Meta Description: The XC2S200-6FGG1218C is a high-performance Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA featuring 200,000 system gates, 5,292 logic cells, speed grade -6, and a 1218-ball Pb-free FGG BGA package. Learn full specs, features, and applications here.
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from the Xilinx Spartan-II family — one of the most widely adopted programmable logic platforms in embedded design history. Built on a cost-effective 0.18-micron process technology and operating at a core voltage of 2.5V, the XC2S200-6FGG1218C delivers 200,000 system gates, 5,292 logic cells, and comes in a 1218-ball Pb-free Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FGG BGA) package. Designed for commercial-temperature applications, this device is ideal for engineers who need powerful, reconfigurable logic in a robust, industry-standard format.
Whether you are developing telecommunications systems, industrial controllers, or digital signal processing solutions, the XC2S200-6FGG1218C offers the density, speed, and I/O flexibility required to meet demanding design requirements. For a broader overview of compatible programmable devices, visit Xilinx FPGA.
XC2S200-6FGG1218C Key Specifications at a Glance
The table below summarizes the core technical parameters of the XC2S200-6FGG1218C. These values are drawn directly from the official Xilinx Spartan-II datasheet (DS001).
| Parameter |
Value |
| Part Number |
XC2S200-6FGG1218C |
| Family |
Spartan-II |
| Manufacturer |
Xilinx (AMD) |
| Logic Cells |
5,292 |
| System Gates |
200,000 |
| CLB Array |
28 × 42 |
| Total CLBs |
1,176 |
| Maximum User I/O |
284 |
| Distributed RAM (bits) |
75,264 |
| Block RAM (bits) |
57,344 (56K) |
| Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) |
4 |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (Fastest) |
| Core Voltage |
2.5V |
| Technology Node |
0.18 µm |
| Package |
FGG1218 (1218-ball Pb-free BGA) |
| Temperature Range |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
| Configuration File Size |
1,335,840 bits |
| Max System Performance |
Up to 200 MHz |
What Does the XC2S200-6FGG1218C Part Number Mean?
Understanding the part number helps engineers quickly identify the device’s key attributes. The XC2S200-6FGG1218C follows Xilinx’s standard naming convention for the Spartan-II series.
Part Number Breakdown
| Segment |
Meaning |
| XC2S |
Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA family |
| 200 |
200,000 system gates (density indicator) |
| -6 |
Speed grade -6 (fastest available) |
| FGG |
Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array, Pb-free (Green) |
| 1218 |
1218-pin package (total ball count) |
| C |
Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) |
Note: The double “G” in “FGG” denotes a lead-free (Pb-free) package variant, in compliance with RoHS environmental standards. This distinguishes it from the standard FG designation.
XC2S200-6FGG1218C Core Architecture and Features
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C contains 1,176 Configurable Logic Blocks arranged in a 28 × 42 array. Each CLB consists of two slices, and each slice contains two 4-input Look-Up Tables (LUTs) and two storage elements. These storage elements can be configured as either D-type flip-flops or level-sensitive latches, giving designers substantial flexibility in implementing sequential logic.
The CLB structure is derived directly from the Xilinx Virtex architecture, making the Spartan-II an excellent entry point for designers familiar with higher-density Xilinx devices. Furthermore, each LUT can also serve as a 16-bit distributed RAM element, enabling efficient on-chip storage close to the logic.
SelectRAM™ Hierarchical Memory
One of the most valuable features of the XC2S200-6FGG1218C is its hierarchical memory system, branded by Xilinx as SelectRAM™. This includes:
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
Key Use Case |
| Distributed RAM |
75,264 bits |
Small, fast local data buffers |
| Block RAM (56K) |
57,344 bits |
Large data storage, FIFOs, buffers |
Block RAM in the Spartan-II is organized in 4K-bit configurable blocks, placed in two columns on opposite sides of the die. These blocks support synchronous read/write operations and can be configured as single-port or simple dual-port memories, making them well-suited for buffering, look-up tables, and data flow control.
