Sourcing Xilinx Virtex-5 FXT FPGAs: A Technical Guide to the XC5VFX30T and XC5VFX130T Series
In the world of high-performance embedded systems, few FPGA families have maintained the longevity and trust of the Xilinx Virtex-5 FXT series. Even as newer UltraScale+ architectures dominate the headlines, the Virtex-5 FXT remains a “workhorse” for critical infrastructure, defense, and industrial automation.
At LXB Semicon, we frequently receive inquiries regarding specific variants of the XC5VFX30T and XC5VFX130T. In this guide, we’ll break down the technical nuances of these models and why choosing the right suffix—be it -1, -2, -C, or -I—is vital for your system’s reliability.
1. The Power of Integrated Processing: Why “FXT”?
Unlike the logic-focused LX or the serial-I/O optimized LXT, the FXT platform is a true System-on-Chip (SoC) solution. It integrates:
Hard-core PowerPC® 440 processor blocks for deterministic control.
RocketIO™ GTX transceivers supporting up to 6.5 Gbps.
High-performance DSP48E slices for math-intensive workloads.
Whether you are looking at the compact XC5VFX30T (32k logic cells) or the massive XC5VFX130T (131k logic cells), you are getting a device capable of handling both complex data-plane and control-plane tasks.
2. Speed Grades and Temperature: Decoding the Part Numbers
When sourcing from LXB Semicon, understanding the difference between a -1FFG665C and a -2FFG665I is the key to avoiding timing failures or thermal shutdowns.
The Speed Grade (-1 vs -2): The -2 grade offers approximately 15% better timing margins. For high-frequency designs or those with high logic utilization, the -2 grade (like the XC5VFX30T-2FFG665C) is often necessary to achieve timing closure.
Commercial vs. Industrial (-C vs -I): * Commercial (-C): 0°C to +85°C.
Industrial (-I): -40°C to +100°C.
Pro-tip: In today’s volatile supply chain, an Industrial grade part (e.g., XC5VFX130T-1FFG1738I) can always replace a Commercial part, offering higher reliability and a wider safety margin.
| Model Series | Ideal For | Key Hardware Feature | Software Support |
| XC5VFX30T | Compact Industrial Embedded Systems | Single PowerPC 440 + 8 GTX Transceivers | Xilinx ISE 14.7 |
| XC5VFX70T | Mid-range Signal Processing & Robotics | Balanced Logic (71K LC) + 16 GTX | Xilinx ISE 14.7 |
| XC5VFX100T | High-end Networking & Communication | Dual PowerPC Blocks + High Logic Density | Xilinx ISE 14.7 |
| XC5VFX130T | Defense, Aerospace & Supercomputing | 131K Logic Cells + 20 GTX Transceivers | Xilinx ISE 14.7 |
3. The “Leaded” Necessity: FF1738 vs. FFG1738
One of the most frequent technical questions we answer involves the “G” suffix.
FFG1738: RoHS-compliant, lead-free.
FF1738: Standard leaded (Sn/Pb) BGA.
For aerospace and mission-critical defense projects, leaded solder balls are often mandatory to prevent “tin whiskers” and ensure joint integrity under high vibration. LXB Semicon continues to support these specialized requirements with original XC5VFX130T-2FF1738I stock, ensuring that legacy mission-critical hardware remains operational.
4. Software Compatibility Warning
Engineers should remember that the Virtex-5 series is supported by the Xilinx ISE® Design Suite (up to version 14.7). These parts are not supported by Vivado®. If you are maintaining a legacy system, ensure your development environment is preserved.
5. Why LXB Semicon for your Virtex-5 Needs?
Sourcing “mature” or “legacy” FPGAs carries risks of counterfeits or poorly stored “pulls.” At LXB Semicon, we mitigate these risks through:
Strict MSL/ESD Protocols: FPGAs like the 1738-pin BGA are highly sensitive to moisture. We ship in vacuum-sealed, desiccated packaging.
Authenticity Verification: Every chip is visually and technically inspected to ensure it is original Xilinx/AMD silicon.
Real-Time Stocking: We focus on the high-demand, hard-to-find grades that Tier-1 distributors may no longer support.
Conclusion
The Virtex-5 FXT series continues to be a cornerstone of modern industrial and defense technology. Whether you need the compact XC5VFX30T-1FFG665I for a rugged controller or the high-speed XC5VFX130T-2FFG1738C for a networking switch, getting the right spec is non-negotiable.
Need a quote or a specific date-code verification? Contact the LXB Semicon sales team today at harriet@lxbchip.com or visit our product catalog to view our current inventory.