Overview of XC2S50E-7PQ208C FPGA
The XC2S50E-7PQ208C is a cutting-edge Field-Programmable Gate Array from AMD (formerly Xilinx), belonging to the renowned Spartan-IIE family. This powerful FPGA delivers exceptional performance with 50,000 system gates, making it an ideal choice for embedded systems, industrial control, and cost-sensitive digital design applications. Built on advanced 0.15μm CMOS technology, the XC2S50E-7PQ208C offers the perfect balance of logic density, speed, and power efficiency.
Key Features of XC2S50E-7PQ208C
The XC2S50E-7PQ208C stands out in the Xilinx FPGA lineup with its robust feature set designed for demanding applications:
- 1,728 Logic Cells with 50,000 system gates capacity
- 146 User I/O Pins in 208-pin PQFP package
- Speed Grade -7 for maximum performance
- Commercial Temperature Range (0°C to +85°C)
- 1.8V Core Voltage for low power consumption
- Four Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs) for precise clock management
- Block RAM up to 32 Kbits
- Distributed RAM capabilities for flexible memory architecture
- 19 I/O Standards Support including LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, SSTL, and HSTL
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Parameter |
XC2S50E-7PQ208C |
Details |
| Family |
Spartan-IIE |
Second-generation ASIC replacement |
| System Gates |
50,000 |
Sufficient for complex digital designs |
| Logic Cells |
1,728 |
Configurable logic blocks |
| User I/O |
146 pins |
Maximum I/O capability |
| Package Type |
208-Pin PQFP |
Plastic Quad Flat Pack |
| Speed Grade |
-7 |
Highest performance option |
| Core Voltage |
1.8V |
Low power operation |
| I/O Voltage |
1.5V/2.5V/3.3V |
Multi-voltage compatible |
| Temperature |
0°C to 85°C |
Commercial grade |
| Technology |
0.15μm CMOS |
Advanced process node |
Performance Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
Benefit |
| Maximum Frequency |
>200 MHz |
High-speed system performance |
| Block RAM |
32 Kbits |
Efficient data storage |
| Distributed RAM |
Configurable |
Flexible memory implementation |
| DLLs |
4 units |
Clock deskewing and multiplication |
| Global Clocks |
4 networks |
Low-skew distribution |
| Configuration |
SRAM-based |
Unlimited reprogrammability |
Applications of XC2S50E-7PQ208C FPGA
Industrial Control Systems
The XC2S50E-7PQ208C excels in industrial automation with its reliable operation and extensive I/O capabilities. Engineers utilize this FPGA for motor control, process monitoring, and real-time data acquisition systems.
Embedded System Design
With 1,728 logic cells, this Spartan-IIE FPGA provides sufficient resources for custom state machines, protocol converters, and digital signal processing applications. The low 1.8V core voltage makes it ideal for battery-powered embedded devices.
Communication Infrastructure
Supporting 19 different I/O standards, the XC2S50E-7PQ208C seamlessly interfaces with various communication protocols, making it perfect for networking equipment, data routers, and telecommunications systems.
Legacy System Upgrades
As an ASIC replacement solution, this FPGA offers unlimited in-system reprogrammability, enabling field upgrades without hardware replacement—a significant advantage over traditional ASICs.
Architecture and Design Features
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs)
Each CLB in the XC2S50E-7PQ208C contains four logic cells organized in two slices, providing flexible logic implementation. The architecture supports complex combinatorial and sequential logic functions.
SelectRAM Memory Hierarchy
- Distributed RAM: 16 bits per Look-Up Table (LUT) for small, fast memory
- Block RAM: True dual-port 4K-bit blocks for larger data storage
- Total Memory: Up to 32 Kbits of block RAM
I/O Architecture Advantages
| I/O Feature |
Specification |
| Total User I/O |
146 pins |
| I/O Banks |
8 banks |
| Voltage Standards |
19 supported types |
| LVDS Support |
Yes |
| Hot-Swap Capable |
Yes |
| 3-State Buffers |
Per I/O pin |
Programming and Configuration
JTAG Boundary Scan
The XC2S50E-7PQ208C features IEEE 1149.1-compliant JTAG interface for in-system programming, testing, and debugging. This standard interface simplifies development and production testing.
