FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP4CE6E22C7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 144-EQFP | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP4CE6E22C7N is a Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array featuring 6,272 logic elements, 91 user I/Os, and 392 LABs/CLBs, fabricated on a 60 nm low-power process and housed in a 144-pin EQFP (22x22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. It is offered in commercial speed grade 7 and supports an operating supply voltage of 1.2 V core, with on-chip memory of 276,480 RAM bits suitable for buffering and small FIFOs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device whose architecture can be reconfigured after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> programmable logic -> digital semiconductors. Cyclone IV E is a cost-optimized family targeting high-volume, low-power applications such as display control, motor drive, video bridging, and industrial I/O expansion. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C7N include up to 91 user I/Os, embedded multipliers for DSP-style operations, dedicated configuration logic supporting JTAG and Active Serial modes, and the Cyclone IV E family's signature low static and dynamic power consumption. Multiple phase-locked loops (PLLs) provide robust clock management for synchronous designs. Technically, the device combines lookup tables (LEs), embedded memory blocks (M9K), 18x18 multipliers, and I/O element (IOE) registers. The 60 nm process and optimized architecture deliver an excellent performance-per-watt profile for cost-sensitive designs. Designers benefit from Quartus Prime software support including IP cores, Platform Designer, and the Signal Tap logic analyzer. Typical applications include industrial motor control, LED display controllers, video processing pipelines, machine vision front-ends, and low-cost communication bridges. The exposed thermal pad of the EQFP package simplifies PCB thermal design in fanless enclosures. When designing with this FPGA, plan power decoupling carefully (1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V I/O) and follow Intel's configuration guidelines to avoid JTAG chain issues. Use Quartus Prime pin planning to assign I/O standards per bank voltage. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Cyclone IV E drop-in alternatives, and practical FPGA design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6E22C8 - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs EQFP-144 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22C8 is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV E FPGA featuring 6,272 logic elements, 392 Kbits of embedded memory, and 91 user I/Os in a 144-pin EQFP (E22) package. The Cyclone IV E family is optimized for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications that require transceiver-less connectivity, with a 1.2V core supply and a maximum internal clock frequency of approximately 472.5 MHz. The 'C8' speed grade indicates a -8 corner commercial speed bin, while the 'E22' suffix denotes the EQFP-144 package (22 mm x 22 mm body, 0.5 mm pitch). A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic in silicon via HDL code and an on-chip configuration bitstream. Within the broader hierarchy, FPGAs belong to the programmable logic device (PLD) family, which sits alongside microcontrollers, DSPs, and ASICs as a programmable computing fabric. Cyclone IV E specifically targets applications where low static power, low unit cost, and non-transceiver I/O density matter more than the highest possible logic throughput. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C8 include two PLLs for clock synthesis, up to 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP arithmetic, configuration support via JTAG and active serial (EPCS) flash, and commercial temperature-grade operation (0C to +85C junction). The EQFP-144 package provides 91 general-purpose I/Os across eight I/O banks, supporting LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and other common single-ended and differential I/O standards used in industrial and consumer designs. Cyclone IV E devices are built on a 60 nm process and use a logic-array block (LAB) architecture with 16 logic elements per LAB, an embedded memory block array, and routing switch matrices. Configuration bitstreams are typically loaded from an external EPCS serial flash or through the JTAG port, and the device retains configuration as long as core power is maintained. The Cyclone IV E family supports Nios II embedded processor cores, allowing engineers to build full soft-core systems on a single chip. Typical applications include industrial motor control, low-cost video processing, USB and Ethernet bridging, education/DIY development boards (for example the well-known EP4CE6-based Nios II evaluation board from Waveshare), LED display controllers, and consumer electronics glue logic. The wide temperature range and 91 I/O count make it well-suited to small-to-medium logic integration where a microcontroller is too rigid. When designing with this device, verify that the I/O bank voltage rails match the signaling levels of any external memories or peripherals, and place decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF and 10 uF) close to every VCCINT and VCCIO pin. For configuration, ensure the JTAG chain length and pull-up resistors follow the Cyclone IV handbook recommendations to avoid programming failures. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
EP4CE6E22C8L - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LE, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22C8L is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 6,272 logic elements in a 144-pin LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) package, with 91 user I/O and 276,480 bits of embedded RAM. It is fabricated on a 60 nm process and operates from a 1.2 V core supply, with multi-voltage I/O support that interfaces to 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS and LVDS signalling. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a class of programmable logic device that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic, arithmetic blocks, and on-chip memory by configuring an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), routing fabric, and hardened IP blocks. FPGAs sit above microcontrollers and fixed-function ASICs in the digital design hierarchy, providing hardware-level parallelism with firmware-style design flow (HDL entry, synthesis, place-and-route) and the ability to be re-programmed in-system. The Cyclone IV E family is Intel's low-cost, low-static-power family optimized for volume-driven applications where cost, power, and I/O count dominate over raw logic capacity. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C8L include two general-purpose PLLs per device, embedded 18x18 multipliers (total of 15 across the family, 9 for the 6K density variant), embedded RAM blocks of 9 Kbit (M9K), 66 (6K LE) embedded multiplier 18x18 elements, and support for external memory interfaces such as DDR, DDR2, SDR, and QDRII SRAM. The device supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and passive serial configuration via industry-standard EPCS configuration devices. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drives, video processing and image sensor bridges, automotive infotainment and instrument cluster prototypes, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and consumer display controllers. The combination of small footprint (EQFP-144 with 0.5 mm pitch), 91 user I/O, and on-chip memory makes it a common choice when migrating from a CPLD or large microcontroller to a real FPGA fabric. When designing with this part, ensure proper decoupling on every VCCINT/VCCA/VCCIO pin, follow the Quartus II power-on sequencing requirements, and observe the recommended operating temperature grade. The 'L' suffix indicates an industrial-grade temperature range of -40 C to +85 C. Always configure unused I/O banks in Quartus to reduce in-rush current at power-up.
