The XC2S50-5FGG256C is a high-performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the AMD Xilinx Spartan-II family. This versatile programmable logic device delivers 50,000 system gates, 1,728 logic cells, and operates at speeds up to 263MHz. Designed using proven 0.18μm process technology, the XC2S50-5FGG256C offers engineers an excellent balance of performance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for digital circuit design.
Whether you’re developing communications equipment, industrial automation systems, or digital signal processing applications, this Spartan-II FPGA provides the programmable logic resources you need. The 256-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) package ensures reliable board-level integration and excellent signal integrity.
XC2S50-5FGG256C Key Features and Benefits
The XC2S50-5FGG256C stands out in the programmable logic market due to its comprehensive feature set derived from the proven Virtex architecture.
High-Density Programmable Logic Resources
This FPGA contains 384 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) arranged in a 16×24 array. Each CLB includes multiple Look-Up Tables (LUTs) and flip-flops, enabling complex combinatorial and sequential logic implementations. The architecture supports dedicated carry logic for high-speed arithmetic operations and cascade chains for wide-input functions.
Flexible Memory Architecture
The XC2S50-5FGG256C features SelectRAM hierarchical memory with two memory types. Distributed RAM provides 24,576 bits using 16 bits per LUT configuration. Block RAM delivers 32K bits through eight dedicated 4K-bit memory blocks. This dual-memory approach allows designers to optimize memory usage based on application requirements.
Advanced Clock Management
Four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) positioned at each corner of the die provide advanced clock control capabilities. Four primary low-skew global clock distribution networks ensure precise timing across the entire device. These features support system performance up to 200MHz for demanding applications.
XC2S50-5FGG256C Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Part Number |
XC2S50-5FGG256C |
| Manufacturer |
AMD Xilinx |
| FPGA Family |
Spartan-II |
| System Gates |
50,000 |
| Logic Cells |
1,728 |
| CLB Array |
16 × 24 (384 CLBs) |
| Maximum Frequency |
263MHz |
| Process Technology |
0.18μm CMOS |
| Core Voltage |
2.5V |
| Distributed RAM |
24,576 bits |
| Block RAM |
32K bits (8 blocks) |
| DLLs |
4 |
| Maximum User I/O |
176 |
| Package Type |
256-Pin FBGA |
| Speed Grade |
-5 (Standard) |
| Temperature Range |
Commercial (0°C to +85°C) |
XC2S50-5FGG256C Package Information
256-Pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA)
The FGG256 package offers excellent electrical performance with controlled impedance and minimal parasitic inductance. The ball grid array configuration provides superior thermal dissipation compared to peripheral lead packages. This makes the XC2S50-5FGG256C suitable for high-density PCB designs where board space optimization is critical.
Pin Configuration and I/O Banks
The device organizes I/O pins into eight banks (Bank 0 through Bank 7), enabling mixed-voltage designs. Each I/O bank can be independently configured for different voltage standards, providing maximum flexibility when interfacing with multiple system components operating at different logic levels.
Supported I/O Standards
The XC2S50-5FGG256C supports a comprehensive range of I/O standards for seamless system integration:
- LVTTL (Low-Voltage TTL)
- LVCMOS (Low-Voltage CMOS) at 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V
- PCI (33MHz and 66MHz compliant)
- GTL and GTL+
- HSTL (High-Speed Transceiver Logic)
- SSTL (Stub-Series Terminated Logic)
- CTT (Center-Tap Terminated)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
This extensive I/O standard support allows the XC2S50-5FGG256C to interface directly with processors, memory devices, and peripheral components without requiring external level translators.
XC2S50-5FGG256C Applications
Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
The dedicated multiplier support and fast arithmetic capabilities make this FPGA ideal for DSP implementations including FIR filters, FFT processors, and digital modulators/demodulators.
Communications Equipment
High-speed serial interfaces and flexible I/O standards enable applications in networking equipment, telecommunications infrastructure, and wireless base stations.
Industrial Automation and Control
The reliability and reprogrammability of the Spartan-II platform suit industrial control systems, motor drives, and programmable logic controllers where field upgrades may be required.
Embedded Systems and Prototyping
Engineers frequently use the XC2S50-5FGG256C for ASIC prototyping and embedded system development where the unlimited reprogramming capability accelerates design iterations.
Medical and Scientific Instrumentation
Data acquisition systems, imaging equipment, and laboratory instruments benefit from the configurable logic and memory resources available in this FPGA.
Development Tools and Software Support
The XC2S50-5FGG256C integrates with the Xilinx ISE Design Suite for complete development support. The toolchain includes:
- Schematic capture and HDL synthesis
- Place-and-route optimization
- Timing analysis and simulation
- Bitstream generation and device programming
Engineers can use VHDL or Verilog HDL for design entry, with comprehensive IP core libraries available to accelerate development.
Configuration Options
The Spartan-II FPGA supports multiple configuration modes:
- Master Serial Mode: Configuration from external serial PROM
- Slave Serial Mode: Configuration controlled by external processor
- Slave Parallel Mode: Byte-wide configuration for faster loading
- Boundary Scan (JTAG): IEEE 1149.1 compliant programming and testing
Configuration data is stored in internal SRAM cells, enabling unlimited reprogramming cycles throughout the product lifecycle.
Why Choose the XC2S50-5FGG256C for Your Design?
The XC2S50-5FGG256C delivers compelling advantages for cost-sensitive applications requiring proven FPGA technology:
- Cost-Effective Solution: The Spartan-II family provides ASIC-equivalent functionality at a fraction of the development cost and without mask charges.
- Design Flexibility: Unlimited reprogrammability allows design modifications even after PCB assembly, reducing development risk.
- Proven Architecture: Based on the field-proven Virtex architecture, the Spartan-II platform offers mature design tools and extensive documentation.
- Fast Time-to-Market: Programmable logic eliminates the lengthy fabrication cycles associated with custom ASICs.
- Low Power Consumption: The segmented routing architecture minimizes power dissipation for battery-powered and thermally constrained applications.
Ordering Information
| Part Number |
Package |
Speed Grade |
Temperature |
| XC2S50-5FGG256C |
256-FBGA |
-5 |
Commercial |
| XC2S50-5FGG256I |
256-FBGA |
-5 |
Industrial |
| XC2S50-6FGG256C |
256-FBGA |
-6 |
Commercial |
The “G” designation in FGG256 indicates Pb-free (RoHS compliant) packaging options are available.
Related Products and Alternatives
Looking for other FPGA solutions? Browse our complete Xilinx FPGA catalog to find the right programmable logic device for your application. We offer competitive pricing on Spartan, Artix, Kintex, and Virtex family devices.
XC2S50-5FGG256C Summary
The XC2S50-5FGG256C AMD Xilinx Spartan-II FPGA combines 50,000 system gates, 32K bits of block RAM, and 176 user I/O pins in a compact 256-pin FBGA package. Operating at speeds up to 263MHz with 2.5V core voltage, this programmable logic device serves applications ranging from digital signal processing to industrial automation. The comprehensive I/O standard support, flexible memory architecture, and proven development tools make the XC2S50-5FGG256C an excellent choice for engineers seeking reliable, cost-effective FPGA solutions.
Contact us today for pricing, availability, and technical support for the XC2S50-5FGG256C and other AMD Xilinx FPGA products.
