FPGA & CPLD
Products (6357)
EP2A25F672I8N - APEX II FPGA 900K Gates 672-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A25F672I8N is a member of the APEX II programmable logic device family, delivering 900,000 gates of system-level integration in a 672-ball FineLine BGA package. It contains 24,320 logic elements, 622,592 bits of embedded memory, and 492 user I/O pins, and is manufactured on a 0.15 µm all-layer copper-metal process that supports up to eight metal layers and 1 Gbps True-LVDS signalling alongside LVPECL, PCML, and HyperTransport I/O standards. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device built from an array of configurable logic elements (LEs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit within the broader semiconductor taxonomy as programmable logic -> programmable ICs -> integrated circuits, and they are widely used for ASIC prototyping, custom DSP pipelines, glue logic, and high-speed parallel interfaces where fixed-function ASSPs are unavailable or uneconomical. The APEX II family specifically targets high-density, multi-standard I/O designs by combining PLLs, True-LVDS capable I/O, and substantial on-chip memory on a single die. Key features of the EP2A25F672I8N include 333 MHz internal operation, 1.69 ns propagation delay, 1.5 V core supply, 27 x 27 mm FineLine BGA with 1 mm pitch, and an industrial operating range of 0 °C to 85 °C. Each device is configured via Altera's Quartus II design software, which supports both VHDL and Verilog HDL entry, along with MegaWizard Plug-In Manager IP blocks for common functions such as memory controllers, FIFO buffers, and high-speed transceivers. Typical applications include high-speed telecommunications backplanes, parallel DSP arrays, custom ASIC prototyping, and industrial control systems requiring multi-standard I/O. The combination of True-LVDS and HyperTransport support makes the EP2A25F672I8N well suited for bridging parallel bus standards in storage area networks and for prototyping proprietary interconnect fabrics. When designing with this device, careful attention must be paid to the 1.5 V core supply decoupling (multiple low-ESR ceramic capacitors near each VCCINT ball) and to simultaneous-switching output (SSO) analysis for the 492 user I/Os. Because the part is mature and in its end-of-life window, designers should verify long-term availability with their distributor before committing to a new design-in.
EP2A25F672I9 - APEX II 900K Gates FPGA | Intel (Altera) | FC-FBGA-672
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A25F672I9 is a member of the APEX II family of FPGAs, fabricated on a 0.15 µm process and delivering up to 900,000 system gates with 24,320 logic elements (LEs) housed in a 672-pin flip-chip fine-pitch BGA (FC-FBGA) package. It supports a core voltage of 1.5 V and operates at up to 236 MHz, with an industrial temperature grade (-40 °C to +100 °C, suffix I) and the speed grade 9 (fastest in the APEX II family). An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that engineers can reconfigure in-circuit to implement custom digital circuits. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs belong to the programmable logic family, which sits between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined microcontrollers; APEX II specifically targets high-density, multi-million-system-gate designs. Key specifications of the EP2A25F672I9 include 24,320 logic cells, 900K ASIC-equivalent gates, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for dual-port RAM and ROM, up to 422,400 RAM bits, and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device also features high-speed LVDS I/O support, dedicated multiplier circuitry, and a multi-voltage I/O standard set including LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, and HSTL. Its 672-pin FC-FBGA package provides the high I/O count and signal-integrity characteristics required by telecommunications and high-performance data-path designs. Architecturally, the EPEX II device uses a MultiCore architecture combining fine-grain logic elements with embedded memory and a high-bandwidth interconnect fabric. The 0.15 µm metal-layer process supports the high gate count while keeping die area manageable; flip-chip BGA packaging reduces lead inductance and enables the high toggle rates needed at 236 MHz. APEX II introduced the first embedded system blocks for RAM/ROM in an Altera high-density family, replacing earlier distributed-RAM schemes and simplifying synchronous memory inference. Typical applications for the EP2A25F672I9 include telecommunications backplane interfacing, custom DSP pipelines, high-speed data-acquisition front-ends, networking ASIC prototyping, and industrial motion-control subsystems. Its high gate count and embedded RAM also make it useful for system-on-chip (SoC) prototyping and bridge-chip designs that precede ASIC tape-out. When designing with this FPGA, pay close attention to power-rail sequencing (1.5 V core and a separate VCCIO bank supply), thermal management through adequate PCB copper area, and signal-integrity on LVDS pairs. Plan configuration mode (e.g., passive serial, JTAG) and decoupling before layout finalization. This page consolidates distributor pricing, design considerations, and verified pin-compatible alternatives that complement the Intel/Altera APEX II datasheet. It is intended to accelerate component selection and BOM risk assessment for engineering teams evaluating legacy FPGAs.
EP2A25F672I9N - APEX II 900K Gates FPGA, 672-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP2A25F672I9N is a high-density APEX II family FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) from the APEX II series, delivering approximately 900,000 system gates and 24,320 logic elements, fabricated on a 0.15 µm CMOS process. It is housed in a 672-pin FC-FBGA (Fine-pitch Chip-scale Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array) package and operates from a nominal 1.5 V core supply (1.425 V to 1.525 V), with an internal maximum operating frequency of 236 MHz and a propagation delay of approximately 2.23 ns. According to the Intel (formerly Altera) APEX II device family datasheet, the device integrates embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip RAM and ROM, support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and LVDS, and a built-in PLL for clock management. An FPGA is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected by programmable interconnect, allowing the hardware logic to be redefined after manufacture. Within the broader taxonomy, APEX II devices sit between classic CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and high-end SoC FPGAs: a true gate-array-class programmable logic fabric with embedded memory, multipliers, and I/O, rather than a simple PLA/CPLD glue-logic device. APEX II is the predecessor to the Stratix and Cyclone families, sharing many architectural concepts (Look-Up Tables, embedded memory, fast interconnect) but in an older 0.15 µm process node. Key features of the EP2A25F672I9N include 24,320 logic cells, embedded system blocks totaling hundreds of kbits of RAM, 4 PLLs for clock synthesis and deskew, multi-voltage I/O support with hot-socketing capability, and in-system programmability via JTAG. The device is well-suited to high-throughput parallel data-path designs, including DSP filtering, video processing, and communications protocol bridging. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, video and image processing pipelines, custom DSP accelerators, ASIC prototyping, and high-speed serial protocol bridges. The 672-pin FC-FBGA package provides ample I/O for wide parallel buses and multiple high-speed interfaces. Designers should note that APEX II is a legacy family no longer in active production; design support is via the legacy Quartus II design tool. Power estimation must include both static and dynamic components, and the 1.5 V core requires tight decoupling close to each supply pin pair. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in a single source elsewhere.
