1. Product Specifications
Core Architecture
- Family: Xilinx Spartan-IIE FPGA
- Logic Capacity: 100,000 equivalent system gates
- Logic Cells: 2,700 configurable logic blocks (CLBs)
- CLB Array: 20 x 30 configuration
- Distributed RAM: 38,400 bits
- Block RAM: 40K bits (10 blocks ร 4K bits each)
Performance Characteristics
- Maximum Frequency: 357 MHz
- Speed Grade: -6 (Industrial temperature range)
- Process Technology: 0.15ฮผm CMOS
- Toggle Frequency: Up to 357 MHz
- Propagation Delay: <cite index=”21-1″>0.47ns typical</cite>
Power and Voltage
- Core Voltage (VCCINT): 1.8V ยฑ5%
- I/O Voltage (VCCO): 1.5V, 2.5V, or 3.3V (configurable by bank)
- Power Consumption: Low power design optimized for battery applications
Package Details
- Package Type: 256-pin Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FTBGA)
- Package Code: FTG256
- Ball Pitch: 1.0mm
- Package Dimensions: 17mm ร 17mm
- Package Height: 1.55mm
- Operating Temperature: -40ยฐC to +100ยฐC (Industrial grade)
I/O Capabilities
- Maximum User I/O: 182 pins
- Differential I/O Pairs: 83 LVDS/LVPECL pairs
- I/O Standards Supported: 19 different standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, LVDS, HSTL, SSTL
- Global Clock Networks: 4 dedicated low-skew networks
- DLL Clock Management: 4 Delay-Locked Loops for advanced timing control
Memory Architecture
- SelectRAM: Hierarchical memory structure
- 16 bits/LUT distributed RAM
- True dual-port 4K-bit block RAM modules
- Block RAM Configuration: Multiple aspect ratios from 256ร16 to 4096ร1
- Fast External Memory Interface: Optimized for SRAM/DRAM connections
2. Price
Market Pricing Overview
Current Market Range: $15 – $85 USD per unit (varies by quantity and supplier)
Pricing by Quantity:
- 1-9 units: $65-85 USD each
- 10-99 units: $45-65 USD each
- 100-999 units: $25-45 USD each
- 1000+ units: $15-25 USD each (contact for volume pricing)
Price Factors:
- Availability: Limited stock due to obsolete status
- Condition: New original vs. refurbished
- Packaging: Tray vs. reel packaging
- Lead Time: Immediate availability vs. extended lead times
- Supplier Certification: Authorized vs. independent distributors
Note: <cite index=”28-1″>This product is marked as “NOT RECOMMENDED for NEW DESIGN” due to obsolescence</cite>, which affects pricing and availability.
3. Documents & Media
Official Documentation
- DS077 Spartan-IIE Family Datasheet – Complete 108-page technical specification
- Product Change Notice XCN12026 – Obsolescence notification (August 2013)
- Application Notes:
- XAPP179: Using SelectIO Interfaces in Spartan-II and Spartan-IIE FPGAs
- XAPP174: Using DLLs in Spartan-IIE FPGAs
- XAPP176: Configuration and Readback Guide
Design Resources
- Pinout Tables: Complete pin assignment documentation
- Package Drawings: Mechanical specifications and dimensions
- IBIS Models: Signal integrity simulation models
- BSDL Files: Boundary scan description language files
Development Tools
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite: Legacy development environment
- CORE Generator: IP core library access
- ChipScope Pro: Debug and analysis tools
- Programming Files: Bitstream generation and device configuration
Reference Designs
- Evaluation Boards: Development platform specifications
- Design Examples: Sample VHDL/Verilog implementations
- Getting Started Guides: Quick setup and first design tutorials
4. Related Resources
Development Ecosystem
Software Tools:
- Xilinx ISE Design Suite (Legacy support)
- ModelSim integration for simulation
- Synplify Pro synthesis tool compatibility
- ChipScope Pro for real-time debugging
Hardware Platforms:
- Spartan-IIE Evaluation Boards
- Third-party development modules
- Compatible programming cables (Platform Cable USB, Parallel Cable IV)
Migration and Alternatives
Recommended Migration Path:
- Current Xilinx Families: Spartan-7, Artix-7 series
- Direct Alternatives: XC2S200E-6FTG256I, XC2S300E-6FTG256I (same package, higher capacity)
- Modern Equivalents: XC7S50-2FTGB196C (Spartan-7 family)
Cross-Reference Parts:
