Xilinx is the first FPGA vendor to discuss the issues associated with 2.5 volt operation devices. Our customers have told us that we must provide a path back to 5 volts.

Our solution is shown above, where a split supply between the core (which must operate at 2.5 volts) and the I/O ring (which can operate at either 2.5v or 3.3v) can be powered by either 2.5 volts or 3.3 volts. the same 5 volt tolerant I/O structure as used on the 3.3 volt XL devices is used on the 2.5 volt devices.

Xilinx will use this strategy on all future generations of being directly compatible with the previous process generation and being tolerant of voltages from two prior process generations.

Another example of Xilinx innovation.