The AMD XC2S50-5PQG208C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Spartan-II family. This versatile programmable logic device delivers 50,000 system gates and 1,728 logic cells, making it ideal for cost-sensitive digital design applications. Engineers seeking reliable FPGA solutions will find the XC2S50-5PQG208C offers exceptional value with its robust feature set and proven 0.18-micron technology.
Key Specifications of the XC2S50-5PQG208C
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
AMD (formerly Xilinx) |
| Part Number |
XC2S50-5PQG208C |
| Family |
Spartan-II |
| Number of System Gates |
50,000 |
| Logic Cells |
1,728 |
| CLB Array |
16 x 24 (384 Total CLBs) |
| Maximum User I/O |
140 |
| Total RAM Bits |
32,768 (32K Block RAM) |
| Distributed RAM Bits |
24,576 |
| Supply Voltage |
2.375V to 2.625V (2.5V Core) |
| Speed Grade |
-5 |
| Maximum Frequency |
263 MHz |
| Package Type |
208-PQFP (28mm x 28mm) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
XC2S50-5PQG208C Features and Benefits
Advanced FPGA Architecture
The XC2S50-5PQG208C utilizes the proven Spartan-II architecture, which is based on the Virtex FPGA platform. This second-generation ASIC replacement technology provides unlimited reprogrammability, allowing designers to iterate and refine their designs without hardware changes. The device is manufactured using a cost-effective 0.18-micron process, ensuring reliable performance at competitive pricing.
SelectRAM Hierarchical Memory System
This FPGA features the SelectRAM hierarchical memory architecture with two distinct memory options. The distributed RAM offers 16 bits per Look-Up Table (LUT), while the configurable 4K-bit block RAM enables fast interfaces to external memory. This dual-memory approach gives designers flexibility in balancing on-chip storage requirements with system performance.
High-Speed Clock Management
Four dedicated Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) provide advanced clock control capabilities. These DLLs, positioned at each corner of the die, work alongside four primary low-skew global clock distribution networks. This architecture ensures precise timing and synchronization across all logic elements, supporting system performance up to 200 MHz for complex designs.
Versatile I/O Standards
The XC2S50-5PQG208C supports 16 selectable I/O standards, enabling seamless integration with various interface protocols and voltage levels. This flexibility simplifies board design and reduces the need for external level-shifting components. All 140 user I/O pins can be configured to meet specific application requirements.
Part Number Breakdown
Understanding the XC2S50-5PQG208C part numbering helps identify exact device specifications:
| Code |
Meaning |
| XC2S50 |
Spartan-II device with 50K system gates |
| -5 |
Speed grade (standard performance) |
| PQ |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack |
| G |
Pb-free (RoHS compliant) packaging |
| 208 |
208-pin package |
| C |
Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) |
Typical Applications for Spartan-II FPGAs
The XC2S50-5PQG208C is well-suited for numerous embedded and digital design applications:
- Industrial control systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- Consumer electronics
- Automotive infotainment systems
- Medical device interfaces
- Video and image processing
- Protocol bridges and converters
- Legacy system maintenance and replacement
PCI Compliance and System Integration
This FPGA is fully PCI compliant, making it suitable for PC peripheral cards and embedded computing applications. The low-power segmented routing architecture minimizes power consumption while the dedicated carry logic enables high-speed arithmetic operations. Efficient multiplier support and cascade chains for wide-input functions further extend its computational capabilities.
Design and Development Support
The XC2S50-5PQG208C is supported by AMD’s comprehensive development ecosystem. IEEE 1149.1-compatible boundary scan logic simplifies board-level testing and debugging. Full readback capability enables design verification and observability, while abundant registers and latches with enable, set, and reset functions provide design flexibility.
Comparison With Other Spartan-II Family Members
| Device |
Logic Cells |
System Gates |
Max User I/O |
Block RAM |
| XC2S15 |
432 |
15,000 |
86 |
16K |
| XC2S30 |
972 |
30,000 |
92 |
24K |
| XC2S50 |
1,728 |
50,000 |
176 |
32K |
| XC2S100 |
2,700 |
100,000 |
176 |
40K |
| XC2S150 |
3,888 |
150,000 |
260 |
48K |
| XC2S200 |
5,292 |
200,000 |
284 |
56K |
Why Choose the XC2S50-5PQG208C
The XC2S50-5PQG208C occupies a strategic position in the Spartan-II family, offering a balanced combination of logic resources, memory, and I/O capabilities. For designs that have outgrown smaller devices but don’t require the full resources of higher-density options, this FPGA provides cost-effective performance.
The Pb-free packaging (indicated by the “G” in the part number) ensures compliance with RoHS environmental regulations, making it suitable for products sold in regions with strict environmental requirements.
Where to Buy XC2S50-5PQG208C
For engineers and procurement specialists looking to source AMD Spartan-II FPGAs and other programmable logic devices, authorized distributors provide reliable access to genuine components with full manufacturer support.
Explore our complete selection of Xilinx FPGA products including the Spartan-II family, Virtex series, and latest generation devices for your next design project.
Technical Documentation
For detailed electrical specifications, timing parameters, and application guidelines, refer to the official AMD Spartan-II FPGA Family Data Sheet (DS001). This comprehensive documentation covers all aspects of device operation, from configuration methods to I/O characteristics.
