The XC2S200-6FGG1233C is a high-density, commercial-grade Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s Spartan-II family. Designed for engineers and system architects who demand programmable logic with proven reliability, this device delivers 200,000 system gates in a lead-free 1233-ball Fine-Pitch BGA (FBGA) package. Whether you are prototyping embedded systems, building digital signal processing pipelines, or replacing mask-programmed ASICs, the XC2S200-6FGG1233C offers a compelling combination of logic density, I/O flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.
What Is the XC2S200-6FGG1233C?
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C is part of Xilinx’s widely adopted Spartan-II FPGA family, manufactured using 0.18µm process technology and operating at a core voltage of 2.5V. The part number breaks down as follows:
| Part Number Field |
Value |
Meaning |
| XC2S200 |
Device |
Spartan-II, 200K System Gates |
| -6 |
Speed Grade |
Fastest commercial speed grade |
| FGG |
Package Type |
Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (Pb-Free) |
| 1233 |
Pin Count |
1233 balls |
| C |
Temperature Range |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
The “G” in FGG denotes a Pb-Free (RoHS-compliant) package, making this variant compliant with environmental regulations for modern electronics manufacturing.
For a broader look at the Spartan-II ecosystem and other Xilinx FPGA product lines, engineers can explore the full Xilinx portfolio to find the right fit for their design.
XC2S200-6FGG1233C Key Specifications
Core Logic Resources
| Parameter |
Value |
| System Gates |
200,000 |
| Logic Cells (CLBs) |
5,292 |
| CLB Array |
28 × 42 |
| Total CLBs |
1,176 |
| Maximum User I/O |
284 |
| Distributed RAM |
75,264 bits |
| Block RAM |
56K bits |
Electrical & Physical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Process Technology |
0.18µm |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) |
2.5V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCO) |
1.5V – 3.3V (multi-standard) |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (fastest) |
| Maximum System Clock |
Up to 200 MHz+ |
| Package |
1233-ball FBGA (FGG1233) |
| Package Compliance |
Pb-Free / RoHS |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
Memory Architecture
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Distributed RAM (LUT-based) |
75,264 bits |
| Block RAM (dedicated) |
56,000 bits (56K) |
| Total On-Chip Memory |
~131K bits |
Architecture Overview of the Spartan-II XC2S200
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C is built around an array of 1,176 Configurable Logic Blocks arranged in a 28×42 matrix. Each CLB consists of two slices, and each slice contains two 4-input Look-Up Tables (LUTs) and two flip-flops. This architecture enables efficient implementation of combinational logic, registered logic, and distributed RAM.
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs)
With up to 284 user-configurable I/O pins, the device supports a wide range of I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V), PCI (3.3V/5V), GTL, GTL+, SSTL, and HSTL. Each IOB contains input and output registers, programmable slew rate control, and optional pull-up or pull-down resistors.
Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs)
The XC2S200 features four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs), one positioned at each corner of the die. DLLs provide precise clock-edge alignment, frequency synthesis, and clock multiplication/division — critical for high-performance synchronous designs.
Block RAM
Two columns of 56K-bit block RAM are embedded between the CLB array and the IOB columns on opposite sides of the die. Each block RAM can be configured as a true dual-port RAM and is ideal for FIFOs, lookup tables, and data buffering.
Configuration Modes
| Configuration Mode |
CCLK Direction |
Data Width |
DOUT |
| Master Serial |
Output |
1-bit |
Yes |
| Slave Serial |
Input |
1-bit |
Yes |
| Slave Parallel |
Input |
8-bit |
No |
| Boundary-Scan (JTAG) |
N/A |
1-bit |
No |
XC2S200-6FGG1233C Package Details
FGG1233 Fine-Pitch BGA Package
The FGG1233 package is a 1233-ball Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array with the “G” designating the Pb-Free (lead-free) variant. This large package is intended to accommodate the full I/O capability of the XC2S200 device in high-density PCB designs.
| Package Attribute |
Detail |
| Package Type |
Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) |
| Total Balls |
1,233 |
| Lead-Free (Pb-Free) |
Yes (FGG designation) |
| RoHS Compliant |
Yes |
| Mounting |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
Speed Grade -6: Performance Advantages
The -6 speed grade is the fastest speed grade available in the Spartan-II commercial range. It is exclusively available in the commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C), making the XC2S200-6FGG1233C ideally suited for performance-critical applications where thermal conditions are controlled.
Compared to slower speed grades (-5, -4), the -6 grade offers:
- Lower propagation delay through logic paths
- Faster setup and hold times at I/O
- Higher maximum operating frequency
- Better performance headroom for timing closure
Applications of the XC2S200-6FGG1233C
#### Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C’s 5,292 logic cells and dedicated block RAM make it well-suited for real-time DSP applications including digital filters, FFT engines, and modulation/demodulation processing in wireless communications.
