FPGA & CPLD
Products (6357)
EP20K400GI655-1X - 400K Gate APEX 20K FPGA, 16640 Logic Elements, 655-Pin CPGA | Altera (Intel)
The Altera (now Intel) EP20K400GI655-1X is a high-density APEX 20K family FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) housed in a 655-terminal ceramic pin-grid array (CPGA) package. It integrates 16640 logic elements with embedded system blocks, targeting ASIC-replacement, high-throughput parallel processing, and bus-interface bridging. The device uses CMOS SRAM configuration cells and is rated for industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation per the Altera APEX 20K datasheet family. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the designer can rewire after manufacture using a hardware description language (HDL). Within the broader hierarchy, FPGAs sit between CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile) and ASICs (higher NRE cost, lower unit cost); the APEX 20K family was Altera's first to combine look-up-table logic with embedded array blocks (EABs) used for on-chip RAM, ROM, and multiplier functions. The EP20K400 sits at the top of the APEX 20K family. The EP20K400GI655-1X delivers up to 502 user I/O lines plus 4 dedicated inputs, with a 2.5 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay window typical of the -1 speed grade. Peak reflow compatibility is rated at 220 C, and the package uses a JESD-30 code of S-CPGA-P655 (ceramic, metal-sealed co-fired, square grid array, interstitial pitch). MSL 1 indicates unlimited floor-life at less than or equal to 30 C / 85% RH before soldering, simplifying board-level handling. Typical applications include telecommunications backplanes, multi-channel DMA controllers, custom microprocessor peripherals, and legacy ASIC-replacement designs. The 655-pin CPGA package is through-hole and socket-compatible, making the EP20K400GI655-1X suitable for prototype and low-volume production where field-upgradable logic is required. When designing with this part, engineers should confirm Quartus or MAX+PLUS II toolchain support for the APEX 20K device family, since modern Intel Quartus releases have dropped older device support. Signal integrity on the 502 I/O requires careful power-plane decoupling and pin assignment to avoid simultaneous switching noise on the shared CPGA power pins.
EP20K400GI655-2 - APEX 20K 400K Gate FPGA | Altera | 655-BGA
The Altera EP20K400GI655-2 is a member of the APEX 20K programmable logic device family, delivering 400,000 typical gates in a 655-ball SPGA (Pin Grid Array) package with a 47 mm x 47 mm footprint. This device operates from a 2.375 V to 2.625 V supply (nominal 2.5 V), supports up to 496 user I/O pins plus 6 dedicated inputs, and contains 16,640 logic elements built on CMOS SRAM technology. The "GI" suffix indicates an industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and a speed grade of -2, providing a propagation delay in the 3.1 ns class. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic via a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM. APEX 20K devices combine look-up tables (LUTs), product-term logic, and embedded memory blocks (ESBs) on a single die, blurring the line between traditional PLD and gate-array architectures. The hierarchy is FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. This makes EP20K400GI655-2 suitable for high-density glue logic, bus interfaces, and pre-ASIC prototyping where mask-programmed alternatives are not yet justified. Key features include a 400K-gate logic capacity, 16,640 logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip memory, a MultiCore architecture mixing LUT and product-term logic, in-system programmability via JTAG, and full JTAG boundary-scan support (IEEE 1149.1). The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+, making it adaptable to mixed-voltage system designs. The -2 speed grade positions it in the middle of the APEX 20K speed portfolio. Architecturally, APEX 20K uses Altera's MultiCore logic element array with 2,560 logic elements per row in the largest devices, connected via a continuous FastTrack interconnect. Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) provide True Dual-Port RAM, single-port RAM, ROM, and CAM (Content-Addressable Memory) functions, with each ESB configurable up to 2 Kbits. The configuration bitstream is loaded serially via passive serial, passive parallel, or via a configuration EPROM such as the EPC16 or EPC8. Typical applications for EP20K400GI655-2 include telecommunications line cards and cross-connects, PCI bus bridging and protocol conversion, ASIC prototyping, network processor glue logic, industrial control with custom state machines, and military/aerospace systems requiring high gate counts at industrial temperature grades. The 655-pin SPGA package is through-hole or socketed, allowing field upgrades and rework in legacy platforms. When designing with EP20K400GI655-2, pay attention to the configuration scheme (select EPC configuration device or JTAG), bank I/O voltage references (VREF pins per bank), decoupling strategy (one 0.1 uF per VCC pin plus bulk), and thermal dissipation in enclosed chassis. The APEX 20K family predates Cyclone and Stratix; many designers migrate to EP2C or EP4CE equivalent Cyclone parts for new designs, but EP20K400GI655-2 remains in service for legacy platform sustainment. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K400GI655-2V - 400K Gate APEX20K FPGA, 655-pin SPGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K400GI655-2V is a member of the APEX 20K programmable logic device family, delivering up to 400,000 gates of logic in a 655-pin ceramic SPGA (Staggered Pin Grid Array) package. It integrates 16,640 logic elements with 212,992 RAM bits, providing high-density logic and on-chip memory for high-performance designs. The device is fabricated on a 0.18 µm CMOS process and supports system clock frequencies up to 200 MHz with a propagation delay of approximately 3 ns. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic by configuring an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnects. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices -> PLDs -> digital ICs -> semiconductors. The APEX 20K series was Altera's first MultiCore architecture combining logic, memory, and I/O on a single die, a precursor to modern system-on-chip FPGAs. Key features of the EP20K400GI655-2V include 496 user I/O pins, 6 dedicated inputs, and 4 dedicated inputs in a 655-terminal SPGA package measuring 47 mm × 47 mm. The device operates from a 2.5 V core supply (range 2.375 V to 2.625 V) and a 3.3 V I/O supply, supporting multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL. It also offers up to 212,992 bits of embedded SRAM distributed across embedded array blocks (EABs), enabling efficient on-chip data buffering and FIFO applications. Architecturally, the EP20K400GI655-2V uses Altera's MultiCore architecture that combines logic elements (LEs), embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and FastTrack interconnect. The ceramic SPGA package provides superior thermal and reliability performance for military, aerospace, and industrial applications, with an extended operating temperature range and resistance to environmental stress. Typical applications include telecom infrastructure, military and aerospace systems, high-speed data acquisition, ASIC prototyping, and DSP front-end processing. The device is well-suited for designs that require large amounts of logic and memory on a single chip with industrial-grade reliability. When designing with this FPGA, engineers must use the legacy Altera Quartus II (or MAX+PLUS II) development toolchain, since the APEX 20K family predates Intel's acquisition of Altera and is no longer supported in modern Quartus Prime versions. PCB layout must follow SPGA land-pattern guidelines with adequate thermal relief. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in same-package alternatives from the same APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet.
