Spartan 7 is a series of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) by Xilinx designed for low-cost applications. You can use it to make prototypes and get an idea of what it takes to make final designs of these circuit boards.
One of the unique features of the Spartan 7 FPGA series is the use of the Spartan 7 DDR3 memory. In this post, we are going to talk extensively about what the DDR3 is, the differences between it and the DDR4, and how to choose the best Spartan 7 FPGA to buy.
What is Spartan 7 DDR3?
A DDR3 is a type of memory commonly used for high-powered applications. The full name is Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3). As Wikipedia puts it, a DDR is a “type of Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM).”
Generally, a DDR3 is used as the base or primary memory to improve the functions of the system it is used. You can get it in both the forms of SO-DIMM and DIMM.
In terms of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a DDR3 is directly connected to the interface of the FPGA. By this, it enables the real-time transmission or transfer of large amounts of data. The DDR3 is also utilized to store data in the FPGA.
Benefits of Using the Spartan 7 DDR3
Spartan 7 is a series of FPGAs designed to improve the speed and overall functionality of the system. It also helps in cutting down the costs of designing or manufacturing these systems.
Here are some of the advantages of using the Spartan 7 DDR3 in your system.
1. Fast Data Transmission
The slow pace of transferring data to and from the system can increase the time spent in getting the system readied.
You can do something about this and help improve the data transfer speed. The fast data transmission speed of the Spartan 7 DDR3 readily comes in handy.
You can be sure of getting all your data transferred in the shortest time possible, typically in a few minutes, depending on the volume of the data.
2. Excellent Data Storage
Your Spartan 7 DDR3 also doubles as a storage device, in the sense that you can use the large FIFO element to keep the data safe.
3. Flexible Clock Signal Generation
The clocking performance of the Spartan 7 DDR3 is also top-notch. Worthy of mention is that the FPGA’s DDR3 enables the data assessment in both the forms of falling and rising clock edges operating at 200 Megahertz (MHz).
In term of the clocking signal generation, it does that via the “free running” 200 MHz clock source that is fed into the Spartan 7 FPGA.
The 200MHz clock source would then be fed or inputted to a DCM. From here, the DCM can easily generate the required internal and external clock signals. These signals would then play a huge role in the overall operation of the Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3).
Final Words
The Spartan 7 DDR3 is quite different from a DDR4 because its Random Access Memory (RAM) is backward-compatible, thus, enabling the compatibility with the older generations of RAMs.
It is also better than the DDR4 memory type because of the improved device pinout.
When choosing the Spartan 7 DDR3, you want to pay attention to the power consumption, which is typically higher than the DDR4. Also, compare the prices from different suppliers to see if you can get a better deal.
