AMD Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA Series: Architecture Analysis and Design Guide
1V V 3.35mm mm FPGAs Kintex®-7 Series 900-BBGA, FCBGA 1mm mm 901
The AMD Kintex-7 FPGA delivers 356k+ logic cells and 1,440 DSP slices on 28nm architecture. Optimize designs for broadcast video, 5G, and high-speed DAQ.
Product Introduction
Engineer’s Takeaway
Positioning: The Kintex-7 family is the "mid-range" anchor of Xilinx's 7-series, specifically engineered to bridge the gap between the budget-friendly Artix-7 and the ultra-high-end Virtex-7. It offers the best price-performance per watt for DSP-heavy applications.
Key Spec Highlight: The XC7K355T variant boasts 1,440 DSP48E1 slices and 356,160 Logic Cells, making it exceptionally potent for signal processing tasks like 8K video transcoding without the cost premium of the Virtex line.
Supply Chain Status: While 7-series is a mature product line (28nm), stock availability is marked as "Limited Availability". Designs should verify channel inventory or consider migration paths for new long-lifecycle projects.

Figure 1: Kintex-7 overview
1. Technical Architecture and Core Advantages
The Kintex-7 architecture is built on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) 28nm High-Performance, Low-Power (HPL) process. This process technology allows the fabric to balance static power leakage with high switching speeds required for direct RF sampling and 10Gbps+ serial connectivity.
1.1 Processing & Control (The "Brain")
The core logic fabric utilizes Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) composed of 6-input Look-Up Tables (LUTs).
- Logic Density: With up to 356,160 Logic Cells (in the XC7K355T), the device can accommodate complex soft-core processors (like MicroBlaze) alongside heavy hardware acceleration blocks.
- DSP Potency: The 1,440 DSP48E1 slices are the architecture's defining feature. Each slice contains a 25x18 multiplier and a 48-bit accumulator/adder, enabling highly parallelized filtering and FFT operations essential for radar and wireless infrastructure.
- Memory: The fabric integrates 25,740 Kb (approx. 25 Mb) of Block RAM, reducing the need for external caching in high-throughput pipelines.
1.2 Peripherals & Interfaces (The "Limbs")
Kintex-7 is defined by its transceiver technology and hard IP blocks meant to handle high-bandwidth data ingress/egress.
- GTX Transceivers: Supports high-speed serial I/O (up to 12.5 Gb/s). These are critical for implementing protocols like 10 Gigabit Ethernet, CPRI, and JESD204B.
- PCI Express: Integrated capabilities for PCIe Gen2 x8 hard blocks save FPGA logic resources and power compared to soft-core implementations.
- Memory Interface: Hard physical interfaces support DDR3 SDRAM at speeds exceeding 1866 Mbps, crucial for buffering in video applications (such as the RED 8K cameras mentioned in industry teardowns).
2. Naming / Variant Map and Selection Guide
2.1 Part Number Decoding
The Xilinx part number structure provides immediate insight into the device capabilities. For part XC7K355T-2FFG901I:
XC: Xilinx Commercial (Automotive is XA, Defense is XQ).
7: 7 Series.
K: Kintex Family.
355: Approximate Logic Cell count (355k).
T: Includes high-speed serial transceivers (GTX).
-2: Speed Grade (Higher number = Faster; -1 is slowest, -3 is fastest).
FFG901: Package Type (Flip-Chip Fine-Pitch BGA, 901 pins, Pb-free).
I: Industrial Temperature Range (-40°C to +100°C).