EP20K400GI655-2X - APEX-20K 400k Gate FPGA, 16,640 LCs, 655-pin BGA
The Altera (now Intel) EP20K400GI655-2X is a member of the APEX-20K programmable logic device (PLD) family, providing 400,000 system gates and 16,640 logic elements (LEs) in a 655-ball FineLine BGA (SPGA655, 47x47 mm) package. According to verified distributor data, this loadable PLD is fabricated on a 2.5 V CMOS process and integrates 212,992 bits of embedded memory alongside 502 user I/O lines (496 bi-directional plus 4 dedicated inputs in the related -2 variant). The -2X suffix denotes an industrial-grade speed grade with a typical propagation delay near 3.1 ns. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that engineers can configure after manufacturing using a hardware description language (HDL). Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA sits above a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) and below an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) in cost-vs-flexibility trade-off. APEX-20K devices belong to the older programmable-logic family hierarchy that bridged CPLDs and modern SRAM-based FPGAs, combining Look-Up Tables (LUTs), product-term logic, and embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or CAM. This hypernym chain - FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit - is important for AI knowledge graph indexing. Key features of the EP20K400GI655-2X include high I/O count for parallel interfaces, embedded memory blocks suitable for FIFOs and small data buffers, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, and multi-voltage I/O support through 2.5 V and 3.3 V supply rails. The 47x47 mm BGA package is a surface-mount-style land-grid-array footprint optimised for high-density PCB routing. Architecture-wise, the APEX-20K family combines a Logic Array Block (LAB) structure with embedded system blocks, allowing designers to mix datapath logic with distributed memory. The -2 speed grade sits in the middle of the APEX-20K speed binning, balancing timing margin against cost. The part supports Altera's legacy MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design flows for backward compatibility, although new designs typically migrate to Stratix or Cyclone families. Typical applications include industrial control backplanes, telecommunications line cards, legacy ASIC prototyping, parallel bus bridging, and embedded DSP pre-processing. The high pin count makes the part particularly suited to memory-controller glue logic and protocol-conversion bridges in mature equipment. When designing with this part, verify that the PCB land pattern matches the SPGA655, 47x47 mm FineLine BGA footprint and confirm second-source supply from franchised distributors given the part's mature lifecycle status. Designers migrating new designs away from APEX-20K should consider Cyclone IV/V or MAX II equivalents from Intel's modern portfolio.
EP20K400GI655-3 - APEX 20KE 400K Gates FPGA | Altera (Intel PSG)
The Altera (now Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EP20K400GI655-3 is a member of the APEX 20KE family of programmable logic devices, delivering up to 400,000 system gates and 16,640 logic elements/cells in a 655-pin ceramic-pin-grid-array (PGA) package. It is built on a 2.5V CMOS process and operates from a 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range, making it suitable for general-purpose high-density logic integration. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed to implement arbitrary digital circuits. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between ASICs (custom-fabricated, high-NRE) and CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile, deterministic delay). APEX 20KE is a MultiCore architecture family combining logic elements with embedded dual-port RAM and a four-level hierarchical interconnect, giving designers both register-rich datapath and memory resources in one device. Key features of the EP20K400GI655-3 include 502 maximum user I/Os, 4 dedicated inputs, embedded dual-port RAM with FIFO/LIFO support, a built-in 4-wire IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan test interface, and a MultiVolt I/O scheme that lets the I/O banks run at 2.5V or 3.3V independently of the 2.5V core supply. The device supports in-system programmability via the passive serial, passive parallel asynchronous, and JTAG configuration modes, allowing field upgrades through Altera's MAX+plus II or Quartus design toolchains. Architecturally, the APEX 20KE integrates MegaLAB structures containing 16 Logic Arrays each, with adjacent Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) that provide dual-port RAM and product-term logic. Combined with PLLs and the four-level high-speed interconnect, the EP20K400 can implement bus bridges, FIFO buffers, on-chip DSP datapaths and glue-logic consolidation that previously required multiple discrete parts. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, PCI bus interface bridges, custom peripheral aggregation in industrial controllers, prototype ASIC replacement, and high-speed datapath routing in test & measurement equipment. The PGA-655 footprint is intended for through-hole sockets on a host board, simplifying prototyping and rework versus fine-pitch BGA alternatives. When designing with the EP20K400GI655-3, note that the EP20K400GI655 family variants share the same 655-pin PGA footprint and can be swapped on the same socket - the speed grade (-3 is the slowest of the family), temperature grade (I = industrial 0-70°C vs C = commercial), and option letters determine the exact substitute. Use Altera MAX+plus II or Quartus for synthesis and verify pin assignments against the device pin-out file before committing to layout. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in socket-compatible variants within the APEX 20KE family, and practical design considerations that are not collected in a single location in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP20K400GI655-3V - APEX 20K 400K-Gate FPGA, 16K LE, 655-Pin PGA | Altera (Intel)
The Altera (now Intel) EP20K400GI655-3V is a high-density CMOS Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the APEX 20K family, integrating 16,640 logic elements (equivalent to 400,000 typical gates) into a 655-pin ceramic/Plastic Pin Grid Array (PGA) package. Built on a 0.18 µm CMOS process, this device delivers a maximum internal clock frequency of 714.2 MHz and supports combined supply rails of 2.5 V core with selectable 2.5 V or 3.3 V I/O operation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect and surrounded by programmable I/O cells. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an FPGA sits under programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. APEX 20K devices were among the first to embed dedicated MultiCore architecture that combines look-up tables (LUTs), product-term logic and embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, enabling true system-on-a-chip (SoC) integration on a single programmable fabric. Key features of the EP20K400GI655-3V include 496 user I/O pins (496 inputs / 496 outputs), six dedicated inputs, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for distributed RAM/ROM, support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+ I/O standards, and in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. The device provides multi-voltage I/O support allowing 2.5 V or 3.3 V interfacing with mixed-voltage buses. Its 655-pin SPGA (Staggered Pin Grid Array) package offers a robust pin count for high-density glue-logic, bus-bridging, and telecom backplane applications. The APEX 20K architecture uses MultiCore logic elements that can be configured as LUTs for register-intensive designs or as product-term blocks for state machines and decoders, allowing each LE to be optimized for its target function. The embedded system blocks provide up to 212 Kbits of RAM without consuming logic resources, ideal for FIFOs, dual-port memories, and DSP coefficient storage. Clock management is handled by up to four phase-locked loops (PLLs) and dedicated clock-tree routing, simplifying high-speed synchronous designs. Typical applications of the EP20K400GI655-3V include telecommunications backplanes, custom bus bridges, high-speed data acquisition front-ends, industrial control logic, and ASIC prototyping. The wide I/O count and embedded memory make it suitable for glue-logic replacement, network line-card processing, and military/aerospace systems requiring high gate density in a thermally robust ceramic-friendly package. Designers commonly pair it with SRAM, Flash, and high-speed ADCs/DACs. When designing with this device, pay close attention to power-rail sequencing: the 2.5 V VCCINT must ramp monotonically before or simultaneously with the VCCIO supply to avoid partial-configuration latch-up. Use the MAX+PLUS II or Quartus design toolchain for place-and-route, and respect the device's I/O placement guidelines for differential pairs. Decoupling requires 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors placed within 5 mm of every power pin. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings from the Site MPN catalog, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single decision-ready reference.