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs) and I/O Standards
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C supports up to 284 user-configurable I/O pins and is compatible with 16 selectable I/O standards. Each Input/Output Block (IOB) includes three storage registers — one for data input, one for data output, and one for the output enable — all sharing a common clock and set/reset signal. This multi-register structure ensures clean, reliable interfacing with external devices.
Supported I/O Standards
| Category |
Supported Standards |
| Single-Ended |
LVTTL, LVCMOS2, LVCMOS18, PCI, GTL, GTLP |
| Differential |
LVDS, BLVDS, LVPECL, ULVDS |
| Other |
AGP, CTT, HSTL (Class I, II, III, IV), SSTL2, SSTL3 |
This I/O versatility makes the XC2S200-6FGG1218C suitable for interfacing with a wide range of memory devices, processors, and communication peripherals.
Four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs)
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C integrates four Delay-Locked Loops, one at each corner of the die. DLLs serve several critical functions in digital design:
- Clock deskew: Eliminate clock distribution delays between the input pin and internal clock networks
- Clock multiplication and division: Generate derivative clock frequencies without external PLLs
- Phase shifting: Shift clock phase by fixed increments for precise timing control
Each DLL can drive any of the four global clock networks, enabling the XC2S200-6FGG1218C to distribute clean, low-skew clocks across the entire device fabric.
Speed Grade -6: Performance Specifications
The -6 speed grade is the fastest speed grade available in the Spartan-II family and is exclusively offered in the commercial temperature range. This makes the XC2S200-6FGG1218C the highest-performance variant of the XC2S200 device.
XC2S200 Speed Grade Comparison
| Speed Grade |
Max Performance |
Temperature Range |
| -5 |
Moderate |
Commercial & Industrial |
| -6 |
Fastest |
Commercial only |
The -6 designation ensures that the XC2S200-6FGG1218C meets tight timing budgets in clock-sensitive applications. System performance of up to 200 MHz is achievable, depending on design complexity and implementation.
FGG1218 Package Details
The FGG1218 package is a 1218-ball Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) with lead-free (Pb-free) solder balls. This large package format maximizes pin availability, which is particularly valuable for high-I/O applications where signal routing density is critical.
Package Specifications
| Attribute |
Value |
| Package Type |
Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) |
| Total Ball Count |
1,218 |
| RoHS Compliance |
Yes (Pb-free) |
| Terminal Form |
Ball (BGA) |
| Package Shape |
Square |
| Designation Suffix |
C (Commercial temperature) |
The large ball count of the FGG1218 package accommodates the full 284-pin user I/O capacity of the XC2S200 die, plus power, ground, and configuration pins, with generous spacing for reliable PCB assembly.
Configuration Modes
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C supports multiple configuration modes, enabling flexible system integration across a variety of production environments. Configuration data is loaded from an external source at power-up and stored in internal SRAM-based configuration cells.
Supported Configuration Modes
| Mode |
CCLK Direction |
Data Width |
Serial DOUT |
| Master Serial |
Output |
1 bit |
Yes |
| Slave Serial |
Input |
1 bit |
Yes |
| Slave Parallel |
Input |
8 bits |
No |
| Boundary-Scan (JTAG) |
N/A |
1 bit |
No |
The configuration file size for the XC2S200-6FGG1218C is 1,335,840 bits. In Master Serial mode, the FPGA uses an internal oscillator to generate the configuration clock (CCLK), with selectable frequencies ranging from 4 MHz to 60 MHz.
Typical Applications of the XC2S200-6FGG1218C
Thanks to its combination of density, speed, and I/O flexibility, the XC2S200-6FGG1218C is deployed across a wide range of industries and application types.
