Overview of XC2S600E-7FG456C FPGA
The XC2S600E-7FG456C is a powerful field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from the Spartan-IIE family, manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This advanced programmable logic device delivers exceptional performance with 600,000 system gates and 15,552 logic cells, making it an ideal solution for telecommunications, industrial control systems, automotive electronics, and consumer applications. With its -7 speed grade offering operation at up to 160 MHz and 456-pin FBGA package, the XC2S600E-7FG456C provides engineers with a cost-effective alternative to traditional ASICs while maintaining design flexibility and unlimited reprogrammability.
Key Specifications and Technical Features
Core Architecture Specifications
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC2S600E-7FG456C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-IIE |
| System Gates |
600,000 |
| Logic Cells |
15,552 |
| CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
3,456 |
| Speed Grade |
-7 (160 MHz max frequency) |
| Process Technology |
0.15 micron CMOS |
| Supply Voltage |
1.71V ~ 1.89V (1.8V nominal) |
Memory and I/O Capabilities
| Feature |
Specification |
| Block RAM |
Up to 288K bits |
| Distributed RAM |
Up to 221,184 bits |
| Total RAM Bits |
294,912 bits |
| User I/Os |
329 |
| I/O Standards Supported |
19 selectable standards |
| DLLs (Delay-Locked Loops) |
4 |
Package and Operating Conditions
| Parameter |
Details |
| Package Type |
456-FBGA (Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array) |
| Package Dimensions |
23mm × 23mm |
| Pin Count |
456 pins |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C ~ 85°C (TJ) |
| Operating Frequency |
Up to 160 MHz |
Advanced Features of XC2S600E-7FG456C
SelectRAM Hierarchical Memory System
The XC2S600E-7FG456C incorporates Xilinx’s innovative SelectRAM technology, providing designers with flexible memory options:
- 16 bits per LUT distributed RAM for efficient small memory implementations
- Configurable 4K-bit true dual-port block RAM for larger data storage requirements
- Six columns of block RAM arranged for optimal performance
- Hierarchical memory architecture enabling efficient resource utilization
Programmable Logic Architecture
Built on the proven Virtex-E FPGA architecture, this Xilinx FPGA delivers:
- Four-input lookup tables (LUTs) for flexible logic implementation
- Configurable logic blocks with four logic cells organized in two slices
- Fast carry logic for arithmetic operations
- Versatile routing channels ensuring predictable interconnect performance
- Unlimited in-system reprogrammability via configuration memory
Industry-Leading I/O Standards Support
The XC2S600E-7FG456C supports 19 different I/O standards, including:
- LVTTL and LVCMOS variants (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V)
- SSTL (Stub Series Terminated Logic)
- HSTL (High-Speed Transceiver Logic)
- GTL and GTL+ standards
- Differential signaling standards
Applications and Use Cases
Primary Application Areas
| Application Domain |
Use Cases |
| Telecommunications |
Protocol converters, data routers, signal processing |
| Industrial Control |
Motor controllers, PLC systems, automation equipment |
| Automotive Electronics |
ECU systems, sensor interfaces, infotainment controllers |
| Consumer Electronics |
Video processing, audio systems, interface controllers |
| Aerospace & Defense |
Avionics systems, radar processing, secure communications |
Advantages Over Traditional ASICs
The XC2S600E-7FG456C FPGA offers significant benefits compared to mask-programmed ASICs:
- Zero NRE costs – Eliminate expensive mask and tooling charges
- Rapid prototyping – Design iterations completed in hours, not months
- Field upgrades – Update functionality without hardware replacement
- Risk mitigation – Modify designs after deployment
- Lower minimum order quantities – Cost-effective for medium-volume production
Configuration and Programming Options
Flexible Configuration Modes
| Configuration Mode |
Description |
| Master Serial |
FPGA controls configuration from serial PROM |
| Slave Serial |
External controller provides serial data stream |
| Slave Parallel |
High-speed parallel configuration interface |
| Boundary Scan (JTAG) |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant programming and testing |
Configuration Memory Support
- Platform Flash in-system programmable configuration PROMs
- Serial PROM compatibility for cost-effective configuration storage
- Hot-swap capability for live system insertion
- Unlimited reconfiguration cycles without device degradation
Design Tools and Development Support
Compatible Development Environments
- Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) for design entry and synthesis
- FPGA Editor for detailed placement and routing
- ChipScope Pro for in-system debugging
- ModelSim integration for comprehensive simulation
IP Core Library Access
Designers using the XC2S600E-7FG456C gain access to:
- Pre-verified IP cores for common functions
- Memory controllers and interface protocols
- DSP building blocks and filters
- Communication protocol stacks
Performance Characteristics
Timing and Speed Performance
| Performance Metric |
Specification |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