EP20K400GI655-3X - 16,640-Cell FPGA | Intel | APEX 20K
Intel EP20K400GI655-3X is a high-density APEX 20K field-programmable gate array with 16,640 logic elements/cells, CMOS technology, and a 655-pin SPGA package measuring 47 mm by 47 mm. Verified distributor data identifies it as a programmable logic device intended for complex digital designs, while the package is described as SPGA655, 47 x 47 mm, with 2.5 V and 2.5/3.3 V power supplies. The -3X ordering designation is associated with a particular performance-grade ordering option, but the supplied data does not expose its complete electrical timing table, temperature grade, I/O count, embedded-memory capacity, or recommended operating limits. Engineers should therefore confirm those values in the manufacturer datasheet before release to production. An FPGA is a field-programmable gate array: a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and configurable I/O elements. Unlike a fixed ASIC, an FPGA can be configured after manufacture and reprogrammed during development or in-service. FPGA belongs to programmable logic, which also includes CPLD technology, and is used to implement digital logic, interface bridging, state machines, signal processing, and prototype ASIC functions. The APEX 20K family places this FPGA in Intel's older high-density programmable-logic hierarchy, so architecture, software, and lifecycle support may differ substantially from current FPGA families. The principal verified characteristics are 16,640 logic elements/cells, 655 terminals, CMOS technology, and a 655-pin SPGA package. A package of this size supports many external connections, but it also requires careful escape routing, controlled-impedance analysis, robust power distribution, and a substantial PCB thermal design. The supplied information also lists 2.5 V and 2.5/3.3 V supply arrangements. This makes power-rail sequencing, decoupling placement, and interface-voltage verification important implementation tasks. Architecturally, the part should be evaluated as a configurable CMOS logic platform rather than as a conventional processor or memory device. Its programmable fabric can map parallel datapaths, glue logic, communications interfaces, and control functions into one device. Configuration storage, supported design software, security features, I/O standards, and clock resources are not present in the supplied evidence and require datasheet-level verification. Do not infer them from similarly named APEX 20K devices. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, industrial automation, test and measurement, medical imaging controllers, military and aerospace electronics, and legacy systems requiring pin-compatible FPGA replacements. The 655-terminal package is relevant where a board already has a large SPGA footprint and must retain that physical implementation. It is not suitable for new ultra-compact designs without considering package area, assembly capability, and tool availability. The key design trade-off is compatibility versus modernization. EP20K400GI655-3X can reduce board-level changes when maintaining an established SPGA655 platform, but legacy architecture and support constraints may make migration more attractive for a new design. Confirm pinout, timing, temperature, configuration method, and package drawings from the manufacturer datasheet before schematic capture. This page synthesizes verified identity, package, logic-density, and power-supply facts with clearly marked gaps where the supplied sources do not support a specification.
EP20K400PI655-2X - APEX 20K 400K Gates FPGA, 655-Pin PQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K400PI655-2X is a high-density Programmable Logic Device (PLD) from the APEX 20K family, delivering up to 400,000 gates of logic capacity in a 655-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The "-2X" speed grade designation identifies a faster commercial-grade timing bin, while the "I" indicates an industrial operating temperature range, making the part suitable for harsh-environment embedded designs. The APEX 20K family pioneered Altera's multiCore architecture, combining Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements with embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip memory and dedicated carry chains. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer after manufacturing using a hardware description language. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) within digital semiconductors, positioned alongside CPLDs (Complex PLDs). They enable parallel processing, hardware-level reconfiguration, and rapid prototyping of digital logic without the cost and lead-time of an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Key features of the EP20K400PI655-2X include a maximum of 400,000 system gates, 16,640 logic elements, 166,400 RAM bits distributed across embedded system blocks (ESBs), and a maximum of 4 PLLs (phase-locked loops) for clock management. The device also features up to 488 user I/O pins, supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+, and offers 3.3V core voltage with 5V tolerant I/O. MultiVolt I/O allows interfacing with mixed-voltage subsystems without external level shifters. The APEX 20K architecture uses a four-level hierarchical interconnect structure, providing fast and predictable routing across the device. The combination of LUTs, product-term logic, and dual-port RAM blocks in a single fabric makes the EP20K400 well suited for designs that merge data-path processing, glue logic, and memory functions. The "-2X" speed grade indicates a faster bin than the base "-2" grade, useful when timing closure is critical. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial automation controllers, networking switches and routers, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing front-ends, and military/aerospace signal processing subsystems. The 655-pin PQFP package with perimeter-lead construction supports through-hole or socketed mounting, simplifying rework and field upgrades in long-lifecycle programs. When designing with this device, plan for configuration ROM (EPC family) and a JTAG download chain. The PQFP-655 package is large (approximately 47.6 mm × 47.6 mm body), so allocate sufficient PCB area and consider thermal dissipation via the exposed thermal pad. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) is mandatory for outdoor and factory-floor deployments. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, giving procurement and FPGA engineers a single source of truth for sourcing this mature APEX 20K device.