EP4CE6E22C8LN - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LE, EQFP-144 | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6E22C8LN is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), housed in a 144-pin EQFP-144 exposed-pad package. It supports up to 91 user I/O pins and is built on a 60-nm low-k process operating from a 1.2V core supply with separate PLL and I/O bank supplies. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic function is defined after manufacturing by loading a user-supplied configuration bitstream. The device taxonomy is: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. Within Intel's Cyclone family, the Cyclone IV E sub-family targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where low static and dynamic power are required without sacrificing DSP or memory throughput. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C8LN include 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers (up to 270 MHz) for DSP workloads, two general-purpose PLLs per device for clock synthesis and skew management, and 270 Kbit M9K block RAM distributed across 30 memory blocks. The EQFP-144 package provides an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation during sustained logic activity. The Cyclone IV E architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), fast carry chains for arithmetic, and dedicated memory and multiplier blocks connected by a multi-level routing fabric. Static power is typically well below 100 mW in low-cost designs, while the -8 speed grade supports internal clock frequencies up to 362 MHz according to the manufacturer datasheet family. Typical applications for the EP4CE6E22C8LN include industrial control and human-machine interface (HMI) controllers, video bridging and display aggregation, low-density communication protocol bridging (I2C, SPI, UART, I2S), LED video wall scan-and-driver cards, and portable test or instrumentation equipment where low power and a small footprint outweigh the need for high-end transceivers. When designing with this device, plan a 4-layer PCB with continuous power and ground planes, route all global clock inputs through the dedicated PLL-driven GCLK network, and follow the Intel pin connection guidelines for unused I/O banks (tie to defined logic levels through the recommended resistor network). This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs, and practical design notes compiled from the Intel Cyclone IV E datasheet family and current authorized distributor inventory, providing context not available from the manufacturer page alone.
EP4CE6E22C8N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6,272 LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6E22C8N is a Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 91 user I/Os, housed in a 144-pin LQFP exposed-pad package (EQFP-144). It operates from a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply, supports up to 4 PLLs, and is rated for a maximum internal clock frequency of 472.5 MHz with commercial speed grade 8. The device consumes less than 1.5 W of dynamic power under typical conditions, making it one of the lowest-power FPGAs in its density class. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O behaviour are defined by user-supplied configuration data rather than at the fab. Within the programmable-logic hierarchy, the FPGA sits above simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and below fixed-function ASICs. The Cyclone IV E series in particular targets cost-sensitive, high-volume designs where system designers want ASIC-like flexibility without the NRE cost of custom silicon. Key features include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits of embedded RAM organized into M9K blocks, 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, two general-purpose PLLs plus up to four total clock networks, and a Cyclone IV E hard memory controller. Configuration is supported through JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and Active Serial (AS) modes using an external configuration device. The 144-pin LQFP with exposed thermal pad simplifies PCB layout, enabling hand-solderable prototypes and low-layer-count boards. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV E family uses a 60 nm process node with a Look-Up Table (LUT) based logic element, dedicated multiplier blocks, and per-LAB control signals. The device supports hot-socketing, I/O banking with multiple voltage standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL), and 8 Kbits of user flash memory for on-chip non-volatile storage. The exposed thermal pad is electrically tied to the ground plane, providing a low thermal resistance path suitable for convection-cooled industrial enclosures. Typical applications include industrial motor control and drive signal conditioning, consumer video processing bridges, USB/ethernet protocol bridging, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and portable instrumentation front-ends. Designers also use the EP4CE6 in firmware-defined sensor aggregation nodes and LED video wall controllers where deterministic latency is more important than raw throughput. When designing with this device, allocate at least 1 oz copper pour across the exposed pad and stitch it to a low-impedance ground plane; this is the primary heat-dissipation path for LQFP packages. Use the Quartus Prime Lite or Standard edition for synthesis and pin planning, and verify all I/O bank voltage compatibility before PCB layout because mixed-voltage I/O standards share a common VREF within each bank. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and substituting the EP4CE6E22C8N.