EP2A25F6T218 - APEX II FPGA, 25K LE, BGA-218 | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP2A25F6T218 is a member of the APEX II programmable logic family, delivering approximately 25,000 logic elements in a 218-ball FineLine BGA package with a -1 speed grade and commercial 0C to 85C operating range. Built on a 0.15 um all-layer copper-metal process with up to eight metal layers, the device supports high-performance serial interfaces including 1 Gbps True-LVDS, LVPECL, PCML, and HyperTransport signaling standards. The EP2A25 variant scales below the EP2A40 and is one of the lower-density options in the APEX II lineup. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, embedded memory, and dedicated I/O that engineers can program in the field to implement arbitrary digital logic functions. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (CPLDs -> FPGAs -> SoC FPGAs) and bridge the gap between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined microcontrollers, offering hardware parallelism with deep I/O flexibility. Key features of the EP2A25F6T218 include embedded system blocks (ESBs) providing dual-port RAM, FIFO, and CAM functions, dedicated high-speed serial interface circuitry, MultiCore hot-socketing support, and joint test action group (JTAG) boundary-scan test compliance. The architected Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic combined with embedded memory allows implementation of complex state machines, DSP functions, and high-bandwidth data paths in a single device. The APEX II architecture integrates the LUT-based logic fabric with on-chip memory and a high-speed I/O ring designed to interface with industry-standard serializer/deserializer (SerDes) and parallel bus protocols. This makes the EP2A25 suitable for telecom line cards, baseband processing, high-speed instrumentation, and protocol bridging. Typical applications include communications infrastructure, high-speed data acquisition, RAID controllers, and protocol bridging cards. The True-LVDS interface is well suited to backplane interconnects at data rates up to 1 Gbps. When designing with this device, ensure the JTAG chain integrity, supply rail decoupling follows Altera reference designs, and unused pins are configured per the device handbook. The EP2A25F6T218 is now a mature part, and design teams should verify long-term availability before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-footprint alternatives from the Site MPN catalog, and practical engineering guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2A40B652C7 - Altera APEX II 40k LE FPGA, BGA-652 | Intel PSG
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EP2A40B652C7 is a high-density APEX II family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. It delivers up to 40,000 logic elements combined with embedded memory and dedicated high-speed I/O, targeting bandwidth-intensive system-on-chip designs. The device combines LUT-based logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory and arithmetic, and high-performance I/O elements that support multiple single-ended and differential signaling standards on a single die. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that sits in the broader hierarchy of integrated circuits: FPGA -> programmable logic -> semiconductor. Unlike ASICs, FPGAs are configured after manufacture via SRAM-based or fuse-based interconnect, allowing engineers to implement arbitrary digital logic, glue functions, datapath pipelines, and full processor subsystems in silicon without a fab cycle. APEX II is Altera's pre-Cyclone/Stratix generation architecture, integrating PLLs, LVDS I/O, and content-addressable memory (CAM) blocks for networking and telecom workloads. The EP2A40B652C7 specifically targets designs that need high logic density plus rich I/O at moderate cost versus larger Stratix-class parts. Key differentiating features of the EP2A40B652C7 include 40,000 logic elements (LEs), up to approximately 425 kbits of embedded RAM distributed across embedded system blocks, dedicated high-speed LVDS channels, multiple phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and configurable I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL, LVDS, LVPECL). The device supports a maximum operating frequency in the hundreds of MHz range depending on design and speed grade, with the "C7" suffix denoting the commercial temperature grade and a specific speed bin. Architecturally, APEX II devices use a MultiCore architecture that fuses fine-grained LE logic with coarse-grained ESBs. Each ESB can implement dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO, CAM, or multiplier functions. The BGA-652 footprint provides 652 balls on a FineLine BGA pitch, enabling dense board-level integration while preserving signal integrity for high-speed parallel buses and serializer/deserializer channels. Typical applications include high-throughput network switches and routers, telecommunications backplane glue logic, ASIC prototyping, PCI/PCI-X bridges, multi-channel DSP datapaths, and military/aerospace signal processing platforms. The combination of high logic density and rich I/O makes the EP2A40B652C7 particularly well-suited to designs that must integrate multiple interface standards on a single board. When designing with this part, engineers should note that APEX II predates the Cyclone and Stratix series, so Quartus II design tools are required for synthesis and place-and-route. Existing APEX II designs are routinely migrated to newer Cyclone III/IV or Stratix II/III/V devices when active lifecycle support and modern transceivers are required, and the BGA-652 footprint complicates such migrations. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, drop-in alternative MPNs from the APEX II family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet, giving engineers a single reference point for sourcing decisions.
EP2A40B652C8 - APEX 20A40 FPGA 652-BGA | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B652C8 is a member of the APEX 20A40 family of high-density FPGAs, housed in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package and specified for the commercial temperature range (0C to +85C). It is built on a 0.18 micrometer CMOS SRAM process and combines look-up table (LUT)-based logic with embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as either dual-port RAM or content-addressable memory (CAM). The device integrates up to 40,960 logic elements (LEs), up to 425,984 bits of embedded memory, and up to 718 user I/O pins, positioning it for high-bandwidth, high-density programmable logic designs. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic function is defined by a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM after power-up. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined processors: they deliver ASIC-class parallelism and deterministic latency for data-path logic while remaining fully re-programmable in the field. The APEX 20A series extended earlier APEX architectures with MultiCore interconnect, embedded CAM, and high-speed LVDS I/O to address networking, telecoms, and DSP-intensive applications where gate counts alone were insufficient. Key features of the EP2A40B652C8 include 40,960 logic elements, 425 Kbits of embedded RAM, 718 maximum user I/O pins, MultiCore interconnect for predictable timing closure, embedded CAM blocks for routing-table and search-engine workloads, LVDS-compatible I/O, and full JTAG boundary-scan with in-system configuration support via the serial configuration (PS) or passive parallel asynchronous (PPA) modes. The part operates from a 1.8V core supply with 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O, balancing low power with industry-standard logic interfacing. The APEX 20A architecture pairs four LEs into a logic array block (LAB) with a local interconnect that feeds a row/column MultiCore routing network. Embedded system blocks (ESBs) implement true dual-port RAM with independent read/write clocks and configurable CAM widths, enabling on-chip lookup tables for network processors and content-addressable search without external memory. Configuration is volatile and loaded from a serial ROM or microprocessor on every power-up. Typical applications include high-speed network switches and routers (CAM-based table lookup), telecommunications line cards, DSP datapath co-processors, PCI bridge designs, and high-density glue-logic consolidation. The 652-ball FineLine BGA package supports the largest member of the family at full I/O count while preserving board-level signal integrity for high-frequency parallel buses. When designing with EP2A40B652C8, ensure the 1.8V core and 3.3V I/O rails have adequate decoupling (0.1 uF plus 10 uF bulk per rail) and that JTAG chain integrity is verified before release. The device is in production status; designers should confirm long-term availability with their distributor. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package variants, and practical design considerations not found in the manufacturer datasheet, with all data current as of 2026-09-08.
