Overview of XC2S50E-6TQG144I FPGA
The XC2S50E-6TQG144I is a high-performance field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from the renowned Spartan-IIE family, manufactured by AMD Xilinx. This industrial-grade programmable logic device delivers exceptional reliability and performance for mission-critical applications requiring extended temperature operation. With 50,000 system gates and 1,728 logic cells, this Xilinx FPGA provides the perfect balance of functionality, cost-effectiveness, and robust operation for industrial control systems, automotive electronics, and embedded applications.
Key Technical Specifications
Core Performance Features
| Specification |
Value |
| Device Family |
Spartan-IIE 1.8V FPGA |
| System Gates |
50,000 gates |
| Logic Cells |
1,728 cells |
| Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) |
384 CLBs (16 x 24 array) |
| Maximum Operating Frequency |
357 MHz |
| Process Technology |
0.15μm CMOS |
| Speed Grade |
-6 (Standard Performance) |
Memory Architecture
| Memory Type |
Capacity |
Description |
| Block RAM |
32 Kbits |
Dual-port synchronous memory for buffering and storage |
| Distributed RAM |
24,576 bits |
LUT-based flexible memory implementation |
| Total Available RAM |
Up to 288K bits family-wide |
Configurable memory resources |
Input/Output Capabilities
| I/O Feature |
Specification |
| User I/O Pins |
102 I/O |
| Total Pin Count |
144 pins |
| Supported I/O Standards |
19 selectable standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, HSTL, SSTL, LVDS) |
| Differential I/O Pairs |
32 pairs maximum |
| Package Type |
144-TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) |
| Package Dimensions |
20mm x 20mm |
Industrial Temperature Grade Advantages
Extended Operating Temperature Range
The “I” suffix in the XC2S50E-6TQG144I designation indicates Industrial Temperature Grade qualification:
| Temperature Grade |
Operating Range |
Applications |
| Industrial (I-Grade) |
-40°C to +100°C (Junction Temperature) |
Harsh industrial environments, automotive systems, outdoor equipment |
| Commercial (C-Grade) |
0°C to +85°C (Junction Temperature) |
Standard commercial applications, consumer electronics |
This extended temperature capability makes the XC2S50E-6TQG144I ideal for:
- Automotive electronics and engine control modules
- Industrial automation systems in factory environments
- Outdoor equipment exposed to extreme weather conditions
- Medical devices requiring reliable operation across temperature ranges
- Aerospace and defense applications with stringent requirements
Advanced Clock Management Features
Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs)
The XC2S50E-6TQG144I incorporates four integrated DLLs that provide:
- Precise clock deskewing and distribution
- Frequency synthesis and multiplication
- Phase-shifted clock generation
- Reduced clock-to-output delays
- Enhanced system timing performance
Power Supply Requirements
| Power Parameter |
Specification |
| Core Voltage |
1.8V (1.71V – 1.89V range) |
| I/O Voltage |
Multiple standards supported (1.5V to 3.3V) |
| Mounting Type |
Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
Configuration and Programming
Flexible Configuration Options
- SRAM-based configuration for unlimited reprogrammability
- In-system reconfiguration without hardware replacement
- Multiple configuration modes supported
- Field-upgradable firmware for design iterations
- JTAG boundary-scan for testing and debugging
Application Areas for XC2S50E-6TQG144I
Industrial Control Systems
The robust design and extended temperature range make this FPGA perfect for:
- Motor control and drive systems
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) implementations
- Process control interfaces
- Industrial Ethernet gateways
- Sensor interface modules
Automotive Electronics
Automotive designers choose the XC2S50E-6TQG144I for:
- Instrument cluster displays and controls
- Infotainment system logic
- Electronic control units (ECUs)
- Body control modules
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) components
Communication Systems
Telecommunications applications benefit from:
- Protocol conversion and bridging
- Serial communication interfaces
- Network switching logic
- Data buffering and packet processing
- Wireless base station control
Medical Equipment
Healthcare technology applications include:
- Patient monitoring systems
- Diagnostic equipment control
- Medical imaging processing
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Portable medical devices
Design Development Resources
Software Tools Compatibility
The XC2S50E-6TQG144I is supported by:
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite for design entry and implementation
- Vivado Design Suite (with legacy device support)