EP4CE6E22C9L - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6.3K LE, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22C9L is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) featuring 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 91 user I/O pins in a 144-pin LQFP Exposed Pad package (EQFP-144, 22 x 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch). The Cyclone IV E family is optimized for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where power efficiency and sufficient logic density are required. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnect, and I/O pads that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit above fixed-function ASICs and microcontrollers in the programmable logic hierarchy, offering parallel processing, deterministic timing, and hardware-level flexibility for glue logic, digital signal processing, and custom interface bridging. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C9L include 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers (up to 266 MHz), up to 270 Kbits of distributed RAM, configuration via standard serial/parallel modes, and a 1.2 V core supply with multi-voltage I/O banks supporting 1.2 V to 3.3 V interfacing. The device family integrates PLL-based clock management and supports LVDS, SSTL, and LVTTL I/O standards. The Cyclone IV E architecture uses a 60 nm process and emphasizes low static and dynamic power consumption, making it well-suited for battery-powered and thermally constrained embedded designs. The 144-LQFP exposed-pad package improves thermal dissipation and allows hand-solderable assembly for prototypes and low-volume builds. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drives, video processing pipelines, software-defined radio front ends, portable test and measurement equipment, and LED display controllers. The combination of 6,272 logic elements and 91 user I/O provides headroom for medium-complexity glue logic, custom peripherals, and parallel DSP functions. When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling on each VCCINT and VCCA rail and follow Intel's pin connection guidelines for the EP4CE6 family. The exposed pad must be soldered to a properly sized copper pour for thermal and electrical performance, especially when running the multipliers near their maximum frequency. This page synthesizes drop-in alternatives, distributor pricing, and practical design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers shorten evaluation cycles and avoid common PCB layout pitfalls.
EP4CE6E22C9LN - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 91 I/O 144-EQFP | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6E22C9LN is a member of the Cyclone® IV E FPGA family, providing 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs) in a 144-pin EQFP (22x22mm, 0.5mm pitch) package with exposed thermal pad. Built on a 60nm low-power process, this Cyclone IV E device operates from a 1.2V core supply and offers a maximum user I/O count of 91 with up to 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers for moderate DSP workloads. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacturing by the end user via a hardware description language (HDL). FPGAs sit within the broader programmable logic hierarchy (CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and belong to the programmable logic device (PLD) family of integrated circuits. They are used to implement glue logic, custom state machines, parallel DSP, video processing pipelines, and communication protocol bridges where ASSPs cannot meet unique timing or interface requirements. Key features of the EP4CE6E22C9LN include 270 Kbits of distributed RAM, 30 Kbits of M9K block RAM, 4 PLLs, 20 global clock networks, and support for DDR/DDR2/QDRII+ external memory interfaces via soft IP. The device supports LVDS, LVPECL, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with hot-socketing capability for in-system programming and field upgrades. An exposed thermal pad on the EQFP-144 package provides a low-resistance thermal path for industrial temperature designs. The Cyclone IV E architecture combines a logic array, embedded memory, embedded multipliers, and per-LAB routing into a fabric where every LAB (logic array block) contains 16 logic elements. This architecture balances logic density, DSP throughput, and power efficiency, making the Cyclone IV E series a popular low-cost alternative to ASICs in volume production from 5K to 1M logic gates. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance IP cameras, LED video walls, handheld medical instrumentation, factory automation controllers, and embedded vision. Designers use the Quartus® Prime design suite to compile VHDL/Verilog into a bitstream loaded into the on-chip configuration memory via JTAG, AS, or PS modes. When designing with this part, ensure the 1.2V core rail and 2.5V/3.3V I/O rail decoupling network follows Intel's reference board layout, and use the exposed pad with a thermal via array to keep junction temperature within the 100C industrial limit. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the Cyclone IV E family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6E22I7 - 6.3K LE Cyclone IV E FPGA, 144-EQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22I7 is a low-cost, low-power Field Programmable Gate Array from the Cyclone IV E family, built on a 60 nm process and offering 6,272 logic elements (47 Kbits of embedded memory) in a 144-pin EQFP package with exposed thermal pad. It targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where the flexibility of programmable logic is required without the expense of high-density FPGAs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device that allows engineers to configure digital logic blocks and interconnects after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic -> programmable logic devices -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. Unlike ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs can be re-programmed in the field, enabling rapid prototyping, design iteration, and field upgrades. The Cyclone IV E family is positioned in Intel's low-power, cost-optimized portfolio, below the Cyclone V and above the legacy Cyclone III families. Key specifications include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits of embedded RAM (split into M9K blocks), 15 embedded 18 x 18 multipliers, 2 PLLs, 91 user I/O pins, and 8 clock networks. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply with multi-rail I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, SSTL, and HSTL), and total internal SRAM is up to 276,480 bits. The Cyclone IV E family delivers up to 60% lower power than the previous Cyclone III generation at the same performance level. Architecture details: the logic element contains a 4-input LUT that can implement any 4-variable function, combined with a programmable register and a dedicated carry chain for fast arithmetic. The M9K memory blocks support single-port, dual-port, and FIFO modes with true dual-port capability up to 250 MHz. The I/O structure includes dynamic on-chip termination (OCT), slew-rate adjustment, and bus-hold circuitry. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drive, automotive infotainment and driver assistance prototypes, low-cost video bridging and display controllers, machine vision pre-processing, education and university digital logic labs, and consumer electronics glue logic. The 144-pin EQFP package makes hand-prototyping and reflow soldering on 4-layer FR-4 boards straightforward. Design consideration: route the two PLL analog supplies (VCCA_PLL) with a quiet filtered rail and keep the PLL loop filter components close to the pins; for high-speed DDR memory interfaces, use the dedicated DQS delay chains and follow the pin-pair guidelines in the device handbook to avoid setup/hold violations. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on DigiKey or Mouser product pages - including explicit guidance on EQFP PCB layout and PLL power decoupling.