Industries and Use Cases
| Industry |
Application Example |
| Telecommunications |
Protocol bridging, line card control |
| Industrial Automation |
Motor control, sensor fusion, PLC replacement |
| Consumer Electronics |
Display controllers, audio DSP |
| Test & Measurement |
Waveform generation, data acquisition front ends |
| Medical Devices |
Signal processing, device control logic |
| Aerospace & Defense |
Ruggedized control systems (commercial variant) |
| Digital Signal Processing |
FIR/IIR filters, FFT engines |
Development Tools for XC2S200-6FGG1218C
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C is fully supported by the Xilinx ISE (Integrated Software Environment) design suite. ISE provides a complete FPGA design flow including:
- RTL Design Entry via VHDL or Verilog
- Synthesis and Optimization with XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology)
- Automatic Place & Route for timing closure
- Simulation via ModelSim or ISim
- Bitstream Generation and Programming via iMPACT or JTAG
Important: Newer Xilinx design tools such as Vivado do not support the Spartan-II family. Engineers should use Xilinx ISE 14.7 — the final ISE release — which remains available for legacy Spartan-II development on Windows and Linux platforms.
XC2S200-6FGG1218C vs. Other XC2S200 Package Variants
The XC2S200 die is available in multiple package configurations. The FGG1218 is the largest, offering the highest pin density for maximum I/O connectivity.
Package Comparison Table
| Package |
Pin Count |
Type |
Pb-Free |
Max User I/O |
| PQ208 / PQG208 |
208 |
PQFP |
PQG only |
140 |
| FG256 / FGG256 |
256 |
FBGA |
FGG only |
176 |
| FG456 / FGG456 |
456 |
FBGA |
FGG only |
284 |
| FGG1218 |
1,218 |
FBGA |
Yes |
284 |
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C provides the same 284-pin maximum user I/O as the 456-ball variant, but in a larger footprint that may offer mechanical or routing advantages on certain PCB designs.
Why Choose the XC2S200-6FGG1218C?
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C stands out in the Spartan-II lineup for several reasons:
- Maximum speed: The -6 speed grade delivers the best timing performance available in the XC2S200 family
- Full I/O utilization: Up to 284 user I/Os enable complex multi-bus designs
- Pb-free compliance: The FGG package satisfies RoHS environmental requirements
- Hierarchical memory: SelectRAM™ architecture combines fast distributed RAM with bulk block RAM
- Robust clocking: Four DLLs provide clock deskew, multiplication, and phase shifting
- Proven platform: The Spartan-II architecture has been deployed in millions of units globally
- Unlimited reprogrammability: SRAM-based configuration allows iterative prototyping and field updates
Frequently Asked Questions About XC2S200-6FGG1218C
What is the core voltage of the XC2S200-6FGG1218C?
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C operates with a core voltage of 2.5V. I/O voltage levels depend on the selected I/O standard, supporting a range from below 1.8V to 3.3V.
Is the XC2S200-6FGG1218C RoHS compliant?
Yes. The “FGG” designation in the part number confirms this is a lead-free (Pb-free) package, making it compliant with RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directives.
What temperature range does the XC2S200-6FGG1218C support?
The suffix “C” indicates a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +85°C. Industrial-range (-40°C to +85°C) variants of the XC2S200 are designated with the suffix “I” but are not available in the -6 speed grade.
What configuration tool should I use for the XC2S200-6FGG1218C?
Use Xilinx ISE 14.7 for all design and configuration tasks. This is the last version of ISE and provides full support for the Spartan-II family. Configuration can be performed using Xilinx’s iMPACT programmer via JTAG or a serial PROM.
Can the XC2S200-6FGG1218C be used in automotive applications?
The commercial-temperature “C” suffix limits operation to 0°C to +85°C, which may not meet automotive qualification requirements. For automotive applications, consult the Xilinx automotive device catalog for appropriately qualified alternatives.
Summary
The XC2S200-6FGG1218C is a high-performance, fully reconfigurable FPGA that combines the proven Spartan-II architecture with the maximum available speed grade and a large-format, Pb-free 1218-ball BGA package. With 200,000 system gates, 5,292 logic cells, 284 user I/O pins, hierarchical SelectRAM™ memory, and four Delay-Locked Loops, it delivers the logic density and performance required by demanding embedded, industrial, and communications designs. Supported by Xilinx ISE and fully compliant with RoHS environmental standards, the XC2S200-6FGG1218C remains a reliable choice for engineers working with legacy Spartan-II platforms or seeking a proven, cost-effective FPGA solution.