XC2C256-6VQ100C - 256-Macrocell CPLD | AMD Xilinx
MPN: XC2C256-6VQ100C ✓ ActiveXC2C256-6VQ100C Overview
A complex programmable logic device is a user-programmable semiconductor positioned between fixed-function logic and field-programmable gate arrays. Whereas an application-specific integrated circuit implements one predefined function, a CPLD allows logic equations, state machines, interfaces, and control logic to be changed without replacing the device. The CoolRunner-II family combines this reconfigurability with low-power operation and predictable timing for communications, industrial control, consumer, and embedded systems.
The XC2C256-6VQ100C provides 256 macrocells and approximately 6K gates for moderately complex control logic. Its six speed grade supports designs operating at up to 256 MHz according to the product specification. The 1.8 V process designation identifies the technology used for the programmable core, while the 100-pin VQFP package supports conventional surface-mount assembly and dense external connectivity.
CoolRunner-II architecture is suited to designs that benefit from non-volatile configuration. Stored configuration allows the logic state to remain available without continuous configuration assistance from an external controller. The 256-macrocell density can support parallel data acquisition logic, protocol conversion, control sequencing, and glue-logic functions without moving to a larger programmable-logic device.
Typical applications include industrial controller interface logic, communications equipment, instrumentation, embedded boot and sequencing, and low-power battery-operated products. The device is particularly useful when several clocks, counters, state machines, and asynchronous interfaces must operate concurrently while preserving a straightforward board-level implementation.
Designers should verify signal integrity, power-supply sequencing, and I/O constraints against the manufacturer datasheet before layout release. Because the exact pin assignments, timing tables, and electrical limits are design-critical, use the AMD/Xilinx package drawing and CoolRunner-II datasheet to assign every ball or lead, especially for differential, configuration, and dedicated pins.
This product page combines the device architecture, verified performance markers, same-package replacement options, application guidance, and engineering-focused design notes. These resources help engineers evaluate the XC2C256-6VQ100C as a low-power, non-volatile CPLD while preserving a practical path to PCB reuse and second sourcing.
Drop-in alternatives for XC2C256-6VQ100C — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with XC2C256-6VQ100C (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Macrocells, Speed Grade, Family, Process Technology.
XC2C256-6VQG100C
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC2C256-7VQ100C
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →XC2C256-7VQG100C
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC2C256-7VQG100I
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC2C256-7VQ100I
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs UnverifiedContact for price
View Datasheet →XC2C256-6VQ100C Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) |
| Device Family | CoolRunner-II |
| Macrocells | 256 macrocells |
| Logic Capacity | 6K gates |
| Maximum Operating Speed | 256 MHz |
| Speed Grade | -6 |
| Process Technology | 0.18 µm CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Package | 100-pin VQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Configuration Memory | Non-volatile programmable configuration |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 256 MHz |
XC2C256-6VQ100C 100-pin vqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for XC2C256-6VQ100C (100-pin vqfp package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for XC2C256-6VQ100C.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
XC2C256-6VQ100C is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control and Sequencer Logic, Communications Interface Consolidation, Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning, Embedded Power Sequencing and Startup Control, Low-Power Portable Instrumentation, Programmable Logic Consolidation.
Industrial Control and Sequencer Logic
The XC2C256-6VQ100C fits deterministic industrial-control functions that combine parallel I/O, counters, timers, interlocks, and state-machine sequencing. Its 256 macrocells and 6K-gate capacity provide enough resources to consolidate several small programmable-logic blocks while the -6 speed grade supports operation up to 256 MHz. The 100-pin VQFP package also gives board designers a conventional surface-mount option with a broad external connection count. When implementing a replacement, keep control-loop timing margins under review because the logic density matches the target exactly but different CoolRunner-II suffixes can alter speed or temperature grade.
Recommended
Communications Interface Consolidation
The XC2C256-6VQ100C is useful for communications equipment requiring programmable data routing, framing, status, and low-speed protocol support close to a transceiver or processor. Its 256 macrocells can combine several state machines and parallel data paths, while the maximum operating speed of 256 MHz provides margin for synchronous logic. The non-volatile programmable configuration also supports repeatable field behavior. For a drop-in redesign, compare the target's -6 timing grade with slower -7 variants and recalculate critical-path constraints even though all listed alternatives retain the same logic capacity.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning
The XC2C256-6VQ100C can implement acquisition control, parallel data capture, trigger sequencing, and digital signal conditioning around an ADC or sensor interface. Its 256 macrocells and 6K-gate capacity allow control logic to be consolidated without moving immediately to an FPGA architecture, and the 100-pin VQFP package provides a dense package for multi-bit buses. The -6 grade is attractive when the acquisition path has short timing margins. Validate every input threshold, output timing, and supply condition against the manufacturer electrical tables before connecting high-speed or precision analog circuitry.
