AMD XC2S50-6TQ144C

Overview

XC2S50-6TQ144C from AMD (formerly Xilinx) is a Spartan-II family FPGA with 50,000 system gates, 144-pin TQFP package, 6 ns logic delay, and embedded RAM blocks. It serves as a reconfigurable logic fabric for digital control, interface bridging, and real-time signal preprocessing in industrial I/O modules.

For engineers reviewing the XC2S50-6TQ144C datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include logic capacity, I/O count (117 user I/Os), configuration mode support (JTAG/Slave Serial), operating voltage (2.5 V core / 3.3 V I/O), and temperature grade (commercial, 0°C to 85°C).

Technical Context

The XC2S50-6TQ144C implements configurable logic blocks (CLBs) with four-input LUTs and flip-flops, distributed RAM (176 Kbits total), and dedicated carry logic for arithmetic functions. It supports multiple configuration modes including JTAG boundary-scan and Slave Serial via PROM or microcontroller.

Its I/O banks are independently configurable for LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and HSTL standards, with programmable slew rate and drive strength per pin. The device requires external configuration memory and uses SelectMAP or serial mode for bitstream loading.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XC2S50-6TQ144C is housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) with 0.5 mm pitch, 20 mm × 20 mm body size, and exposed thermal pad (non-electrical). Pin assignments follow Xilinx Spartan-II pinout conventions, with dedicated configuration, clock, and JTAG pins.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar FPGA-based logic implementation applications.

Compared with XC2S50-6TQ144C, XCV300E-6PQ240C provides greater logic scale at the cost of higher power and external memory dependency, while XC2S50-5PQ208C trades compact TQFP packaging for expanded I/O and thermal headroom - neither is drop-in replaceable.

Availability

XC2S50-6TQ144C is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, legacy system modernization, and programmable I/O module development requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for XC2S50-6TQ144C includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

AMD acquired Xilinx in 2022 and maintains the Spartan-II product line for legacy industrial and aerospace applications requiring long-lifecycle support.

The Spartan-II family was designed for cost-effective, reconfigurable logic in space-constrained, thermally moderate environments - targeting industrial control, test equipment, and communications infrastructure.

FAQ

What configuration methods does the XC2S50-6TQ144C support?

The XC2S50-6TQ144C supports JTAG boundary-scan, Slave Serial (via CCLK and DIN), and SelectMAP modes. JTAG is used for debugging and programming; Slave Serial loads bitstreams from external PROM; SelectMAP enables high-speed parallel configuration from a microprocessor. All methods require proper initialization of PROGRAM_B and monitoring of DONE.

Does the XC2S50-6TQ144C include internal configuration memory?

No, the XC2S50-6TQ144C is an SRAM-based FPGA and does not retain configuration after power loss. It requires external non-volatile memory (e.g., XCF02S PROM or microcontroller) to store and reload the bitstream at power-up. The DONE pin confirms successful loading and releases I/Os from high-impedance state.

What is the maximum operating frequency for logic implemented in XC2S50-6TQ144C?

The XC2S50-6TQ144C speed grade -6 specifies a worst-case CLB propagation delay of 6 ns, supporting system clock frequencies up to 125 MHz under typical voltage and temperature conditions. Actual achievable frequency depends on design topology, routing, and I/O timing constraints - synthesis reports and static timing analysis are required for verification.

Can XC2S50-6TQ144C I/O pins drive 5 V TTL signals?

No, XC2S50-6TQ144C I/O pins are not 5 V tolerant. They operate at 3.3 V LVTTL/LVCMOS levels with VCCO = 3.3 V. Driving or receiving 5 V signals risks damage. For 5 V interface, external level-shifting circuitry or a compatible 5 V-tolerant FPGA such as Spartan-3E is required.

Is the XC2S50-6TQ144C still in active production?

The XC2S50-6TQ144C is discontinued by AMD/Xilinx but remains available through authorized distributors and Aetrix Electronics' legacy component program. We provide traceable, tested inventory with full documentation and support for ongoing manufacturing and repair of legacy systems.