XCKU040-2FFVA1156E
Kintex UltraScale FPGA with 520K logic cells, 1,920 DSP slices, and 20 GTH transceivers for high-bandwidth applications.
Product Overview
Description
The XCKU040-2FFVA1156E is a high-performance Kintex UltraScale FPGA built on 20nm process technology. It delivers 530,560 logic cells, 600 36Kb block RAMs, and 1,920 DSP48E2 slices for advanced signal processing.
This device features 20 GTH transceivers supporting up to 16.3 Gbps, enabling next-generation interfaces including PCIe Gen4, 100G Ethernet, and Interlaken. The FFVA1156 package provides 676 user I/O pins.
With enhanced memory interfaces supporting DDR4 up to 2,400 Mbps and improved power efficiency, this FPGA targets 100G networking, 4K video processing, and radar applications.
Product Series
XCKU
Primary Application
100G Networking
Key Features
- High efficiency and reliability
- Optimized for industrial applications
- Comprehensive technical support
- Available from stock
Specifications
| Logic Cells | 530,560 |
|---|---|
| Block RAM | 600 x 36Kb |
| DSP Slices | 1,920 |
| GTH Transceivers | 20 (16.3 Gbps max) |
| I/O Pins | 676 |
| Package | FFVA1156 (35x35mm) |
| Temperature | Extended (0C to 100C) |
Applications
100G Networking
Communication and interface
4K Video
Electronic system design
Radar Systems
Electronic system design
Test & Measurement
Data acquisition and conversion
FAE Expert Insights
"The Kintex UltraScale XCKU040 is significant step up from 7-series devices. The 20nm process delivers noticeable performance improvements - I typically see 20-30% higher clock frequencies compared to equivalent 7-series designs. The 1,920 DSP slices are a major upgrade for signal processing applications. The GTH transceivers at 16.3 Gbps open up 100G Ethernet and PCIe Gen4 applications that weren't feasible with 7-series. I particularly like the improved DDR4 memory interface - up to 2,400 Mbps enables high-bandwidth memory subsystems. Power efficiency is also better, about 15-20% lower than equivalent 7-series designs. This is my recommendation for designs requiring 100G networking or advanced signal processing."
Excellent for 100G networking and advanced signal processing applications
— David Kim, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UltraScale and UltraScale+?
UltraScale and UltraScale+ differ in process technology and features: 1) Process - UltraScale uses 20nm, UltraScale+ uses 16nm FinFET, 2) Performance - UltraScale+ offers 20% higher performance, 3) Power - UltraScale+ is 30-40% more power efficient, 4) Memory - UltraScale+ supports higher DDR4 speeds up to 2,666 Mbps, 5) Transceivers - UltraScale+ GTH supports up to 32.75 Gbps. UltraScale remains cost-effective for many applications, while UltraScale+ targets the most demanding designs.
Use UltraScale for cost-effective high-performance designs. Use UltraScale+ for maximum performance and power efficiency.
Does this FPGA support PCIe Gen4?
Yes, the XCKU040 supports PCIe Gen4: 1) GTH transceivers - support 16 GT/s PCIe Gen4 line rate, 2) Hard IP - integrated PCIe Gen4 hard IP available, 3) Lanes - supports x1, x2, x4, x8, x16 configurations, 4) Bandwidth - up to 64 GB/s duplex for x16, 5) Compatibility - backward compatible with Gen1/Gen2/Gen3. The integrated hard IP minimizes FPGA resource usage while delivering maximum throughput.
Use integrated PCIe Gen4 hard IP for maximum bandwidth with minimal resource usage.
What memory interfaces are supported?
The XCKU040 supports advanced memory interfaces: 1) DDR4 - up to 2,400 Mbps, 72-bit wide, 2) DDR3/DDR3L - up to 1,866 Mbps, 3) QDRII+/QDR IV - for high-speed SRAM applications, 4) RLDRAM 3 - for networking applications, 5) LPDDR3 - for low-power mobile applications. The memory controller supports ECC, data scrubbing, and advanced calibration. Up to 4 memory interfaces can be implemented simultaneously.
Use DDR4 for highest bandwidth. Use QDRII+ for lowest latency applications.
How does power consumption compare to 7-series?
UltraScale power consumption improvements: 1) Static power - 20-30% lower due to 20nm process, 2) Dynamic power - 15-25% lower for equivalent designs, 3) Total power - typically 20-35% reduction vs 7-series, 4) Transceiver power - GTH transceivers more efficient than GTX, 5) Memory interface - lower power for DDR4 vs DDR3. Use Xilinx Power Estimator (XPE) for accurate analysis. Thermal design simplified due to lower power density.
Expect 20-35% power reduction vs equivalent 7-series designs. Use XPE for accurate estimation.
What is the migration path from 7-series to UltraScale?
Migration from 7-series to UltraScale considerations: 1) Pin compatibility - no direct pin compatibility, requires PCB redesign, 2) Logic compatibility - RTL code largely portable with minor modifications, 3) IP cores - most Xilinx IP available for both families, 4) Tool flow - same Vivado design suite, 5) Performance - expect 20-30% performance improvement. Plan for PCB redesign and re-validation. Xilinx provides migration guides and reference designs.
Plan for PCB redesign. RTL code is largely portable. Use Xilinx migration documentation.