EP2A40B652C9 - APEX II FPGA 1.5M Gates 652-Pin BGA | Intel
The Intel EP2A40B652C9 is a member of the APEX II family of programmable logic devices, offering high-density programmable logic in a 652-pin BGA package. The APEX II family integrates up to 1.5 million system gates with embedded system blocks (ESBs) and a MultiCore architecture that delivers high-performance logic, memory, and I/O in a single device. This part is rated for the industrial temperature range (suffix "C9") and is built on a 0.18 µm CMOS process with a 1.5 V core voltage. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits by configuring an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), interconnect, and I/O cells. APEX II FPGAs extend this concept with embedded system blocks that provide dedicated dual-port RAM, ROM, and CAM (content-addressable memory) resources, while the MultiCore interconnect combines LUT-based fine-grained logic with embedded megablocks. This places APEX II FPGAs in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> high-density FPGAs -> embedded-block FPGAs. Key features of the EP2A40B652C9 include up to 1.5 million system gates, embedded system blocks for memory and special functions, MultiCore interconnect architecture, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL, LVDS), and PLLs for clock management. The 652-pin BGA package provides ample I/O for memory-intensive and bus-intensive designs, while supporting JTAG boundary-scan configuration via the IEEE 1149.1 standard interface. The device is configured via the serial or parallel configuration scheme typical of the APEX II family, with configuration data stored in SRAM cells. This means the device must be reconfigured at each power-up using an external configuration memory or a configuration controller, making it suitable for prototyping, system-level testing, and production designs that benefit from field-upgradeable logic. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, DSP co-processing, high-speed data acquisition, network switches and routers, and embedded industrial controllers. The wide I/O count also supports multi-channel memory interfaces and high-bandwidth bus bridging. When designing with this device, ensure adequate power-rail decoupling with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors placed close to each power pin. Thermal management should account for the BGA thermal resistance; a multi-layer PCB with thermal vias under the BGA is recommended for full industrial-temperature operation.
EP2A40B724C7 - APEX II FPGA 1.5M Gates 540 I/O FCBGA | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724C7 is a member of the APEX II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) family fabricated on a 0.15 µm all-layer copper process with up to eight metal layers, integrating 1,500,000 system gates, 38,400 logic elements, and 655,360 bits of embedded RAM. Housed in a 724-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package measuring 35 mm x 35 mm, the device delivers 540 user I/O pins and supports 1 Gbps True-LVDS, LVPECL, PCML, and HyperTransport I/O standards for high-speed interconnect. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic through configuration memory after manufacturing. APEX II sits in the device hierarchy as FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit, combining Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic, embedded memory blocks, and high-speed I/O on a single die. APEX II specifically targets high-density, high-bandwidth designs that previously required ASICs or custom gate arrays. Key features of the EP2A40B724C7 include 562 MHz maximum internal operating frequency, 1.5 V core supply (1.425 V to 1.575 V), built-in PLLs for clock management, MultiVolt I/O supporting 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V interfaces, and dedicated high-speed True-LVDS channels capable of 1 Gbps data rates. The device also provides 4 PLLs, double-data-rate (DDR) support, and in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. The APEX II architecture uses a MultiCore architecture combining fine-grain logic elements (LEs), embedded system blocks (ESBs) usable as either dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM, and FastTrack interconnect. The 0.15 µm copper process enables higher integration density and lower power-per-gate than the 0.18 µm and 0.25 µm predecessors such as APEX 20K and FLEX 10K families. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards and baseband processing, high-speed serial I/O bridging, network routers and switches, DSP co-processing in test & measurement equipment, and ASIC prototyping. The 540 user I/O count makes it suitable for parallel bus-centric designs such as processor interfaces, memory controllers, and legacy industrial backplanes. When designing with this device, ensure 1.5 V core decoupling uses low-ESR ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each power pin. The 1.5 V supply must be ramped monotonically to prevent in-rush currents. Configuration via JTAG or passive serial configuration PROM (EPC family) should be validated on the bench before mass production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible APEX II variants, and practical design notes for the EP2A40B724C7 - information not consolidated on any single distributor page.
EP2A40B724C7ES - APEX II 1.5M Gates 562MHz FPGA | Intel | 724-FCBGA
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724C7ES is a member of the APEX II family of FPGAs, providing 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic elements, and a 562 MHz internal performance in a 724-pin FCBGA package. It is fabricated on a 0.15 µm process and operates from a 1.5 V core supply, designed for high-density, high-performance programmable logic applications. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that engineers can program after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD), which also includes CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices). Within Intel's portfolio, the APEX II family sits between the older APEX 20K and later Stratix families, targeting high-gate-count designs with embedded memory and a MultiCore architecture for parallel processing. Key features of the EP2A40B724C7ES include 38,400 logic cells, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM/ROM, 4 Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock management, and LVTTL/LVCMOS/PCI I/O standards. The 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale BGA (FCBGA) package provides high I/O density and excellent signal integrity for multi-million-gate designs operating in the 100-200 MHz range. The 0.15 µm process and dedicated MultiCore routing fabric deliver deterministic timing closure for high-performance datapath and bus-interface applications. The architecture uses a MultiCore fabric of LUTs, product-term logic, and embedded memory that supports distributed and block RAM modes. With 562 MHz internal performance, the EP2A40B724C7ES targets designs that previously required ASIC-class integration at the cost of mask charges and NRE. The 1.5 V core supply reduces power versus 2.5 V FPGAs of equivalent gate count, and the 724-pin FCBGA supports up to 4 PLLs and high-speed LVDS I/O for parallel bus and memory interfaces. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing, custom peripheral controllers, high-speed bus bridging (PCI, PCI-X, DDR memory interfaces), and broadcast-video processing. APEX II is particularly well suited for pre-silicon ASIC prototyping where gate count, embedded memory, and deterministic timing closure are critical. When designing with this FPGA, ensure proper power-plane integrity for the 1.5 V core rail and decoupling per the APEX II pin connection guidelines. The 724-FCBGA package requires PCB layer stack-up with controlled-impedance routing; signal-integrity simulation is recommended above 100 MHz. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in APEX II alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and substitution.
