SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 1998--Xilinx, Inc.,
(NASDAQ:XLNX), the world leader in programmable logic, announced today
the availability of the new Spartan series of FPGAs to address
high-volume ASIC applications up to 40,000 system gates.
The new technology combines for the first time on-chip RAM,
high-performance, and robust core support at ASIC prices. Initial
members are available in 5-volt versions and are based on 0.5-micron
technology. This Spartan series has the industry's smallest die size
FPGA with RAM. A new SpartanXL 3.3-volt family on 0.35-micron
technology is due in third quarter of 1998.
Advanced process technology generates new feature set
"In our aggressive process migration, we've realized new layout
and circuit-design techniques through finer geometries and new
technologies that translate directly to cost savings for our
customers," said Wim Roelandts, president and chief executive officer
at Xilinx. "Still, it's not enough to simply offer low-cost
replacements for traditional ASIC designs. Designers want the benefits
of performance, RAM, intellectual property, and lower costs along with
in-system programmability and time-to-market advantages -- especially
in the fast-paced consumer goods markets."
Xilinx has employed a unique total cost management approach to
the Spartan series. To completely address the cost of Spartan device
manufacturing, Xilinx not only reduced the die size but also improved
all stages of the manufacturing cycle: packaging, assembly, test, and
manufacturing overhead costs. For example, leading-edge process
technology advances offer the smallest possible die sizes. Focusing on
the lowest cost plastic packages reduces assembly costs, while
streamlining the feature set and moving to lower cost test hardware
tightens test costs.
In the third quarter of 1998, Xilinx will introduce the 3.3-volt
version SpartanXL series. Customers can design in the 5-volt version
now to take advantage of the lower price points of the low-power
devices, which are footprint compatible across multiple package
options. SpartanXL devices are priced lower than the 5-volt
predecessors due to the migration to 0.35-micron technology.
According to Dataquest, among total gate-array design starts in
1997, over 70 percent incorporate memory in their design. "Based on
this growing demand, any vendor who claims to have an ASIC replacement
offering must offer RAM as part of the solution," continued Roelandts.
Among the Spartan features are the Xilinx Select-RAM single/dual port
RAM pioneered in the XC4000 series. This series also offers a fast 80
MHz system speeds.
Complete Foundation and Alliance series and core support available now
Complete software support for the Spartan series is available now
in both the Xilinx Foundation and Alliance series. The Foundation
series is ideal for designers who prefer a complete, ready-to-use,
front-to-back environment with minimal learning curves. The Xilinx
Alliance series is best suited for designers who need to integrate
implementation tools with their existing EDA environment. All
strategic Xilinx EDA partners currently support the new Spartan
series. The Foundation and Alliance series packages for the Spartan
series are available for all Spartan devices, with pricing starting at
$495.
In addition to design tool availability, intellectual property
cores will be offered specifically targeting this series. Cores for
Spartan series are available today from several Xilinx AllianceCORE
partners, including T7L, Integrated Silicon Systems (ISS), Virtual IP
Group, (formerly ARM Semiconductor), and Memec Design Service,
offering functions such as RISC processors, microprocessor
peripherals, and DSP. All DSP cores in Xilinx LogiCORE product series
and all AllianceCORE products from third-party providers are also
available. A new PCI interface from the Xilinx LogiCORE offerings will
be available in the first quarter of 1998.
Available from distributors now
The first Spartan family members, the XCS20, XCS30, and the XCS40
devices are available in high-volume quantities. The XCS05 and XCS10
will be available in February 1998. Package offerings include plastic
leaded chip carrier (PLCC); plastic quad (PQ), thin quad (TQ), very
thin quad (VQ), flat packs; and ball grid array (BGA).
*T
Spartan (5-volt)/
SpartanXL Spartan(a)/
(3.3-volt) Logic System Maximum Maximum SpartanXL(b)
device cells gates I/Os RAM bits Price
XCS05/XCS05XL 238 2,000 - 5,000 80 3,200 $ 3.95 /$2.95
XCS10/XCS10XL 466 3,000 - 10,000 112 6,272 5.50 / 4.45
XCS20/XCS20XL 950 7,000 - 20,000 160 12,800 6.50 / 5.45
XCS30/XCS30XL 1368 10,000 - 30,000 192 18,432 7.95 / 6.95
XCS40/XCS40XL 1862 13,000 - 40,000 224 25,088 19.95 / 9.90
(a) 100,000 unit pricing for end-1998
(b) 100,000 unit price for mid-1999
*T |