EP4CE6E22I7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 144-EQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22I7N is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 60 nm process, offering 6,272 logic elements (6K LEs) housed in a 144-pin EQFP (Plastic Enhanced Quad Flat Pack) package with exposed thermal pad. The device integrates 91 user I/Os, 270 Kbits of embedded RAM, 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), and two general-purpose PLLs, with a core operating frequency up to 472.5 MHz in industrial-grade silicon. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined by the user via a hardware description language and configuration bitstream, rather than fixed at the factory. Positioned in the system hierarchy, FPGAs sit between programmable microcontrollers (software-driven, lower throughput) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs, fixed-function, higher NRE). The Cyclone IV E family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where ASIC-like density is unnecessary but microcontrollers cannot meet parallelism, throughput, or custom I/O requirements. Key features of the EP4CE6E22I7N include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits embedded RAM, 91 user I/O pins, two PLLs, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL. The device operates across the industrial temperature range of -40C to +100C (I7 grade), supports serial configuration via EPCS or JTAG, and integrates 4 Kbits of user flash memory for non-volatile storage of configuration or user data. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV E series uses 4-input look-up tables (LUT4) as the basic logic element, with each LE containing a register and dedicated carry chain logic for arithmetic operations. The device includes a global clock network supporting up to 20 clock pins and a flexible memory block architecture supporting true dual-port, single-port, shift-register, and ROM modes. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost ASIC prototyping, LED display controllers, and consumer electronics interfaces. The wide operating temperature range makes the I7N grade suitable for industrial control and factory automation environments. When designing with this FPGA, plan for a configuration source (EPCS flash or JTAG), adequate decoupling on each VCCINT/VCCIO rail (0.1 uF ceramic per pin plus bulk capacitance), and thermal management for designs approaching the maximum toggle rate.
EP4CE6E22I8L - Cyclone IV FPGA, 6K LE, 91 I/O | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6E22I8L is a Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements (LEs), 91 user I/O pins, and 276,480 bits of embedded memory, housed in a 144-pin LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) package. It operates from a 1.2V core supply and supports a maximum clock frequency of 362 MHz, making it a low-cost, low-power solution for a wide range of industrial, communications, and consumer applications. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing—hence "field-programmable." FPGAs consist of an array of programmable logic blocks, interconnects, and I/O blocks that can be wired together to implement complex digital logic functions. They sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-programmable processors, offering the flexibility of software with the parallelism and determinism of hardware. In the hierarchy of programmable logic, an FPGA is a type of programmable logic device (PLD), which falls under the broader category of embedded processing and digital integrated circuits. Key features of the EP4CE6E22I8L include 6,272 logic elements, 91 user I/O pins, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and support for various I/O standards including LVCMOS, LVTTL, and differential standards. The device is built on a 60nm low-power process technology, which contributes to its low static power consumption. It also includes up to 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers, making it suitable for simple DSP tasks. The device supports external configuration via JTAG or active serial (AS) and passive serial (PS) modes, enabling flexible design updates. From an architectural standpoint, the Cyclone IV E family is optimized for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications. The EP4CE6E22I8L features a flexible logic array with look-up tables (LUTs) and registers, embedded memory blocks (M9K) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO, and phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device's 1.2V core voltage reduces power dissipation compared to older 1.5V or 1.8V FPGAs, while the -8 speed grade indicates a balanced performance level suitable for many designs. Typical applications include motor control, industrial networking, video processing, and communication interfaces. The 91 I/O pins allow interfacing with various peripherals, and the low power consumption makes it ideal for portable or thermally constrained systems. For example, in industrial automation, the FPGA can implement real-time control logic and communicate over Ethernet or CAN buses. When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling of the 1.2V core supply and the 2.5V/3.3V I/O banks. Use the configuration device (e.g., EPCS) or JTAG for programming. Pay attention to the thermal requirements: the exposed pad must be soldered to a copper plane for adequate heat dissipation, especially when operating at high utilization. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a comprehensive resource for evaluating the EP4CE6E22I8L in their designs.
