FPGA & CPLD
Products (6357)
EP2AGZ350HF40I4N - Arria II GZ FPGA 350K LE | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2AGZ350HF40I4N is a high-density Arria II GZ Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 348,500 logic elements, 13,940 LABs, and 21,270,528 bits of embedded memory in a 1517-ball FC-FBGA package. Manufactured on a 40 nm process node with a 0.9 V core voltage, the device operates at up to 500 MHz and supports 734 user I/O pins with mixed-voltage standards including LVDS, LVPECL, and HSTL. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that contains an array of programmable logic blocks, interconnect fabric, and I/O cells that engineers can configure after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a unique tier in the semiconductor hierarchy - between general-purpose CPUs/DSPs and fixed-function ASICs - offering hardware-level parallelism, deterministic latency, and post-silicon design revision. Modern high-density FPGAs such as the Arria II GZ family add embedded transceivers, hard PCIe IP blocks, and dedicated DSP slices, positioning them as mid-range platforms between cost-optimized Cyclone series and high-end Stratix devices. The Arria II GZ family combines 8.5 Gbps transceivers, up to 12.5 Mbits of MLAB memory, and hard IP for PCIe Gen2 and external memory interfaces (DDR2/DDR3/QDRII+/RLDRAM II). Its transceivers support backplane, chip-to-chip, and SFP+/XFP optical interconnect with adaptive equalization and pre-emphasis, making the EP2AGZ350HF40I4N well suited to broadband wireless, broadcast video, and 40G/100G line-card prototyping. The 40 nm low-power (LP) process enables static power approximately 40% lower than prior 65 nm nodes, while preserving full transceiver and DSP performance. The 1517-ball flip-chip BGA provides abundant high-speed signal routing with controlled impedance, suitable for 8-lane Gen2 PCIe plus multiple DDR3 memory channels. Typical applications include 40G/100G Ethernet line cards, wireless backhaul baseband processing, broadcast video processing (3G-SDI, HD-SDI), ASIC prototyping, and high-performance DSP for medical imaging. The device also appears in defense radar signal processing and high-frequency trading acceleration. When designing with this part, follow Intel pin-out guidelines for flip-chip BGA decoupling, maintain 1.0 V core supply sequencing, and use the Quartus II design suite (13.0 or later) for synthesis. The 'I4' speed grade and industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C) ensure robust operation in harsh environments. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family variants, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for sourcing, replacement, and reference design decisions.
EP2C15AF256C8N - 15K LEs Cyclone II FPGA, 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C15AF256C8N is a Cyclone II family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 14,448 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 maximum user I/O pins, housed in a 256-ball fine-line BGA (FBGA-256) package. Built on a 90 nm CMOS process with a 1.2 V core supply, the device delivers low-cost, low-power programmable logic for high-volume applications such as digital signal processing, industrial control, and display interfaces. A Cyclone II FPGA is a SRAM-based programmable logic device that integrates configurable logic arrays (LABs), embedded memory blocks (M4K blocks), embedded 18x18 multipliers, and a programmable I/O ring into a single die. Positioned below the high-end Stratix family and above the original Cyclone series, Cyclone II is designed to deliver ASIC-like logic density at FPGA-like design flexibility, while consuming substantially less power than its Stratix siblings - typically 50-60% lower static power at comparable densities. Key features include support for LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards through dedicated True-LVDS circuitry; up to 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers enabling DSP-style FIR/FFT pipelines; a maximum of 4 PLLs providing clock synthesis, phase shifting, and frequency multiplication; and 68 M4K RAM blocks that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO. The 'C8' speed grade corresponds to an 8 ns internal timing corner, and the 'N' suffix denotes a lead-free, RoHS-compliant package. Architecturally, the EP2C15 uses a sea-of-LABs fabric where each LAB contains 16 logic elements (LEs), each LE comprising a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and a carry chain. Interconnect is achieved through MultiTrack routing with row/column drivers, and configuration data is stored in SRAM, requiring an external configuration device such as the EPCS4 or EPCS16 serial flash on power-up. Typical applications include digital video processing and display controllers, motor control and industrial automation, software-defined radio baseband, low-cost prototyping of custom logic, and communications infrastructure such as bridges between legacy parallel buses and modern serial interfaces. The 256-ball FBGA package enables compact PCB layouts and supports high-speed signal integrity for LVDS links. When designing with this device, plan configuration loading time carefully - the EP2C15 in fast standard mode requires approximately 12 ms to configure from an EPCS16, and JTAG or Active Serial configuration must be selected via MSEL pins. Decoupling must follow Altera's Cyclone II pin connection guidelines, with 0.1 µF and 0.01 µF capacitors near every VCCINT and VCCIO bank. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone II alternatives, and practical board-design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C15AF256I8N - Cyclone II FPGA 14448 LE 152 I/O | Altera
The Altera EP2C15AF256I8N is a Cyclone II field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 14,448 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits and 152 user I/O pins, supplied in a 256-ball FBGA (256-LBGA) package with a 1.2 V core voltage. It is an industrial-temperature "I8" speed-grade part intended for cost-sensitive control, DSP, and interface applications. An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing reconfigurable logic blocks, embedded memory, and programmable routing that can implement arbitrary digital circuits after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA - programmable logic device (PLD) - integrated circuit - semiconductor. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, the EP2C15AF256I8N can be reprogrammed in-system through JTAG or configuration flash, making it useful for designs that require hardware flexibility and field upgrades. Key features of the EP2C15AF256I8N include 14,448 logic elements (LEs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 user I/O pins. The AF256 ordering segment indicates the 256-ball FineLine BGA package family, while the I8 notation denotes industrial temperature grade and speed grade. The trailing N suffix indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant package option. The Cyclone II architecture organizes LEs into logic array blocks, with embedded memory blocks and multiplier resources for DSP and control logic. The 1.2 V core minimizes power, and the IO banks support common voltage levels including 3.3 V and 1.5 V, allowing direct connection to legacy parallel buses and mixed-voltage systems. As an older mainstream FPGA family, it has a mature software toolchain and broad ecosystem support. Typical applications include industrial automation, video and image processing, communications bridging, motor control, and test instrumentation. The 152 user I/O pins can interface to ADCs, DACs, SRAM, and parallel data buses. Its moderate logic density makes it suitable for glue logic, soft-core processors, and protocol conversion without the cost of a larger FPGA. Designers should verify the exact BGA ball map and I/O bank rules from the Cyclone II Device Handbook before layout. A separate Intel/Altera configuration device such as EPCS4 is commonly used for non-volatile configuration; the FPGA can also be configured through JTAG for prototyping. This page synthesizes verified distributor listings, same-family drop-in alternatives, parametric cross-reference data, and board design guidance—information often scattered between distributor pages and datasheets.
