Xilinx Virtex-4 LX Series FPGA — XC4VLX40 / XC4VLX100 / XC4VLX200 Technical Overview
The Xilinx Virtex-4 LX family is designed for high-performance logic-intensive applications requiring large logic density, abundant I/O resources, and deterministic timing behavior. Devices such as XC4VLX40, XC4VLX100, and XC4VLX200 remain widely deployed in telecom infrastructure, industrial automation, defense systems, and high-reliability embedded platforms.
These devices combine advanced 90nm CMOS process technology with optimized logic fabric architecture, enabling high system throughput while maintaining stable operation across extended temperature ranges.
LXB Semicon currently has stock available for the following Xilinx Virtex-4 LX FPGA models:
XC4VLX200-10FFG1513I
XC4VLX200-11FFG1513I
XC4VLX200-10FFG1513C
XC4VLX200-11FFG1513C
XC4VLX40-10FFG668I
XC4VLX40-11FFG668I
XC4VLX40-10FFG668C
XC4VLX40-11FFG668C
XC4VLX100-10FFG1148I
XC4VLX100-11FFG1148I
XC4VLX100-10FFG1148C
XC4VLX100-11FFG1148C
All of these parts are original Xilinx devices and are physically in stock at LXB Semicon, ready for fast shipment. This allows us to support urgent production schedules and reduce customer lead times.
Architecture and Logic Resources
Virtex-4 LX devices implement a scalable logic architecture based on configurable logic blocks (CLBs) composed of:
4-input LUT-based logic cells
High-performance carry chains for arithmetic acceleration
Distributed RAM and shift-register LUTs (SRLs)
Dedicated clock management tiles (DCMs)
Logic Density Comparison
| Device | Logic Cells (Approx.) | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| XC4VLX40 | ~41K | Control logic, protocol processing |
| XC4VLX100 | ~102K | Mid-scale networking and signal aggregation |
| XC4VLX200 | ~200K | High-density processing and multi-channel systems |
This density range allows designers to scale from control-centric designs up to multi-core embedded processing systems without changing FPGA architecture.
Speed Grades and Timing Performance
The listed devices include -10 and -11 speed grades, representing two performance tiers:
-11 Speed Grade
Optimized for higher maximum clock frequencies and tighter timing margins. Suitable for real-time data processing, high-speed interfaces, and latency-sensitive logic paths.-10 Speed Grade
Balanced performance with improved power efficiency and relaxed timing constraints. Often selected for cost-optimized industrial and infrastructure designs.
Designers typically select the speed grade based on critical path timing closure requirements and power budget constraints.
Package Options and I/O Capability
The FFG (Fine-Pitch Flip-Chip BGA) packages provide high pin-count support and strong signal integrity characteristics.
Supported Packages in This Series
| Package | Pin Count | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| FFG668 | 668 pins | Compact boards with moderate I/O needs |
| FFG1148 | 1148 pins | Multi-interface systems |
| FFG1513 | 1513 pins | High-channel density and backplane systems |
The large I/O capacity allows support for:
LVTTL / LVCMOS
LVDS differential signaling
High-speed memory interfaces
Multi-channel parallel data buses
This flexibility makes Virtex-4 LX suitable for interface-rich platforms such as telecom line cards and industrial controllers.
Temperature Grades: Commercial vs Industrial
The listed models include both C (Commercial) and I (Industrial) temperature grades:
Commercial (C): 0°C to +85°C
Suitable for data centers, laboratory equipment, and controlled indoor environments.Industrial (I): –40°C to +100°C
Designed for outdoor equipment, factory automation, transportation systems, and rugged embedded platforms.
Industrial-grade parts are commonly specified in mission-critical systems requiring stable long-term operation under harsh environmental conditions.
Memory and Embedded Features
Virtex-4 LX devices integrate:
Distributed RAM within logic blocks
Block RAM (BRAM) for buffering and FIFO implementation
High-performance clock networks
Multiple Digital Clock Managers (DCMs)
These resources enable designers to implement:
Real-time buffering
Protocol packet processing
Embedded state machines
High-speed data acquisition pipelines
Typical Application Scenarios
The XC4VLX40 / XC4VLX100 / XC4VLX200 family is commonly deployed in:
Telecommunications Equipment
Baseband processing
Packet classification
Backplane switching logic
Industrial Automation
Motion control systems
PLC logic expansion
Industrial Ethernet gateways
Defense and Aerospace
Radar signal preprocessing
Secure communication platforms
Avionics interface controllers
Medical and Imaging Systems
High-speed data aggregation
Image acquisition pipelines
Diagnostic instrumentation control
Long Lifecycle and Legacy System Support
Although Virtex-4 is a mature FPGA generation, many OEM systems still depend on these devices due to:
Long product qualification cycles
Regulatory certification requirements
System redesign cost constraints
As a result, stable supply sourcing and compatibility with existing PCB designs remain critical for maintenance and production continuity.
Summary
The Xilinx Virtex-4 LX series including XC4VLX40, XC4VLX100, and XC4VLX200 continues to provide reliable high-density logic performance for industrial-grade and infrastructure-level systems.
With multiple speed grades, extended temperature options, and high-pin-count BGA packages, these devices remain suitable for long-term deployment in performance-sensitive embedded applications.