AMD XC3S500E-4FGG320C

XC3S500E-4FGG320C Xilinx FPGA Spartan-3E FPGA

The XC3S500E-4FGG320C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a high-performance Spartan-3E series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) designed for cost-sensitive applications requiring a balance of logic capacity, performance, and power efficiency.  This advanced FPGA features 11,664 logic cells, 504 KB of block RAM, and 20 dedicated 18x18 multipliers, delivering optimal computational density for a wide range of digital logic implementations.  Housed in a 320-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package, the device operates from a 1.2V core voltage with industrial temperature range support (-40°C to +100°C), making it ideal for consumer electronics, industrial automation, communications equipment, and automotive systems where reliable performance and cost-effectiveness are equally important.  The XC3S500E-4FGG320C leverages 90nm process technology to achieve a maximum operating frequency of 400 MHz while maintaining low static power consumption, and features 221 user I/O pins supporting numerous single-ended and differential I/O standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, and SSTL.

XC3S500E-4FGG320C Applications

The XC3S500E-4FGG320C is extensively used in industrial control systems for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), motor control units, and sensor interface modules where its logic capacity and I/O flexibility enable custom control algorithms.  Consumer electronics applications include digital televisions, set-top boxes, and home networking equipment requiring signal processing and interface bridging functions.  Automotive systems utilize the FPGA for infotainment controllers, driver assistance modules, and body control units where its temperature tolerance and reliability meet automotive requirements.  Communications equipment employs the device for network switches, router interface cards, and base station controllers benefiting from its parallel processing capability.  Additional applications include medical devices, test and measurement instruments, and aerospace systems where the FPGA's reconfigurability and performance provide an optimal balance between flexibility and cost.

Alternative Low-Cost FPGA Recommendations

● Altera Cyclone III EP3C25F324C8N: A 24,624 logic element FPGA with 608 KB memory and 66 18x18 multipliers in a 324-pin FBGA package offering similar logic capacity.

● Lattice ECP3-70EA 7H484I: A 69,888 LUT FPGA with 3.2 Gbps SERDES and 396 KB block RAM in a 484-pin BGA for applications requiring serial connectivity.

● Microsemi ProASIC3 A3P1000-FGG484I: A 1 million system gate FPGA with flash-based configuration and 288 KB memory offering instant-on capability.