EP2C15AF484C6N - Cyclone II FPGA, 14,448 LEs, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP2C15AF484C6N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-484, 23x23 mm) package. Built on a 90 nm low-k process, the device integrates 14,448 logic elements (LEs) across 903 logic array blocks (LABs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM (M9K blocks totaling approximately 239 kbit), and 315 user I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and other single-ended and differential I/O standards. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, and programmable I/O cells. Within the broader IC taxonomy, FPGAs sit between general-purpose microcontrollers (fixed instruction set) and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Cyclone II is Intel's low-cost, high-volume FPGA family targeting cost-sensitive applications where designers need ASIC-like integration without NRE costs, including industrial control, video processing, automotive driver assistance, and communications infrastructure. Key features include up to 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers (DSP blocks), four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock generation and skew management, and support for external memory interfaces such as DDR, DDR2, SDR SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM. The device operates from a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for flexible I/O voltage mixing, and supports configuration via passive serial (AS), active serial, JTAG, or Altera-specific configuration schemes with built-in decompression and decryption options. The Cyclone II architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (4-LUTs), true dual-port M9K memory blocks of 9 kbit each, and a rich interconnect fabric with predictable timing. Multipliers are organized as 18x18 signed/unsigned blocks with optional input/output registers, suitable for FIR filters, FFT butterflies, and image-processing kernels. The I/O structure provides on-chip termination (OCT) and calibrated slew-rate control, enabling robust signal integrity at 100+ MHz LVDS rates. Typical applications include industrial machine vision and motor control, video surveillance encoders, low-cost software-defined radio front-ends, automotive infotainment, educational FPGA development platforms, and protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C to Ethernet, PCIe soft cores). The 484-FBGA package's 1.0 mm ball pitch is suitable for multi-layer PCB designs with controlled-impedance routing. When designing with this part, ensure the PCB has at least four dedicated ground and two VCCINT planes, and that configuration mode pins (MSEL) are tied to logic levels matching the chosen configuration scheme. Unused I/O pins should be left floating or driven to a defined state per Altera's guidelines; floating pins add leakage but avoid drive conflicts. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-to-pin drop-in alternatives, application examples, and engineering design guidance not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, supporting faster design-in and sourcing decisions.
EP2C15AF484I8N - 14,448 LEs Cyclone II FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C15AF484I8N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package with 315 user I/O pins. The die delivers 14,448 logic elements backed by 239,616 bits of embedded RAM and supports up to 250 MHz internal operation, making it a workhorse low-cost FPGA for high-volume embedded, industrial, and communications designs. An FPGA is a reprogrammable semiconductor whose logic fabric is configured after manufacture via a bitstream loaded into SRAM configuration cells. Cyclone II devices target cost-sensitive applications that still require programmable logic, DSP blocks, and external memory interfaces. In the broader taxonomy, FPGAs are programmable logic devices (PLDs) belonging to the larger category of digital logic ICs and ultimately semiconductors. Cyclone II succeeded the original Cyclone family with a 90 nm process, embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and on-chip PLLs for clock management. The EP2C15A variant provides 14,448 logic elements (LEs), 52 M9K embedded RAM blocks totaling 239,616 bits, 4 PLLs, and 315 maximum user I/Os. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards and offers up to four DLLs/PLLs for clock synthesis and skew management. Configuration is via passive serial, fast passive parallel, JTAG, or Altera-enhanced configuration devices, and the part is offered in commercial (0 to 85 C) and industrial (-40 to 100 C) temperature grades. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, software-defined radio front-ends, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and communications line cards. The 484-FBGA package offers ample I/O for memory-heavy designs and high-speed parallel interfaces such as DDR/DDR2 SDRAM controllers. Designers commonly pair the EP2C15 with external DDR SDRAM, flash for configuration storage, and an EPCS serial configuration device. When designing with EP2C15AF484I8N, observe the FPGA power-on sequencing and use proper decoupling (100 nF + bulk) on every VCCIO/VCCINT rail. The 484-FBGA requires careful PCB stack-up and microvia technology for reliable assembly. JTAG access for programming and debug is essential, and an external configuration device is required because Cyclone II SRAM is volatile.
EP2C20F256C6N - 18,752 LEs Cyclone II FPGA 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP2C20F256C6N is a low-cost Cyclone II FPGA featuring 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package. Built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, this device targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications requiring programmable logic without the power and cost of high-end FPGAs. The "C6N" suffix denotes the commercial speed grade (C6) with Pb-free lead-free (N) termination per JEDEC J-STD-020. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory and multiplier blocks. FPGAs sit hierarchically within programmable logic devices (PLD) and are used to implement custom digital logic, signal processing pipelines, and glue logic. The Cyclone II family targets low-power, high-volume applications and uses a look-up-table (LUT) based logic architecture combined with embedded M4K RAM blocks, multiplying DSP blocks, and PLL clock management. Key features include 18,752 four-input LUTs organized as logic elements (LEs), 52 embedded M4K RAM blocks (4 Kbit each) yielding 239,616 total RAM bits, 26 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and four general-purpose PLLs. The device supports configuration via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes. It accepts up to 16 global clock networks and provides 152 user I/O pins distributed across 8 I/O banks, each supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with hot-socketing capability. Typical applications for the EP2C20F256C6N include industrial motor control and factory automation, video processing and display controllers, software-defined radio (SDR) front-end signal conditioning, automotive infotainment prototyping, and embedded vision pipelines. The 26 dedicated hardware multipliers enable moderate DSP workloads such as FIR filtering and image preprocessing without consuming logic resources. Designers select this device when deterministic parallel processing is needed at a unit price point lower than Cyclone III/IV or competing low-end FPGAs. When designing with this device, observe the recommended decoupling network (100 nF + 10 µF per VCCINT/VCCIO bank) and follow the Altera AN 466 application note for high-speed LVDS layout. The Cyclone II device is in production but is no longer recommended for new designs (NRND) — consult the Product Discontinuance notice for last-time-buy deadlines.