Configuration Options
- Master Serial Mode: Direct PROM configuration
- Slave Serial Mode: Configuration from external controller
- JTAG Mode: In-system programming via boundary scan
- SelectMAP Mode: Parallel configuration for faster startup
Development Tools Compatibility
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite: Legacy tool support
- Vivado Design Suite: Limited support (consult documentation)
- CORE Generator: IP core integration
- ChipScope Pro: Real-time signal analysis
Package Information
208-Pin PQFP Package Details
| Package Parameter |
Value |
| Pin Count |
208 pins |
| Package Type |
PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) |
| Body Size |
28mm × 28mm |
| Pin Pitch |
0.5mm |
| RoHS Compliant |
Yes (Lead-free available) |
| Moisture Sensitivity |
Level 3 |
Power Consumption Characteristics
Voltage Requirements
- VCCINT (Core): 1.8V ±5%
- VCCO (I/O Banks): 1.5V/2.5V/3.3V (bank-dependent)
- VCCAUX (Auxiliary): 2.5V or 3.3V
Power Efficiency
The -7 speed grade maintains excellent power efficiency while delivering maximum performance, making the XC2S50E-7PQ208C suitable for power-constrained applications.
Comparison: XC2S50E-7PQ208C vs. Alternative Speed Grades
| Model |
Speed Grade |
Max Frequency |
Temperature Range |
Availability |
| XC2S50E-7PQ208C |
-7 |
Highest |
Commercial (0°C to 85°C) |
Limited |
| XC2S50E-6PQ208C |
-6 |
Standard |
Commercial/Industrial |
More Common |
| XC2S50E-6PQ208I |
-6 |
Standard |
Industrial (-40°C to 100°C) |
Available |
Quality and Reliability
Manufacturing Standards
AMD (Xilinx) manufactures the XC2S50E-7PQ208C following strict quality control procedures, ensuring reliable operation in commercial environments. The device meets international standards for electromagnetic compatibility and environmental compliance.
Testing and Validation
Each unit undergoes comprehensive testing including:
- Functional verification
- Timing analysis
- Temperature cycling
- I/O characterization
- JTAG boundary scan validation
Ordering and Availability
Part Number Breakdown
XC2S50E-7PQ208C decodes as:
- XC2S = Spartan-II Enhanced family
- 50E = 50,000 system gates
- -7 = Speed grade (highest performance)
- PQ208 = 208-pin PQFP package
- C = Commercial temperature range
Current Market Status
As a legacy product, the XC2S50E-7PQ208C has limited availability through authorized distributors and specialty component suppliers. For current pricing, lead times, and stock information, contact authorized AMD/Xilinx distributors or specialized FPGA component vendors.
Alternative Recommendations
For new designs, consider these modern alternatives:
- Spartan-7 Series: Updated architecture with lower power
- Artix-7 Series: Enhanced performance and resources
- Contact AMD for migration guides and replacement options
Design Support Resources
Documentation
- Datasheet: DS077 – Spartan-IIE FPGA Family Data Sheet
- User Guide: Configuration and programming reference
- Application Notes: Design best practices
- Pinout Tables: Complete pin assignments
- Timing Models: Comprehensive timing specifications
Technical Support
Engineers working with the XC2S50E-7PQ208C can access:
- Online design forums
- Application engineering support
- Reference designs and example projects
- IP core libraries
- Migration documentation
Conclusion
The XC2S50E-7PQ208C represents a proven solution for industrial FPGA applications requiring moderate logic density with maximum performance. With its -7 speed grade, 146 I/O pins, and comprehensive feature set, this Spartan-IIE device continues to serve legacy applications while offering reliable operation in commercial environments.
For designers seeking a cost-effective programmable logic solution with established reliability, extensive documentation, and proven field performance, the XC2S50E-7PQ208C delivers exceptional value. Its unlimited reprogrammability and JTAG support make it ideal for applications requiring field updates and flexible development cycles.
