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Memec’s documented support for Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGAs was more than chip distribution: in 2003, Memec Design offered Spartan-3 IP cores and design services, and it also introduced demonstration hardware. Xilinx later listed several Spartan-3 development kits supplied by Insight (Memec). These are historical offerings; the available evidence does not establish current Memec services, board stock, or prices.
What Memec’s Spartan-3 support included
In an April 16, 2003 report, EDN described Memec Design, the engineering arm of the Memec Group, as offering IP-core and design-services support for Xilinx’s new Spartan-3 platform FPGAs. The report said Spartan-3-targeted MemecCore IP cores were available under the SignOnce IP License. In this context, “support” meant engineering assistance and licensable IP, not simply access to FPGA devices.
The same 2003 report described Spartan-3 as a 90 nm family spanning 50,000 to 5 million system gates. It named routers, storage servers, medical and industrial imaging, and residential gateways as example applications. Those figures and examples describe the family as presented at the time; they are not current FPGA-selection guidance.
Documented Memec Spartan-3 boards
XC3S50J demonstration board
A June 17, 2003 EE Times report on Memec’s demonstration board listed an XC3S50J FPGA, Xilinx Platform Flash configuration PROM, onboard clock oscillator, user clock socket, RS-232 port, two seven-segment LEDs, and user LEDs.
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- Designed for students and beginners looking to understand Digital Logic, fundamentals of FPGAs
- Features the Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA compatible with Vivado Design Suite WebPACK Edition (free download available from Xilinx)
- On board user interfaces include 16 user switches, 16 LEDs, 5 user pushbuttons, and a
- Expansion opportunities with four Pmod ports including 3 standard 12-pin Pmod ports and 1 dual
- Does NOT ship with micro USB cable
EE Times reported the kit at $125 with the board, power supply, and documentation. A $175 WebPACK version included a JTAG cable and WebPACK software. Both amounts are nominal prices reported in 2003, not present-day prices or evidence of current availability.
LC and MB development kits
Xilinx’s Fall 2004 Xcell Journal board listing identified multiple Spartan-3 development kits supplied by Insight (Memec), including LC kits using the XC3S400-4PQ208 and MB kits using the XC3S1500-4FG676. The listing also included MicroBlaze-oriented models and described general-purpose development and embedded-microprocessor work as intended uses. See Xilinx’s Fall 2004 board listing.
Rank #2
- Digilent Basys 3 Artix-7 FPGA Trainer Board: Recommended for Introductory Users
The Memec Spartan-3 MB User’s Guide, version 2.0, dated September 27, 2004, identifies the board FPGA as an XC3S1500-4FG676C and describes 1.5 million gates of design space. The LC User’s Guide, version 1.5, dated May 20, 2004, documents a JTAG configuration chain with an XCF02S Platform Flash PROM followed by an XC3S400 FPGA. It recommends the Xilinx Parallel-IV cable for configuring the LC board. Consult the MB User’s Guide and the LC User’s Guide.
How to identify a legacy board
The manuals and period listings establish examples, not the condition or compatibility of any surviving board. Before buying one, compare the exact FPGA model and package, board revision, connectors and peripherals, and configuration method. Check which cable the board needs, whether a power supply is included, and whether the software and documentation needed for your intended use are available. In particular, do not assume that a JTAG cable or software bundle from another Spartan-3 kit will work with a specific board.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhy the Memec name is historical
Xilinx’s 2004 listing uses the supplier label “Insight (Memec).” A 2006 SEC filing states that Avnet acquired Memec during 2005. That chronology helps explain the period branding, but it does not establish current support or ownership details for each legacy board. Read Avnet’s 2006 SEC filing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you buy Memec Spartan-3 hardware today?
The historical reports and manuals do not verify current inventory, sellers, prices, or modern software compatibility. If you search for a legacy Spartan-3 development board, treat listings as unverified until the seller confirms the exact model and board revision, condition, included cables and power supply, and access to compatible software and documentation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Xilinx Spartan 3-E FPGA, 100K gate
- USB 2 full-speed port for FPGA configuration and data transfers (using Adept 2.0 software available as a free download)
- 8 LEDs, 4-digit seven-segment display, four pushbuttons, 8 slide switches, PS/2 port, and a 8-bit VGA port
- Four 6-pin headers for user I/Os, and attaching Digilent PMOD accessory circuit boards
- Requires Adept 2.0 or later for operation
Rank #4
- Arty S7 comes in two FPGA variants: Arty S7-25 features Xilinx XC7S25-CSGA324. Arty S7-50 features the larger Xilinx XC7S50-CSGA324.
- Internal clock speeds exceeding 450MHz
- On-chip analog-to-digital converter (XADC)
- Programmable over JTAG and Quad-SPI Flash
- Powered from USB or any 7V-15V source
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
