The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from Xilinx’s Spartan-II family. Combining 200,000 system gates, 5,292 logic cells, and a large-scale 1256-ball Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package, this device delivers exceptional programmable logic capability for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. Whether you are designing communication systems, industrial control equipment, or embedded processing platforms, the XC2S200-6FGG1256C offers the flexibility and reliability engineers demand.
What Is the XC2S200-6FGG1256C?
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is a member of Xilinx’s Spartan-II FPGA family, a 2.5V programmable logic device built on advanced 0.18 µm CMOS process technology. The part number breaks down as follows:
| Part Number Segment |
Meaning |
| XC2S200 |
Spartan-II family, 200K system gates |
| -6 |
Speed grade -6 (fastest; Commercial temp only) |
| FGG |
Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array, Pb-Free (G = RoHS-compliant) |
| 1256 |
1256-pin package |
| C |
Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) |
This device is an ideal choice for engineers looking for a proven, cost-effective Xilinx FPGA solution with a generous pin count for complex I/O-intensive designs.
XC2S200-6FGG1256C Key Specifications
Core Logic Resources
| Parameter |
Value |
| FPGA Family |
Spartan-II |
| System Gates |
200,000 |
| Logic Cells |
5,292 |
| CLB Array |
28 × 42 |
| Total CLBs |
1,176 |
| Maximum User I/O |
284 |
| Distributed RAM |
75,264 bits |
| Block RAM |
56K bits (56,000 bits) |
Electrical & Performance Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Core Supply Voltage |
2.5V |
| Process Technology |
0.18 µm CMOS |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (fastest available for Spartan-II) |
| Maximum Frequency |
Up to 263 MHz |
| Configuration Bits |
1,335,840 |
| Delay-Locked Loops (DLL) |
4 (one per die corner) |
Package & Mechanical Information
| Parameter |
Value |
| Package Type |
Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) |
| Package Code |
FGG1256 |
| Number of Pins |
1,256 |
| Lead Finish |
Pb-Free (RoHS Compliant) |
| Temperature Range |
Commercial: 0°C to +85°C |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount |
XC2S200-6FGG1256C Architecture Overview
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is organized around a 28 × 42 array of Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), providing a total of 1,176 CLBs. Each CLB contains look-up tables (LUTs), flip-flops, and multiplexers that allow engineers to implement virtually any combinational or sequential logic function. The CLB architecture supports both synchronous and asynchronous designs with high efficiency.
Block RAM and Distributed Memory
Block RAM
The device includes 56K bits of dedicated block RAM, arranged in two columns on opposite sides of the die. Block RAM can be configured as single-port or dual-port memory, making it ideal for FIFOs, data buffers, and lookup tables requiring fast, predictable access times.
Distributed RAM
An additional 75,264 bits of distributed RAM is embedded within the CLB fabric, offering fine-grained, high-speed storage directly integrated into the logic structure. This is particularly useful for small, latency-sensitive data structures.
Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs)
Four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) are placed at each corner of the die, providing precise clock management capabilities including:
- Clock edge alignment
- Clock frequency synthesis (multiply/divide)
- Phase shifting
- Duty-cycle correction
This makes the XC2S200-6FGG1256C highly capable for designs requiring multiple clock domains or high-precision timing.
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs)
The device supports up to 284 user-configurable I/O pins, each with:
- Programmable drive strength
- Slew rate control
- Optional pull-up/pull-down resistors
- 3-state output control
- Support for multiple I/O standards
The 1256-ball package provides additional PCB routing flexibility, making this variant particularly well-suited for designs with demanding interconnect requirements.
Configuration Modes
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C supports multiple configuration methods to accommodate various system architectures:
| Configuration 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 |
During power-on and throughout configuration, all I/O drivers remain in a high-impedance state. After configuration, unused I/Os also remain high-impedance unless explicitly assigned.
Why Choose the XC2S200-6FGG1256C?
#### Speed Grade -6: Maximum Performance
The -6 speed grade is the fastest available in the Spartan-II family and is exclusively offered in the Commercial temperature range. With internal clock speeds reaching up to 263 MHz, this device handles demanding real-time processing tasks with ease.
#### Large 1256-Pin Package for I/O-Rich Designs
The FGG1256 package provides exceptional routing freedom on the PCB. For designs requiring a high number of external connections — such as memory interfaces, multi-bus systems, or high-channel-count data acquisition — the 1256-ball BGA offers more physical flexibility than smaller package variants.
#### Pb-Free (RoHS-Compliant) Construction
The “G” suffix in the part number (FGG) confirms the device is packaged in a lead-free, RoHS-compliant format. This is essential for products destined for markets governed by environmental regulations such as the EU RoHS Directive.
#### Cost-Effective Alternative to Custom ASICs
The Spartan-II family, including the XC2S200-6FGG1256C, was engineered as a high-value alternative to mask-programmed ASICs. It eliminates the high NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs of ASICs while enabling field upgrades through reprogrammability — an advantage ASICs simply cannot offer.
#### Proven and Mature Technology
Built on a stable, well-documented 0.18 µm process, the XC2S200-6FGG1256C benefits from decades of deployment data, extensive community support, and mature toolchain support via Xilinx ISE Design Suite.
