Which FPGA is better Spartan 6 FPGA development board – xc6slx9-tqg144 or xc3s500e?
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Which FPGA is better Spartan 6 FPGA development board – xc6slx9-tqg144 or xc3s500e?

Publish Date: May 23
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To compare the Spartan-6 XC6SLX9-TQG144 and the Spartan-3E XC3S500E, we need to evaluate them based on architecture, performance, resources, power, and toolchain support.

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Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison:

Quick Comparison

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Key Differences
Why Spartan-6 (XC6SLX9) is Better:

  • Newer architecture (improved logic packing, routing, and timing)
  • Lower power consumption due to smaller process node (45nm vs. 90nm)
  • Integrated PLLs for better clock management
  • Better block RAM and more flip-flops
  • Supports more modern IP cores

Why Spartan-3E (XC3S500E) May Be Chosen:

  • Compatible with legacy designs
  • Slightly more logic gates (but less efficient use than Spartan-6)
  • More available I/O pins
  • More open tutorials and beginner support (especially from Digilent Nexys 2 boards)

Toolchain Notes

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Recommendation

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For new designs, go with XC6SLX9. It’s better architected, more efficient, and gives you better performance per watt.

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