- Intel/Altera Cyclone series equivalents
- Microsemi SmartFusion alternatives
- Lattice ECP5 family options
Application Resources
Common Applications:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) implementations
- Embedded system prototyping
- Communications infrastructure
- Industrial control systems
- Test and measurement equipment
Industry Solutions:
- Automotive electronics (meets AEC-Q100 when specified)
- Aerospace and defense applications
- Medical device development
- Telecommunications equipment
Community and Support
- Xilinx Community Forums (archived content)
- Legacy design examples repository
- Third-party IP cores and designs
- Academic institutional support materials
5. Environmental & Export Classifications
Environmental Compliance
RoHS Compliance:
- <cite index=”22-1″>RoHS-compliant component as indicated by “FT” designation</cite>
- Meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances
- Lead-free soldering compatible
- Compliant with China RoHS regulations
REACH Regulation:
- Complies with EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals
- No Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) above reporting thresholds
- Full material composition documentation available upon request
Additional Environmental Standards:
- WEEE Compliant: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
- Halogen-Free: Available in halogen-free package variants
- MSL Rating: Moisture Sensitivity Level 3 (168 hours at 30ยฐC/60% RH)
Package Environmental Data
- Package Materials: Lead-free solder balls, halogen-free mold compound
- Thermal Characteristics: ฮธJA = 25.0ยฐC/W (still air), ฮธJC = 5.8ยฐC/W
- Operating Humidity: 85% RH maximum (non-condensing)
- Storage Temperature: -65ยฐC to +150ยฐC
Export Classifications
Export Control Classification:
- ECCN: 3A001.a.2.c (US Export Administration Regulations)
- HTS Code: 8542.31.0001 (Harmonized Tariff Schedule)
- Country of Origin: Varies by manufacturing facility (typically Malaysia, Philippines)
Trade Compliance:
- ITAR: Not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations
- EAR: Subject to Export Administration Regulations
- Dual-Use: Commercial grade, standard export licensing
Restricted Countries:
- Subject to US and international trade sanctions
- Requires export license for restricted destinations
- Check current BIS Entity List for shipping restrictions
Quality and Reliability Standards
- AEC-Q100: Qualified automotive versions available
- MIL-STD-883: Military standard testing available for select variants
- ISO 9001: Manufacturing quality system certification
- ISO 14001: Environmental management system compliance
Recycling and End-of-Life
- Material Recovery: High-value precious metals recoverable
- Proper Disposal: Electronic waste recycling centers recommended
- Design for Environment: Reduced packaging, recyclable materials
- Take-Back Programs: Xilinx legacy product return programs (contact for details)
Conclusion
The XC2S100E-6FTG256I represents a mature, proven FPGA solution from Xilinx’s successful Spartan-IIE family. While officially obsoleted in 2013, this device remains valuable for legacy system maintenance, educational applications, and cost-sensitive designs where the latest features aren’t required.
Key Advantages:
- โ Proven reliability with extensive field deployment history
- โ Cost-effective solution for moderate complexity designs
- โ Comprehensive documentation and design resources available
- โ RoHS compliant for modern manufacturing requirements
- โ Multiple supplier options maintaining inventory availability
Considerations:
- โ ๏ธ Obsolete status – not recommended for new designs
- โ ๏ธ Limited long-term availability as inventory depletes
- โ ๏ธ Legacy toolchain requires older ISE Design Suite versions
For new designs, consider migrating to current Xilinx 7-Series or Ultrascale families, or contact authorized distributors for alternative recommendations that provide similar functionality with modern feature sets and long-term availability.