Typical Applications
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is deployed across a wide variety of industries and use cases:
#### Communications & Networking
- Protocol bridging and conversion (SPI, UART, I2C, Ethernet)
- Network routers and switching fabric
- Wireless baseband processing
#### Industrial Automation
- Motor control and servo drive systems
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Real-time sensor data acquisition
#### Medical Electronics
- Diagnostic imaging signal processing
- Patient monitoring equipment
- High-speed ADC/DAC interfacing
#### Defense & Aerospace
- Signal intelligence (SIGINT) processing
- Radar and sonar systems
- Ruggedized embedded computing (note: Commercial grade only)
#### Consumer & Embedded Systems
- Custom co-processor acceleration
- Video and image processing pipelines
- High-speed memory interfaces
Spartan-II Family Comparison
The table below shows how the XC2S200 compares to other members of the Spartan-II family to help you select the right density for your design:
| Device |
Logic Cells |
System Gates |
CLB Array |
Max I/O |
Distributed RAM |
Block RAM |
| XC2S15 |
432 |
15,000 |
8 × 12 |
86 |
6,144 bits |
16K bits |
| XC2S30 |
972 |
30,000 |
12 × 18 |
92 |
13,824 bits |
24K bits |
| XC2S50 |
1,728 |
50,000 |
16 × 24 |
176 |
24,576 bits |
32K bits |
| XC2S100 |
2,700 |
100,000 |
20 × 30 |
176 |
38,400 bits |
40K bits |
| XC2S150 |
3,888 |
150,000 |
24 × 36 |
260 |
55,296 bits |
48K bits |
| XC2S200 |
5,292 |
200,000 |
28 × 42 |
284 |
75,264 bits |
56K bits |
The XC2S200 is the largest and most capable device in the Spartan-II family, making the XC2S200-6FGG1256C the top-tier option when maximum logic density and I/O count are required.
XC2S200 Package Variants Compared
Xilinx offered the XC2S200 in multiple package options. The table below compares them to highlight where the FGG1256 fits:
| Package Variant |
Package Type |
Pin Count |
Pb-Free |
Max User I/O |
| XC2S200-6PQ208C |
PQFP |
208 |
No |
140 |
| XC2S200-6FG256C |
FBGA |
256 |
No |
176 |
| XC2S200-6FGG256C |
FBGA |
256 |
Yes |
176 |
| XC2S200-6FG456C |
FBGA |
456 |
No |
284 |
| XC2S200-6FGG456C |
FBGA |
456 |
Yes |
284 |
| XC2S200-6FGG1256C |
FBGA |
1,256 |
Yes |
284 |
The FGG1256 package is the largest available, offering maximum PCB routing flexibility while maintaining the same 284-pin I/O count and full Pb-free compliance.
Design Tools & Software Support
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, the legacy design environment for Spartan-II and other older Xilinx families. Key tools include:
- ISE Project Navigator – Design entry, synthesis, and implementation
- XST (Xilinx Synthesis Technology) – HDL synthesis engine
- IMPACT – Device configuration and programming
- ChipScope Pro – In-system logic analysis and debugging
- ISIM – Functional and timing simulation
Note: Xilinx Vivado Design Suite does not support Spartan-II devices. Use ISE 14.7 (the final ISE release) for all Spartan-II development work.
Ordering Information
When ordering the XC2S200-6FGG1256C, confirm the following decoded part number fields to ensure you receive the correct variant:
| Field |
Code |
Description |
| Device |
XC2S200 |
Spartan-II, 200K gates |
| Speed Grade |
-6 |
Fastest; Commercial temp range only |
| Package |
FGG |
Fine Pitch BGA, Pb-Free |
| Pin Count |
1256 |
1,256-ball package |
| Temperature |
C |
Commercial: 0°C to +85°C |
Full Part Number: XC2S200-6FGG1256C
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the XC2S200-6FGG1256C used for?
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is used in applications requiring high-density programmable logic with a large pin count, including communications systems, industrial automation, medical imaging, and embedded co-processing.
What is the speed grade -6 in Spartan-II?
The -6 speed grade is the fastest speed grade in the Spartan-II family. It is exclusively available in the Commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) and supports internal clock frequencies of up to 263 MHz.
Is the XC2S200-6FGG1256C RoHS compliant?
Yes. The double “G” in “FGG” indicates a Pb-free (lead-free) package, making this device fully RoHS compliant.
What is the difference between FGG456 and FGG1256 packages?
Both packages share the same 284 maximum user I/O count and core specifications. The FGG1256 has a larger ball array (1,256 balls vs. 456 balls), which offers greater PCB routing flexibility and can simplify board layout in complex, high-density designs.
What software do I use to program the XC2S200-6FGG1256C?
Use Xilinx ISE Design Suite version 14.7. Vivado does not support Spartan-II devices. Programming is performed via JTAG using Xilinx IMPACT or a compatible third-party programmer.
Can the XC2S200-6FGG1256C be used in automotive applications?
The standard XC2S200-6FGG1256C is rated for Commercial temperature range only (0°C to +85°C). For automotive or extended industrial environments, consult Xilinx/AMD documentation for temperature-qualified variants.
Summary
The XC2S200-6FGG1256C is the highest-performance, largest-package variant of the Xilinx Spartan-II XC2S200 FPGA. With 200,000 system gates, 5,292 logic cells, 56K bits of block RAM, four DLLs, up to 284 user I/O pins, and a Pb-free 1256-ball BGA package at speed grade -6, it delivers maximum programmable logic capability for demanding Commercial-temperature applications. Its mature architecture, extensive toolchain support, and competitive cost make it a compelling choice for both new prototyping efforts and long-lifecycle production designs.
For a broader selection of programmable logic solutions, explore the full range of Xilinx FPGA products available.