EP4CE6E22I8LN - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 91 I/O | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6E22I8LN is a Cyclone IV E family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 91 user I/Os, housed in a 144-pin LQFP Exposed Pad (EQFP-144) package. It is built on a low-power 60 nm process and operates from a 1.2 V core supply, offering a cost-optimized programmable logic platform for high-volume, power-sensitive designs. The integrated configuration logic, PLLs, and embedded memory blocks deliver up to 200 MHz internal operation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by the user after manufacture through a configuration bitstream. In the broader taxonomy, an FPGA sits within programmable logic devices (PLD) -> digital logic ICs -> integrated circuits (ICs) -> semiconductors. Cyclone IV E is positioned as a low-cost, low-power family within Intel's FPGA portfolio, intended to compete with mid-range ASICs and ASSPs in volume applications while preserving the design flexibility and time-to-market advantage of programmable hardware. Key differentiating features of the EP4CE6E22I8LN include 6,272 logic elements arranged in 392 logic array blocks (LABs), 270 Kbits of embedded RAM, 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, two general-purpose PLLs, and 91 user I/Os supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The device also supports external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, and QDRII SRAM, and includes a hard PCI Express (PIPE) interface block. Industrial-grade temperature range (-40C to +100C) is indicated by the 'I' designator, while the 'N' suffix denotes lead-free (Pb-free) RoHS compliance. Typical applications for the EP4CE6E22I8LN span industrial control and factory automation, motor and servo drive control loops, low-cost video processing and display bridges, I/O expansion and protocol bridging for embedded processors, and glue-logic consolidation in medical, test and measurement, and consumer products. The combination of moderate logic capacity, embedded multipliers, and LVDS support makes it a strong fit for cost-driven designs that still require moderate DSP and parallel I/O bandwidth. When designing with this device, pay close attention to decoupling strategy: place 100 nF ceramic capacitors adjacent to every VCCINT and VCCIO pin pair, and use bulk capacitors at the regulator outputs. The exposed thermal pad (EP) must be soldered to a properly sized copper pour to meet thermal and electrical performance; failure to connect the EP will degrade I/O performance and may compromise reliability.
EP4CE6F17A7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17A7N is a Cyclone IV E family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) featuring 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded RAM, and 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), housed in a 256-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA-256) package measuring 17 x 17 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. The device is built on a low-power 60 nm process and targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring moderate logic density and on-chip memory. The 'A7N' speed grade corresponds to the 7 (industrial temperature range, -40C to +85C, with -7 speed, faster commercial) and the 'N' suffix indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant FBGA package. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a class of programmable logic device that integrates thousands to millions of configurable logic blocks, embedded memory blocks, DSP slices, and programmable I/O cells on a single silicon die. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, FPGAs sit between ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and general-purpose microcontrollers: unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs can be reconfigured post-manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic, while providing higher performance and parallelism than software-driven MCUs. The Cyclone IV E family is Intel's mainstream low-cost, low-power FPGA line, used widely in industrial control, communications, video processing, and consumer electronics where high logic density and DSP capability are required. Key features of the EP4CE6F17A7N include 179 maximum user I/O pins, 15 total embedded multipliers (18x18), two general-purpose PLLs, and support for external memory interfaces such as DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The device supports hot-socketing, 3.3 V LVCMOS and LVTTL I/O standards, and configurable I/O banks. Configuration can be loaded via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), or Passive Serial (PS) modes using industry-standard EPCS or EPCQ configuration devices. The Cyclone IV E architecture uses an SRAM-based configuration cell paired with a 4-input LUT fabric, enabling efficient mapping of state machines, datapaths, and arithmetic pipelines. The 18x18 hardware multipliers accelerate DSP functions such as FIR filters, FFT butterflies, and motor-control loops, while dedicated global clock networks support up to 20 clock domains. The device consumes approximately 1.0 W of dynamic power under typical workloads, making it attractive for thermally constrained embedded systems. Typical applications include industrial motor control, factory automation controllers, video surveillance encoders, low-end wireless baseband processing, and educational/development platforms. The 256-ball FBGA package requires a multi-layer PCB with microvia or via-in-pad technology, but provides a compact 17 x 17 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained designs. When designing with this FPGA, engineers should allocate at least one complete PCB layer to dedicated ground and follow Intel's recommended decoupling scheme: a 100 uF bulk capacitor plus 0.1 uF and 0.01 uF high-frequency ceramics per power rail. Unused I/O pins must be configured as tri-stated inputs with weak pull-ups to avoid floating inputs that can cause spurious current draw or hot-socketing failures. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical PCB layout guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6F17C6 - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6K LEs 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6F17C6 is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integrating 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs) in a 256-ball FineLine Ball-Grid Array (FBGA-256) package. The device supports up to 179 user I/O pins and operates across a commercial 0°C to 85°C junction temperature range. The 'C6' speed grade targets mid-tier performance with Fmax up to 472.5 MHz on internal logic, making it well-suited for high-volume cost-sensitive designs. An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) is a class of programmable logic device that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic through a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside microcontrollers, DSPs, and ASICs as reconfigurable digital ICs used for glue logic, protocol bridging, image processing, and parallel DSP. The Cyclone IV E family specifically targets low total cost of ownership through die-size optimization, integrated transceivers-free architecture, and free Quartus Prime Lite development tools. Key features of the EP4CE6F17C6 include 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers supporting DSP functions up to ~148 MHz, two PLLs providing robust clock management, and Nios II soft-core processor compatibility for embedded control. The device supports LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards across eight I/O banks with per-bank reference voltages, enabling direct interface to DDR/DDR2 SDRAM, QDR II SRAM, and standard parallel buses. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV E fabric uses a 4-input LUT-based logic element with adjacent register, 9-Kbit M9K memory blocks, and dedicated multiplier/adder chains. The 60 nm process node balances static leakage and dynamic power, and Quartus PowerPlay estimates typical core consumption below 200 mW for representative designs. This combination suits high-volume cost-driven applications requiring deterministic logic and parallel processing. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video bridging and image aggregation, factory automation I/O expansion, low-cost software-defined radio (SDR) front ends, LED display controllers, and educational/developer platforms. The 256-FBGA 17x17 mm 1.0 mm pitch package is compatible with mainstream PCB assembly lines. When designing with this FPGA, plan power sequencing on VCCINT (1.2 V core) and VCCA (2.5 V PLL analog) before VCCIO banks come up, otherwise latch-up can occur. Use at least four PCB decoupling layers and a 4-layer stack-up to keep the PLL supplies quiet. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives across the Cyclone IV E family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP4CE6F17C6N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP4CE6F17C6N is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package measuring 17 mm x 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch. The device integrates 6,272 logic elements, 392 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), 270 Kbits of embedded memory, and 179 maximum user I/O pins, making it a mainstream programmable-logic platform for cost-sensitive volume designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, multiplier/DSP blocks, and programmable interconnect, all controlled by SRAM configuration cells. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and programmable microcontrollers, offering hardware-level parallelism, deterministic timing, and post-production reprogrammability. Cyclone IV E belongs to the low-cost, low-power FPGA family, with the broader taxonomy being FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor. Key features of the EP4CE6F17C6N include 179 maximum user I/O pins supporting common single-ended and differential I/O standards, integrated phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and dedicated hardware multiplier blocks for DSP operations. The -C6 speed grade balances performance against power consumption, with the C6N suffix indicating the commercial temperature range and lead-free, RoHS-compliant FBGA-256 package. Architecturally, the device uses a 60 nm low-power process, four-input look-up tables (LUTs) per logic element, embedded RAM blocks of M9K type (9 Kbits each), and a configuration scheme that supports JTAG, Active Serial, and Active Parallel modes. The 256-ball FBGA package provides high I/O density for board-constrained designs while keeping the footprint small. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost display controllers, USB/Ethernet interface bridging, and educational FPGA development platforms. The combination of moderate logic capacity and a low-cost FBGA package makes the EP4CE6F17C6N a common choice for volume production designs replacing discrete logic or older CPLDs. When designing with this FPGA, ensure the PCB supports the 1.0 mm ball pitch of the FBGA-256 package and that the Quartus II / Quartus Prime toolchain is used for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Adequate decoupling, a clean reference clock, and a reliable configuration source are essential for stable operation. This page consolidates distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives within the Cyclone IV E family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6F17C7 - 6,272-Cell FPGA | Altera | Embedded Logic