160 MHz (speed grade -7) |
| System Performance |
400 MHz (internal clock) |
| Logic-to-Pin Delay |
Optimized for high-speed I/O |
| Clock-to-Output |
Minimal propagation delays |
Power Consumption
The 0.15-micron CMOS process technology ensures:
- Low static power consumption for energy-efficient operation
- Dynamic power scaling based on utilization
- 1.8V core voltage reducing overall power requirements
- Independent I/O bank voltages for flexible interfacing
Quality and Reliability Standards
Manufacturing Quality
- RoHS compliant lead-free package options available
- Industrial temperature range (0°C to 85°C)
- Automotive-qualified versions for harsh environments
- Extended lifecycle support from AMD/Xilinx
Testing and Verification
| Test Parameter |
Capability |
| JTAG Boundary Scan |
IEEE 1149.1 compliant testing |
| Built-in Self-Test |
Comprehensive device validation |
| IDCODE Register |
Unique device identification |
| Configuration Readback |
Verify programmed logic |
Ordering Information and Package Options
Part Number Breakdown
XC2S600E-7FG456C decodes as:
- XC2S = Spartan-II family
- 600E = 600,000 gates, Extended version
- 7 = Speed grade (-7, 160 MHz)
- FG456 = Fine-pitch BGA, 456 pins
- C = Commercial temperature range (0°C to 85°C)
Available Package Variants
| Package Code |
Pin Count |
Dimensions |
I/O Count |
| FG456 |
456 |
23mm × 23mm |
329 |
| FG676 |
676 |
27mm × 27mm |
408 |
| FT256 |
256 |
17mm × 17mm |
172 |
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Thermal Management
- Junction temperature monitoring for reliability
- Adequate PCB copper planes for heat dissipation
- Thermal vias in BGA mounting area recommended
- Ambient airflow considerations for extended operation
PCB Layout Guidelines
- Power supply decoupling – Multiple capacitors near device
- Ground plane integrity – Solid ground reference essential
- Signal integrity – Controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- JTAG chain design – Proper termination and pull-ups required
Signal Integrity Optimization
- Differential pair routing for high-speed interfaces
- Length matching for synchronous bus designs
- Termination networks per I/O standard requirements
- EMI/EMC considerations for regulatory compliance
Comparison with Other Spartan-IIE Devices
Spartan-IIE Family Options
| Device |
System Gates |
Logic Cells |
Block RAM |
Max I/O |
| XC2S50E |
50,000 |
1,728 |
32K bits |
182 |
| XC2S100E |
100,000 |
2,700 |
64K bits |
202 |
| XC2S150E |
150,000 |
3,840 |
96K bits |
265 |
| XC2S200E |
200,000 |
5,292 |
128K bits |
265 |
| XC2S300E |
300,000 |
6,912 |
160K bits |
329 |
| XC2S400E |
400,000 |
10,800 |
224K bits |
329 |
| XC2S600E |
600,000 |
15,552 |
288K bits |
329 |
Storage and Handling Requirements
ESD Protection
- Electrostatic discharge sensitivity – Handle with ESD precautions
- Anti-static packaging – Shipped in conductive containers
- Grounded workstations required during handling
- Proper ESD wrist straps during assembly operations
Environmental Storage
| Condition |
Specification |
| Storage Temperature |
-55°C to +150°C |
| Humidity |
Non-condensing environments |
| Shelf Life |
Indefinite with proper storage |
| Moisture Sensitivity |
MSL 3 (168 hours floor life) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the XC2S600E-7FG456C suitable for new designs?
While still available and fully functional, this device is from a legacy product family. AMD/Xilinx recommends considering newer Spartan-7 or Artix-7 families for new designs, though the XC2S600E remains excellent for existing product updates and cost-sensitive applications.
Q: What is the difference between -6 and -7 speed grades?
The -7 speed grade (XC2S600E-7FG456C) operates at 160 MHz maximum frequency, while the -6 speed grade reaches 357 MHz. The -7 designation indicates a slower speed grade, suitable for applications not requiring maximum performance, potentially at lower cost.
Q: Can this FPGA be programmed multiple times?
Yes, the XC2S600E-7FG456C features unlimited in-system reprogrammability. The SRAM-based configuration memory can be rewritten countless times without degradation, enabling field updates and design iterations.
Q: What development boards are compatible?
Various third-party development boards support the XC2S600E, including custom evaluation platforms. However, newer Xilinx development kits focus on current product families. Custom PCB designs are common for production applications.
Conclusion
The XC2S600E-7FG456C represents a proven, reliable FPGA solution for applications requiring substantial logic resources, flexible I/O capabilities, and cost-effective programmability. With 600,000 system gates, 288K bits of block RAM, and support for 19 I/O standards, this Spartan-IIE device continues to serve engineers in telecommunications, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics applications. Its 456-pin FBGA package provides an optimal balance between I/O count and board space, while the -7 speed grade offers reliable performance for a wide range of digital design requirements.
Whether prototyping new systems, upgrading existing products, or seeking an alternative to expensive ASICs, the XC2S600E-7FG456C delivers the performance, flexibility, and value that has made Xilinx FPGAs the industry standard for programmable logic solutions.