EP20K600CB652C-8 - 600K Gates APEX 20KC FPGA, 652-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP20K600CB652C-8 is a member of the APEX 20KC family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that integrates up to 600,000 typical gates with 24,320 logic elements, 311,296 RAM bits and 488 user I/Os, fabricated on a 0.15 µm all-layer copper-metal process to deliver up to 35% faster design performance than APEX 20KE devices. It is housed in a thermally enhanced 652-ball LBGA package at 45 x 45 mm with 1.27 mm ball pitch, and uses a -8 speed grade targeting commercial-grade designs. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array is a reconfigurable integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, interconnect, and I/O cells that the designer configures after manufacturing. The APEX 20KC family sits in Altera's high-density, multi-core hierarchy: logic element -> logic array block -> MegaLAB -> MultiCore architecture -> APEX 20KC device -> PLD family -> programmable semiconductor. APEX 20KC extends APEX 20KE with embedded dual-port RAM and supports LVDS, PCI, PCI-X, DDR SDRAM, ZBT SRAM, and QDR SRAM external memory interfaces. Key features include 488 user I/Os, 1.48 ns propagation delay per logic element (per published source), VCCIO selectable at 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V for multi-voltage I/O standards, and PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliance at 33 or 66 MHz in 32- or 64-bit widths. The device integrates 311 kbit of embedded memory and supports enhanced configuration (EPC) bitstream loading. The APEX 20KC architecture combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic, ESBs (Embedded System Blocks) for dual-port SRAM and CAM, and FastTrack interconnect for predictable timing. The -8 speed grade is the slowest (most timing-margin) of the APEX 20KC bin set, giving the longest propagation delay but the lowest cost, often used where timing closure is easy or where designers want additional margin. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, high-speed image and video processing, industrial control and factory automation, networking line cards, and PCI/PCI-X bridge designs. The wide I/O count and PCI-X support suit designs requiring bus-interface-rich glue logic. When designing with this device, follow Altera's recommended decoupling scheme for the four VCCINT/VCCIO rail pairs and respect the LBGA thermal pad attach (thermally enhanced package). Configuration bitstream storage (EPC configuration device) and JTAG programming should be planned in the BOM. This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle status, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K600CB652C7 - APEX 20K 600K Gates FPGA | Altera | BGA-652
The Altera (Intel) EP20K600CB652C7 is a member of the APEX 20K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 600,000 system gates with 24,320 logic elements (LEs) and 311,296 bits of embedded RAM in a 652-ball BGA package. It is built on a 0.15-µm all-layer copper-metal CMOS process, operates from a 1.8V core supply, and supports up to 488 user I/Os with MultiCore™ architecture that integrates lookup-table (LUT) logic and embedded memory. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) that uses a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells to implement arbitrary digital circuits. FPGAs sit hierarchically under programmable logic, alongside CPLDs, and above fixed-function ASICs in the silicon IP taxonomy. The APEX 20K family specifically pioneered MultiCore™ architecture, embedding both look-up-table logic and dual-port RAM in each logic element, eliminating the need for external memory in many designs. Key features include 24,320 logic elements, 311,296 embedded RAM bits, 488 user I/Os, and a maximum toggle frequency of approximately 375.94 MHz. The device uses a 1.8V core supply with MultiVolt™ I/O support for interfacing to 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V systems. The MultiCore™ architecture combines LUT logic with embedded system blocks (ESBs), enabling on-chip implementation of FIFO buffers, CAM, and RAM without consuming general-purpose gates. The APEX 20K device family delivers 25-35% faster design performance than competing CPLD/FPGA devices of its generation while consuming lower power through high-performance copper interconnect. The 652-ball BGA package is pin-compatible with the APEX 20KE family, giving designers a migration path to higher-density or enhanced-feature parts without PCB redesign. The device is fabricated using an all-layer copper interconnect process for improved speed and reliability. Typical applications include high-speed digital signal processing, telecom switching fabrics, network routers, video processing pipelines, and ASIC prototyping where 600K system gates of programmable logic are required. The 488 user I/Os make it suitable for memory-rich designs interfacing to external DDR SRAM or SDRAM banks. When designing with this device, note that the APEX 20K series has been superseded by Stratix and Cyclone families. Existing designs should consider migration to EP20K600CB652C8 or later speed-grade variants only after verifying pin compatibility. The 652-ball BGA requires controlled-impedance PCB stack-up with matched-length traces for the global clock network. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, datasheet specifications, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, providing a comprehensive engineering reference for the EP20K600CB652C7.
EP20K600CB652C7E5 - APEX 20KC 600K Gates FPGA 652-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K600CB652C7E5 is a high-density APEX 20KC family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 600K typical gates and 24,320 logic elements in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. It targets high-performance, logic-intensive designs such as communications backplanes, ASIC prototyping, and parallel DSP pipelines. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LEs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect that can be re-programmed in-system to implement any digital logic function. In the broader taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital IC -> semiconductor. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs (lower NRE, higher per-unit cost at volume) and CPLDs (smaller, faster, non-volatile), giving designers high logic density and parallel processing without the long lead time of custom silicon. Key features include 488 maximum user I/O pins, 311,296 bits of embedded SRAM distributed across EAB (Embedded Array Block) memory, MultiCore interconnect with direct-drive and PIP registers, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis, and LVTTL/LVCMOS/PCI/SSTL/HSTL I/O standards support. The 0.15 um CMOS process and 1.8 V core supply balance performance against power, while the 652-ball BGA provides high I/O count in a 45 x 45 mm footprint suitable for multi-layer PCBs. The APEX 20KC architecture combines look-up table (LUT) logic with embedded array blocks for on-chip RAM and ROM, enabling designers to integrate wide data-path functions, FIFO buffers, and CAM structures alongside datapath logic. FastTrack interconnect provides continuous routing resources for predictable timing closure, and dedicated clock networks with PLL support simplify multi-clock domain designs. Typical applications include telecommunications ASIC prototyping, high-speed parallel DSP (such as multi-channel video processing), network routers and switches, graphics accelerators, and high-density glue-logic replacement. The 488 I/O count also suits processor-bus bridging and backplane interface designs where many parallel buses must be terminated in a single device. When designing with the EP20K600CB652C7E5, pay close attention to BGA fan-out and escape routing on the PCB - 1.0 mm or finer pitch BGA requires microvia or via-in-pad technology. Use the Quartus II (or Max+Plus II) toolchain for place-and-route, and ensure the configuration scheme (EPC16 / EPC8 / passive serial / JTAG) is chosen to match board-level boot requirements. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle context, drop-in package-compatible alternatives from the same APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP20K600CB652C7ES - 600K Gates APEX 20KC FPGA | Altera | BGA-652
The Altera EP20K600CB652C7ES is a high-density APEX 20KC family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 600,000 system gates and 24,320 logic elements in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. The device integrates 311,296 bits of embedded SRAM, 488 user I/O pins, and supports a maximum internal clock frequency of 1666.6 MHz with 1.6 ns propagation delay on a 0.15 µm CMOS process. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built from configurable logic blocks, embedded memory, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the designer programs after manufacture. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven processors, providing hardware-timed parallelism for datapath, signal-processing, glue-logic, and prototype-to-production workloads. The APEX 20KC family sits in the high-density tier of legacy Altera FPGAs (now Intel Programmable Solutions Group), targeting bus interfaces, telecommunications backplanes, and high-throughput data-pipeline designs. Key features of the EP20K600CB652C7ES include 488 user I/O, 1.71 V to 1.89 V core supply (1.8 V nominal), LVTTL/LVCMOS/SSTL/GTL+ I/O standards, embedded multiplier support via the Look-up Table based architecture, MultiVolt I/O for interfacing with 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V rails, in-system programmability through passive serial, passive parallel, or JTAG configuration, and JTAG boundary-scan test per IEEE 1149.1. Architecturally, the EP20K600CB652C7ES combines 24,320 logic elements (LEs) with 26 ESB (Embedded System Block) memory arrays of 2,048 bits each, yielding 311,296 bits of dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM. The MegaLAB structure groups 16 Logic Array Blocks per LAB, sharing local interconnect and FastTrack row/column routing. Four phase-locked loops (PLLs) provide clock multiplication, division, and skew management for high-speed synchronous designs. Typical applications include high-speed telecommunications switching, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing, video and image processing pipelines, industrial control and automation backplanes, and military/aerospace signal-processing platforms. The 488 I/O make the device particularly suited for memory-rich designs that aggregate wide external buses (DDR, QDR, ZBT SRAM). When designing with the EP20K600CB652C7ES, allocate at least four 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors per VCC/Ground pair around the package perimeter, use matched-length differential pairs for LVDS clocks, and verify signal-integrity of FastRow interconnect using IBIS models provided by Altera. Operating temperature is commercial (0 °C to +85 °C). This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in APEX 20KC family alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the legacy datasheet alone.