EP2C20F256C7 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 152 I/O | Altera
The Altera EP2C20F256C7 is a Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) containing 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, 152 user I/O pins, a 1.2 V core voltage, and a 402.58 MHz maximum internal clock frequency, supplied in a 256-ball LBGA/FBGA package. An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnects that can be configured after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital circuits. In the system hierarchy, an FPGA sits above standard-cell ASICs as a reconfigurable logic platform; it is a member of the programmable logic device family, which includes CPLDs and complex PLDs, and is widely used to implement glue logic, interface bridging, DSP data paths, and soft-core processors. Key differentiators of the EP2C20F256C7 include its balance of logic density and I/O count, with 18,752 logic elements and 152 user I/O arranged in a 256-ball package. The Cyclone II family is built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric process, helping to keep cost and power low while delivering adequate performance for cost-sensitive applications. The device integrates 26 embedded 18-bit x 18-bit multipliers and four PLLs, making it suitable for simple DSP and clock-managed designs without external PLL components. Architecturally, the Cyclone II core uses a 1.2 V supply with programmable I/O banks that support common single-ended and differential standards. The C7 suffix denotes a commercial temperature grade and speed grade 7. Its configuration is loaded from an external configuration device or host through JTAG, active serial, or passive serial modes, giving designers flexible in-system update options. Typical applications include industrial motor control, protocol bridging, video interface conversion, test and measurement, and as a cost-effective vehicle for prototyping or replacing custom ASICs. The 152 I/O pins in the F256 footprint are sufficient for parallel buses and modular peripheral expansion. A practical design consideration is that this non-N part should be used only where lead-bearing solder is acceptable; for RoHS-marketed systems, select the EP2C20F256C7N or another N-suffixed variant. Good 1.2 V core decoupling and a defined power-up sequence are also essential for reliable FPGA configuration. This page synthesizes distributor stock status, pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes, providing actionable selection information that is not commonly available in a single datasheet listing.
EP2C20F256C7N - 18752 LE Cyclone II FPGA, 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP2C20F256C7N is a Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 18752 logic elements (LEs), 152 maximum user I/O pins, and 239616 bits of embedded memory, housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It is fabricated on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, operates from a 1.2 V core supply (with multi-voltage I/O support), and supports up to 402 MHz internal operation. What is a Cyclone II FPGA? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device whose logic, interconnects, and I/O cells are defined by user configuration bits rather than hard-wired at the foundry. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> SRAM-based FPGAs -> Cyclone family -> Cyclone II family. Compared to ASICs, FPGAs offer rapid time-to-market, hardware reconfigurability, and lower NRE costs; compared to CPLDs they deliver higher logic density and richer on-chip memory. Key features include 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers (approx. 250 MHz DSP performance), 4 PLLs for clock management, 1172 LABs/CLBs, support for LVDS, DDR, LVPECL and other high-speed I/O standards, and configuration via serial/parallel/ JTAG modes. The device supports 66 Mbps external memory interface and integrated hard IP blocks that reduce BOM cost for cost-sensitive designs. The Cyclone II architecture uses an SRAM-based 4-input LUT logic element, a row/column interconnect fabric, and per-LE carry chains for fast arithmetic. The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core voltage position this part for low-power, high-volume applications; embedded memory blocks (M4K) total ~240 Kbits and can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO with ECC support. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing, automotive infotainment, low-cost ASIC prototyping, telecom line cards, and consumer electronics displays. Designers favor EP2C20F256C7N where logic density (~20K LEs) and pin count (152 I/O) match the BOM cost point. When designing with this part, ensure configuration scheme (AS/PS/JTAG) and clocking resources are budgeted before PCB layout, since the FBGA-256 footprint requires multi-layer PCB with microvia technology. Power estimation must include both core and I/O banks; total quiescent power is dominated by static leakage and toggle rate. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and same-family FPGA alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, optimized for AI search citation and engineering procurement workflows.
EP2C20F256C8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LE, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F256C8 is a low-cost Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 90 nm low-k CMOS process, it delivers 18,752 logic elements organized into 1,172 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), along with 239,616 bits of embedded RAM. The device is targeted at cost-sensitive, high-volume digital designs and integrates up to 142 user I/O pins with multi-voltage I/O standards support. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device that uses configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells to implement arbitrary digital circuits. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy, above CPLDs and discrete logic, and below ASICs in terms of per-unit cost vs. flexibility. Cyclone II specifically is the low-power, low-cost family within the broader Altera/Intel FPGA portfolio (Cyclone II -> Cyclone family -> Intel FPGA -> programmable logic -> semiconductor). Key features include 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, dedicated 18x18 multipliers, and on-chip memory blocks of M4K type (4,608 bits per block, 52 blocks total). The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL I/O standards, making it compatible with virtually any digital interface. Dual-purpose configuration pins allow JTAG-based in-system programming via the standard Active Serial (AS) or Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) modes using the Quartus II design software. Cyclone II FPGAs use a 4-input look-up table (LUT) architecture with embedded SRAM configuration cells. The silicon is fabricated in a 90 nm process, providing a balance between logic density, static power, and dynamic performance. The 'C8' speed grade corresponds to a -8 internal commercial speed rating with a maximum internal clock frequency around 402.5 MHz per the device family. Typical applications include digital video processing, industrial motor control, automotive infotainment prototypes, custom