XC9572XL - 3.3V 72-Macrocell CPLD 5ns | Xilinx AMD
MPN: XC9572XL β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.85 | $5.85 |
| 10 | $5.27 | $52.70 |
| 100 | $4.68 | $468.00 |
| 500 | $4.22 | $2,110.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.9 | $3,900.00 |
XC9572XL Overview
A CPLD is a type of programmable logic device that sits between simple PLDs and FPGAs in the programmable logic hierarchy. Unlike FPGAs, which use look-up tables and volatile configuration memory, CPLDs use macrocell-based sum-of-products architecture with nonvolatile program storage, delivering deterministic, pin-to-pin timing and instant-on operation at power-up. This makes CPLDs the workhorse choice for glue logic, bus interfacing, and power-sequencing control in embedded systems.
The XC9572XL is comprised of four 54V18 Function Blocks, each containing 18 macrocells. Key features include 3.3V core operation targeted at high-performance, low-voltage applications in leading-edge communications and computing systems; industry-leading pin-locking capability through a switch matrix that routes flexibly; and multiple speed grades (-5, -7, -10) so designers can trade speed against cost. Individual output enables and slew-rate-limited outputs ease 3.3V bus interfacing.
Architecturally, every macrocell is a registered or combinational function generator with product-term allocation, allowing dense state machines without wasting resources. Because configuration is stored in nonvolatile memory across the XC9500XL family, no external boot flash or configuration controller is required, simplifying BOM and board design compared with SRAM-based FPGAs.
Typical applications include address decoding and glue logic in embedded processors, bus bridging and interfacing in communications equipment, power-up reset and sequencing control, industrial I/O expansion, and legacy system life-cycle extensions where deterministic timing matters.
Design-wise, use the -5 speed grade only where the 5 ns timing is genuinely needed; the -10 grade offers the best value for most glue-logic tasks. Note that design entry requires the legacy Xilinx ISE toolchain, which no longer runs natively on modern Windows.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across speed grades and packages, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet DS057.
Drop-in alternatives for XC9572XL β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
XC9572XL-5VQ44C
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC9572XL-7VQ44C
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC9572XL-10VQG44C
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
XC9572XL Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Logic Family | XC9500XL CPLD |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Usable Gates | 1,600 |
| Macrocells | 72 |
| Function Blocks | 4 (54V18 Function Blocks) |
| Pin-to-Pin Propagation Delay | 5 ns (fastest speed grade) |
| Speed Grades | -5, -7, -10 |
| Program Memory Type | Nonvolatile (in-system programmable) |
| Target Applications | High-performance, low-voltage communications and computing systems |
| Package Options | VQFP-44 (VQ44), VQFP-64 (VQ64), CSP48 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature (C suffix) | 0C to +70C |
| Operating Temperature (I suffix) | -40C to +85C |
| Design Software | Xilinx ISE |
| Manufacturer | Xilinx (AMD) |
XC9572XL vqfp-44 (vq44), vqfp-64 (vq64), csp48 Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for XC9572XL (vqfp-44 (vq44), vqfp-64 (vq64), csp48 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 XC9572XL.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
XC9572XL is suitable for 6 applications: Address Decoding and Glue Logic, Communications and Networking Equipment, Power Sequencing and Reset Control, Legacy System Life-Cycle Extension, FPGA Configuration and System Control, Industrial I/O Expansion and Interfacing.
Address Decoding and Glue Logic
The XC9572XL is the classic choice for processor glue logic: 72 macrocells in four 54V18 Function Blocks implement address comparators, chip-select generation, wait-state logic, and bus transceiver control with deterministic 5-10 ns pin-to-pin delays. Because its configuration is nonvolatile, decode logic is active the instant power is applied, which is essential for processor boot sequences that need chip selects before software runs. The 3.3V supply matches modern microprocessor I/O rails directly, and individual output enables let one device serve multiple shared buses. Unlike an SRAM FPGA, no external boot flash or configuration controller is needed, reducing BOM cost and board area. Use the -10 speed grade for most decode tasks and reserve the -5 grade for very fast bus interfaces. Per the DS057 datasheet, the switch matrix preserves pin assignments across design changes, protecting PCB layout investment during ECOs.
Recommended
Communications and Networking Equipment
Per the DS057 datasheet, the XC9572XL was explicitly targeted at high-performance, low-voltage applications in leading-edge communications and computing systems, and it remains common in line cards, control planes, and backplane interfaces. The 3.3V I/O directly drives standard telecom logic levels, and the 5 ns (-5 grade) pin-to-pin delay supports fast handshaking between PHYs, MACs, and system controllers. The 72 macrocells absorb frame-sync generation, LED/status multiplexing, interrupt aggregation, and FPGA configuration control (done/init sequencing). Its nonvolatile programming means line cards are functional at slot insertion without a host download, simplifying hot-swap behavior. Slew-rate-limited outputs help control signal integrity on backplane traces. For designs that outgrow 72 macrocells, the pin-compatible XC95144XL doubles the resources within the same XC9500XL toolchain and programming flow.
Recommended
Power Sequencing and Reset Control
Multi-rail boards need supervised power-up sequencing, and the XC9572XL implements it in silicon that is active at the first millivolt thanks to nonvolatile configuration. Typical functions include rail-monitor AND/gating of power-good signals, enable sequencing of DC-DC converters, watchdog and reset generation using the dedicated GSR global set/reset resource, and brownout latch logic. The deterministic 5-10 ns pin-to-pin delay means enable skew between rails is predictable and repeatable across units, unlike microcontroller-based sequencing that depends on firmware boot time. The dedicated GCK global clock supports measured delay counters, and the GTS global three-state control lets all outputs park safely during fault conditions. With 72 macrocells there is ample headroom to combine sequencing with other control glue logic, eliminating a discrete supervisor IC in cost-sensitive designs.