2.2 Core Variant Comparison
| Variant | Key Differences | Flash/RAM | Package | Target Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC7K355T-1FFG901C | Standard Speed (-1), Commercial Temp (0°C to 85°C) | 25.7Mb BRAM | 901-pin FBGA | Cost-sensitive Data Centers |
| XC7K355T-2FFG901I | Mid-Speed (-2), Industrial Temp (-40°C to 100°C) | 25.7Mb BRAM | 901-pin FBGA | Wireless Radio Heads / Edge Comp. |
| XC7K355T-L2FFG901I | Low Power (-L2), Industrial Temp | 25.7Mb BRAM | 901-pin FBGA | Sealed/Fanless Enclosures |
3. Key Specifications Explained
Engineer's Note: Values below are typical. Always consult the specific datasheet (DS180 / DC182) for absolute maximum ratings to prevent device latch-up or damage.
3.1 Power & Operating Conditions
Core Voltage (Vccint): 0.97V to 1.03V for standard speed grades.
Low Power Option: The "-L" series allows operation at 0.9V, yielding roughly a 20-30% reduction in static power, which is vital for thermal management in dense blade servers.
Thermal Design Power (TDP): Highly dependent on toggle rate and resource utilization. Designers must use the Xilinx Power Estimator (XPE) as 7-series static power can be significant even when idle.
3.2 Performance & Efficiency
Logic Cells: 356,160. High availability supports complex state machines without routing congestion.
DSP Slices: 1,440. This high ratio of DSP-to-Logic is why Kintex-7 is preferred over Artix-7 for signal processing work.
I/O Count: 500 user I/Os in the 901-pin package, enabling wide parallel buses to ADCs/DACs.
4. Design Notes and Common Integration Issues
4.1 PCB Layout Guidelines
Power Rails: Place 0.1µF and 4.7µF ceramic decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the Vccint and Vccaux pins. The low core voltage (1.0V) has tight tolerance (±30mV typically); excessive ripple will cause timing violations.
Grounding: Use a solid ground plane. Avoid splitting analog and digital grounds unless specifically required by mixed-signal I/O macros. Impedance control on GTX pairs (100Ω differential) is mandatory.
Breakout: The FFG901 package is a fine-pitch BGA. Use via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout strategies, ensuring sufficient layers (typically 10-14+) to escape all 500 I/Os.
4.2 Debugging Common Faults (Pain Points)
The following issues are frequently reported by engineers integrating the XC7K355T:
Problem: Thermal Runaway in Compact Chassis
Symptom: Unpredictable shutdowns or timing errors during heavy video processing loads.
Fix: The XC7K355T has high power density. Per Reddit teardowns of RED 8K cameras, these chips often require aggressive active cooling or liquid cooling loops in small form factors. Validate thermals early using XPE.
Problem: Boot Failure / Reliability Issues
Symptom: FPGA fails to configure or exhibits latch-up behavior.
Fix: Complex Power Sequencing. Xilinx 7-series FPGAs define strict power-on sequences (typically Vccint -> Vccaux -> Vcco). Use dedicated Power Management ICs (PMICs) or sequencers verified for Xilinx to adhere to the datasheet slopes.
5. Typical Applications
5.1 System Integration Analysis
High-End Broadcast Video (e.g., RED 8K Cameras):The Kintex-7 is a standard-bearer in professional cinema equipment. The 1,440 DSP slices are leveraged to run proprietary debayering algorithms and compression codecs (like ProRes or REDCODE RAW) in real-time. The integrated PCIe Gen2 blocks allow the camera to offload high-bandwidth footage to NVMe storage layers efficiently, while the GTX transceivers handle the SDI video outputs.
6. Competitors and Alternatives
The Kintex-7 competes in the mid-to-high range FPGA market.
Vs. Intel (Altera) Arria 10: The Arria 10 generally offers higher raw floating-point performance (native hard floating-point DSPs) but often at a higher power/cost price point. Kintex-7 is often chosen for fixed-point efficiency.
Vs. Microchip PolarFire: PolarFire competes on power efficiency (non-volatile, instant-on, lower static power). However, Kintex-7 ecosystem support (Vivado) and IP availability for high-end video/Comms is often considered more mature.