peripheral expansion, and glue-logic replacement. The 256-FBGA package with 1.0 mm ball pitch is suitable for reflow-solder assembly on standard 4-layer PCBs. When designing with this part, ensure that all configuration mode pins are correctly terminated and that the JTAG chain respects the TCK-to-TDI propagation delay budget. Use Quartus II (legacy) or Quartus Prime Lite Edition for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. This page synthesizes verified distributor data, parametric drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C20F256C8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F256C8N is a low-cost Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 18,752 logic elements (LEs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 embedded 18x18 multipliers, packaged in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) at 1.2 V core. According to manufacturer material referenced on the Cyclone II device handbook, the device is built on a 90 nm process and supports up to 315 user I/O pins (device-package dependent) with on-board configuration via serial/parallel flash and JTAG. The 'C8' speed grade targets approximately 402 MHz internal operation, while the 'N' suffix indicates lead-free / Pb-free termination. The EP2C20F256C8N extends the Cyclone II family mid-density range between EP2C8 and EP2C35, making it a strong fit for cost-sensitive high-volume designs. What is a Cyclone II FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC whose logic function is defined after manufacturing via a hardware description language (HDL) bitstream. The Cyclone II family sits in the low-cost (non-volatile configuration, external SRAM-based) tier of programmable logic, hierarchically classified as: FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Compared with CPLDs (which are typically non-volatile and smaller), FPGAs offer higher logic density, embedded multipliers, and block RAM, but require an external configuration memory at power-up. Key features include 18,752 four-input look-up tables (4-input LUTs), 52 M9K memory blocks (~ 52 x 9 Kbit = 468 Kbit raw, with parity overhead yielding 239,616 usable RAM bits), 152 dedicated 18 x 18 hardware multipliers for DSP, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The 256-ball FBGA package exposes the device's high-I/O capability with fine-pitch surface-mount routing. Architecture-wise, the Cyclone II device uses a 90 nm CMOS process, 1.15 V to 1.25 V core (VCCINT), and separate VCCIO banks that allow mixed-voltage I/O (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) on the same die. Embedded multipliers are physically arranged in column blocks adjacent to the LAB (Logic Array Block) rows, enabling deterministic DSP performance independent of routing congestion. The four PLLs support clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and external feedback for zero-delay buffering. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-cost software-defined radio, consumer display controllers, factory automation, and educational / prototyping platforms. The mid-density 18,752 LE capacity makes it well suited to designs that outgrow CPLDs but do not require the cost of higher-density Cyclone IV or Cyclone V devices. When designing with this device, plan for an external EPCS or EPCQ configuration flash to load the bitstream at power-up, provide proper decoupling on every VCCINT and VCCIO pin per the pin connection guidelines, and verify the package thermal envelope against expected toggle activity. Quartus II Web Edition (legacy) or the latest Quartus Prime Lite Edition supports Cyclone II device compilation. The part is widely available on the secondary market; new designs targeting Intel's modern portfolio should evaluate Cyclone IV E, Cyclone 10 LP, or MAX 10 instead. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone II family (EP2C20F256C6N, EP2C20F256C7N, EP2C20F256C8) plus verified web-data cross-references (EP2C20F484C6N, EP2C20F484C8), and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer handbook.
EP2C20F256I8 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE, 256-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP2C20F256I8 is a Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 user I/O pins, delivered in a 256-ball FBGA (256-LBGA) package. It runs from a 1.2 V core supply and is implemented in 90 nm CMOS technology. The "I" in the ordering code denotes industrial temperature grade and the "8" denotes speed grade 8, making this a low-to-mid-density programmable logic device for systems requiring wider operating-temperature margins. An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric is configured after manufacturing by loading a configuration bitstream. Instead of executing sequential software, it creates parallel hardware datapaths: designers write HDL, synthesize logic into logic elements, routing and I/O blocks, and configure the device in-system. Cyclone II FPGAs are SRAM-based, so they are volatile and need to reload their bitstream at power-up from flash, a host processor, or an Altera configuration device. In product hierarchy, this part is an FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> mid-range Cyclone II -> Altera programmable logic family. Headline features include 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 152 user I/O pins. The 1.2 V core logic family is CMOS, and the 256-ball BGA has a moderate footprint that suits parallel bus designs and controlled-impedance board layouts. The industrial-temperature suffix widens the allowable ambient operating range compared with commercial C-grade siblings. The device supports JTAG and active/passive serial configuration modes, allowing flexible factory programming and in-field updates. Architecturally, Cyclone II places logic in logic array blocks together with embedded memory blocks, and connects the fabric through programmable routing to I/O banks. The 90 nm low-cost process balances density, power, and unit price for cost-sensitive systems. Since Cyclone II is SRAM-based, the non-volatile configuration solution must be selected early; typical choices include an EPC-series configuration device or a host microcontroller that loads the .rbf/.pof image at power-on. Typical applications include industrial control and motor-drive interfaces, communication bridging, video/image preprocessing, test instrumentation, and IoT edge gateways. The 152 I/O pins give designers enough flexibility to connect memories, ADCs, DACs, transceivers, and human-machine-interface peripherals. The 239,616 RAM bits are useful for FIFOs, small line buffers, and coefficient tables, reducing the need for external SRAM in moderate-size designs. Designers should decouple the 1.2 V core rail thoroughly and follow Altera Cyclone II board-layout guidance for the F256 BGA. Because exact current and thermal figures were not included in the fetched distributor data, use the official Cyclone II power calculator and the device handbook to size regulators and heatsinking before production. This page adds distributor context, ordering-code alternatives, and practical design guidance beyond the bare datasheet, helping engineers complete sourcing and design triage more quickly.
