Overview of XC2S150E-6PQG208C FPGA Technology
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C represents a powerful field-programmable gate array solution from AMD Xilinx’s renowned Spartan-IIE family. This advanced programmable logic device delivers exceptional performance with 150,000 system gates and 3,888 logic cells, making it an ideal choice for engineers seeking a cost-effective alternative to traditional ASICs. Built on proven 0.15-micron technology, this FPGA operates at 1.8V and supports clock frequencies up to 357 MHz, providing the perfect balance between power efficiency and processing capability.
As part of the second-generation ASIC replacement technology, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C offers designers unlimited in-system reprogrammability, eliminating the substantial upfront costs and lengthy development cycles associated with conventional ASICs. This flexibility allows for field upgrades without hardware replacement, making it a superior choice for applications requiring iterative design refinement or future functionality enhancements.
Technical Specifications and Features
Core Performance Parameters
| Specification |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC2S150E-6PQG208C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx (formerly Xilinx Inc.) |
| Product Family |
Spartan-IIE 1.8V FPGA |
| System Gates |
150,000 gates |
| Logic Cells |
3,888 cells |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
864 CLBs |
| Maximum Clock Frequency |
357 MHz |
| Technology Node |
0.15 µm CMOS |
| Core Voltage |
1.8V |
| Operating Temperature Range |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
Package and Physical Characteristics
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Package Code |
S-PQFP-G208 |
| Package Dimensions |
28mm × 28mm square |
| Terminal Form |
Gull wing |
| Package Body Material |
Plastic/Epoxy |
| Moisture Sensitivity Level |
MSL 3 |
| RoHS Compliance |
Lead-free / RoHS Compliant |
Memory Architecture and Resources
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Block RAM |
Up to 288 Kbits (configurable dual-port) |
| Distributed RAM |
Up to 221,184 bits (16 bits per LUT) |
| Equivalent Gates |
52,000 gates |
| User I/O Pins |
265 inputs / 265 outputs |
Advanced FPGA Capabilities
SelectRAM Hierarchical Memory System
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C features Xilinx’s innovative SelectRAM technology, providing designers with flexible memory options. The hierarchical memory architecture includes 16-bit distributed RAM per lookup table (LUT) and configurable 4K-bit true dual-port block RAM modules. This versatile memory structure enables efficient implementation of data buffers, FIFOs, and small memory arrays without consuming external resources.
I/O Standards and Interface Flexibility
This Xilinx FPGA supports 19 selectable I/O standards, providing exceptional interface flexibility for connecting to various peripheral devices and communication protocols. The wide range of supported voltage levels and signaling standards ensures compatibility with legacy systems while supporting modern high-speed interfaces.
Timing Performance and Design Reliability
With a combinatorial delay of just 470 picoseconds per CLB, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C delivers fast, predictable interconnect performance. This characteristic ensures that successive design iterations consistently meet timing requirements, reducing development time and minimizing the risk of timing closure issues in complex designs. The device includes four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) for precise clock management and distribution throughout the FPGA fabric.
Key Applications and Use Cases
Industrial and Embedded Systems
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C excels in industrial automation, motor control, and embedded processing applications where reliability and reprogrammability are paramount. Its robust commercial temperature range and proven FPGA architecture make it suitable for factory automation systems, process control equipment, and industrial communication interfaces.
Telecommunications and Networking
With its high clock frequency capability and abundant logic resources, this FPGA is well-suited for telecommunications infrastructure, protocol conversion, and network packet processing applications. The substantial block RAM capacity enables efficient buffering and packet management in data communication systems.
Consumer Electronics and Prototyping
The cost-effective nature of the Spartan-IIE family makes the XC2S150E-6PQG208C an excellent choice for consumer electronics manufacturers and design prototyping. Its in-system reprogrammability allows for rapid product iterations and field updates, reducing time-to-market and enabling post-deployment feature additions.
Data Acquisition and Signal Processing
The combination of high-speed logic, flexible memory architecture, and multiple I/O standards makes this FPGA ideal for data acquisition systems, digital signal processing applications, and sensor interface circuits. Engineers can implement custom filtering algorithms, data compression, and real-time signal analysis directly in the FPGA fabric.
Design Advantages Over Traditional ASICs
Reduced Development Risk and Cost
Unlike mask-programmed ASICs that require significant non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and multi-month fabrication cycles, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C offers immediate availability and zero NRE expenses. Designers can begin development immediately, modify designs iteratively, and achieve faster time-to-market without the financial risk associated with ASIC production.
In-System Reprogrammability
The ability to reprogram the FPGA in the field provides unmatched flexibility for product updates, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. This capability is impossible with traditional ASICs, which require complete hardware replacement for any modifications. Field-programmable technology enables manufacturers to respond quickly to changing market requirements and customer feedback.
Streamlined Virtex-E Architecture
Based on the proven Virtex-E FPGA architecture, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C inherits advanced features and design methodologies from Xilinx’s high-performance product line. This architectural heritage ensures compatibility with industry-standard development tools and IP cores, accelerating the design process and reducing learning curves for engineering teams.
Development Tools and Design Support
Compatible Design Software
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C is fully supported by Xilinx’s ISE Design Suite, providing comprehensive tools for design entry, synthesis, implementation, and verification. Engineers can leverage hardware description languages (VHDL, Verilog), schematic capture, or IP core integration to develop their applications efficiently.
EDA Integration and PCB Design
Complete EDA/CAD models are available for the XC2S150E-6PQG208C, including PCB footprints, symbols, and 3D STEP models. These resources simplify board layout and mechanical design integration, ensuring accurate first-pass PCB designs and reducing development iterations.
Quality and Compliance Standards
Environmental and Safety Certifications
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C meets RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance requirements, ensuring lead-free construction suitable for global markets. The device carries the JESD-609 code E3, indicating full environmental compliance with modern electronics manufacturing standards.
Reliability and Manufacturing
Manufactured using mature 0.15-micron CMOS technology, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C benefits from years of production refinement and proven reliability in field deployments. While classified as an older generation product, its robust design and established supply chain make it a dependable choice for long-lifecycle applications.
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
Understanding the XC2S150E-6PQG208C nomenclature:
- XC2S150E: Spartan-IIE family with 150K gates (E denotes enhanced, 1.8V variant)
- 6: Speed grade (higher numbers indicate faster performance)
- PQG208: Package type (Plastic Quad Flat Pack, Green, 208 pins)
- C: Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C)
Alternative Package Options
The XC2S150E device is available in multiple package configurations to suit different PCB requirements and pin-count needs. Alternative packages include 256-pin FTBGA (Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array) and 456-pin FBGA options, offering varying I/O counts and thermal performance characteristics.
Summary and Product Positioning
The XC2S150E-6PQG208C represents an optimal balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility for moderate-complexity digital designs. With 150,000 system gates, 357 MHz maximum frequency, and comprehensive memory resources, this FPGA provides ample capability for a wide range of applications while maintaining competitive pricing.
Its 208-pin PQFP package offers a practical form factor for space-constrained designs, while the commercial temperature range suits the majority of industrial and consumer applications. For engineers seeking a proven, reliable FPGA solution backed by extensive design tools and community support, the XC2S150E-6PQG208C delivers exceptional value and performance.
Whether replacing legacy ASICs, developing new embedded systems, or prototyping digital designs, this Spartan-IIE FPGA provides the programmable logic resources and interface flexibility needed for successful product development in today’s competitive electronics marketplace.
