Overview of XC2S300E-6PQG208C Field-Programmable Gate Array
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C is a high-performance Field-Programmable Gate Array from AMD Xilinx’s renowned Spartan-IIE family. This cost-effective FPGA solution delivers exceptional logic resources, making it ideal for embedded systems, industrial automation, telecommunications equipment, and digital signal processing applications. With 300,000 system gates and advanced architecture, this programmable logic device offers designers the flexibility to create custom digital circuits without the costs and lead times associated with traditional ASICs.
Key Specifications and Technical Features
Core Architecture Specifications
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C combines powerful processing capabilities with energy-efficient design:
| Specification |
Value |
| Logic Gates |
300,000 system gates |
| Logic Cells |
6,912 cells |
| Maximum Frequency |
357 MHz |
| Process Technology |
0.15μm (150nm) |
| Operating Voltage |
1.8V |
| Package Type |
208-Pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (commercial grade) |
| I/O Pins |
146 user I/O |
Memory Resources
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Block RAM |
Up to 288 Kbits |
| Distributed RAM |
Up to 221,184 bits |
| Total RAM Resources |
65,536 bits available |
Advanced Features
- 19 Selectable I/O Standards: Support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL, SSTL, HSTL, and differential standards
- 4 Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs): Precision clock management and distribution
- Fast Interconnect Architecture: Predictable routing for consistent timing across design iterations
- Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): Flexible logic implementation
- Dedicated Carry Logic: Optimized for arithmetic operations
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial and Commercial Applications
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C Xilinx FPGA excels in diverse applications:
- Communications Equipment: Network switches, routers, protocol converters
- Broadband Access Systems: DSL modems, fiber optic interfaces
- Enterprise Systems: Server management controllers, data acquisition
- Data Center Computing: Hardware acceleration, network processing
- Industrial Automation: Motor control, sensor interfaces, PLC replacement
- Portable Electronics: Battery-powered devices requiring low power consumption
- Consumer Electronics: Video processing, audio systems, display controllers
Technical Advantages Over ASIC Solutions
Design Flexibility and Cost Benefits
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C FPGA provides significant advantages compared to mask-programmed ASICs:
- Zero Initial NRE Costs: Eliminate expensive mask sets and tooling fees
- Rapid Development Cycles: Reduce time-to-market from months to weeks
- In-Field Upgradability: Update firmware and functionality without hardware replacement
- Lower Risk: Test and validate designs before committing to production
- Scalability: Migrate designs across Spartan-IIE family members as requirements evolve
Performance Characteristics
The -6 speed grade delivers:
- System performance exceeding 200 MHz for many applications
- Deterministic timing characteristics for real-time systems
- Low power consumption suitable for battery-operated equipment
- Robust operation across commercial temperature ranges
Package Information and Physical Characteristics
208-Pin PQFP Package Details
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Total Pins |
208 |
| Package Dimensions |
28mm x 28mm |
| Lead Pitch |
0.5mm |
| RoHS Compliance |
Yes (Lead-free available) |
| MSL Rating |
Moisture Sensitive Level 3 |
Thermal and Environmental Specifications
| Characteristic |
Value |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to +85°C (Commercial) |
| Junction Temperature |
Up to +125°C |
| Storage Temperature |
-65°C to +150°C |
| Package Thermal Resistance |
θJA: Contact manufacturer for specific values |
Design Tools and Programming Support
Development Environment
Engineers can leverage comprehensive development tools for the XC2S300E-6PQG208C:
- ISE Design Suite: Complete design entry, synthesis, and implementation
- Vivado Design Suite: Advanced design tools for modern workflows (for compatible devices)
- Hardware Description Languages: VHDL, Verilog HDL support
- IP Cores: Pre-verified intellectual property blocks
- Simulation Tools: ModelSim, ISim integration
Programming and Configuration
The FPGA supports multiple configuration methods:
- JTAG boundary scan programming
- Master and slave serial modes
- SelectMAP parallel configuration
- Configuration PROM support
Comparison with Other Spartan-IIE Family Members
| Part Number |
Gates |
Logic Cells |