EP2A40B724C7N - APEX II 1.5M Gates FPGA, 724-Pin FCBGA | Intel/Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724C7N is a high-density APEX II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic elements, and 562 MHz maximum internal performance on a 0.15 um CMOS process. The device is housed in a 724-pin Fine-pitch BGA (FCBGA) package with 536 user I/O lines and operates from a 1.5 V core supply (1.425 V to 1.575 V). According to the verified distributor data, propagation delay is rated at 1.55 ns with a JESD-30 code of S-PBGA-B724, and the commercial temperature grade spans 0 C to 85 C. An FPGA is a reprogrammable digital integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by user configuration rather than fixed mask interconnect. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and are differentiated from CPLDs by their register-rich, fine-grained architecture, on-chip block RAM, dedicated DSP/multiplier blocks, and high-speed transceivers. The APEX II family targeted high-performance, gate-intensive designs including networking line cards, telecom bridges, and ASIC prototyping. Key specifications of the EP2A40B724C7N include 1.5M system gates, 38,400 logic cells, 536 user I/O, 1.5 V core supply, 0.15 um CMOS process, 1.55 ns propagation delay, 562 MHz internal performance, and 724-pin FCBGA packaging. The MACROCELL output function and LOADABLE PLD classification confirm its APEX II family membership, with embedded system blocks (ESBs) providing RAM and ROM functions configurable per design. Architecturally, the APEX II device combines lookup-table-based logic elements (LEs) with embedded system blocks that operate as dual-port RAM or content-addressable memory. The 1.5 V VCCINT supply and 0.15 um process were state of the art when the APEX II family launched, enabling lower dynamic power than earlier 0.18 um APEX devices while sustaining the family's high I/O count. The 724-pin FCBGA package supports the 536 I/O lines plus configuration, clock, and power pins. Typical applications include high-speed networking line cards, telecommunications bridges, ASIC prototyping and emulation, high-performance DSP pipelines, and legacy industrial control platforms. The 1.5M gates and 536 I/O lines make the EP2A40B724C7N well suited to designs that must aggregate multiple buses or implement wide datapaths. When designing with this legacy device, engineers should verify that the Altera Quartus II design tool (version supporting APEX II) is available and that any required IP cores have not been removed from current Quartus releases. The 0.15 um process and 1.5 V core imply careful power-plane design and decoupling, and the BGA package requires X-ray inspection during assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, and drop-in alternative notes that are not collated on any single manufacturer or distributor page, providing a consolidated reference for engineers maintaining or sourcing APEX II designs.
EP2A40B724C8 - APEX II FPGA 1.5M Gates 540 I/O 724-FCBGA
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724C8 is a member of the APEX II field-programmable gate array (FPGA) family, providing approximately 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic elements (cells), and 655,360 bits of embedded RAM in a 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale Ball Grid Array (FCBGA). It operates from a 1.5 V core supply (1.425 V to 1.575 V) and supports up to 540 user I/Os, fabricated on a 0.15-µm all-layer copper process with up to eight metal layers. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) semiconductor whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O behaviour are defined by a user-supplied configuration bitstream after manufacture. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy (PAL/CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and are widely used to implement glue logic, custom datapaths, and high-throughput parallel signal processing. The APEX II family in particular combines fine-grained Look-Up Tables (LUTs) with embedded memory blocks and supports high-speed serial interfaces up to 1 Gbps, including True-LVDS, LVPECL, PCML, and HyperTransport signalling. Key features include 38400 logic cells, 540 user I/Os, 655360 bits of RAM, embedded True-LVDS I/O supporting 1 Gbps data rates, and high-speed LVPECL/PCML/HyperTransport support. The device also supports up to eight layers of copper interconnect, enabling high-fanout designs with predictable timing closure on long combinational paths. The EP2A40B724C8 is built on a 0.15 µm eight-layer copper CMOS process with a 1.5 V core. Its embedded memory blocks and dedicated high-speed I/O channels allow direct connection to DDR-style external memories and backplane serial links without an external PHY, which simplifies board layout in telecom and high-end industrial designs. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, high-speed serial backplanes, ASIC prototyping, DSP co-processing, and high-density glue logic in networking equipment. The high I/O count also makes it suitable for industrial imaging and test-and-measurement instrumentation front-ends. When designing with the EP2A40B724C8, plan thermal dissipation carefully: at high toggle rates the 724-FCBGA can dissipate several watts, so a multi-layer PCB with thermal vias under the die is required for reliable operation. Power sequencing between the 1.5 V core and 3.3 V I/O rails must also be respected to avoid latch-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same APEX II family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a complete view of the part's lifecycle position, pin-compatible substitutes, and key electrical parameters.
EP2A40B724C8ES - 38,400 Logic Elements FPGA, 540 I/O, 724-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP2A40B724C8ES is a high-density Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the APEX II family, delivering 38,400 logic elements and 655,360 typical gate density in a 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale BGA (FCBGA) package. It provides 540 user I/O pins and supports system clock speeds in the range of -8 speed grade, optimized for high-throughput data-path and DSP-intensive designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable integrated circuit that combines programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and programmable I/O cells on a single die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic devices (PLDs), which are part of the digital logic IC family. APEX II devices extend the PLD hierarchy with embedded memory blocks (EABs) and dedicated high-speed interconnect, positioning them between mid-density CPLDs and high-end structured ASICs in design density and capability. Key features of the EP2A40B724C8ES include 38,400 logic elements, approximately 655K gates of usable logic, embedded array blocks for memory implementation, dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, and a MultiCore interconnect that routes signals across rows and columns of logic. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and GTL+ I/O standards, and includes on-chip PLL circuitry for clock multiplication and skew management. The APEX II architecture uses a sea-of-LABs (Logic Array Blocks) fabric with embedded ESB (Embedded System Block) memory, allowing efficient implementation of wide datapath functions, FIFOs, and dual-port RAM. The -8 speed grade and 724-pin FCBGA package indicate this device targets performance-critical applications where high I/O count and thermal headroom are essential. Typical applications include telecom line-card processing, high-speed network routers, ASIC prototyping, digital signal processing for radar and imaging, and test equipment requiring rapid logic reconfiguration. The 540 available I/Os make it particularly suited for parallel bus bridging and protocol conversion roles. When designing with this part, careful PCB layout is essential: the 724-ball FCBGA package requires microvia or HDI PCB technology, and decoupling capacitance must be placed close to every power pin. Power estimation tools should be run early because a fully utilized APEX II device can consume significant current across multiple supply rails. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2A40B724C8N - APEX II 1.5M Gates FPGA, 724-FCBGA | Altera / Intel