EP2C20F256I8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F256I8N is a low-power Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 152 user I/Os, housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (17x17 mm) package. It is fabricated on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process and operates from a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply (1.2 V typical), with a maximum toggle frequency around 402 MHz in the internal logic array. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built from a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory blocks. Unlike an ASIC, the FPGA's logic function is defined by a user-supplied bitstream that programs SRAM-based look-up tables and routing switches. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between discrete microcontrollers and fixed-function ASICs, offering hardware-level parallelism for DSP, glue logic, and high-speed interface bridging. The Cyclone II architecture provides four-input look-up tables (LEs), embedded M4K RAM blocks (total 239,616 bits / approximately 117 kbytes), dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers (up to 52), and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards, and includes a passive serial, JTAG, or active serial configuration interface. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-cost DSP front-ends, telecom line cards, and consumer electronics prototyping. The Cyclone II family is the second-generation low-cost Altera/Intel FPGA, optimized for high-volume price-sensitive designs where millions of gates are needed but the absolute performance of a Stratix is not required. When designing with this FPGA, attention must be paid to the multi-rail power sequencing (1.2 V core, 2.5 V or 3.3 V PLL analog, and I/O voltage). The 256-FBGA package requires a multi-layer PCB with controlled-impedance traces for high-speed LVDS pairs and proper decoupling to meet signal-integrity requirements. The Quartus II design software (legacy) supports Cyclone II; newer Quartus versions also retain Cyclone II support through device family add-ons. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, cross-reference drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB-level design notes that are not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C20F484C6 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C6 is a member of the low-cost Cyclone II field-programmable gate array family, fabricated on a 90 nm process and packaged in a 484-ball fine-line BGA. It integrates 18,752 logic elements organized into 1,172 logic array blocks (LABs) and 117 embedded 18x18 multipliers, supported by 239,616 bits of on-chip RAM distributed across M4K blocks. The device exposes 315 general-purpose user I/O pins and supports configuration via serial or parallel flash through Altera's active serial (AS) or JTAG interfaces. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks (LBs/LABs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated I/O cells on a single silicon die. In the broader component taxonomy, an FPGA sits under programmable logic -> digital logic -> semiconductor IC. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications such as industrial control, video processing, and communication bridges, offering ASIC-like integration without the NRE cost. The "EP2C20" prefix encodes family and logic capacity; the "F484" suffix identifies the 484-pin fine-line BGA package, while "C6" denotes the commercial speed grade (slowest, lowest power). Key features include up to 500 MHz internal operation, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS), four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and a 1.2 V core supply with multi-voltage I/O banks (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V). The Cyclone II architecture is SRAM-based, so an external configuration memory is mandatory at every power-up. Because the part is mature, it has been widely adopted in long-lifecycle industrial designs and university teaching labs. Typical applications include motor-control and servo drive logic in factory automation, video-format conversion and scaling engines, low-cost software-defined peripherals over PCIe, display controllers and LCD drivers, automotive infotainment prototypes, and education platforms for HDL training. Compared with newer Cyclone IV/V devices, EP2C20F484C6 trades lower static power for older I/O and PLLs, but retains the lowest unit cost in the legacy Cyclone family. When designing with EP2C20F484C6, ensure the JTAG chain is correctly buffered and the configuration flash is sized for at least 8 Mbit. The 484-FBGA requires careful PCB layout with via-in-pad microvias and matched-length impedance-controlled traces for DDR or LVDS channels. Refer to the Cyclone II Device Handbook (Section I, Cyclone II Data Sheet) for IO-bank restriction and termination guidelines. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives in the same 484-FBGA footprint, and practical PCB-layout notes not duplicated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing design engineers with the cross-reference depth needed for legacy Cyclone II BOM management.
EP2C20F484C6N - 18,752 LE Cyclone II FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C6N is a Cyclone II family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 18,752 logic elements, 315 user I/Os, and 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package with commercial temperature grade. The part suffix 'C6' denotes the speed grade and 'N' indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant FBGA. What is a Cyclone II FPGA? A Cyclone II is a low-cost, low-power SRAM-based FPGA fabricated on a 90 nm process. As a programmable logic device it sits in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic > FPGA > SRAM-based FPGA > low-cost FPGA family. Compared with CPLDs and ASICs, FPGAs offer parallel processing, reconfigurable logic, and hardware-level timing control, making them the workhorse for digital signal processing, glue logic, video/image pipelines, and communication interfaces. Key features of the EP2C20F484C6N include 18,752 logic elements distributed across 1,172 logic array blocks, 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, up to 315 user I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and 239,616 bits of embedded RAM organized in M4K blocks. The device supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, or JTAG, and provides dedicated DDR/DDR2 memory interfaces. Architecturally, the Cyclone II uses a logic-element-based fabric with 4-input look-up tables, fast carry chains for arithmetic, and embedded multiplier blocks that enable single-cycle multiply-accumulate operations without consuming general-purpose logic. The four PLLs support frequency synthesis, phase shifting, and external clock conditioning, while the I/O structure provides flexible on-chip termination (OCT) and slew-rate control. Typical applications include industrial motor control and automation, video surveillance and image processing, telecommunications line cards, low-cost ASIC prototyping, embedded control systems, and consumer electronics that require custom logic, DSP, or video bridging. The combination of 18,752 LEs, 52 multipliers, and 315 I/Os at a low price point makes this part attractive for cost-sensitive volume production. When designing with this device, pay attention to configuration scheme selection (AS/PS/JTAG), pin assignment for DDR interfaces, and decoupling strategy for the core and I/O supplies. For long-term designs, note that the Cyclone II family is in the legacy product category - new designs should evaluate Cyclone IV/V or Cyclone 10 LP devices, but the EP2C20F484C6N remains available for ongoing production and maintenance. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified specifications, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C20F484C7 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 484-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C7 is a Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 315 user I/Os, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package with commercial temperature grade. The 'C7' suffix denotes the device speed grade (-7, the slowest Cyclone II speed grade, optimized for lowest cost) and the 'C' denotes the 0°C to +85°C commercial operating range. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect. Unlike a fixed-function ASIC, an FPGA's logic, memory, and I/O behavior can be redefined after manufacture via a configuration bitstream. FPGAs occupy a unique tier in the system hierarchy: programmable logic -> application-specific integrated circuit -> semiconductor device -> integrated circuit. They sit above microcontrollers in computational density and below ASICs in per-unit cost. Key features include 18,752 logic elements arranged in 4-input look-up tables, 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, SDR SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM. The 484-FBGA package exposes 315 general-purpose I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, enabling high-bandwidth parallel interfaces. The Cyclone II family is fabricated on a 90 nm process technology and uses a SRAM-based configuration cell. Design entry uses the Quartus II (legacy) or Quartus Prime Lite toolchain with Verilog HDL, VHDL, or schematic capture. Each logic element contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, a carry chain for arithmetic, and a register chain for shift operations. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost prototyping platforms, protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C to Ethernet), LED display controllers, and educational FPGA development boards where designers value the combination of high logic capacity and low unit cost. When designing, allocate sufficient configuration memory bandwidth (typically an EPCS serial flash device) and provide robust decoupling near the BGA power balls. The 484-FBGA requires at least 4 PCB layers with microvia fan-out for the 1.0 mm pitch ball array. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, comparison data, and practical design notes for the Cyclone II family not always collected in a single datasheet excerpt.