Altera EP4CE6F17C7 is a Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array built for cost-sensitive embedded logic, digital signal processing, and configurable control systems. The device provides 6,272 logic elements or cells, 392 configurable logic blocks, 179 user I/Os, 276,480 bits of embedded memory, and a 472.5 MHz maximum frequency in a 256-ball LBGA package measuring 17 mm by 17 mm with 1 mm ball pitch. These headline values make it suitable when moderate programmable capacity, substantial I/O access, and a compact BGA footprint are required. A field-programmable gate array is a semiconductor containing configurable logic blocks, routing resources, memory blocks, and programmable I/O cells. Engineers configure the device after PCB assembly to implement digital functions without a custom ASIC. In the system hierarchy, the FPGA sits between fixed-function integrated circuits and custom silicon: it is more flexible than standard logic ICs and generally less expensive for lower-volume products than a custom ASIC. The key feature set combines 6,272 logic cells with 276,480 embedded-memory bits and 179 I/Os. Embedded memory supports data buffering, lookup tables, packet processing, and timing functions without requiring every operation to be built from general-purpose logic. The 256-LBGA package provides 179 externally accessible signals while retaining a 17 mm by 17 mm body, which is practical for industrial controller boards, test equipment, imaging hardware, and communications equipment. Cyclone IV E devices use SRAM-based FPGA configuration, so the programmed bitstream normally requires storage in external configuration memory at power-up. Logic synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, simulation, and power estimation should be performed in the applicable Altera or Intel FPGA toolchain. The quoted 472.5 MHz value is a device specification from the supplied web data, while actual operating frequency depends on routing, resource usage, I/O standards, voltage conditions, and thermal design. Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, video-format conversion, machine-vision preprocessing, communications control, laboratory instruments, and educational or prototype systems. A 179-I/O budget supports mixed sensor interfaces, control peripherals, memory buses, and data-converter connections. The 6,272-cell capacity is appropriate for moderate parallel datapaths, protocol bridging, and custom state machines, but larger designs may require a higher-density Cyclone device. The principal design trade-off is I/O voltage compatibility and configuration architecture. Confirm every bank-specific voltage, termination requirement, clocking constraint, and configuration-memory interface against the manufacturer documentation before release to production. Decoupling, continuous ground reference planes, controlled-impedance routing, and thermal analysis remain necessary even though the supplied data does not state a complete recommended capacitor network or thermal resistance. This data record combines the official product identity, package geometry, distributor status, source timestamps, verified same-family ordering information, and practical selection guidance. Values not explicitly supplied—especially complete timing tables, power data, configuration details, environmental ratings, and individual pin functions—remain marked for validation rather than inferred.
EP4CE6F17C7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA 6272 LE, 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera EP4CE6F17C7N is a Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements, 179 user I/O pins, and 276,480 RAM bits, delivered in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package measuring 17 mm x 17 mm with 1 mm ball pitch. The N suffix indicates a lead-free finish, and the device uses a 60 nm, 1.2 V core architecture. Distributor search results list the part as active and available for ordering, with the DigiKey product page noting that it ships today. An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be programmed after manufacturing to perform arbitrary digital functions. FPGAs sit above CPLDs in capacity and below ASICs in design-fixed cost, making them common for prototyping, parallel processing, interface bridging, and low-to-mid-volume products. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA is a programmable logic device under integrated circuits, and the Cyclone IV E family is Altera/Intel's cost-optimized, low-power 60 nm product line. Understanding this hierarchy helps engineers compare FPGAs by logic elements, RAM bits, I/O count, package, voltage rails, and configuration method. The device provides 392 CLBs/lab-style logic blocks according to distributor specifications, along with 276,480 RAM bits for FIFOs, line buffers, or small memory structures. Its 179 user I/O pins support multi-purpose digital interfaces, and the quoted maximum internal clock frequency is 472.5 MHz. The 1.2 V core voltage and low-cost FBGA package make it suitable for designs that need programmable parallelism without the expense of transceiver-rich FPGAs. The EP4CE6F17C7N uses SRAM-based, volatile configuration technology, meaning it must be configured at power-up from a host, external memory, or a serial configuration device. Its logic fabric is organized into Cyclone IV E architecture with embedded memory blocks and phase-locked-loop-based clock management, although not all peripheral counts are listed in the verified distributor snippets. The commercial temperature suffix C and speed grade 7 are encoded in the part number, and the N suffix indicates lead-free processing. Typical applications include industrial motor-control PWM generation, video and image preprocessing, wired-network packet FIFO or PHY bridging, high-speed data acquisition front-end glue logic, and automotive infotainment prototyping. The 179 user I/O and 276,480 RAM bits are particularly useful where parallel capture and reformatting are required, such as converting an ADC or image sensor bus into a memory or processor interface. For production designs, plan for a separate 1.2 V core supply, appropriate I/O bank voltages, and FPGA configuration storage. Because the FPGA is SRAM-based, confirm that the configuration device or host interface is included in the boot sequence. For harsh-temperature environments, use the industrial or automotive suffix variants rather than the standard commercial-grade device. This page combines distributor pricing references, drop-in Cyclone IV E F17-package alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design guidance that are not all present in one manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the EP4CE6F17C7N faster.