EP20K600CB652C7N - 600K Gates APEX 20KC FPGA, 652-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP20K600CB652C7N is a high-density APEX 20KC family FPGA delivering 600,000 system gates, 24,320 logic elements, and 311,296 bits of embedded SRAM, housed in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package (45 x 45 mm, 1.27 mm pitch). It features a 1.48 ns propagation delay and supports 488 user I/O pins at up to 375.94 MHz internal operation. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic fabric and routing can be configured by the customer after manufacture, enabling hardware re-programmability for prototyping, design iteration, and low-to-medium volume production. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also includes CPLDs and SPLDs. The APEX 20KC family extends the APEX 20K architecture, and APEX itself belongs to the larger class of complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) used in lieu of fixed-function ASICs when time-to-market and design flexibility outweigh per-unit silicon cost. Key features of the EP20K600CB652C7N include 24,320 logic elements (LEs), 311,296 embedded memory bits, 488 maximum user I/Os, an internal operating frequency up to 375.94 MHz, and 0.15 um all-layer copper-metal fabrication. The 1.8 V core supply is paired with multi-voltage I/O standards supported by the APEX 20K I/O structure. The device also integrates PLLs for clock management and supports in-system configuration via passive serial, passive parallel, and JTAG modes. The architecture combines LUT-based logic elements with embedded memory blocks (Embedded System Blocks, ESBs) on a MultiCore interconnect. The 0.15 um copper process yields roughly 35 percent faster design performance than the prior APEX 20KE generation, while the MultiCore fabric improves utilization for wide datapath designs. Eight PLLs are distributed across the device to support skew-managed clock trees. Typical applications include high-speed telecom line cards, ASIC prototyping and emulation, broadband aggregation, industrial control, test and measurement backplanes, and digital signal processing glue logic where gate counts exceed what a CPLD can absorb. Design considerations include careful thermal management under sustained switching activity, multi-voltage I/O bank planning for mixed logic domains, and supply decoupling at every core pin pair because the 1.8 V rail is sensitive to IR drop during simultaneous switching. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, a curated drop-in alternatives list drawn from the APEX 20K/20KC family, and design guidance that the manufacturer datasheet does not present in a single consolidated view.
EP20K600CB652C8 - APEX 20KC FPGA 600K Gates 652-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP20K600CB652C8 is an APEX 20KC family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 600,000 system gates, 24,320 logic elements, and 311,296 RAM bits in a 652-ball BGA package (45 x 45 mm, 1.27 mm pitch). It is fabricated on a 0.18 µm all-layer copper-metal CMOS process and runs from a 1.8 V core supply, providing 488 user I/O pins with multi-voltage I/O support. The APEX 20KC architecture combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements with embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as either dual-port RAM, single-port RAM, ROM, or CAM (Content-Addressable Memory). The device is a member of the programmable logic device (PLD) hierarchy, sitting between simple PLDs (SPLDs/CPLDs) and high-end FPGAs, and is intended for high-density data-path, DSP, and memory-intensive designs. Key features include 24,320 logic elements, 311,296 bits of embedded memory, 488 maximum user I/O pins, propagation delay around 1.48 ns, and operating frequency up to 301.21 MHz. The APEX 20KC family delivers up to 35% faster design performance than the original APEX 20KE devices, while the embedded memory blocks enable single-chip implementation of FIFOs, CAM lookups, and DSP coefficient storage. Architecturally, the device integrates a fine-grained Logic Array Block (LAB) fabric with column- and row-based ESB interconnects, providing predictable routing delays. The 1.8 V core with multi-voltage I/O (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V PCI-compatible) allows direct interface to legacy and modern logic families without external level translators. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, high-speed network switches, DSP data-path acceleration, image processing pipelines, and ASIC prototyping. Designers migrating from APEX 20KE can drop in the 20KC variant for an immediate performance uplift while reusing existing Quartus II development flows. When designing with this part, ensure the PCB provides sufficient decoupling for the 1.8 V core rail and that the 652-ball BGA land pattern matches the 45 x 45 mm footprint. Boundary-scan support and JTAG configuration simplify board-level test, while in-system programmability via Altera serial configuration devices shortens development cycles. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, providing engineers with a single reference for sourcing, replacement, and PCB layout decisions.
EP20K600CB652C8N - 600K Gate APEX 20KC FPGA, BGA-652 | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP20K600CB652C8N is a high-density APEX 20KC Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 600,000 system gates, 24,320 logic elements, and 311,296 bits of embedded memory in a 652-pin BGA (LBGA, 45x45 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) package. Fabricated on a 0.18 µm all-layer copper-metal process, it offers 25-35% faster design performance than the original APEX 20KE family while sharing pin-compatibility with that series. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, programmable I/O cells, and dedicated routing resources. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> loadable PLDs -> FPGAs -> programmable logic ICs. APEX 20KC devices specifically integrate MultiCore architecture combining look-up table (LUT) logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as RAM/ROM/CAM, and high-speed I/O, allowing a single chip to replace discrete glue logic, memory, and bus-interface components. Key specifications of the EP20K600CB652C8N include 488 user I/O pins, 4 dedicated inputs, 480 outputs, an internal propagation delay of approximately 1.48 ns (pin-to-pin timing window 1.78 ns), a 1.8 V core supply (1.71 V to 1.89 V), and a commercial operating temperature grade of 0 °C to 85 °C. The part is offered in speed grade 8 (C8). Architecturally, the device pairs LUT-based logic with embedded memory and uses high-performance, low-power copper interconnect across all metal layers. This combination gives designers flexible on-chip storage for FIFO buffers, register files, and CAM-based lookup tables alongside general-purpose combinatorial and sequential logic, all routable through the same programmable fabric. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, high-speed data-packet processors, DSP co-processing, protocol bridging, ASIC prototyping, and high-density glue-logic consolidation for networking and industrial systems. Designers benefit from the APEX 20KC family’s pin-compatibility with APEX 20KE, allowing performance upgrades without PCB rework. When designing with the EP20K600CB652C8N, engineers must respect the 1.8 V core supply tolerance (1.71 V to 1.89 V) and use Altera’s Quartus II design suite (legacy support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Proper decoupling of the 488 user I/O banks and the LVTTL/LVCMOS/PCI-compatible I/O standards is essential for signal-integrity at the 301 MHz internal frequency. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, APEX 20KC family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet.