Migration Path: If the XC7K355T is overkill, the Artix-7 is the footprint-compatible(ish) step down (requires pinout verification). For higher performance, migration to Kintex UltraScale is the natural progression.
7. FAQ
Q: What is the primary operating voltage for the Kintex-7 core? The standard core voltage (Vccint) operates between 0.97V and 1.03V, typically centered at 1.0V.
Q: Can the XC7K355T support DDR4 memory? Native support is primarily for DDR3/DDR3L (up to 1866 Mbps). DDR4 support usually requires UltraScale architecture, though soft-controller implementations at lower speeds may be theoretically possible (but not recommended).
Q: What is the difference between Commercial and Industrial temperature grades? Commercial parts are rated for 0°C to 85°C junction temperature, while Industrial parts (suffix "I") are rated for -40°C to 100°C, making them essential for outdoor wireless infrastructure.
Q: Does Kintex-7 include a hardened Processor System (PS)? No, Kintex-7 is a pure FPGA fabric options. It does not contain hard ARM cores like the Zynq-7000 SoC series. Processors must be implemented as soft cores (MicroBlaze).
8. Resources and Downloads
Dev Tools: Xilinx Vivado Design Suite
Evaluation Kits: KC705, Genesys 2
Specifications
- TypeParameter
- Factory Lead Time10 Weeks
- Mount
In electronic components, the term "Mount" typically refers to the method or process of physically attaching or fixing a component onto a circuit board or other electronic device. This can involve soldering, adhesive bonding, or other techniques to secure the component in place. The mounting process is crucial for ensuring proper electrical connections and mechanical stability within the electronic system. Different components may have specific mounting requirements based on their size, shape, and function, and manufacturers provide guidelines for proper mounting procedures to ensure optimal performance and reliability of the electronic device.
Surface Mount - Mounting Type
The "Mounting Type" in electronic components refers to the method used to attach or connect a component to a circuit board or other substrate, such as through-hole, surface-mount, or panel mount.
Surface Mount - Package / Case
refers to the protective housing that encases an electronic component, providing mechanical support, electrical connections, and thermal management.
900-BBGA, FCBGA - Number of I/Os300
- Operating Temperature
The operating temperature is the range of ambient temperature within which a power supply, or any other electrical equipment, operate in. This ranges from a minimum operating temperature, to a peak or maximum operating temperature, outside which, the power supply may fail.
0°C~100°C TJ - Packaging
Semiconductor package is a carrier / shell used to contain and cover one or more semiconductor components or integrated circuits. The material of the shell can be metal, plastic, glass or ceramic.
Tray - Series
In electronic components, the "Series" refers to a group of products that share similar characteristics, designs, or functionalities, often produced by the same manufacturer. These components within a series typically have common specifications but may vary in terms of voltage, power, or packaging to meet different application needs. The series name helps identify and differentiate between various product lines within a manufacturer's catalog.
Kintex®-7 - Published2010
- JESD-609 Code
The "JESD-609 Code" in electronic components refers to a standardized marking code that indicates the lead-free solder composition and finish of electronic components for compliance with environmental regulations.
e1 - Pbfree Code
The "Pbfree Code" parameter in electronic components refers to the code or marking used to indicate that the component is lead-free. Lead (Pb) is a toxic substance that has been widely used in electronic components for many years, but due to environmental concerns, there has been a shift towards lead-free alternatives. The Pbfree Code helps manufacturers and users easily identify components that do not contain lead, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting environmentally friendly practices. It is important to pay attention to the Pbfree Code when selecting electronic components to ensure they meet the necessary requirements for lead-free applications.
yes - Part Status
Parts can have many statuses as they progress through the configuration, analysis, review, and approval stages.
Active - Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) is a standardized rating that indicates the susceptibility of electronic components, particularly semiconductors, to moisture-induced damage during storage and the soldering process, defining the allowable exposure time to ambient conditions before they require special handling or baking to prevent failures
4 (72 Hours) - Number of Terminations901
- ECCN Code
An ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) is an alphanumeric code used by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security to identify and categorize electronic components and other dual-use items that may require an export license based on their technical characteristics and potential for military use.
