Overview of the XC2S100E-6PQ208I FPGA
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I is a powerful field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD’s renowned Spartan-IIE family, designed to deliver exceptional performance for cost-sensitive applications. This industrial-grade FPGA features 100,000 system gates, making it an ideal choice for embedded systems, digital signal processing, and industrial control applications.
Key Technical Specifications
Core FPGA Architecture
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Logic Elements/Cells |
2,400 CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) |
| Total Gates |
100,000 system gates |
| RAM Bits |
40,960 bits |
| I/O Pins |
166 user I/O |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (high performance) |
| Voltage Supply |
2.5V core, 3.3V I/O |
Package Information
| Feature |
Details |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Package Code |
PQ208 |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
| Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C (Industrial) |
Performance Characteristics and Features
Advanced FPGA Capabilities
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I integrates multiple high-performance features that set it apart in the Xilinx FPGA product line:
- Distributed SelectRAM™ provides flexible memory resources
- Block SelectRAM offers efficient data buffering with dual-port capabilities
- Digital Clock Manager (DCM) enables precise clock management and frequency synthesis
- Dedicated multipliers accelerate DSP operations
- IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan support for testing and programming
Speed and Timing Performance
| Performance Metric |
Value |
| Maximum System Performance |
Up to 200 MHz |
| Propagation Delay |
Speed grade -6 performance |
| Clock-to-out Time |
Optimized for high-speed applications |
| Setup/Hold Times |
Industry-leading specifications |
Application Areas for XC2S100E-6PQ208I
Industrial Applications
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I excels in demanding industrial environments:
- Motor Control Systems: Implement sophisticated PWM and feedback control
- Process Automation: Execute real-time control algorithms
- Machine Vision: Handle image processing and pattern recognition
- Industrial Communication: Support multiple protocols simultaneously
Embedded System Development
This FPGA is perfectly suited for embedded applications:
- Custom peripheral integration
- System-on-chip (SoC) prototyping
- Hardware acceleration modules
- Custom interface controllers
Digital Signal Processing
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I provides robust DSP capabilities:
- FIR/IIR filter implementation
- FFT processing
- Audio/video processing
- Data encryption algorithms
Design Resources and Development Tools
Compatible Design Software
| Tool Category |
Supported Software |
| Design Entry |
Xilinx ISE Design Suite |
| Simulation |
ModelSim, ISim |
| Synthesis |
XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology) |
| Programming |
iMPACT, Vivado (limited support) |
Power Consumption Profile
Typical Power Requirements
| Operating Mode |
Current Draw |
Power Consumption |
| Static (Core) |
~15mA @ 2.5V |
37.5mW |
| Dynamic (Typical) |
Varies by design |
Application dependent |
| I/O Banks |
Configuration dependent |
Varies with switching |
Environmental and Reliability Standards
Quality and Compliance
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I meets stringent quality standards:
- RoHS Compliant: Lead-free construction
- Moisture Sensitivity: Level 3 per J-STD-020
- ESD Protection: HBM Class 1C (>1500V)
- Latch-up Immunity: >200mA per JEDEC Standard
Comparison with Alternative Devices
Spartan-IIE Family Positioning
| Device |
System Gates |
CLBs |
Block RAM |
User I/O (PQ208) |
| XC2S50E |
50,000 |
1,200 |
20,480 bits |
166 |
| XC2S100E |
100,000 |
2,400 |
40,960 bits |
166 |
| XC2S150E |
150,000 |
3,600 |
73,728 bits |
166 |
| XC2S200E |
200,000 |
4,800 |
114,688 bits |
166 |
Programming and Configuration Options
Supported Configuration Modes
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I supports multiple programming methods:
- Master Serial Mode: Direct SPI flash programming
- Slave Serial Mode: Programming via external controller
- JTAG Mode: In-system programming and boundary scan
- Master SelectMAP: 8-bit parallel configuration
- Slave SelectMAP: Host-controlled parallel programming
Configuration Memory
- Configuration bits: 431,488 bits
- Frame length: 18 bits
- Compression support: Available through design tools
Thermal Management Considerations
Junction Temperature Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Operating TJ Range |
-40°C to +100°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C to +150°C |
| Theta-JA |
~40°C/W (air flow dependent) |
Pin Assignment and I/O Banking
I/O Organization
The 208-pin PQFP package organizes I/O into multiple banks:
- Total Banks: 4 independent I/O banks
- I/O Standards: LVTTL, LVCMOS (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V), GTL, GTL+
- Differential Pairs: Multiple LVDS-capable pairs
- Global Clocks: 4 dedicated global clock inputs
Ordering Information and Part Number Breakdown
Part Number Nomenclature
XC2S100E-6PQ208I
- XC2S: Spartan-IIE family identifier
- 100: 100,000 system gates
- E: Enhanced features
- -6: Speed grade (performance level)
- PQ208: Package type and pin count
- I: Industrial temperature range
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes the Industrial grade (-I) variant?
The Industrial temperature grade operates reliably from -40°C to +100°C, making it suitable for harsh environmental conditions where commercial-grade components would fail.
Is this FPGA 5V tolerant?
No, the XC2S100E-6PQ208I requires proper level shifting when interfacing with 5V systems. The I/O banks support LVTTL and LVCMOS standards at 3.3V maximum.
What is the typical development cycle?
Using Xilinx ISE Design Suite, a typical design cycle ranges from several days for simple applications to several weeks for complex systems, depending on design complexity and verification requirements.
Can this FPGA be reprogrammed?
Yes, the XC2S100E is based on SRAM configuration technology and can be reprogrammed unlimited times, making it ideal for prototyping and field updates.
Why Choose XC2S100E-6PQ208I?
Key Advantages
- Proven Reliability: Mature Spartan-IIE architecture with extensive field deployment
- Cost-Effective: Optimal price-performance ratio for mid-range applications
- Wide Support: Extensive documentation and community resources
- Industrial Grade: Reliable operation in challenging environments
- Flexible I/O: Support for multiple voltage standards and protocols
Best Use Cases
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I is particularly well-suited for:
- Legacy system upgrades requiring proven technology
- Educational projects and FPGA learning platforms
- Industrial control systems with moderate complexity
- Custom interface development and protocol conversion
- Embedded applications requiring hardware acceleration
Conclusion
The XC2S100E-6PQ208I represents a reliable, cost-effective FPGA solution for industrial and embedded applications. With its 100,000 system gates, industrial temperature range, and comprehensive I/O capabilities, this device continues to serve engineers developing robust, field-proven designs. Whether you’re upgrading existing systems or developing new control applications, the XC2S100E-6PQ208I delivers the performance and reliability needed for mission-critical applications.