The Altera / Intel EP2A40B724C8N is a member of the APEX II family of FPGAs, integrating 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic elements (cells), and 38400 logic cells on a 0.15-micron CMOS process. The device operates from a nominal 1.5V core supply (1.425V to 1.575V) and is housed in a 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) package. With a maximum internal clock frequency around 376 MHz, this PLD addresses high-throughput datapath and datapath-intensive designs. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device containing an array of configurable logic blocks, embedded memory, routing resources, and I/O elements that can be rewired by the end user. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy (FPGA -> PLD -> programmable logic IC -> digital semiconductor). The APEX II family from Altera (later acquired by Intel) is positioned for high-density, multi-standard communications infrastructure, video processing, and high-performance DSP front-ends where ASIC NRE is not justified. Key features of the EP2A40B724C8N include 1.5M system gates, 38,400 logic elements, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM/ROM, True-LVDS differential signaling support, a 0.15-micron process, and a 1.5V core supply. The architecture combines look-up-table-based logic with multi-level FastTrack routing, allowing predictable timing closure at frequencies well above 100 MHz on critical paths. From a technical perspective, the APEX II architecture uses a hybrid LUT/PLD cell with dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, dedicated I/O structures with on-chip termination, and phase-locked loops for clock management. The 724-pin FCBGA package offers controlled-impedance signal paths required for LVDS and SSTL I/O standards at speeds up to 840 Mbps per channel. Typical applications for the EP2A40B724C8N include telecommunications line cards, baseband processing, custom DSP coprocessors, high-speed serial protocol bridging, and industrial control with real-time signal conditioning. It is also used in image processing pipelines and high-speed data acquisition systems. When designing with this device, allocate sufficient PCB layers for power and ground planes to deliver the multi-rail supplies (VCCINT 1.5V, VCCIO 3.3V/2.5V, VCCP, VCCPD). Use the Altera Quartus II toolchain for synthesis and place-and-route; timing constraints must be carefully managed for >200 MHz paths. This part is mature/EOL - confirm lifecycle status with the franchised distributor before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, same-package alternatives from the Altera/Intel APEX II family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP2A40B724C9 - APEX II 40K LE FPGA, 540 I/O, 724-BGA | Altera (Intel)
The Altera (Intel) EP2A40B724C9 is a high-density member of the APEX II Field Programmable Gate Array family, delivering 38,400 logic elements, 655,360 bits of embedded RAM, and 540 user I/Os in a 724-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package measuring 35x35 mm. It is one of the largest devices in the APEX II family and is engineered for system-on-chip designs that require very wide parallel buses and substantial on-chip memory buffering. What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, and dedicated hardware resources such as block RAM, DSP blocks, PLLs, and high-speed transceivers. FPGAs belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also includes CPLDs. Within the IC hierarchy, an FPGA sits between a microcontroller (sequential, software-driven) and a custom ASIC (fixed-function, masked): FPGAs deliver hardware-level parallelism with the flexibility of in-system reconfiguration. Key features of the EP2A40B724C9 include up to 1,600 Kbits of True Dual-Port RAM, MultiVolt I/O support for interfacing with 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V logic families, and a core voltage of 1.5V (operating supply 1.425V to 1.575V). The 540 user I/O count makes it well-suited for memory-rich applications, ASIC prototyping, and parallel DSP pipelines. The APEX II architecture combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic with embedded memory blocks, supporting both single-port and true dual-port RAM. The high I/O count and large embedded memory footprint distinguish the EP2A40 from smaller density siblings such as the EP2A15 and EP2A25 variants. Typical applications include ASIC prototyping, telecommunications line cards, parallel DSP processing pipelines, image processing front-ends, and high-bandwidth memory interfaces. The 540 I/O count and 655,360 embedded RAM bits specifically suit designs that require wide external memory buses or multi-channel data acquisition. When designing with this device, note that the 35x35 mm FCBGA package requires multi-layer PCB with controlled-impedance routing and via-in-pad assembly for signal integrity at high toggle rates. Plan thermal dissipation around the typical 1.5W to 3W core power envelope. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family APEX II drop-in alternatives, and practical BGA layout guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP2A40B724C9ES - 1.5M-Gate 366MHz FPGA | Intel
Intel EP2A40B724C9ES is an APEX II family field-programmable gate array with 1.5 million gates, 38,400 logic cells, a 366 MHz operating-frequency rating, 0.15 µm process technology, a 1.5 V supply, and a 724-pin FCBGA package. The part belongs to a programmable-logic architecture designed to implement customizable digital systems through user-defined configuration rather than fixed application-specific logic. Its combination of high logic density and broad package capacity supports datapaths, control functions, interfaces, and multi-function digital processing on one programmable device. A field-programmable gate array, or FPGA, is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks, routing resources, and programmable input/output structures. The FPGA hierarchy proceeds from configurable logic block to programmable logic device, programmable logic array, and ultimately to an integrated circuit used in digital system design. Unlike a fixed ASIC, an FPGA can be configured after manufacturing, making it suitable for evolving requirements, prototyping, production equipment, and applications where field updates are valuable. Intel represents the MPN in verified results as both an Altera-origin APEX II FPGA and an Intel programmable-logic product. The headline characteristics are 1.5 million gates, 38,400 cells, and a 366 MHz rating. The 1.5 million-gate figure indicates aggregate programmable logic capacity, while the 38,400-cell count provides a more direct device-resource indicator. The 0.15 µm process technology identifies the fabrication generation used for the APEX II family, and the 1.5 V supply indicates the part's core electrical operating point. The 724-pin FCBGA package supplies the high pin count required by a large programmable device and a dense surface-mount interconnection scheme. Within an FPGA architecture, configurable logic resources implement combinational and sequential functions, while programmable interconnects connect those functions and the I/O subsystem. Design software maps a hardware description or supported design entry into the device's configuration resources. Performance depends on the implemented logic, interconnect utilization, I/O timing, and power conditions; therefore, the 366 MHz figure is best interpreted as a published device characteristic rather than a guarantee for every possible design. Typical uses include communications equipment, industrial automation, test and measurement systems, and embedded digital-control platforms. The APEX II family can be appropriate when a design needs programmable interfaces, custom state machines, protocol handling, or parallel digital processing. The 1.5 million-gate and 38,400-cell resources provide substantial capacity for systems that would otherwise require multiple fixed-function components. Designers should verify configuration hardware, supported software versions, I/O assignments, clocking, power sequencing, thermal performance, and signal integrity against the manufacturer documentation before release. The legacy APEX II platform may impose migration and obsolescence-management considerations; use current authorized Intel support channels and the manufacturer datasheet before starting a new design. This page combines the verified web specification record, sourcing context, package information, and cautious engineering guidance to help engineers assess EP2A40B724C9ES without treating unverified values as confirmed facts.