3A991.D - Terminal Finish
Terminal Finish refers to the surface treatment applied to the terminals or leads of electronic components to enhance their performance and longevity. It can improve solderability, corrosion resistance, and overall reliability of the connection in electronic assemblies. Common finishes include nickel, gold, and tin, each possessing distinct properties suitable for various applications. The choice of terminal finish can significantly impact the durability and effectiveness of electronic devices.
Tin/Silver/Copper (Sn/Ag/Cu) - HTS Code
HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes are product classification codes between 8-1 digits. The first six digits are an HS code, and the countries of import assign the subsequent digits to provide additional classification. U.S. HTS codes are 1 digits and are administered by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
8542.39.00.01 - Voltage - Supply
Voltage - Supply refers to the range of voltage levels that an electronic component or circuit is designed to operate with. It indicates the minimum and maximum supply voltage that can be applied for the device to function properly. Providing supply voltages outside this range can lead to malfunction, damage, or reduced performance. This parameter is critical for ensuring compatibility between different components in a circuit.
0.97V~1.03V - Terminal Position
In electronic components, the term "Terminal Position" refers to the physical location of the connection points on the component where external electrical connections can be made. These connection points, known as terminals, are typically used to attach wires, leads, or other components to the main body of the electronic component. The terminal position is important for ensuring proper connectivity and functionality of the component within a circuit. It is often specified in technical datasheets or component specifications to help designers and engineers understand how to properly integrate the component into their circuit designs.
BOTTOM - Terminal Form
Occurring at or forming the end of a series, succession, or the like; closing; concluding.
BALL - Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel)
Peak Reflow Temperature (Cel) is a parameter that specifies the maximum temperature at which an electronic component can be exposed during the reflow soldering process. Reflow soldering is a common method used to attach electronic components to a circuit board. The Peak Reflow Temperature is crucial because it ensures that the component is not damaged or degraded during the soldering process. Exceeding the specified Peak Reflow Temperature can lead to issues such as component failure, reduced performance, or even permanent damage to the component. It is important for manufacturers and assemblers to adhere to the recommended Peak Reflow Temperature to ensure the reliability and functionality of the electronic components.
NOT SPECIFIED - Supply Voltage
Supply voltage refers to the electrical potential difference provided to an electronic component or circuit. It is crucial for the proper operation of devices, as it powers their functions and determines performance characteristics. The supply voltage must be within specified limits to ensure reliability and prevent damage to components. Different electronic devices have specific supply voltage requirements, which can vary widely depending on their design and intended application.
0.9V - Terminal Pitch
The center distance from one pole to the next.
1mm - Reach Compliance Code
Reach Compliance Code refers to a designation indicating that electronic components meet the requirements set by the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation in the European Union. It signifies that the manufacturer has assessed and managed the chemical substances within the components to ensure safety and environmental protection. This code is vital for compliance with regulations aimed at minimizing risks associated with hazardous substances in electronic products.
not_compliant - Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s)
Time@Peak Reflow Temperature-Max (s) refers to the maximum duration that an electronic component can be exposed to the peak reflow temperature during the soldering process, which is crucial for ensuring reliable solder joint formation without damaging the component.
NOT SPECIFIED - Base Part Number
The "Base Part Number" (BPN) in electronic components serves a similar purpose to the "Base Product Number." It refers to the primary identifier for a component that captures the essential characteristics shared by a group of similar components. The BPN provides a fundamental way to reference a family or series of components without specifying all the variations and specific details.
XC7K355T - Pin Count
a count of all of the component leads (or pins)
901 - JESD-30 Code
JESD-30 Code refers to a standardized descriptive designation system established by JEDEC for semiconductor-device packages. This system provides a systematic method for generating designators that convey essential information about the package's physical characteristics, such as size and shape, which aids in component identification and selection. By using JESD-30 codes, manufacturers and engineers can ensure consistency and clarity in the specification of semiconductor packages across various applications and industries.