EP2C20F484C7N - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LEs, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C7N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabricated on a low-power 90 nm CMOS process, delivering 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 315 user I/Os in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. Per the Cyclone II Device Handbook, the device is offered in a commercial -7 speed grade and supports a maximum internal clock frequency of 450 MHz with PLL-based clock management. The 'N' suffix denotes lead-free / Pb-free matte tin ball terminations compliant with RoHS requirements. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated hard IP blocks such as memory and PLLs into a single silicon die. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and are widely used as glue logic, co-processors, and prototype ASICs in digital systems. The Cyclone II family sits in the low-cost, low-power tier of the Intel FPGA portfolio, targeting volume applications where cost-per-logic-element is the dominant selection criterion. Key features include 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers, four general-purpose PLLs, 315 maximum user I/Os, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS. The device supports up to 1.5 Mbits of on-chip memory distributed across M4K blocks, enabling high-throughput FIFO and buffering operations without external SRAM. Cyclone II devices use a 4-input look-up table (LUT)-based architecture with embedded multiplier blocks and M4K RAM blocks, providing an efficient balance between logic density and DSP performance. The 90 nm process delivers competitive static and dynamic power characteristics for the family, with multiple low-power modes accessible through the Quartus II design software. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes using industry-standard EPCS configuration devices. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, telecommunications line cards, consumer electronics display controllers, and education/hobbyist development platforms. The combination of moderate logic density, abundant I/O, and an FBGA-484 footprint makes it well suited to mid-complexity designs requiring parallel interfaces and on-chip DSP capability. When designing with this device, allocate sufficient PCB area for the 1 mm pitch FBGA-484 footprint and route all 315 user I/Os through at least four signal layers. Use the Quartus II design software with the Cyclone II device library to validate timing closure and resource utilization before committing to layout. The estimated EOL date of 2026 (per industry cross-reference data) means new designs should evaluate Cyclone IV or Cyclone V replacements for long-term production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C20F484C8 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LE 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C8 is a member of the Cyclone® II family of low-cost FPGAs fabricated on a 90 nm process. The device integrates 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM organized into M4K memory blocks, and 315 user I/Os in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. Core operating voltage is 1.2 V with support for multiple I/O standards across 8 I/O banks. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit between discrete logic and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs): unlike ASICs they require no fabrication masks, and unlike microcontrollers they implement logic in dedicated parallel hardware rather than sequential firmware. FPGAs are widely used for digital signal processing, glue logic, video/display bridging, and prototype ASIC emulation. Key Cyclone II features include up to 150 embedded 18×18 multipliers, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The Cyclone II architecture provides a low-power, cost-optimized platform that was a popular choice in the late-2000s era for consumer, industrial, and communications designs. The 484-FBGA package exposes a high I/O count while maintaining a small PCB footprint suitable for high-density designs. Typical applications include digital video processing pipelines, motor control and industrial automation, telecommunications line cards, test and measurement equipment, and embedded control systems. The combination of embedded multipliers and dedicated memory blocks also makes the EP2C20 well suited for soft-core processor implementations such as Nios II, which Altera provides royalty-free for this family. Designers should consult Altera's Quartus II design software (legacy versions still in use) and the Cyclone II Device Handbook for pin assignments, timing closure, and configuration schemes (AS, PS, JTAG). The EP2C20F484C8 is in production but is positioned as a mature, cost-down device - engineers building new designs should evaluate Cyclone IV or Cyclone V/10 families unless an exact Cyclone II replacement is required for board-level compatibility. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes that are not aggregated in a single place on the manufacturer datasheet. Engineers evaluating this part for new designs or maintenance of legacy Cyclone II hardware will find the alternatives and comparison data here particularly useful.
EP2C20F484C8N - 18,752 LE Cyclone II FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484C8N is a low-cost Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM (315 Kbits), and 18752 logic array blocks, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package at commercial 0C to 85C temperature range and speed grade 8. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory/DSP blocks that engineers can reconfigure after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices -> programmable logic -> digital logic ICs -> integrated circuits, offering hardware-level parallelism that microcontrollers and DSPs cannot match. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive high-volume applications by stripping away high-speed transceivers while retaining ample logic, memory, and DSP resources. Key features include 18,752 Logic Elements (LEs), 52 embedded M9K memory blocks (315 Kbits total), 26 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and 315 maximum user I/O pins. The device is built on a low-power 90 nm process with 1.2 V core operation and supports multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL via dedicated True-LVDS circuitry. The Cyclone II architecture uses a four-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element, embedded memory that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or shift registers, and dedicated hardware multiplier blocks. The 315 Kbits of M9K block RAM deliver up to 250 MHz operation, while the 26 18x18 multipliers support up to 250 MHz DSP throughput, making the device suitable for parallel signal processing pipelines. Configuration is handled via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes with built-in decompression. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing and display controllers, automotive infotainment subsystems, telecommunications line cards, and consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic. The Cyclone II is widely used in cost-sensitive embedded vision, software-defined radio front-ends, and protocol bridging applications. When designing with this part, ensure the 484-ball FBGA land pattern is manufactured on a multilayer PCB with matched-impedance traces and 0.8 mm or finer pitch assembly capability. Thermal management is straightforward since the device typically dissipates under 1.5 W in normal operation. Quartus II design software (legacy 13.0sp1 or earlier) is required for synthesis and place-and-route. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone II and Cyclone IV alternatives, package-level pinout data, and practical FPGA design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer page.