Block RAM |
I/O Pins |
| XC2S50E |
50K |
1,728 |
32 Kbits |
86 |
| XC2S100E |
100K |
2,700 |
40 Kbits |
92 |
| XC2S150E |
150K |
3,888 |
72 Kbits |
86 |
| XC2S300E |
300K |
6,912 |
288 Kbits |
146 |
| XC2S400E |
400K |
10,800 |
288 Kbits |
182 |
| XC2S600E |
600K |
15,552 |
288 Kbits |
205 |
Power Consumption and Efficiency
Operating Power Characteristics
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C operates at 1.8V core voltage, offering:
- Low static power consumption in standby mode
- Dynamic power scaling based on design utilization
- Power-efficient I/O buffers with selectable drive strengths
- Clock gating capabilities for unused logic blocks
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
- ISO 9001 Certified manufacturing facilities
- Automotive-grade options available for critical applications
- Extended temperature range variants for harsh environments
- Long-term availability commitment from AMD Xilinx
ESD Protection
- Human Body Model (HBM): >2000V protection
- Machine Model (MM): >200V protection
- Charged Device Model (CDM): >500V protection
Ordering Information and Part Number Breakdown
Part Number Decoding
XC2S300E-6PQG208C
- XC2S: Spartan-IIE family identifier
- 300E: 300,000 gate device
- 6: Speed grade (-6 commercial)
- PQG: Package type (Plastic Quad Flat Pack)
- 208: Pin count
- C: Commercial temperature grade (0°C to +85°C)
Available Package Options
| Package Code |
Description |
Pin Count |
| PQG208 |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack |
208 |
| FT256 |
Fine-Pitch BGA |
256 |
| FG456 |
Fine-Pitch BGA |
456 |
| TQ144 |
Thin Quad Flat Pack |
144 |
Getting Started with XC2S300E-6PQG208C
Recommended Development Boards
While the XC2S300E-6PQG208C is an obsolete part not recommended for new designs, legacy support includes:
- Custom PCB designs with proper decoupling
- Prototype boards with JTAG programming headers
- Evaluation platforms from third-party vendors
Design Considerations
- Power Supply Design: Provide clean 1.8V core voltage with adequate decoupling
- Clock Distribution: Utilize DLLs for optimal clock management
- I/O Planning: Match I/O standards to interfacing components
- Thermal Management: Ensure adequate airflow for high-utilization designs
- Configuration Strategy: Select appropriate programming mode for your application
Support and Documentation
Available Resources
- Comprehensive datasheets with AC/DC specifications
- Application notes for common design patterns
- Reference designs and example projects
- Technical support through AMD Xilinx channels
- Active user community and forums
Obsolescence Notice and Alternatives
Product Lifecycle Status
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C is marked as obsolete and not recommended for new designs. Engineers developing new products should consider:
Recommended Migration Path
| Alternative Series |
Benefits |
| Spartan-6 |
Lower power, higher performance |
| Spartan-7 |
Modern architecture, better tool support |
| Artix-7 |
Advanced features, DDR memory support |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XC2S300E-6PQG208C and XC2S300E-6PQG208I?
The “C” suffix indicates commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C), while “I” denotes industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C). The industrial version offers extended temperature operation for harsh environments.
Can I replace an XC2S300E with a different Spartan-IIE density?
Migration within the Spartan-IIE family is possible but requires design verification. Pin compatibility varies by package type. Larger devices (XC2S400E, XC2S600E) offer upward migration paths with additional resources.
What programming cable do I need?
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C requires a JTAG-compatible programming cable such as Platform Cable USB, Xilinx Platform Cable II, or compatible third-party programmers supporting IEEE 1149.1 JTAG standard.
Is this FPGA suitable for aerospace applications?
While commercial-grade parts can be used in some aerospace applications, space-qualified or high-reliability variants should be specified for critical aerospace systems. Consult AMD Xilinx for aerospace-grade options.
Conclusion: Legacy FPGA with Proven Performance
The XC2S300E-6PQG208C represents proven FPGA technology from the Spartan-IIE generation. While obsolete for new designs, it continues serving legacy systems requiring maintenance and updates. For engineers supporting existing products, this device offers reliable performance with comprehensive documentation and established design methodologies.
For new projects, modern alternatives provide superior performance, lower power consumption, and extended feature sets while maintaining the programmable logic advantages that made the Spartan-IIE family successful.