EP2A40B724C9N - 1.5M Gates APEX II FPGA, 366MHz, 724-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP2A40B724C9N is a high-density APEX II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 1.5 million system gates and 38,400 logic elements in a 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale BGA (FCBGA) package. Built on a 0.15 µm CMOS process and rated for a 366 MHz core frequency, the device operates from a 1.5 V core supply and supports a propagation delay of 2.05 ns through its Look-Up Table (LUT)-based architecture with embedded Macrocells and Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) for memory and arithmetic functions. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement arbitrary digital logic through a sea of configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells. Within the broader taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic devices -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, complementing CPLDs (which target simpler glue logic) and ASICs (which are application-specific but not field-reprogrammable). The APEX II family specifically targets high-performance data-path, telecommunications, and DSP designs that require on-chip RAM and multipliers. Key features of the EP2A40B724C9N include 38,400 logic cells, a maximum propagation delay of 2.05 ns, 0.15 µm process geometry, 1.5 V core supply, and 536 user I/O lines for high-bandwidth external interfacing. The 724-ball FCBGA package uses a 1.270 mm ball pitch and supports surface-mount assembly on standard FR-4 PCB substrates with controlled-impedance routing. The device also integrates MultiVolt I/O support for interfacing with mixed-voltage rails common in telecom backplane designs. The APEX II architecture combines a Logic Array Block (LAB) fabric with Embedded System Blocks that provide true dual-port RAM, FIFO buffers, and dedicated multiplier blocks. This makes the EP2A40B724C9N particularly well-suited for high-throughput signal-processing pipelines where parallel arithmetic paths need simultaneous data storage and compute resources. The 366 MHz internal frequency enables 32-bit datapath designs in the 100-200 MHz operating range typical of communications infrastructure. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card processing, high-speed networking ASIC prototyping, DSP accelerator functions, and baseband signal processing. The wide I/O count (536 user I/O) and high pin density also make the device suitable for custom interface bridging and protocol conversion in industrial embedded systems. When designing with this FPGA, engineers must provide adequate decoupling on all VCCINT and VCCIO rails, follow Intel/Altera's Quartus II place-and-route tool flow, and respect the device's junction temperature envelope under industrial operating conditions. Because the APEX II family is a mature node, second-source supply and long-term availability should be verified before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance that consolidates information typically scattered across multiple Altera/Intel APEX II datasheets and third-party distributor listings.
EP2A40B724CP - APEX II 40K LE FPGA, 724-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724CP is a member of the APEX II programmable logic device family, an SRAM-based FPGA delivering approximately 40,000 logic elements (LEs) with 655,360 bits of embedded memory and 540 LAB/IO structure rows, housed in a 724-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It supports up to 38400 logic elements of effective logic capacity with high-speed LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and HSTL I/O standards, and integrates dedicated MultiCore Interconnect (MultiWire) routing fabric for predictable timing closure. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows designers to implement arbitrary digital logic through a configurable array of logic elements, embedded memory blocks, multipliers, and routing. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD), sitting between simple CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). APEX II is positioned as a high-density, system-on-chip-capable programmable platform in Intel/Altera's portfolio, optimized for parallel datapaths, on-chip memory intensive designs, and high-throughput I/O. Key features of the EP2A40B724CP include 40,000 typical logic elements, 655,360 RAM bits, support for multiple I/O standards, dedicated phase-locked loops for clock management, in-system programmability via JTAG, and hot-socketing support. The device operates on a 1.5V core supply with separate VCCINT and VCCIO planes for I/O bank flexibility. Embedded multiplier blocks and True-LVPECL/LVDS I/O enable high-speed serial datapath implementation directly in fabric. From an architectural standpoint, the APEX II family uses a MultiCore architecture with embedded system blocks (ESBs) that double as either dual-port RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory (CAM). The MultiWire interconnect provides continuous routing across all hierarchy levels, which simplifies place-and-route closure versus older segmented FPGA fabrics. Each logic element includes a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, and dedicated carry chain logic for arithmetic operations. Typical applications for the EP2A40B724CP include telecommunications backplane aggregation, high-speed protocol bridging, digital signal processing pre-processing, ASIC prototyping, and industrial control logic consolidation. Designers select the EP2A40B724CP when designs require more than 25K LEs, multiple high-speed I/O banks, and large on-chip memory for packet buffering or coefficient storage. When designing with the EP2A40B724CP, plan for 1.5V core decoupling with multiple bulk and ceramic capacitors near each VCCINT ball, and use the Quartus II design software for synthesis and place-and-route. Verify JTAG chain integrity before in-system programming to avoid configuration failures on production boards. Thermal management must account for the BGA package's thermal resistance under full I/O switching load. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, datasheet references, and engineering selection guidance for the EP2A40B724CP, providing information not consolidated on a single manufacturer page.
EP2A40B724I-7 - APEX II 40K LE FPGA 724-Pin BGA | Altera
The Altera EP2A40B724I-7 is a member of the APEX II family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), housed in a 724-ball FineLine BGA package and offering approximately 40,000 logic elements with embedded memory and high-speed I/O. The "I-7" suffix denotes the industrial operating temperature grade and the speed grade -7, optimized for high-performance processing with maximum clock frequencies in the 250-300 MHz internal range. The device integrates up to 1.5 Mbits of embedded SRAM organized into EAB blocks, plus four phase-locked loops (PLUs) for advanced clock management and on-chip termination support. An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and I/O pads that can be reconfigured after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital circuits. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and are used for parallel processing, high-speed glue logic, and rapid prototyping of custom ASIC functionality. APEX II devices extend this concept with multi-core architecture (Lite, Fast, and I/O structures) suitable for high-bandwidth DSP and communications workloads. Key features of the EP2A40B724I-7 include 4 PLLs, embedded memory blocks, multi-voltage I/O support (1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS), and 8 clock pins per device plus 16 dedicated clock inputs. The BGA-724 package provides a 33x33 mm footprint with 1.27 mm ball pitch, enabling high pin density for high-I/O applications. Configuration is supported via Altera enhanced configuration devices, supporting fast serial or parallel modes with decompression capability. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, networking switches/routers, high-speed DSP pipelines, ASIC prototyping, and bus interface bridging. The high-density logic and memory make the EP2A40B724I-7 especially suitable for protocol bridging between PCI, DDR, and RapidIO domains. When designing with this device, verify that your PCB layout supports BGA fanout with microvia or via-in-pad technology, as 1.27 mm pitch BGA requires controlled-impedance routing and careful power-plane stitching to maintain signal integrity on hundreds of simultaneous switching outputs.