S-PBGA-B901 - Number of Outputs300
- Qualification Status
An indicator of formal certification of qualifications.
Not Qualified - Operating Supply Voltage
The voltage level by which an electrical system is designated and to which certain operating characteristics of the system are related.
1V - Power Supplies
an electronic circuit that converts the voltage of an alternating current (AC) into a direct current (DC) voltage.?
0.91.83.3V - RAM Size
RAM size refers to the amount of random access memory (RAM) available in an electronic component, such as a computer or smartphone. RAM is a type of volatile memory that stores data and instructions that are actively being used by the device's processor. The RAM size is typically measured in gigabytes (GB) and determines how much data the device can store and access quickly for processing. A larger RAM size allows for smoother multitasking, faster loading times, and better overall performance of the electronic component. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a device, especially for tasks that require a lot of memory, such as gaming, video editing, or running multiple applications simultaneously.
3.1MB - Number of Inputs300
- Programmable Logic Type
Generally, programmable logic devices can be described as being one of three different types: Simple programmable logic devices (SPLD) Complex programmable logic devices (CPLD) Field programmable logic devices (FPGA).
FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAY - Number of Logic Elements/Cells356160
- Total RAM Bits
Total RAM Bits refers to the total number of memory bits that can be stored in a Random Access Memory (RAM) component. RAM is a type of computer memory that allows data to be accessed in any random order, making it faster than other types of memory like hard drives. The total RAM bits indicate the capacity of the RAM chip to store data temporarily for quick access by the computer's processor. The more total RAM bits a component has, the more data it can store and process at any given time, leading to improved performance and multitasking capabilities.
26357760 - Number of LABs/CLBs27825
- Number of Registers445200
- Combinatorial Delay of a CLB-Max
The Combinatorial Delay of a CLB-Max in electronic components refers to the time it takes for a signal to propagate through a combinational logic block (CLB) within a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to reach its output. This delay is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the logic function being implemented, the routing resources available, and the physical distance the signal needs to travel within the CLB. Understanding and optimizing the Combinatorial Delay of a CLB-Max is crucial in designing efficient and high-performance digital circuits, as it directly impacts the overall speed and functionality of the FPGA design. By minimizing this delay, designers can achieve faster operation and improved performance in their electronic systems.
0.91 ns - Length31mm
- Height Seated (Max)
Height Seated (Max) is a parameter in electronic components that refers to the maximum allowable height of the component when it is properly seated or installed on a circuit board or within an enclosure. This specification is crucial for ensuring proper fit and alignment within the overall system design. Exceeding the maximum seated height can lead to mechanical interference, electrical shorts, or other issues that may impact the performance and reliability of the electronic device. Manufacturers provide this information to help designers and engineers select components that will fit within the designated space and function correctly in the intended application.
3.35mm - Width31mm
- RoHS Status
RoHS means “Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances” in the “Hazardous Substances Directive” in electrical and electronic equipment.
ROHS3 Compliant
Parts with Similar Specs
- ImagePart NumberManufacturerPackage / CaseNumber of InputsNumber of Logic Elements/CellsNumber of I/ORAM SizeSupply VoltagePart StatusTechnologyView Compare
XC7K355T-L2FFG901E
900-BBGA, FCBGA
300
356160
300
3.1 MB
0.9 V
Active
CMOS
900-BBGA, FCBGA
350
416960
380
3.7 MB
1 V
Active
CMOS
900-BBGA, FCBGA
-
416960
380
3.7 MB
-
Active
-
FCBGA
-
251904
320
2.2 MB
1 V
Active
CMOS
Datasheet PDF
- Datasheets :
- PCN Design/Specification :
- PCN Assembly/Origin :
- Environmental Information :
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