- IP Core libraries for rapid development
- Simulation tools for verification
- Constraint files and timing analyzers
Package and Mounting Information
144-TQFP Package Details
| Package Characteristic |
Specification |
| Package Style |
Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) |
| Lead Form |
Gull wing leads |
| Pin Pitch |
0.5mm |
| Body Size |
20mm x 20mm |
| Mounting |
Surface mount |
| PCB Footprint |
Standard JEDEC footprint |
Thermal Characteristics
- Efficient heat dissipation design
- Compatible with standard heatsink solutions
- Thermal via recommendations available
- Power consumption optimization features
Comparison with Alternative Devices
Spartan-IIE Family Members
| Device |
Logic Cells |
System Gates |
CLBs |
User I/O |
Block RAM |
| XC2S50E |
1,728 |
50,000 |
384 |
182 |
32 Kbits |
| XC2S100E |
2,700 |
100,000 |
600 |
202 |
40 Kbits |
| XC2S150E |
3,888 |
150,000 |
864 |
265 |
48 Kbits |
| XC2S200E |
5,292 |
200,000 |
1,176 |
289 |
56 Kbits |
Reliability and Quality Standards
Manufacturing Excellence
- ISO 9001 certified production facilities
- Automotive-grade quality (IATF 16949 compliant facilities)
- Comprehensive testing procedures
- Long-term availability planning
- Traceability for critical applications
Ordering Information and Part Number Breakdown
Understanding the Part Number: XC2S50E-6TQG144I
- XC2S = Spartan-IIE family designation
- 50E = 50,000 system gate density
- -6 = Speed grade (standard performance)
- TQG = Thin Quad Flat Pack, Green (RoHS compliant)
- 144 = Pin count
- I = Industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +100°C)
Design Considerations and Best Practices
Successful Implementation Tips
- Power Supply Design: Implement proper decoupling capacitors near FPGA power pins
- Clock Distribution: Utilize global clock networks for optimal timing performance
- Thermal Management: Consider ambient temperature and power dissipation in thermal design
- I/O Planning: Map high-speed signals to appropriate I/O banks
- Configuration: Select appropriate configuration mode for your application
Signal Integrity Recommendations
- Follow Xilinx PCB layout guidelines
- Implement proper ground planes
- Control impedance for high-speed signals
- Minimize stub lengths on critical nets
- Use appropriate termination for I/O standards
Competitive Advantages of XC2S50E-6TQG144I
Why Choose This FPGA?
- Proven Architecture: Based on mature, reliable Spartan-IIE technology
- Cost-Effective Solution: Optimal price-to-performance ratio
- Industrial Reliability: Extended temperature operation for harsh environments
- Design Flexibility: SRAM-based unlimited reprogrammability
- Rich Feature Set: Integrated memory, DLLs, and multiple I/O standards
- Extensive Support: Comprehensive documentation and design tools
Legacy and Obsolescence Considerations
Product Lifecycle Status
While the Spartan-IIE family is considered a legacy product line, the XC2S50E-6TQG144I remains available through:
- Authorized distributors with stock availability
- Aftermarket suppliers for long-term support
- Last-time-buy programs for critical applications
- Alternative device recommendations for new designs
Future-Proof Design Strategies
For new projects, consider:
- Evaluating newer Spartan-7 or Artix-7 families for enhanced performance
- Maintaining design portability for potential migration
- Documenting critical design requirements
- Planning for long-term component availability
Technical Support and Documentation
Available Resources
- Complete datasheets with electrical specifications
- Application notes for specific implementations
- Reference designs and example code
- PCB layout guidelines
- Thermal design calculations
- Configuration file formats
Conclusion: XC2S50E-6TQG144I Value Proposition
The XC2S50E-6TQG144I represents an excellent choice for engineers requiring a reliable, industrial-grade FPGA solution. Its combination of adequate logic resources, extended temperature operation, flexible I/O capabilities, and proven architecture makes it ideal for demanding applications in industrial, automotive, and embedded systems. Whether you’re designing control systems, communication interfaces, or custom digital logic implementations, this Spartan-IIE FPGA delivers the performance and reliability your project demands.
For designers working with industrial automation, automotive electronics, or any application requiring operation in challenging thermal environments, the XC2S50E-6TQG144I offers the perfect balance of capability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Its comprehensive feature set, including block RAM, distributed memory, DLLs, and support for 19 I/O standards, ensures compatibility with a wide range of interface requirements.