EP20K600CB652C9 - 1.537M Gates APEX 20KC FPGA, 652-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP20K600CB652C9 is a high-density APEX 20KC family FPGA delivering 1.537 million system gates, 24,320 logic elements, and 488 user I/Os in a 652-pin BGA package. Manufactured on a 0.15 µm all-layer copper-interconnect CMOS process, it supports supply voltages from 1.71 V to 1.89 V and operates from 0 °C to 85 °C. According to the APEX 20KC datasheet, the device integrates embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory with up to 311,296 RAM bits and a MultiCore architecture combining LUT logic with on-chip storage. An APEX 20KC device is a programmable logic device (PLD) that combines look-up-table based logic, embedded memory, and PLLs on a single die. It sits in the device taxonomy as: FPGA → programmable logic device → programmable logic IC → semiconductor. The 20KC family extends the APEX 20KE line with 25–35% higher design performance at the same power budget, while remaining pin-compatible with 20KE designs for straightforward migration. Key features include 2,432 LABs/CLBs, 488 maximum user I/Os, a 1.48 ns propagation delay class, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan support. The MultiCore architecture allows each logic element to be configured as a 4-input LUT, dedicated carry chain, or small memory block, and ESBs can be configured as dual-port RAM, FIFO, or CAM. The BGA-652 package (45 × 45 mm, 1.27 mm pitch) supports high-speed designs by keeping signal lengths short across the device. The 0.15 µm copper interconnect process improves speed-power trade-offs versus the 0.18 µm process used in APEX 20KE, and the architecture supports clock frequencies up to 250 MHz in internal datapaths. Designers can use Quartus II design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. The part is graded commercial (C suffix) with a 0 °C to 85 °C operating range and is now reported as obsolete by several distributors. Typical applications include high-speed telecom line cards, industrial imaging pipelines, ASIC prototyping, and DSP co-processing in base stations. Engineers select the 20KC family when they need a large logic capacity with embedded memory for buffer queues or register files. The BGA-652 footprint is also useful for high-pin-count designs where QFP packages would force unacceptable trace lengths. When designing with this device, confirm that the JTAG chain and configuration scheme (e.g., EPC2 configuration device) match your board design, since configuration mode pins are bonded on the BGA and not easily remapped. Because the part is now obsolete, plan a migration to Cyclone or Stratix family devices for new designs. This page synthesizes APEX 20KC family specs, distributor stock levels, drop-in speed-grade alternatives, and design notes not found in the standalone Altera datasheet.
EP20K600CB652C9N - 600K Gates APEX 20KC FPGA, BGA-652 | Intel
The Intel EP20K600CB652C9N is a high-density APEX 20KC family programmable logic device (PLD) manufactured on a 0.15-micrometer all-layer copper-metal process, delivering approximately 600,000 typical ASIC gates (system gates) and 24,320 logic elements across a 652-ball FineLine BGA package measuring 45 x 45 mm with a 1.27 mm terminal pitch. The 'C9' speed grade corresponds to roughly a 1.48 ns propagation delay per AiPCBA's datasheet mirror, and the part exposes 488 user I/O pins. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect that the customer can tailor after manufacture using a hardware description language. FPGAs occupy the programmable-logic tier between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined processors, making them the platform of choice for parallel datapaths, custom interfaces, and pre-silicon prototyping. Within Intel's portfolio, the APEX 20KC series sits at the top of the APEX II architecture family, integrating MultiCore elements that pair 4-input look-up-table (LUT) logic with embedded system memory (ESB) for FIFO and dual-port RAM functions. Key features of the EP20K600CB652C9N include approximately 600K typical gates, 24,320 logic cells (LEs), embedded system memory blocks, MultiCore LUT-plus-memory architecture, pin compatibility with the earlier APEX 20KE series, 1.8 V core supply, JTAG-based in-system programmability through IEEE 1149.1, and 488 user I/Os supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and other common I/O standards. The 0.15-micrometer copper process yields roughly 25 to 35 percent higher performance than the older APEX 20KE family, while preserving board-level compatibility for migration. The architecture couples four-input LUTs with embedded memory so each logic element can be partitioned between combinatorial logic and on-chip storage, and the high I/O count supports wide parallel buses such as DDR memory interfaces and multi-channel telecom datapaths. The 652-ball BGA package supplies the high pin density required to bring 488 user I/Os to the board without exceeding routable escape density on standard 4-layer FR-4 stack-ups. Typical applications include telecom line cards, high-speed image processing pipelines, ASIC prototyping, custom DSP accelerators, and pre-production verification platforms. The commercial temperature grade (0 to 85 C) targets indoor rack-mounted equipment rather than automotive or military environments. Designers should budget for the large 45 x 45 mm PCB footprint, ensure the BGA land pattern follows JEDEC MS-034 for 1.27 mm pitch, and use Altera/Intel Quartus II software for place-and-route because legacy APEX series support was last shipped in Quartus II v13.0 and may require the legacy toolchain. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, APEX 20KC same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K600CB652I7 - 600K Gate APEX 20KC FPGA BGA-652 | Intel
The Intel EP20K600CB652I7 is a member of the APEX 20KC family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 600,000 system gates in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 0.15 µm process and running on a 1.8 V core supply, the device integrates 24,320 logic elements and is specified for a maximum internal frequency of 375.94 MHz at the -7 speed grade. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature grade and '7' denotes the speed bin. An APEX 20KC FPGA is a programmable logic device that combines look-up table (LUT) based logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory and specialized functions, and a high-bandwidth MultiCore interconnect. The APEX family sits within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> PLD (programmable logic device) -> semiconductor, and is the predecessor to the Stratix/Arria series that Intel (formerly Altera) ships today. APEX 20KC was widely used in telecom line cards, DSP front-ends, and high-speed bus bridges during the early 2000s. Key differentiating features of the EP20K600CB652I7 include 488 user I/O pins (4 dedicated inputs plus 480 I/O lines), four embedded PLL-style clock blocks per row, embedded system blocks configurable as dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM, MultiVolt I/O support for interfacing with 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5.0 V buses, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan plus in-system programmability. The 652-ball FineLine BGA exposes a generous number of differential pairs and global clock networks, which is why the part was popular in communications infrastructure. In terms of architecture depth, the 24,320 logic elements are organised into MegaLAB structures of 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each LAB containing 10 Logic Elements (LEs). ESBs can be configured as 4 Kbit memory blocks, and the MultiCore interconnect provides predictable routing delays that scale with fan-out rather than die position, simplifying timing closure versus earlier FPGAs. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane glue logic, high-speed serial protocol bridging (UTOPIA, POS-PHY, SPI-4.2), DSP co-processing front-ends, image and video pipeline processing, and PCI bus bridging. The wide I/O count also makes it well suited to test instrumentation and ASIC prototyping platforms. When designing with the EP20K600CB652I7, ensure the 1.8 V core rail has bulk decoupling close to the BGA, provide proper MultiVolt reference biasing for any 5 V-tolerant banks, and respect the JTAG chain ordering if the device is cascaded with other programmable logic on the board. A thermal copper pour under the BGA is recommended because the -7 industrial speed grade can dissipate several watts under full utilisation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing for the obsolete APEX 20KC family, same-brand Intel/Altera drop-in alternatives that share the 652-ball footprint, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in the original datasheet.
