Overview of XC2S100E-6PQG208C FPGA
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C is a professional-grade field-programmable gate array from the renowned Spartan-IIE family, manufactured by Xilinx (now AMD). This powerful FPGA delivers exceptional performance with 100,000 system gates and 2,700 logic cells, making it an ideal solution for telecommunications, industrial automation, and embedded system applications. Built on advanced 0.15μm technology, this FPGA operates at speeds up to 357MHz while maintaining energy efficiency with its 1.8V core voltage.
Key Specifications and Technical Parameters
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC2S100E-6PQG208C |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-IIE |
| System Gates |
100,000 gates |
| Logic Cells |
2,700 cells |
| Maximum Frequency |
357 MHz |
| Technology Node |
0.15μm process |
| Core Voltage |
1.8V |
| Package Type |
208-Pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| I/O Pins |
146 user I/O |
| Operating Temperature |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
| RoHS Compliance |
Yes (Lead-free compliant) |
Memory and Logic Resources
| Resource Type |
Capacity |
| Block RAM |
Up to 56K bits |
| Distributed RAM |
Up to 75,264 bits |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
High-density architecture |
| Digital Clock Managers (DLLs) |
4 DLLs |
| Supported I/O Standards |
16 selectable standards |
Advanced Features and Capabilities
High-Performance Architecture
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C features the proven Spartan-IIE architecture, which provides substantial logic resources at competitive pricing. The device leverages fast, predictable interconnect technology ensuring that successive design iterations consistently meet timing requirements without unexpected delays.
Flexible I/O Standards Support
This Xilinx FPGA supports 16 different I/O standards, enabling seamless interfacing with various system components and protocols. This versatility makes the XC2S100E-6PQG208C suitable for mixed-signal environments and multi-voltage systems.
Memory Hierarchy
The dual-memory architecture includes both block RAM and distributed SelectRAM, allowing designers to optimize memory allocation based on application requirements. Block RAM supports larger data structures, while distributed RAM provides fast, localized storage within logic cells.
Clock Management System
Four on-chip Digital Lock Loop (DLL) circuits provide advanced clock management capabilities, including clock de-skewing, frequency synthesis, and phase shifting. These features ensure reliable timing across complex digital designs.
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Automation and Control
| Application Area |
Implementation Benefits |
| Motor Control Systems |
High-speed PWM generation and encoder processing |
| Industrial Communication |
Protocol implementation (Profibus, Modbus, EtherCAT) |
| PLC Systems |
Real-time logic processing and I/O management |
| Sensor Interfaces |
Multi-channel data acquisition and processing |
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C excels in telecommunications applications including:
- Broadband fixed-line access equipment
- Wireless infrastructure base stations
- Signal processing and filtering
- Protocol conversion and data routing
- Digital signal processing (DSP) acceleration
Consumer Electronics
- Personal electronics devices
- PC and notebook peripherals
- Lighting control systems
- Display controllers
- Audio/video processing equipment
Embedded Systems Development
- System-on-chip (SoC) prototyping
- Custom computing architectures
- Encryption and security modules
- Real-time data processing
- Communication protocol implementations
Technical Advantages Over Traditional ASICs
Cost-Effective Development
| Aspect |
FPGA Advantage |
ASIC Limitation |
| Initial Investment |
Low NRE costs |
High mask and tooling costs |
| Development Time |
Rapid prototyping (days/weeks) |
Extended cycles (months/years) |
| Design Flexibility |
Unlimited reprogrammability |
Fixed functionality |
| Risk Mitigation |
In-field updates possible |
Hardware replacement required |
| Volume Flexibility |
Economic at low-to-medium volumes |
Only cost-effective at high volumes |
Field Upgradability
Unlike mask-programmed ASICs, the XC2S100E-6PQG208C allows design modifications and feature upgrades without hardware replacement, significantly reducing maintenance costs and extending product lifecycle.