Recommended
Legacy System Life-Cycle Extension
The XC9500XL family, including the XC9536XL, XC9572XL, and XC95144XL per distributor IC-Components data, is a mainstay for keeping legacy industrial, test, and communications equipment alive after original PLDs (such as older EPM7128-class devices or PAL/GAL devices) go end-of-life. The XC9572XL's 72 macrocells comfortably absorb several classic 22V10 or 16V8 devices, consolidating multiple obsolete parts into one available chip. Its JTAG in-system programming allows field retrofit through existing headers without desoldering. Because program storage is nonvolatile, replacement boards behave identically to originals at power-up. The main caution is toolchain: design updates require the legacy Xilinx ISE software, which no longer runs natively on Windows 10, so maintain a VM or Linux environment. Stock multiple speed grades and packages, since distributor availability varies by exact ordering code.
Recommended
FPGA Configuration and System Control
In FPGA-based systems, a small CPLD like the XC9572XL commonly supervises the FPGA itself: driving program/initialization signals, multiplexing configuration sources (master serial vs JTAG), gating clocks before configuration completes, and holding the FPGA in reset until all rails are stable. The XC9572XL's instant-on nonvolatile logic is ideal because it must act before any processor or FPGA firmware runs. Its 72 macrocells leave room for fan control, status LED sequencing, and front-panel switch debouncing alongside configuration control. The dedicated GCK input supports clean clock gating, and 3.3V I/O matches typical FPGA banks. Deterministic 5-10 ns timing simplifies analysis of the configuration state machine. This architecture pattern appears widely in AMD/Xilinx reference designs and board-level application notes for the Virtex and Spartan families.
Recommended
Industrial I/O Expansion and Interfacing
Industrial controllers use the XC9572XL to expand limited microcontroller I/O into wider parallel interfaces, implement encoder counters and quadrature decoding, generate PWM channels, and bridge between 3.3V logic and industrial signal levels through external transceivers. The 72 macrocells support several independent state machines simultaneously because each 54V18 Function Block routes independently through the switch matrix, minimizing inter-block timing hazards. Commercial (C) versions cover 0C to +70C while industrial (I) suffix parts, such as the XC9572XL-10VQG44I class, are rated to -40C to +85C for factory-floor environments. The nonvolatile configuration ensures I/O logic is alive the moment power appears, matching hard-wired safety expectations in machinery. Deterministic pin-to-pin delays make counter and PWM timing verifiable by inspection rather than simulation-heavy timing closure, reducing validation effort in safety-relevant upgrades.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for XC9572XL β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | XC9572XL-5VQ44C | XC9572XL-7VQ44C | XC9572XL-10VQG44C | XC9572XL-7CS48C | XC9572XL-10VQG64C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | VQFP-44 (VQ44) | VQFP-44 (VQ44) - same | VQFP-44 (VQ44) - same | VQFP-44 (VQ44) - same (lead-free) | CSP-48 - different footprint | VQFP-64 - different footprint |
| Brand | Xilinx (AMD) | Xilinx (AMD) | Xilinx (AMD) | Xilinx (AMD) | Xilinx (AMD) | Xilinx (AMD) |
| Macrocells | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
| Usable Gates | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,600 | 1,600 |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V |
| Function Blocks | 4 (54V18) | 4 (54V18) | 4 (54V18) | 4 (54V18) | 4 (54V18) | 4 (54V18) |
| Pin-to-Pin Replacement (VQ44 footprint) | Reference | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (CSP48) | No (VQ64) |
| Design Software | Xilinx ISE | Xilinx ISE | Xilinx ISE | Xilinx ISE | Xilinx ISE | Xilinx ISE |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest available speed grade in the same footprint (vs XC9572XL-10VQG44C)
- Better cost for timing-relaxed designs (vs XC9572XL-5VQ44C)
- RoHS/lead-free ordering code for new designs (vs XC9572XL-10VQ44C (non-G))
Design Notes
Budget the toolchain before the silicon. The XC9572XL is programmed exclusively through the legacy Xilinx ISE software, which no longer installs natively on Windows 10 (as noted in the DigiKey forum thread on XC95xxXL alternatives). Set up a Windows 7 virtual machine or use the Linux ISE build early in the project, and archive your ISE project sources and the toolchain installer itself for future maintenance. A working bitstream source is as critical to long-term supply as the physical parts.
Decouple the 3.3V supply with at least 0.1 uF ceramic per supply pin plus one bulk 10 uF capacitor per device. XC9500XL macrocells draw transient current on each switching event routed through the central switch matrix, so simultaneous output switching on wide buses can induce supply droop and ground bounce if the power distribution network is weak. Keep the VCCINT and VCCIO decoupling loops tight and connect the dedicated ground pins directly to a solid ground plane; slew-rate-limited output settings in ISE further reduce switching noise on long traces.
Wire the four JTAG pins (TDI, TDO, TMS, TCK) to a standard 2x7 header in the Xilinx chain topology even if you never plan in-system updates; TCK should be short and, if long, buffered or series-terminated (typically 22-33 ohm) to prevent double-clocking. Tie TMS high through a pull-up so an un-driven header cannot place the device in an undefined state. Reserve the GCK global clock pin for the fastest system clock rather than a general I/O to get clean global routing. Following these conventions keeps the board compatible with standard Xilinx programming cables and future field updates.
Compliance Information
G-suffix ordering codes (e.g. XC9572XL-10VQG64C, XC9572XL-10VQG44C) denote the lead-free/RoHS-grade offerings; exact certificates must be confirmed per MPN on the AMD product page.