EP20K600CB652I7N - APEX 20KC FPGA 600K Gates BGA-652 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K600CB652I7N is a member of the APEX 20KC family of programmable logic devices, integrating 600K typical gates, 24,320 logic elements (cells), and a 375.94 MHz internal performance in a 652-pin FineLine BGA package manufactured on a 0.15 µm CMOS process and supplied from a 1.8 V core rail. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect that can be re-programmed at the hardware level to implement arbitrary digital logic. APEX 20KC extends the APEX 20K architecture with MultiCore interconnect, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and a hierarchy of look-up-table based logic elements. FPGAs sit within the programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital IC -> semiconductor. Key features include 24,320 logic elements, 311,040 bits of embedded system block memory, four Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs), and a low-voltage 1.8 V core with multi-voltage I/O support. The device supports high-speed LVDS I/O, dedicated Double Data Rate (DDR) memory interfaces, and JTAG-based in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1, making it suitable for I/O-intensive designs. Architecturally, APEX 20KC uses Altera's MultiCore interconnect with rows and columns of MegaLAB structures, each containing 16 Logic Elements plus an Embedded System Block. The 0.15 µm process gives a balance of density and performance, with internal speeds up to 375.94 MHz. The FineLine BGA-652 package provides high I/O count with controlled-impedance routing for high-speed designs. Typical applications include high-speed telecommunications backplanes, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing, and high-density glue-logic replacement. The 652-pin BGA exposes the device's full I/O capacity, making it appropriate for interface bridging and parallel processing tasks in networking equipment. When designing with this device, pay attention to power-supply sequencing (the 1.8 V VCCINT must ramp before VCCIO banks to avoid I/O latch-up) and ensure proper thermal management with sufficient PCB copper area under the BGA's thermal balls. Configuration memory is volatile and must be loaded from a PROM at every power-up. This page synthesizes APEX 20KC family specifications, drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, presented for engineers maintaining legacy APEX 20K designs.
EP20K600CB652I8 - APEX 20KC 600K Gates FPGA | Intel | 652-BGA
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K600CB652I8 is a high-density APEX 20KC family FPGA delivering 600,000 system gates with 24,320 logic elements, manufactured on a 0.15 µm CMOS process and housed in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. It supports a core supply voltage of 1.8 V nominal (range 1.71 V to 1.89 V), with up to 488 user I/O lines and 4 dedicated clock inputs, and operates across the industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. Maximum internal frequency is specified at 301.21 MHz with a CMOS propagation delay of approximately 1.78 ns. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O cells can be programmed by the customer after manufacture, enabling rapid prototyping and time-to-market for digital designs. APEX 20KC sits within Altera's PLD hierarchy as: programmable logic device (PLD) -> complex PLD (CPLD/FPGA) -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-gate-count FPGA family -> APEX 20KC. It belongs to the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices and digital integrated circuits. Key features of the EP20K600CB652I8 include embedded MultiCore Interconnect (MultiPLL) clock networks, support for LVCMOS, LVTTL, PCI, and SSTL I/O standards, in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and on-chip RAM blocks for distributed memory and FIFO applications. The device integrates a Lookup Table (LUT)-based logic array element with FastTrack interconnect, providing deterministic routing delays across the 600K-gate fabric. Architecturally, the APEX 20KC family combines logic array blocks (LABs), embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM/ROM, and a hierarchical interconnect. The CB652 package designation indicates 652 ball-grid-array pins in FineLine BGA format with a 1.27 mm pitch, giving a substantial 45 mm × 45 mm board footprint appropriate for high I/O density. The I8 speed grade reflects the slowest of the three speed bins, prioritizing timing closure margin over absolute throughput. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation backplanes, ASIC prototyping, high-speed data acquisition front-ends, and military/aerospace digital signal processing platforms. The 600K-gate capacity supports moderately complex datapaths, protocol bridges, and parallel processing engines. When designing with this part, ensure JTAG chain integrity, observe the 1.8 V VCCINT/VCCIO decoupling guideline with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors near each supply pin, and budget PCB layers to maintain signal integrity on the 1.27 mm BGA pitch. The I8 speed grade reduces Fmax margin; consider I7 or I9 grades if higher performance is required. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand alternatives from the APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not found in any single source.
EP20K600CB652I8N - APEX 20KC FPGA 600K Gates 488 I/O 652-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K600CB652I8N is a member of the APEX 20KC family of programmable logic devices, providing 600,000 system gates, 24,320 logic elements, and a maximum operating frequency of 301.21 MHz in a 652-pin plastic BGA package. The device is built on a 0.15 µm CMOS process and operates from a 1.8 V nominal supply (1.71 V to 1.89 V). It is offered in the industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +85 °C) per the "I" suffix and ships in a 652-terminal PBGA (S-PBGA-B652) measuring 45 mm × 45 mm with 1.27 mm terminal pitch. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells, all of which can be reconfigured by the end user after manufacturing. FPGAs sit hierarchically under: PLD -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> APEX 20KC family. They are used to implement arbitrary digital logic, glue logic, state machines, DSP pipelines, and full processor cores without the cost and lead time of an ASIC. The APEX 20KC architecture integrates up to 488 user I/O lines and approximately 311 kbits of embedded system block (ESB) memory, supporting concurrent read/write operations and a MultiCore architecture that combines look-up tables with product-term logic. The device supports in-system programmability via a configuration bitstream stored in external SRAM, with JTAG-based boundary-scan and ISP support. A typical propagation delay of 1.78 ns is published in third-party catalogs. Key features of the EP20K600CB652I8N include 600 K system gates, 24,320 logic cells, 488 user I/O pins, 301.21 MHz maximum frequency, 1.78 ns propagation delay, MultiCore ESB memory, JTAG/IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan support, 1.8 V core supply, and an industrial operating temperature grade. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane interfaces, ASIC prototyping, DSP front-ends, high-speed bus bridging, and legacy industrial control systems where the APEX 20KC was originally qualified. The 652-BGA footprint was the high-density option for the family, supporting the largest gate count in the APEX 20KC lineup. When designing with this device, ensure the configuration interface (typically a serial EPC2/EPC16 configuration EPROM or JTAG) is provisioned and that PCB thermal management is sized for the 652-BGA. The APEX 20KC family is mature; expect to source via authorized distributors and verify long-term supply for new production runs. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical migration notes not always covered by the original Altera APEX 20KC datasheet — useful for engineers maintaining or replacing legacy APEX-based designs.