Package and Physical Characteristics
PQFP208 Package Details
The 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package provides:
- Compact footprint: 28mm × 28mm
- 0.5mm lead pitch for high-density PCB designs
- Excellent thermal performance
- Industry-standard footprint for easy PCB integration
- RoHS-compliant, lead-free construction
Power Supply Requirements
| Supply Rail |
Voltage |
Function |
| VCCINT |
1.8V |
Core logic supply |
| VCCO |
1.8V – 3.3V |
I/O bank supply (configurable) |
| VCCAUX |
2.5V |
Auxiliary circuits |
Design and Development Support
Configuration Options
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C supports multiple configuration methods:
- Master Serial mode
- Slave Serial mode
- Master Parallel mode
- Boundary Scan (JTAG)
- SelectMAP mode
Software Compatibility
Compatible with Xilinx ISE Design Suite and Vivado tools (with appropriate licenses), providing:
- HDL synthesis (VHDL, Verilog)
- Timing analysis and optimization
- Place and route automation
- Simulation and verification
- ChipScope integrated logic analyzer
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
- Manufactured using proven 0.15μm CMOS technology
- Comprehensive production testing
- ESD protection on all pins
- Built-in configuration CRC checking
- MTBF ratings suitable for industrial applications
Environmental Compliance
- RoHS compliant (lead-free)
- Halogen-free options available
- REACH regulation compliance
- Conflict minerals reporting available
Comparison with Related Products
Spartan-IIE Family Positioning
| Model |
Gates |
Logic Cells |
Max I/O |
| XC2S50E |
50K |
1,728 |
182 |
| XC2S100E |
100K |
2,700 |
202 |
| XC2S150E |
150K |
3,840 |
265 |
| XC2S200E |
200K |
5,292 |
265 |
| XC2S300E |
300K |
7,168 |
410 |
| XC2S400E |
400K |
10,240 |
410 |
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C occupies the mid-range position, offering an optimal balance between logic resources and cost-effectiveness for moderate-complexity designs.
Procurement and Availability
Part Number Designation
Understanding the part number structure:
- XC2S100E: Device family and gate count
- 6: Speed grade (6ns max delay)
- PQG: Package type (Plastic Quad Flat Pack, RoHS)
- 208: Pin count
- C: Commercial temperature range
Lifecycle Status
Current lifecycle status is marked as obsolete by the manufacturer. However, the part remains available through authorized distributors and component brokers specializing in legacy and hard-to-find semiconductors.
Quality Assurance When Purchasing
When sourcing XC2S100E-6PQG208C units:
- Verify date codes and country of origin
- Request Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
- Ensure parts are stored in anti-static packaging
- Confirm authenticity through authorized channels
- Check moisture sensitivity level (MSL) ratings
Integration Guidelines
PCB Design Considerations
To maximize performance and reliability:
- Power Distribution: Implement proper decoupling with multiple ceramic capacitors (0.1μF and 0.01μF) near each power pin
- Signal Integrity: Maintain controlled impedance for high-speed signals
- Thermal Management: Provide adequate copper area for heat dissipation
- Ground Planes: Use solid ground planes to minimize noise and EMI
- Configuration Interface: Include proper pull-up/pull-down resistors on configuration pins
Programming and Configuration
The device requires external configuration memory (typically SPI Flash or Platform Flash PROM) to store the bitstream. Configuration time is typically less than 100ms for a complete device programming cycle.
Performance Optimization Tips
Maximizing System Performance
- Utilize pipelining techniques for high-speed data paths
- Leverage block RAM for data buffering and lookup tables
- Apply proper timing constraints during synthesis
- Use DLLs for clock domain synchronization
- Implement resource sharing for area optimization
Power Optimization Strategies
- Disable unused I/O banks
- Implement clock gating for inactive logic
- Select appropriate I/O standards for minimum power
- Utilize sleep modes when applicable
- Optimize logic levels to reduce switching activity
Conclusion
The XC2S100E-6PQG208C represents a proven FPGA solution for applications requiring moderate logic density, high performance, and cost-effectiveness. Its comprehensive feature set, including substantial block RAM, flexible I/O standards, and robust clock management, makes it suitable for diverse applications across industrial, telecommunications, and consumer electronics markets. While officially obsolete, the device continues to serve as a reliable component in legacy systems and applications where its specific feature set provides optimal value.