#### Telecommunications & Networking
High I/O count (284 pins), multi-standard I/O support, and DLL-based clock management make this FPGA a strong fit for line cards, protocol converters, and network interface controllers in telecom infrastructure.
#### Industrial Automation & Control
Operating reliably from 0°C to 85°C, the device is appropriate for industrial controllers, motor drive systems, and machine vision pipelines where real-time parallel processing is required.
#### Embedded Vision & Image Processing
The combination of distributed RAM (75,264 bits), block RAM (56K bits), and high logic density enables efficient implementation of image pre-processing, edge detection, and video pipeline control in embedded vision systems.
#### ASIC Prototyping & Replacement
The Spartan-II family was designed as a cost-effective alternative to mask-programmed ASICs. The XC2S200-6FGG1233C eliminates NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs, shortens time-to-market, and enables in-field design updates — advantages impossible with traditional ASICs.
XC2S200-6FGG1233C vs. Similar Variants
| Part Number |
Speed Grade |
Package |
Pins |
Pb-Free |
Temp Range |
| XC2S200-5FG456C |
-5 |
FG456 |
456 |
No |
Commercial |
| XC2S200-5FGG456C |
-5 |
FGG456 |
456 |
Yes |
Commercial |
| XC2S200-6FG256C |
-6 |
FG256 |
256 |
No |
Commercial |
| XC2S200-6FGG256C |
-6 |
FGG256 |
256 |
Yes |
Commercial |
| XC2S200-6FGG1233C |
-6 |
FGG1233 |
1233 |
Yes |
Commercial |
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C stands out as the variant with the highest pin count and fastest speed grade in the Pb-Free commercial range, offering the most I/O flexibility for complex multi-bus designs.
Design Tools & Programming
Supported Software
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite (the primary toolchain for legacy Spartan-II devices). Engineers can use:
- ISE Project Navigator – RTL synthesis, implementation, and bitstream generation
- XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology) – HDL synthesis engine
- ISIM / ModelSim – Functional and timing simulation
- iMPACT – Device programming and JTAG boundary scan
HDL Support
| Language |
Support |
| VHDL |
Full |
| Verilog |
Full |
| ABEL |
Supported via CPLD flow |
| Schematic Entry |
Supported in ISE |
Ordering & Compliance Information
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (now AMD) |
| Part Number |
XC2S200-6FGG1233C |
| Product Family |
Spartan-II |
| RoHS Status |
Compliant (Pb-Free packaging) |
| ECCN |
Consult AMD/Xilinx export compliance documentation |
| Product Status |
Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) |
Note: The Spartan-II family has reached Not Recommended for New Designs (NRND) status. For new designs, Xilinx recommends migrating to newer FPGA families such as Spartan-6, Artix-7, or Spartan-7. However, the XC2S200-6FGG1233C remains widely available for legacy support, repair, and maintenance of existing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the “G” in FGG1233 mean?
The “G” in the package code indicates that this is a Pb-Free (lead-free) package, compliant with RoHS environmental directives. It distinguishes this variant from the standard (non-Pb-free) FG packaging.
Is the XC2S200-6FGG1233C RoHS compliant?
Yes. The FGG designation confirms that the XC2S200-6FGG1233C uses lead-free solder balls, making it RoHS compliant for use in regions with hazardous substance restrictions.
What is the maximum clock frequency of the XC2S200-6 speed grade?
The -6 speed grade supports system operating frequencies exceeding 200 MHz depending on the logic path depth. The DLLs support frequencies from approximately 25 MHz to 200 MHz for clock management.
Can the XC2S200-6FGG1233C be reconfigured in-system?
Yes. Like all Spartan-II devices, the XC2S200-6FGG1233C supports in-system reconfiguration via all supported configuration modes, including JTAG Boundary-Scan for full in-field reprogramming.
What are suitable replacements for new designs?
Xilinx recommends considering the Spartan-6 (XC6S) or Artix-7 (XC7A) families for new designs requiring similar functionality with enhanced performance, lower power, and modern toolchain support.
Summary
The XC2S200-6FGG1233C is a proven, high-performance Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA that combines 200,000 system gates, 284 user I/Os, and the fastest commercial speed grade (-6) in a lead-free 1233-ball FBGA package. Its architecture — built around CLBs, dedicated block RAM, multi-standard IOBs, and four DLLs — makes it a versatile solution for legacy digital designs in DSP, telecommunications, industrial automation, and embedded systems.
While classified as NRND for new designs, it remains an essential component for maintaining and extending the life of existing systems that depend on Spartan-II logic.