EP2C20F484I6N - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LEs 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP2C20F484I6N is a member of the Cyclone II family of low-cost FPGAs, delivering 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded memory, and 315 total user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. Per the Cyclone II Device Handbook, this industrial-temperature grade device supports up to 150 18x18 multipliers and up to 1.1 Mbits of on-chip RAM, enabling high-performance DSP systems without external memory for many use cases. The I6 speed grade combined with -40C to +100C industrial qualification makes it suitable for harsh-environment embedded designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user defines after manufacture using a hardware description language. The Cyclone II family sits in the low-cost, low-power segment of the FPGA hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor), succeeding the original Cyclone series with a 90 nm process and a more efficient adaptive logic module (ALM) architecture. It is designed for high-volume cost-sensitive applications such as consumer electronics, industrial control, video processing, and communications infrastructure where ASIC NRE costs are prohibitive. Key features of the EP2C20F484I6N include 18,752 logic elements arranged in 1,196 logic array blocks (LABs), 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 4 PLLs, and 484-pin FineLine BGA package measuring 23x23 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, and offers 8 input clock pins plus 16 global clock networks. The 1.2 V core supply combined with industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) broadens deployment scenarios versus commercial-only variants. The Cyclone II architecture uses a 90 nm low-k dielectric process with 1.2 V core operation and a four-input look-up table (LUT) logic structure. Embedded memory blocks (M4K) provide true dual-port RAM up to 36 bits wide, and dedicated multiplier blocks handle DSP workloads without consuming general-purpose logic. The device interfaces to common external memories including DDR, DDR2, SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM via dedicated PHY blocks, simplifying high-throughput data buffering. Typical applications for the EP2C20F484I6N include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, low-cost display controllers, software-defined radio front ends, and prototyping interfaces for ASIC verification. With its high logic density at low unit cost, it is well suited to designs that previously would have required multiple CPLDs or a more expensive mid-range FPGA. Designers should plan for 1.2 V core and 3.3 V/2.5 V/1.8 V I/O supply rails, allocate at least eight global clock inputs with proper PLL configuration, and follow Intel/Altera board layout guidelines for the FineLine BGA substrate. Unused pins should be left floating or tied per the device handbook to minimize in-rush current and avoid configuration errors during JTAG or AS programming. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible FPGA alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone - cross-referenced against Intel/Altera's official Cyclone II Device Handbook (Volume 1, February 2008).
EP2C20F484I8 - Cyclone II FPGA 18,752 LEs 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20F484I8 is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) IC integrating 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 315 user I/Os in a 484-pin FineLine BGA package. It is fabricated on a 90 nm CMOS process and operates at a core voltage of 1.2 V with a maximum internal clock frequency of 402.58 MHz, delivering low-cost, low-power programmable logic for high-volume applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and embedded memory and DSP resources that can be re-programmed by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy the top tier of the digital programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic -> ASIC alternative -> digital IC. They are valued for parallel processing, deterministic latency, hardware flexibility, and rapid time-to-market versus application-specific fixed-function ASICs. Key features of the EP2C20F484I8 include 18,752 logic elements distributed across 1,196 logic array blocks (LABs), embedded multiplier blocks for low-cost DSP, 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM, and a flexible LVDS/LVCMOS/LVTTL I/O standard mix. The device is offered in the -I8 speed grade with industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C junction). The Cyclone II architecture combines a four-input lookup table (LUT)-based logic fabric with M4K embedded memory blocks and embedded 18 x 18 multipliers. Designers use the Altera/Intel Quartus II design suite for synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and bitstream generation. The -I8 industrial-grade speed bin balances timing margin against power consumption for cost-sensitive designs. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, automotive infotainment prototypes, communications line cards, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and consumer electronics such as digital displays and set-top boxes. The 315 I/O count supports wide parallel buses and high-speed LVDS interfaces commonly needed in video and industrial control. When designing with this part, allocate sufficient decoupling (100 nF + bulk) near each power pin, follow the Cyclone II board design guidelines for BGA breakout and impedance-controlled routing, and validate the design in the Quartus II toolchain with industrial-grade timing models. Note that Cyclone II is a mature legacy family - confirm long-term availability before committing to new designs. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not readily available from the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving procurement and engineering teams a faster path to qualification and sourcing decisions.
EP2C20F484I8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LE, 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera (formerly Altera Corporation) EP2C20F484I8N is a member of the low-cost Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) family, delivering 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 315 user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It targets cost-sensitive high-volume digital logic, DSP, and embedded control applications. What is a Cyclone II FPGA? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable semiconductor that engineers can configure after manufacturing using a hardware description language (HDL). Cyclone II is a 90 nm SRAM-based FPGA family optimized for low cost and low power, sitting in the broader hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. Cyclone II devices include embedded 18x18 multipliers suited for DSP, and M4K RAM blocks for on-chip memory. Key features of the EP2C20F484I8N include 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 total RAM bits organized in M4K blocks, 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers, and 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The industrial-grade speed grade (I8) and industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C ambient) suit harsh-environment deployments. Architecturally, the EP2C20F484I8N is built on a 90 nm process with a 1.2 V core supply and supports multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, LVDS, RSDS, mini-LVDS, LVPECL, PCI, PCI-X) via dedicated I/O banks. The device supports configuration via Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), JTAG, and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes with the Altera/Intel Quartus design toolchain. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-cost DSP co-processors, communications protocol bridging, and embedded system glue logic. The wide I/O count (315) makes it suitable for parallel bus aggregation in video and industrial image systems. Designers should note that the I8 speed grade is one of the slower industrial grades; for higher throughput designs the C8 commercial or C7 grades are recommended. Decoupling, JTAG chain integrity, and configuration scheme selection should be validated against the Cyclone II Device Handbook before tape-out. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design considerations not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C20Q240C8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LE | Intel
The Intel EP2C20Q240C8 is a Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array with 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, 142 user I/O pins, a 1.2 V core supply, 90 nm CMOS technology, and a maximum internal clock frequency around 402.58 MHz, supplied in a 240-pin PQFP (240-BFQFP) surface-mount package. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacturing; the Cyclone II family is Altera/Intel's low-cost, high-volume FPGA line built for logic-intensive but cost-sensitive applications. It sits hierarchically under programmable logic devices and integrates configurable logic blocks, embedded RAM, and I/O elements. Understanding Cyclone II as an FPGA rather than a fixed-function ASIC helps designers recognize that the same EP2C20Q240C8 can be reconfigured in-system for motor control, video processing, or communications bridging simply by loading a new bitstream. Key differentiating specifications of EP2C20Q240C8 include 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded memory, and 142 user I/O pins configured in the 240-pin PQFP. DigiKey and FindIC parametric listings identify a typical internal operating frequency of about 402.58 MHz and a 1.2 V core supply. The Cyclone II family also provides enough logic capacity for soft processors and DSP datapaths while maintaining a low-cost footprint. Because this is a commercial-temperature part, the device is rated for 0°C to +85°C and is intended for equipment that does not require extended industrial temperature operation. The EP2C20Q240C8 is fabricated on a 90 nm CMOS process, which was the mainstream low-cost process node of the Cyclone II generation and accounts for the device's moderate static and dynamic power compared with later families. The part is a member of the 18,752-logic-element Cyclone II density tier; it uses a conventional SRAM-based FPGA architecture that must be configured at power-up from an external configuration device, typically an Altera/Intel EPCS serial flash. The architecture includes row and column routing, I/O buffers, and embedded memory blocks that provide the 239,616 bits used for FIFOs and small buffers. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video and image processing, communications line bridging, and test-and-measurement front ends. In each case, the 18,752 LEs can absorb moderate combinational logic and state machines, while the 142 I/O pins let the FPGA connect to sensors, ADCs, DACs, memory devices, and backplane buses. The 1.2 V core keeps power manageable in fan-cooled or naturally ventilated enclosures, and the commercial temperature range suits many indoor equipment installations. From a design standpoint, budget for a clean 1.2 V core supply, one or more I/O-bank supplies, and a configuration device because EP2C20Q240C8 is usually configured from an EPCS serial flash or through JTAG. Because no N suffix appears in the part number, the package finish is not explicitly identified as lead-free in the available listings; choose EP2C20Q240C8N when lead-free/RoHS assembly is required. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, application guidance, and practical power/configuration notes that are not all collected in the manufacturer datasheet. The data was last verified on 2026-09-08 from distributor and cross-reference listings, giving engineers a single decision point for legacy Cyclone II designs.