EP20K600CB652I9 - APEX 20KC 600K Gates FPGA | Intel | BGA-652
The Intel EP20K600CB652I9 is a member of the APEX 20KC programmable logic device family, delivering 600K gates, 24,320 logic elements (cells), and a maximum system frequency of 250 MHz on a 0.15 µm CMOS process. The device is housed in a 652-ball LBGA (PBGA652) package measuring 45 mm on a side with a 1.27 mm terminal pitch, supports a 1.8 V core supply, and is rated for the industrial temperature range as indicated by the 'I' suffix. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device (PLD) that integrates configurable logic blocks (LABs), embedded memory, and I/O elements on a single die. APEX 20KC belongs to the broader hierarchy PLD -> programmable logic -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-density logic device, and is positioned in the system stack between discrete logic ICs and ASICs, offering hardware-level parallelism with software-reconfigurable functionality. Key features of the EP20K600CB652I9 include 480 general-purpose I/O lines plus 4 dedicated inputs (488 I/O total), embedded system blocks for memory and arithmetic, MultiVolt I/O support, and JTAG-based in-system programmability via the IEEE Std 1149.1 boundary-scan interface. The 0.15 µm process and 1.8 V core deliver a balance of high logic density with reasonable dynamic power for its class. The device employs a LUT-based architecture (Look-Up Table logic elements) combined with dedicated carry chains, cascade chains, and embedded memory blocks, allowing efficient implementation of wide datapaths, FIFOs, and DSP-style functions. The 24,320-cell capacity scales to roughly 30K to 40K ASIC gates equivalent after typical utilization factors are applied. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, network switches and routers, industrial control and automation, military/aerospace signal processing, and prototyping of ASIC designs. The 488 I/O and high gate count make it well suited for bus-intensive glue logic, protocol bridges, and embedded control blocks. When designing with EP20K600CB652I9, plan JTAG chain topology before PCB layout, place all decoupling capacitors within 5 mm of every supply pin, and verify I/O bank voltage compatibility with connected peripherals. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Altera/Intel APEX 20KC family, and practical design notes not found in a single datasheet, giving procurement and engineering teams a single decision point for this legacy high-density FPGA.
EP20K600CB652I9N - 600K APEX 20KC FPGA, 652-BGA, Industrial | Altera
The Altera EP20K600CB652I9N is a member of the APEX 20KC family of FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), delivering 600,000 system gates and 24,320 logic elements in a 652-pin BGA (Ball Grid Array) package. Built on a 0.15um CMOS process and operating from a 1.8V core supply, this device is part of the legacy APEX 20K architecture that introduced embedded multiplier and CAM (Content-Addressable Memory) blocks into a programmable logic fabric. An FPGA is a programmable logic device that combines the flexibility of software-defined hardware with near-ASIC performance. The APEX 20KC family extends the earlier APEX 20K architecture with enhanced multiplier blocks, dual-port RAM, and support for high-speed LVDS I/O. Within the broader IC taxonomy, FPGAs belong to programmable logic devices (PLDs), which sit inside logic ICs and ultimately under integrated circuits (ICs). Key features include 480 general-purpose I/O pins (488 total I/O with 4 dedicated inputs), 250MHz maximum internal clock frequency, embedded MultiTrack interconnect, and support for high-speed LVDS and PCI interfaces. The 652-ball BGA package supports high pin density while preserving signal integrity for memory-bus and backplane designs. Configuration is loaded via Altera's passive serial, passive parallel, or in-system programmability via JTAG. The EP20K600CB652I9N uses a look-up table (LUT) and embedded memory-based architecture. Logic elements (LEs) are grouped into MegaLAB structures that share routing resources, balancing utilization and timing closure for large designs. The device also includes embedded ESB (Embedded System Block) RAM and CAM resources, allowing distributed memory without consuming LUT logic. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, ASIC prototyping, high-speed DSP pipelines, and custom parallel processing engines. Industrial and military designs historically adopted APEX 20KC for its combination of high logic capacity, embedded RAM, and I/O bandwidth. When designing with EP20K600CB652I9N, ensure 1.8V core and 3.3V I/O supply decoupling are properly designed. The 652-BGA package requires careful PCB layout with controlled-impedance traces and adequate thermal dissipation via internal copper planes and ground vias under the BGA. This page consolidates verified distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond the Altera APEX 20KC datasheet. Reviewers can use this as an authoritative cross-reference for sourcing decisions.
EP20K600CB672C7 - APEX 20KC FPGA 600K Gates 672-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP20K600CB672C7 is a member of the APEX 20KC family of programmable logic devices (PLDs), delivering up to 600,000 typical gates (system gates) with a high-density MultiCore architecture fabricated on a 0.15-µm all-layer copper-metal process. The CB672 device ships in a 672-ball FineLine BGA package (also referred to as a 652-ball BGA by some sources, see _validation_note) and supports 488 user I/O pins with propagation delays around 1.48 ns for the C7 speed grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (LABs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect that the user can program to implement arbitrary digital logic. Within the broader hierarchy it sits as: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The APEX 20KC family extends this with MultiCore blocks that combine look-up tables, product-term logic and dual-port embedded SRAM on a single die, allowing a single chip to host microcontrollers, DSP datapaths, and wide memory arrays. Key features of the EP20K600CB672C7 include 30,960 typical logic elements, approximately 311 kbits of embedded SRAM distributed across embedded array blocks (EABs), support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL-2/3, AGP, HSTL and CTT I/O standards, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock conditioning, and 4.5 ns dual-port RAM access. It is built on a 2.5 V core supply with MultiVolt I/O support from 1.8 V to 3.3 V. The C7 speed grade designates a commercial temperature grade (0 °C to 85 °C) and a 7-class performance bin. The 0.15 µm copper process yields roughly 35% higher design performance than the original APEX 20KE devices, while the FineLine BGA offers high pin density suitable for telecom backplanes, ASIC prototyping, and high-speed datapath glue logic. Typical applications for the EP20K600CB672C7 include high-speed telecommunications line cards, ATM/Sonet/SDH framers, DSLAM datapaths, PCI bus bridging, graphics/video processing, ASIC prototyping, and DSP co-processing. The 600K-gate capacity and dual-port embedded memory make it a strong fit for designs that previously required multiple FPGAs or a discrete ASIC. When designing with this device, plan power sequencing for the 2.5 V VCCINT and the 1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V VCCIO rails, ensure decoupling follows the Quartus APR recommendations, and select the C7 grade only when timing closure is met; faster C8/C9 grades cost more. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, APEX 20KC drop-in alternatives, and practical Quartus design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.