Xilinx XC7a50T-2FGG484i is an integrated circuit board that uses embedded Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to aid the design and reconfiguration of different electronic devices.
It is one of the popular FPGAs in the Xilinx Artix-7 Family.
This article details everything you need to know about these gate arrays, as well as some of the features.
The Background
We would like to talk a bit about the background of these gate arrays. It is one of the series released under Xilinx Artix-7.
Like other Artix-7 FPGAs, the XC7a50T-2FGG484i is one of the cost-effective because it uses both AMS integration and DSP processing.
It also features transceiver line rates and higher performance-per-watt fabric used for optimizing the costs and improving efficiency.
Features of the XC7a50T-2FGG484i FPGA
What are those features that make XC7a50T-2FGG484i one of the best Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) be categorized under the Artix-7 Family?
We are about to show you some of them. These features cut across different important metrics, such as power, cost reduction, and improved technology.
Cost Reduction
Reducing cost is very essential because designers and re-programmers do not want to spend more money when fine-tuning a circuit board.
That is why the different cost reduction mechanisms used on the XC7a50T-2FGG484i FPGA are impressive.
Here are some of the ways you can maximize the cost reduction of this board:
1. AMS Integration
The board integrates AMS, which combines with the DSP processing to deliver a fully cost-effective design.
Besides, the board supports 1,066Mb/s DDR3 support, which is powered by the MicroBlaze soft processor.
2. Mixed Signal Integration
The board also features analog mixed-signal integration, as well as low-cost, lidless flip-chip package options that make it truly affordable.
Power Considerations
The power considerations are also one of the innovative features of the XC7a50T-2FGG484i FPGA. It is common knowledge that Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) process a lot at the same time.
So, it is impressive to see that this gate array is doing something different to address excess power consumption.
Here are some of the power-sensitive features on the XC7a50T-2FGG484i:
1. Ideal for Sensitive Markets
The board can be used across different markets, including markets that are particular about power. This is because of the combined size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) demands.
In light of that, the XC7a50T-2FGG484i can be used in some of the power-sensitive markets including Communications and Avionics.
It is also ideal for some other power-sensitive applications, such as:
- Low-end wireless backhaul
- Software-defined radio
- Machine vision cameras
The XC7a50T-2FGG484i is also designed to work optimally, irrespective of the applications. For example, it can be optimized for low-power applications that require Logic throughput, serial transceivers, and high DSP.
2. Power Reduction
As much as the gate array can be optimized to work in different applications, there may also be a need to reduce the power.
In such a case, the gate array will release the total power reduction feature that reduces 50% lower power and 65% lower static than 45nm generation devices.
Overall Performance
What is the performance level of the XC7a50T-2FGG484i? The performance of this gate array is facilitated in different ways.
Here are some of the metrics for judging the performance level:
1. State-of-the-art Performance
The improved performance of this gate array is possible because of the 28nm High-k Metal Gate (HKMG) technology. This technology works well even under Low Power (HPL). That way, power wouldn’t be excessive, and the gate array will function as it should.
2. SelectIO Technology
The XC7a50T-2FGG484i also uses the high-performance Select IO Technology that supports DDR3 interfaces that can be as high as 1866Mb/s.
3. Powerful CMT
The gate array also prioritizes the Clock Management Tiles (CMT), which is why it is combined with the mixed clock manager and phase-locked loop.
Programmable System
The Artix-7 architecture also makes it easier to program the system integration on XC7a50T-2FGG484i. The programmed integration does not only increase the system performance. It also reduces the cost of the Bill of Materials (BOM).
Variety of Configurable Options
The XC7a50T-2FGG484i can also be configured into different options. Some of the options are:
- Commodity memories
- 6-input Lookup Table Technology
- User-configurable analog interface
Design Productivity
The XC7a50T-2FGG484i also has a productive design. At the core of the productivity is the scalable optimized architecture that can be fine-tuned to fit into a variety of purposes.
The accelerated design productivity also includes comprehensive tools and IP.
Here is the additional design productiveness of the XC7a50T-2FGG484i Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
1. Speed
The speed of this gate array is facilitated in many ways. The most common is the 1.2V to 3.3.V I/O voltage, high-speed serial connectivity that comes with built-in gigabit transceivers.
The second aspect of the speed is the -3, -2, -1, -1L, -2L speed grade options. These speed grade options also come with up to 100 degrees Celsius temperatures.
2. Logic Cells
The 215K Logic Cells also play a vital role in the accelerated speed of the gate array. The logic cells work alongside the 740 DSP slices, 929 GMAC/s, 13Mb BRAM, and 16 transceivers that can have up to 6.6 GB/s transceiver speed.
The speed of the gate array also includes important features, such as x4 Gen2 PCIe interface and 500 I/O Pins. It also includes 211 GB/s serial bandwidth.
Security Architecture
For the XC7a50T-2FGG484i FPGA to function optimally, it needs to have relevant security architecture or a valid means of authentication.
That is not missing because the gate array has the 256bit AES encryption that doubles the security layer with the HMAC/SHA-256 authentication.
The security architecture is tripled by the SEU detection and correction feature.
With those in place, designers will be confident using the XC7a50T-2FGG484i because the security has been secured from all angles.
Wrapping Up
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) can make your reprogramming or reconfiguration job easier. You just need to get the right board for the job.
The XC7a50T-2FGG484i is all shades of what an ideal FPGA should be. From speed to improved security and better performance – it has it all.