EP2C20Q240C8N FPGA - Cyclone II 18K LE PQFP-240 | Altera
The Altera EP2C20Q240C8N is a mid-density Cyclone II field-programmable gate array (FPGA) built on 90 nm CMOS technology, containing 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and up to 142 user I/O pins in a 240-pin PQFP (BFQFP) package with lead-free "N" finish. It operates from a 1.2 V core supply and is specified for the 0 °C to +85 °C commercial temperature range. The -8 speed grade provides a commonly quoted maximum clock frequency around 402.58 MHz. An FPGA, or field-programmable gate array, is a programmable logic device whose internal logic blocks, routing resources, and I/O elements can be configured after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital hardware. In the hierarchy of semiconductor logic, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices (PLDs), sitting above simple CPLD products and below custom ASICs in capacity and design flexibility. Cyclone II is Altera/Intel's low-cost FPGA family, optimized for cost-sensitive applications that need thousands of reconfigurable logic elements without the non-recurring engineering cost of a custom chip. Key features of the EP2C20Q240C8N include 18,752 logic elements, 239,616 total RAM bits, and a commercial 0 °C to 85 °C operating range. The 240-pin PQFP package provides 142 user I/O pins, which is practical for moderate bus widths, control interfaces, and bridging applications. As a speed-grade -8 device, it targets main-stream cost-optimized designs rather than the fastest timing closure. The 1.2 V core voltage allows low dynamic power, while I/O banks support common single-ended standards such as LVCMOS and LVTTL. The Cyclone II architecture is based on 4-input look-up-table logic elements grouped into logic array blocks, complemented by embedded memory blocks and dedicated clock networks. The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core helped make mid-density FPGAs affordable for industrial and communications equipment during Cyclone II's production life. The EP2C20Q240C8N is configured through SRAM cells, so it requires an external configuration device such as an EPC or EPCS serial device or a JTAG download cable at power-up. Typical applications include industrial motor/motion control, image and video preprocessing, communication bridging, medical front-end processing, and digital-prototyping boards. In these systems, the EP2C20Q240C8N provides deterministic parallel processing and flexible I/O at a lower cost than a larger FPGA. Its QFP package also supports simpler PCB inspection and rework than fine-pitch BGA alternatives. A critical design consideration is the need for clean 1.2 V core power, separate I/O bank voltages, and a proper configuration scheme chosen by the MSEL pins. Because this is a legacy FPGA family, new designs should verify device lifetime, configuration-device availability, and distributor stock before committing to production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and practical design notes not found in a simple parametric listing. It helps engineers make faster sourcing and migration decisions for legacy Cyclone II sockets.
EP2C20Q240I8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 18,752 LE, 240-Pin PQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C20Q240I8N is a Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 18,752 logic elements organized into 1,196 logic array blocks (LABs), housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package measuring 28 mm x 28 mm with 0.50 mm terminal pitch. It operates from a 1.2 V core supply (with 3.3 V I/O support per the Vyrian listing) across a commercial 0 °C to 85 °C industrial-temperature grade, and is built on a low-cost CMOS process tailored for high-volume programmable logic designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device whose logic function is defined by the user after manufacture. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy: programmable logic device -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor. Cyclone II is positioned in the low-cost, high-volume tier of the FPGA taxonomy, targeting price-sensitive applications that still require the parallelism and flexibility of programmable hardware versus fixed-function ASICs. EP2C20Q240I8N delivers up to 402.5 MHz internal operation, combining DSP-friendly embedded multipliers and plentiful logic resources. Key features include 18,752 logic elements, 1,196 LABs, 142 maximum user I/O pins, and an array of embedded 18 x 18 multipliers and M4K RAM blocks. The 240-pin PQFP footprint exposes the part to through-hole-style lead processes while still enabling surface-mount assembly on conventional reflow profiles, making it well suited for legacy as well as new industrial designs. Architecturally, the Cyclone II family uses a 90 nm process node with a 4-input look-up table (LUT) fabric, embedded multiplier blocks, and abundant tri-stated routing. The EP2C20Q240I8N is the higher-density variant of the family, providing roughly 50 percent more logic and memory resources than the EP2C8 sibling while sharing the same Quartus II design flow, IP library, and configuration schemes. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-cost DSP co-processing, communications glue logic, and PCI/PCI Express bridging. Engineers choose EP2C20Q240I8N when they need mid-range FPGA density with a manageable pin count and the broad third-party IP ecosystem that surrounds the Cyclone II family. When designing with EP2C20Q240I8N, plan the PCB for a 28 mm x 28 mm PQFP with 0.5 mm pitch; signal integrity on high-speed clocks is sensitive to trace length matching. Use the Quartus II design software (legacy support required) to take advantage of pre-verified IP cores and the full toolchain. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the Cyclone II family, and PCB-layout design notes that the manufacturer datasheet alone does not aggregate, giving procurement and design teams a single decision-ready reference.