The XC2S50E-6PQ208I is a powerful field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from AMD Xilinx’s renowned Spartan-IIE family, designed to deliver exceptional performance and flexibility for industrial-grade applications. This versatile Xilinx FPGA combines 50,000 system gates with advanced features in a compact 208-pin PQFP package, making it an ideal solution for engineers seeking reliable programmable logic solutions.
Overview of XC2S50E-6PQ208I FPGA
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I represents second-generation ASIC replacement technology, offering unlimited in-system reprogrammability and cost-effective performance. Built on advanced 0.15-micron CMOS technology, this FPGA delivers superior functionality for communications equipment, industrial automation, data acquisition systems, and embedded computing applications.
Key Features and Benefits
This Spartan-IIE FPGA stands out with its robust feature set designed for demanding applications:
- 50,000 system gates providing extensive logic capacity
- 1,728 logic cells with configurable architecture
- 146 user I/O pins for flexible connectivity
- 357 MHz maximum operating frequency ensuring high-speed performance
- Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C) for harsh environments
- 1.8V core voltage for low-power operation
- Speed grade -6 optimized for performance-critical designs
Technical Specifications
Core Architecture Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Family |
Spartan-IIE |
| System Gates |
50,000 |
| Logic Cells |
1,728 |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
432 |
| Maximum Flip-Flops |
1,728 |
| Maximum Distributed RAM |
13,824 bits |
| Block RAM |
32K bits (8 blocks x 4K bits) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
357 MHz |
Package and Physical Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Package Type |
208-Pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) |
| Package Code |
208-BFQFP |
| Total Pin Count |
208 pins |
| User I/O Pins |
146 |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (Industrial) |
| Operating Temperature Range |
-40°C to +100°C |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) |
1.8V ±5% |
| I/O Voltage (VCCO) |
1.8V to 3.3V |
Memory Configuration
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
| Block RAM |
32 Kbits (8 blocks) |
| Distributed RAM |
Up to 13,824 bits |
| Configuration Memory |
SRAM-based |
| Block RAM Organization |
4K-bit dual-port blocks |
Advanced FPGA Capabilities
SelectRAM Memory Architecture
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I features hierarchical SelectRAM memory with both distributed and block RAM options:
- Distributed RAM: 16 bits per Look-Up Table (LUT) for flexible, small memory implementations
- Block RAM: Eight 4K-bit true dual-port blocks for efficient large memory structures
- Total Block RAM capacity: 32,768 bits across eight configurable blocks
I/O Standards and Flexibility
This FPGA supports 19 selectable I/O standards, enabling seamless integration with diverse system architectures:
- LVTTL, LVCMOS (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, 1.5V)
- SSTL-2, SSTL-3
- GTL, GTL+
- HSTL Class I, II, III, IV
- PCI (33 MHz, 66 MHz compatible)
- And additional industry-standard interfaces
Clock Management with DLL
The device includes four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) providing:
- Clock de-skewing and distribution
- Clock frequency synthesis and division
- Phase-shifted clock generation
- Reduced clock-to-output delays
- Enhanced timing predictability across the design
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Automation and Control
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I excels in industrial environments requiring reliable, real-time processing:
- Motor control systems
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Industrial protocol bridges
- Sensor data acquisition and processing
- Factory automation interfaces
Communications Infrastructure
Ideal for communications equipment and network applications:
- Protocol converters and translators
- Data packet processing
- Network interface controllers
- Broadband access equipment
- Telecommunications infrastructure
Embedded Systems Development
Perfect for embedded computing and system integration:
- System-on-Chip (SoC) prototyping
- Custom peripheral controllers
- Real-time data processing
- Digital signal processing (DSP) co-processors
- Embedded system glue logic
Data Acquisition Systems
Well-suited for high-speed data collection and analysis:
- Multichannel data acquisition
- Signal conditioning interfaces
- ADC/DAC control and interfacing
- Test and measurement equipment
- Scientific instrumentation
Design and Development Tools
ISE Design Suite Compatibility
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I is fully supported by Xilinx ISE Design Suite, offering comprehensive development capabilities:
- Schematic and HDL entry (VHDL, Verilog)
- Advanced synthesis and optimization
- Timing analysis and constraints
- Place-and-route automation
- BitGen configuration file generation
Configuration Options
Multiple configuration modes provide design flexibility:
- Master Serial Mode: Self-configuration from external PROM
- Slave Serial Mode: Configuration via external controller
- Slave Parallel Mode: High-speed byte-wide configuration