EP2A40B724I-8 - APEX II FPGA, 38,400 LEs, 724-BGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel PSG) EP2A40B724I-8 is a member of the APEX II programmable logic family, delivering 38,400 logic elements (LEs) and 655,360 bits of embedded system RAM in a 724-ball FineLine BGA package with 540 user I/O pins. As the largest member of the APEX II family, the EP2A40 targets high-density, high-performance system-on-chip integration, integrating up to 1,680 Kbits of True Dual-Port RAM and up to 1.05 Mbits of CAM. The -8 speed grade and industrial -I temperature rating place this part in the broader APEX II line's commercial-to-industrial envelope. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the density of an ASIC with the flexibility of in-system reprogrammability. FPGAs sit higher in the programmable-logic hierarchy than simple CPLDs: they provide fine-grained look-up tables (LUTs), embedded RAM blocks, DSP multipliers, and high-speed I/O that together implement complex datapaths, protocol controllers, and even soft processor cores. The APEX II architecture, released in the late 1990s, pioneered MultiCore interconnect and combines LUT-based logic with embedded RAM and CAM blocks - the engineering lineage that ultimately evolved into today's Stratix, Cyclone, and Arria device families. Key features of the EP2A40 include 38,400 logic elements organized into 3,840 logic array blocks (LABs), a hierarchical memory architecture (ESBs - Embedded System Blocks) totaling 655 Kbits, and 540 user I/O pins enabling wide parallel buses and multiple high-speed interfaces. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, and other popular I/O standards, and integrates 4 PLLs for clock management. The 724-BGA FineLine BGA package is a surface-mount, wire-bond BGA with a fine-pitch ball grid suitable for high-I/O-count designs. The APEX II architecture uses a MultiCore interconnect that links LABs to ESBs via direct and row/column interconnect lines, supporting pipelined datapath operation at hundreds of MHz internally. The device operates from a 1.5 V core supply and supports multiple I/O voltage banks. Because APEX II predates modern serial transceivers, high-speed parallel I/O and external clocking are the standard integration path. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards and protocol engines, ASIC prototyping, custom DSP pipelines, high-speed data acquisition front-ends, and industrial control systems. The 540 user I/Os and large RAM/CAM blocks also make the EP2A40 attractive for deep-packet inspection and ATM/Sonet networking designs. When designing with this FPGA, verify the Quartus version compatibility: APEX II is supported by Quartus II (legacy toolchains), and Intel currently maintains it as a mature device for legacy re-designs. Power sequencing, decoupling, and JTAG configuration topology follow the standard Altera BGA guidelines in the device handbook. This page synthesizes sourced distributor inventory, APEX II family context, and drop-in family variants not consolidated in any single manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a single decision view for legacy redesign work.
EP2A40B724I-9 - APEX II 40K LE FPGA, 724-BGA, Industrial | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724I-9 is a member of the APEX II family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering approximately 40,000 logic elements, 655,360 bits of embedded SRAM, and 38400 logic cells in a 724-ball FineLine BGA package. The 'B724' suffix indicates the 724-pin FCBGA package, the 'I' suffix indicates an industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C operating junction range typical of APEX II), and the '9' suffix denotes a speed grade designation consistent with Altera's APEX II speed bin system. Peak reflow temperature per the manufacturer profile is rated at 220 C. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O routing are configured by a user-supplied bitstream, rather than fixed at the fab. APEX II sits in the hierarchy: programmable logic device (PLD) -> Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD)/FPGA -> high-density SRAM-based FPGA -> APEX II family, all under the broader class of programmable logic ICs. APEX II parts integrate Look-Up Tables (LUTs), Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) for dual-port RAM/ROM, and FastTrack interconnect, making them suitable for high-throughput datapath, memory-interface, and bus-bridge designs. Key features include 540 maximum user I/O pins (as observed in the closely related EP2A40B724C9 variant listed by Rochester Electronics on DigiKey), 655,360 embedded memory bits organized as 16-bit-wide ESBs, an embedded multiplier block architecture, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL), and 3.3 V core / multi-standard I/O operation with on-chip PLLs for clock conditioning. The device supports configuration via Altera serial/parallel configuration schemes using the dedicated JTAG or passive serial interface. Architecturally, the APEX II device combines a fine-grained LUT-based fabric with row/column FastTrack routing, dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, ESBs for distributed and block RAM, and PLL-based clock management. This combination yields a flexible platform for high-density datapath, telecom, and embedded processing subsystems. The B724 package exposes the full I/O count of the device, so the EP2A40 is the high-pin-count die option of the APEX II family. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, network switching fabrics, industrial control and instrumentation, image and video processing pipelines, ASIC prototyping, and high-speed data acquisition front-ends. The high pin count and substantial on-chip memory also suit bus-bridge and protocol-translation designs where a parallel CPU or DSP bus is mapped to a high-throughput serializer. When designing with EP2A40B724I-9, ensure thermal analysis accounts for industrial-temperature corner cases, and verify signal integrity at full 540-pin I/O utilization. APEX II parts are NRND/EOL on Altera/Intel's roadmap, so lifecycle planning and pin-compatible Cyclone IV/V or Stratix migration should be evaluated for new designs. Compared with the EP2A40B724C9 (commercial grade, no '-I-' suffix), the EP2A40B724I-9 extends the operating range and is the correct choice when the design will see -40 C exposure.
EP2A40B724I7 - APEX II FPGA 1.5M Gates 724-FCBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2A40B724I7 is a high-density APEX II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrating 1.5 million system gates, 38,400 logic elements, and 562 MHz internal operation, fabricated on a 0.15 µm CMOS process and supplied in a 1.5 V core, 724-pin Fine-pitch Chip-Scale Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) package with industrial temperature rating. The device combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory and specialized functions, and high-speed interconnect, targeting ASIC-replacement designs with hundreds of thousands of usable gates. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that engineers configure after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. Within the broader taxonomy, FPGAs belong to programmable logic ICs -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. APEX II is positioned within Altera's high-density, MultiCore architecture family; it sits above APEX 20K and below Stratix in the legacy Altera roadmap and is widely understood by engineers familiar with CPLD and FPGA design flows. The APEX II family also introduced built-in LVDS and high-speed SERDES-capable I/O, separating it from earlier FLEX/Acex devices. Key differentiating features of the EP2A40B724I7 include 1.5 M system gates, 38,400 logic cells, 562 MHz performance, an industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +100 C minimum), and a 724-ball FCBGA package. The combination of high logic density and embedded memory/ESB blocks enables on-chip implementation of FIFOs, dual-port RAM, and CAM structures without external components, simplifying board layout and BOM. Architecturally, the EP2A40B724I7 uses Altera's MultiCore fabric: each logic array block (LAB) contains multiple logic elements (LEs) built from 4-input LUTs, and rows of ESBs (Embedded System Blocks) provide 2 Kbit memory blocks that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or product-term logic. The device is configured via SRAM, allowing in-system reprogrammability through JTAG or passive/active serial modes. The 724-pin FCBGA gives the design hundreds of general-purpose I/O and dedicated clock pins, sufficient for high-speed parallel buses and source-synchronous interfaces. Typical applications include ASIC prototyping and emulation, telecom line-card glue logic, high-speed serial protocol bridging, industrial control and machine vision pipelines, and military/aerospace digital signal processing front-ends. Its large memory capacity and LVDS support make it well suited for video processing and image buffering subsystems. When designing with the EP2A40B724I7, observe 1.5 V core supply decoupling with low-ESR ceramic capacitors placed adjacent to the package, ensure JTAG chain integrity, and confirm the Quartus (or legacy MAX+PLUS II / Quartus II) toolchain supports the chosen pin assignments and I/O standards. APEX II devices are NRND/EOL at Intel; verify lifetime availability before new design commitment. This page consolidates distributor pricing, datasheet references, and drop-in alternatives into a single engineering reference not duplicated by individual vendor listings.
