This "announcement" is basically a no-op. It's very likely not a new device but taking something like an Artix and just re-branding it and then limiting access to device features via software(Vivado). The same was done for 'Spartan-7' -- it was NOT a new device, just an existing design where they removed the SERDES block.
What made Spartan-6 unique was in addition to having transcievers was the hardened DDR memory controller.
If you read this announcement, DDR support is done via 'soft' memory controller, which chews up a lot of resources and makes meeting timing frustrating, forcing use of Xilinx's MIG IP.
What made Spartan-6 unique was in addition to having transcievers was the hardened DDR memory controller.
If you read this announcement, DDR support is done via 'soft' memory controller, which chews up a lot of resources and makes meeting timing frustrating, forcing use of Xilinx's MIG IP.