- JTAG Boundary-Scan: In-system programming and debug
Performance Characteristics
Speed Grade -6 Performance
The -6 speed grade delivers optimized performance for industrial applications:
- Logic delays optimized for critical path performance
- Enhanced setup and hold times
- Predictable timing across temperature and voltage ranges
- Support for designs exceeding 200 MHz system performance
Power Consumption
Efficient 1.8V core operation reduces power requirements:
- Low static power consumption
- Dynamic power scales with design utilization
- Multiple power-saving modes supported
- Suitable for battery-powered applications
Quality and Reliability
Industrial Grade Specifications
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I meets stringent industrial requirements:
- Extended temperature range (-40°C to +100°C)
- Enhanced screening and testing
- Long-term availability for industrial projects
- RoHS compliant (lead-free) options available
Programming and Configuration Reliability
SRAM-based configuration ensures:
- Unlimited reprogrammability cycles
- Field upgradeable firmware
- No configuration memory wear-out
- Rapid reconfiguration capability
Package Information
208-Pin PQFP Package Benefits
The Plastic Quad Flat Pack offers practical advantages:
- Compact footprint for space-constrained designs
- Standard PCB mounting and assembly
- Good thermal characteristics
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Established industry package standard
Pin Assignment Flexibility
With 146 user I/O pins, designers benefit from:
- Flexible signal assignment
- Multiple independent I/O banks
- Mixed-voltage I/O support
- User-configurable pin functions
Comparison with Related Devices
Spartan-IIE Family Positioning
| Device |
System Gates |
Logic Cells |
User I/O |
Block RAM |
| XC2S50E |
50,000 |
1,728 |
146 |
32 Kbits |
| XC2S100E |
100,000 |
2,700 |
202 |
40 Kbits |
| XC2S150E |
150,000 |
3,888 |
265 |
72 Kbits |
| XC2S200E |
200,000 |
5,292 |
265 |
56 Kbits |
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I provides an optimal entry point for moderate-complexity designs requiring industrial-grade reliability.
Ordering Information and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC2S50E-6PQ208I nomenclature explained:
- XC2S: Spartan-IIE FPGA family
- 50E: 50,000 system gates
- -6: Speed grade (Industrial temperature)
- PQ208: 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack
- I: Industrial temperature range (-40°C to +100°C)
Alternative Package Options
The XC2S50E is available in multiple package configurations:
- FT256: 256-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array
- PQ208: 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack
- TQ144: 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack
Design Considerations
Thermal Management
Proper thermal design ensures reliable operation:
- Monitor junction temperature under full load
- Provide adequate PCB copper for heat dissipation
- Consider ambient temperature in enclosure designs
- Use thermal simulation tools for verification
Power Supply Design
Critical power supply requirements:
- Provide clean, well-regulated 1.8V core supply
- Separate analog and digital ground planes
- Use appropriate decoupling capacitors
- Follow Xilinx power distribution guidelines
Signal Integrity
Maintain signal quality for optimal performance:
- Control impedance for high-speed signals
- Minimize clock skew and jitter
- Use proper termination techniques
- Follow I/O standard requirements
Why Choose XC2S50E-6PQ208I?
Cost-Effective ASIC Alternative
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I eliminates traditional ASIC drawbacks:
- No non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs
- Rapid time-to-market
- Field-upgradeable designs
- Reduced development risk
- Flexible design iteration
Proven Technology Platform
Benefit from Xilinx’s established FPGA expertise:
- Mature, well-documented architecture
- Extensive design example library
- Strong community support
- Reliable long-term supply
- Comprehensive technical resources
Future-Proof Design Flexibility
FPGA programmability provides long-term advantages:
- Adapt to changing requirements
- Fix bugs in deployed systems
- Add features post-production
- Extend product lifecycle
- Reduce inventory management
Technical Support and Resources
Documentation and Datasheets
Xilinx provides comprehensive technical documentation:
- Complete datasheet with electrical specifications
- User guides and application notes
- Reference designs and examples
- PCB layout guidelines
- Programming tutorials
Development Community
Access extensive community resources:
- Online forums and discussion groups
- Third-party IP cores and libraries
- Training materials and webinars
- University programs and courses
- Regional support centers
Conclusion
The XC2S50E-6PQ208I delivers an exceptional combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability for industrial FPGA applications. With 50,000 system gates, 146 I/O pins, and industrial-grade temperature specifications, this Spartan-IIE device provides engineers with a proven, cost-effective solution for complex digital logic implementations. Whether you’re developing communications equipment, industrial control systems, or embedded computing platforms, the XC2S50E-6PQ208I offers the features and reliability needed for successful product deployment.