EP2A40B724I7N - APEX II FPGA 1.5M Gates 724-FCBGA | Intel
The Intel EP2A40B724I7N is a member of the APEX II family of programmable logic devices, integrating 1.5 million system gates and 38,400 logic cells into a 724-pin FCBGA package. The device is fabricated on a 0.15 µm process technology and operates from a 1.5 V core supply with PCI-compliant I/O support. APEX II is a high-density FPGA family that sits in the programmable logic hierarchy between classic CPLDs and modern SoC FPGAs. FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) are semiconductor devices built around an array of configurable logic blocks (LEs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect that designers can tailor to any digital function after manufacture. APEX II extended this concept by combining Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements with Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) for memory and specialized I/O, making it well suited for data-path and bus-interface workloads. Key features include a maximum internal clock frequency of 562 MHz, 16 macrocells per logic array block, 32 product terms per macrocell, and up to 536 user I/O pins. The part supports both single-ended and differential I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL-2, SSTL-3, HSTL, LVPECL, LVDS, and AGP. Embedded System Blocks provide up to 414 Kbit of dual-port RAM, while four Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) handle clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and skew control across up to eight clock networks. The architecture combines MultiCore interconnect routing with dedicated carry chains and cascade chains, enabling efficient implementation of wide arithmetic functions, state machines, and bus bridges. Multi-voltage I/O lets portions of the device interface with 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V buses simultaneously without external translators. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, high-speed data routers, PCI bridge and bridge/repeater designs, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching fabrics, high-performance DSP pipelines, and graphics/AGP interfaces. The 724-pin FCBGA package supports the large I/O count required for these bus-intensive designs. When designing with this device, use the Quartus II design software (legacy support) and respect the LVTTL/LVCMOS drive-strength settings to keep SSO (Simultaneously Switching Outputs) noise within the IBIS-modeled limits. Decoupling requires low-impedance power planes with bulk, mid-frequency, and high-frequency ceramic capacitors distributed across the FCBGA footprint. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in APEX II family alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the official APEX II datasheet and Quartus II device handbook.
EP2A40B724I8 - APEX II FPGA 40K LE 655360bit 724-BGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP2A40B724I8 is a high-density APEX II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 40,000 logic elements, 655,360 bits of embedded RAM, and 540 user I/O pins in a 724-ball Fine-pitch Chip-Scale BGA (FCBGA) package measuring 35x35 mm. As part of the APEX II family, the EP2A40B724I8 combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic with embedded memory blocks and is fabricated on a 0.18 µm CMOS process. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure digital logic, memory blocks, and I/O behavior after manufacturing. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, FPGAs belong to the digital logic IC family, sitting between ASICs (application-specific, fixed-function) and general-purpose processors. FPGAs trade raw clock speed and per-unit cost for design flexibility, rapid prototyping, and parallel hardware execution - making them ideal for high-throughput data-path and interface-bridging applications. The EP2A40B724I8 integrates 38400 logic elements (LEs) distributed across four MegaLAB structures, each containing embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with multi-voltage operation (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) on its 540 user I/O pins. Each LE contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains for high-speed arithmetic and wide fan-in functions. Architecturally, APEX II uses a MultiCore architecture with embedded memory and dedicated high-speed interconnect (DirectDrive, MultiTrack). The 1.425 V to 1.575 V core supply and 540 I/O make this device suitable for high-bandwidth telecommunications, video processing, and parallel DSP functions where multiple clock domains and large amounts of on-chip buffering are required. Typical applications include high-speed data acquisition front-ends, ATM backbone switches, base-station channel cards, HDTV video processing, and protocol-bridging ASIC prototyping. Designers migrating from fixed ASICs use the EP2A40B724I8 to validate RTL early in the design cycle and reduce NRE risk. When designing with this device, pay particular attention to power-rail sequencing (core VCCINT before VCCIO), decoupling (low-ESL ceramics on every VCC/VSS pair), and the high-pin-count FCBGA land pattern which requires microvia PCB stack-ups and assembly under ENIG or immersion-silver surface finish for reliable solder joint formation. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in same-package alternatives from the APEX II family, and practical design notes that complement the official APEX II datasheet family documentation.
EP2A40B724I8N - 1.5M Gates APEX II FPGA, 724-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP2A40B724I8N is a high-density APEX II family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 1,500,000 system gates and 38,400 logic elements on a 0.15 µm CMOS process, packaged in a 724-ball FCBGA. Operating from a 1.5 V core supply with an internal propagation delay of 1.7-1.78 ns, the device supports up to 536 user I/O and an internal clock frequency rated up to 376 MHz, making it one of the largest members of the early-2000s APEX II line. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, DSP blocks, and programmable I/O cells interconnected by a hierarchical routing fabric. After manufacturing, the device is customized by loading a configuration bitstream that sets each switch matrix and lookup-table content. APEX II devices in particular are built on a MultiCore architecture that combines fine-grained logic with embedded ESB (Embedded System Blocks) for RAM, ROM, and CAM functions, allowing single-chip implementation of complex glue logic, bus interfaces, and DSP datapaths. The hierarchy is: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> loadable PLD -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Key features of the EP2A40B724I8N include 540 LABs/ESBs, 655,360 bits of embedded memory, 38,400 logic cells, 16 macrocells per LAB cluster (PLA-style grouping), a propagation delay of 1.7-1.78 ns, and 536 maximum user I/O. The device supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface plus dedicated configuration ports (PS, AS, JTAG), and includes on-chip PLLs for clock multiplication and deskew. Its CMOS technology node and 1.5 V core make it suitable for high-density designs targeting telecom backplanes, video processing, and high-speed serial interfacing. The architectural depth of the APEX II family comes from its MultiCore block, which combines a fine-grained logic element (LE) with a coarse-grained ESB. Each LE contains a 4-input LUT plus a programmable register, while each ESB provides up to 2,048 bits of dual-port RAM. This hybrid fabric allows the EP2A40B724I8N to absorb DSP, control logic, and buffering functions into a single chip without off-chip memory or companion ASICs. Typical applications for this FPGA include high-throughput data-path designs, network switching fabric, video/image processing pipelines, telecom line-card controllers, ASIC prototyping, and high-speed instrumentation. With 38,400 logic cells and 655 Kbits of embedded RAM, the EP2A40B724I8N is well suited to designs that would otherwise require a multi-FPGA solution in the Cyclone or older APEX 20K series. When designing with the EP2A40B724I8N, engineers should plan for the device's 1.5 V core supply, multiple VCCINT/VCCIO rails, and BGA thermal dissipation. A 6+ layer PCB with dedicated power planes is recommended; the 724-pin FCBGA demands via-in-pad or microvia technology for fan-out and reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible APEX II same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet, helping engineers sourcing legacy or end-of-life Altera/Intel FPGA inventory.