Xilinx announced the discontinuation of further manufacturing or production for the Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) under the Xilinx XC2S150 category. In this article, you are going to find out the reasons for the discontinuation and the overall performance of the IC before the discontinuation.
Xilinx XC2S150 FPGA’s Features
Here are some of the features that the Xilinx XC2S150 FPGAs rocked during the non-obsolete years.
1. Faster Programming Capabilities
The Xilinx XC2S150 FPGAs possess a faster programming capability, especially when it comes to the applications. By default, the FPGAs are designed and optimized primarily for high-volume applications, all thanks to the versatile design of the chip’s programming solutions.
2. Shortened Production Cycle
Xilinx XC2S150 FPGA also shortens/reduces the cycle or time used for the designing of the chip. This affords the digital designer the opportunity to get the job in the shortest time possible.
3. Versatile Routing Channels
Xilinx XC2S150 boasts of a wide range of routing channels, especially as it pertains to the uses of functional elements that are interconnected by a powerful routing pathway.
Besides, the structure of the chip is worth it. For example, the two (2) columns of block RAM are placed on the opposite sides of the Delay-Locked Loops (DLLs).
4. Configuration Data Retrieval Process
The process of retrieving configuration data or bitstream in the Xilinx XC2S150 is done through the external serial PROM. Also known as the master serial mode, it involves the reading of the configuration data through that source.
Another option is to write the configuration data into the Xilinx XC2S150 FPGA either through the Boundary Scan, Slave Serial or Slave Parallel modes.
5. ASIC Replacement Technology
Xilinx XC2S150 also serves as a replica of the ASIC technology, but with improved features. Through its second-generation ASIC replacement technology, it provides the following:
6. Cost Reduction
Cost-sensitivity is one of the core attributes of the second-generation ASIC technology used by Xilinx XC2S150.
By using the 0.18 micron process technology and the low-cost design, it considerably cuts down on the hitherto high-cost of designing the chip.
7. Improved Densities
In addition to cost-reduction, the Xilinx XC2S150 FPGA also increases the performance of the chip. This is done via the increase of the densities up to 5,292 logic cells. It also expanded the chip to accommodate up to 200,000 system/logic gates.
8. Streamlined Features
The chip also streamlines most of its features based on the Virtex FPGA architecture. In addition to this, it also provides unlimited programmability for the FPGA.
Xilinx XC2S150’s Discontinuation: What You Need to Know
Xilinx announced the company’s decision to discontinue further production of the Spartan-II PQ(G)208 Package Pin FPGAs.
The primary reason for the discontinuation is because of Xilinx suppliers’ discontinuation of the assembly line that oversees the production/manufacturing of the Spartan-II PQ(G)208 Package Pin FPGAs.
In line with that, Xilinx wouldn’t offer the Xilinx XC2S150 and hasn’t yet made plans to offer replacement parts for the affected FPGAs in the category.
In addition to affecting the respective part numbers, the discontinuation also affected the temperature-grade and speed variations of these FPGAs.
Conclusion
In line with the concluding plans to phase out the Xilinx XC2S150 FPGAs, Xilinx has released a notice stating the company’s commitment to fulfill final order (LTB) until January 1, 2022. Thereafter, the company would be willing to process the final deliveries of the Xilinx XC2S150 until January 1, 2023.