Recommended
Embedded Power Sequencing and Startup Control
The XC2C256-6VQ100C is appropriate for centralizing power-up sequencing, reset generation, rail monitoring logic, and programmable enable coordination across an embedded system. The 256 macrocells provide room for multiple sequencing engines and conditional control paths, while the 1.8 V process designation supports integration into the CoolRunner-II design ecosystem. Because power sequencing is sensitive to timing and voltage behavior, use the -6 option when its timing margin is required and verify every monitored rail against the device's supported input levels. Configuration state should also be considered during brownout and recovery testing.
Recommended
Low-Power Portable Instrumentation
The XC2C256-6VQ100C can consolidate control logic in portable instruments where board space, deterministic operation, and non-volatile configuration are important. Its 256 macrocells cover counters, measurement sequencing, display-control, and interface logic without requiring a large FPGA. The CoolRunner-II family is designed for high-performance and low-power applications, making it suitable for battery-operated equipment and compact test products. When comparing package variants, verify the operating-temperature suffix, power behavior, and configuration method; the same 100-pin footprint alone does not establish that every ordering option satisfies the product's environmental requirements.
Recommended
Programmable Logic Consolidation
The XC2C256-6VQ100C is useful when several PALs, small CPLDs, and discrete glue-logic devices can be consolidated into one programmable package. Its 256 macrocells and 6K-gate capacity provide substantially more integration than simple fixed-function devices, while the 100-pin VQFP package preserves a manageable surface-mount assembly option. The -6 speed grade is useful when timing closure would be harder with a slower -7 replacement. A consolidation project should still perform pin-level equivalence checks because suffix variations may affect temperature grade, qualification, marking, or lifecycle status.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for XC2C256-6VQ100C — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | XC2C256-6VQG100C | XC2C256-7VQ100C | XC2C256-7VQG100C | XC2C256-7VQG100I | XC2C256-7VQ100I |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | AMD | AMD | AMD | AMD | AMD | AMD |
| Package | 100-pin VQFP | 100-pin VQFP | 100-pin VQFP | 100-pin VQFP | 100-pin VQFP | 100-pin VQFP |
| Macrocells | 256 macrocells | 256 macrocells | 256 macrocells | 256 macrocells | 256 macrocells | 256 macrocells |
| Logic Capacity | 6K gates | 6K gates | 6K gates | 6K gates | 6K gates | 6K gates |
| Speed Grade | -6 | -6 | -7 | -7 | -7 | -7 |
| Process Technology | 0.18 µm CMOS | 0.18 µm CMOS | 0.18 µm CMOS | 0.18 µm CMOS | 0.18 µm CMOS | 0.18 µm CMOS |
| Core Process Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Configuration Type | Non-volatile programmable configuration | Non-volatile programmable configuration | Non-volatile programmable configuration | Non-volatile programmable configuration | Non-volatile programmable configuration | Non-volatile programmable configuration |
Key Differentiators
- Faster timing grade within the same 100-pin CoolRunner-II family (vs XC2C256-7VQ100C)
- Closest ordering-option match without a speed-grade change (vs XC2C256-6VQG100C)
- Full logic-density retention across every listed replacement (vs XC2C256-7VQG100I)
Design Notes
Use the -6 speed grade as the timing baseline and preserve margin for the longest register-to-register, combinatorial, and I/O paths. The listed -7 alternatives use a 7.5 ns propagation delay, so they can alter closure even though their macrocell and gate capacity are unchanged. Recompile with the actual alternative MPN, rerun static timing analysis, and check asynchronous recovery/removal behavior before approving a substitution.
Route configuration, clock, and high-speed I/O nets with short paths and avoid sharing susceptible routes with adjacent switching outputs. Follow the manufacturer package drawing for lead pitch, pin-one orientation, courtyard, and soldering profile. Because this is a 100-lead VQFP, inspect paste coverage and solder-joint formation carefully, especially under the lead span where voiding can reduce joint reliability.
Decouple each applicable supply rail near the device using the capacitance and placement required by the manufacturer datasheet. Account for simultaneous switching current, output-driver loading, and adjacent logic activity when sizing local bulk and high-frequency bypass capacitors. Verify power-up and power-down ordering against configuration and I/O requirements; nominal 1.8 V process information should not be used as a substitute for the complete core and I/O supply limits.
Do not treat identical package drawings as proof of unconditional interchangeability. Compare the complete ordering suffix for speed grade, temperature grade, qualification, lead-free status, device marking, and lifecycle requirements. In particular, the XC2C256-6VQG100C differs from the target by suffix, while the -7 alternatives add a timing change. Approve substitutions only after the device programmer configuration and pinout checks pass.
Compliance Information
No definitive compliance declaration or qualification statement was identified for the exact ordering code. Confirm RoHS, REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, and AEC-Q100 status with AMD/Xilinx or the authorized supply channel before release.
