX4?
VHDL, Verilog, and schematic capture are all supported. The XST synthesizer supports these for synthesis into the FPGA hardware.
What are the main clock rates supported by the XC6SLX4 FPGA?
The FPGA fabric supports over 550 MHz operation. The high-speed serial transceivers support up to 3.2 Gbps.
What are the power supply voltages required for the XC6SLX4?
The core FPGA logic operates at 1.0V nominal. Periphery I/O supports 1.2V to 3.3V signaling standards.
What types of block RAM are available in the XC6SLX4?
It contains 116 x 36Kb true dual-port block RAM that can optionally be configured as 4 smaller 9Kb blocks.
How does the XC6SLX4 compare to the lower cost XC3S50AN?
The XC6SLX4 has much higher logic capacity, DSP slices, transceivers, and block RAM. The XC3S50AN is more compact basic logic.