EP4CE6F17C8 - 6K LEs Cyclone IV E FPGA, FBGA-256 | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17C8 is a Cyclone IV E family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 RAM bits, and 179 user I/Os, packaged in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (F17, FBGA-256). It is built on a low-power 60 nm SRAM process and supports core supply voltages around 1.0 V to 1.2 V, with separate VCCIO banks for mixed-voltage I/O. The device includes 15 embedded 18 x 18 multipliers, 2 PLLs, and 10 global clock networks, enabling digital signal processing, control logic, and bus-bridging functions. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated silicon resources such as block RAM and DSP blocks. FPGAs occupy a middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers: they offer hardware-level parallelism and timing determinism while remaining fully re-programmable in the field. Cyclone IV E specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume, low-power applications and is part of Intel's mainstream FPGA portfolio alongside higher-density Cyclone IV GX and Stratix families. Key features of the EP4CE6F17C8 include support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards across up to 8 I/O banks; configuration via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes; and operation over the commercial 0 C to 85 C temperature range (the C8 speed grade). The FBGA-256 package is a 1.0 mm pitch FineLine BGA suitable for space-constrained boards, and the F17 ordering code designates that specific package. Architecturally, the EP4CE6F17C8 LE fabric uses a 4-input LUT-based logic element with embedded carry chains and register chains, giving efficient implementation of arithmetic, state machines, and pipelined data paths. Dedicated M9K memory blocks (9,216 bits each) provide distributed RAM, ROM, and FIFO functions, while the 18 x 18 multiplier blocks accelerate DSP workloads such as filtering and modulation. Two general-purpose PLLs drive clock synthesis and skew management for the global clock networks. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drive, machine vision pre-processing, USB/PCIe bridging with external PHY, LED video wall controllers, consumer display interfaces, and logic consolidation in telecom line cards. Its low static power (typical core currents in tens of mA) and reconfigurability make it popular for prototyping ASIC functionality and for production deployments in cost-sensitive embedded systems. When designing with this device, allocate sufficient PCB layers (typically four or more) to route the 256-ball BGA escape and to maintain signal-integrity for high-speed LVDS pairs. Use Intel Quartus Prime (or the legacy Quartus II) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure; verify pin assignments against the pin-out file before fabrication because the FBGA-256 ball map is package-specific. This page consolidates distributor pricing, datasheet resources, drop-in alternatives in the same FBGA-256 footprint, and practical design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
EP4CE6F17C8L - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17C8L is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV E FPGA delivering 6,272 logic elements, 392 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs), and 179 maximum user I/Os in a 17x17 mm 256-ball FineLine BGA package. It targets cost-sensitive applications that still require programmable logic, on-chip memory, and high-speed transceiver-less DSP capability, with the commercial-grade speed grade 8 and a 0.95 mm ball-pitch package option. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect, surrounded by programmable I/O cells and embedded memory blocks. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. They differ from ASICs in being reprogrammable in the field, from microcontrollers in offering true hardware-parallel execution, and from CPLDs in providing far higher logic density, embedded RAM, and DSP blocks. Cyclone IV E belongs to the non-volatile-free, SRAM-based low-end FPGA segment. Key features include 6,272 logic elements (~3.9K ALMs / 392 CLBs), 270 Kbits of embedded RAM, 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers, up to 179 user I/Os, four general-purpose PLLs, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The device uses a 60 nm low-power process and operates from a 1.0 V core / 2.5 V-3.3 V I/O supply. Cyclone IV E uses an SRAM-based configuration cell architecture loaded from a serial or parallel flash via the dedicated configuration pins. The 'C8' speed grade and commercial temperature grade 'L' (0C to +85C) define the DC timing and thermal envelope; the 'F17' suffix indicates the 17x17 mm 256-ball FBGA package with 1.0 mm pitch. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost software-defined radio, I/O expansion and protocol bridging, display controllers, and educational logic prototyping. The combination of DSP blocks and embedded RAM makes it well suited to moderate-throughput signal processing without leaving the low-cost FPGA tier. When designing with this device, remember that configuration data must be loaded from an external flash on every power-up; plan for an EPCS or compatible serial configuration device. Decoupling and signal-integrity on the FBGA-256 requires a 4-6 layer PCB with microvia access to the inner-row balls. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6F17C8LN - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17C8LN is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball fine-pitch thin-profile BGA (F17 / FBGA-256) package. It integrates 6,272 logic elements, 392 Kbits of embedded memory, and 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers in a 60 nm process, making it a compact platform for high-volume cost-sensitive designs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected by a programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy, above CPLDs and discrete logic, and are widely used for parallel DSP, glue logic, video bridging, and prototype ASIC/ASSP emulation. The Cyclone IV E family is Intel's non-transceiver low-power tier, optimized for industrial, consumer, and automotive applications where static and dynamic power consumption must stay low. Key features of the EP4CE6F17C8LN include 179 maximum user I/O pins, two general-purpose PLLs, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI Express (soft IP). The 'L' suffix denotes a 1.0 V core voltage operation, and the '8' speed grade provides higher logic performance than the '7' grade. The device supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial, and Passive Serial modes, with built-in decompression and encryption capabilities. The Cyclone IV E architecture uses adaptive logic modules (ALMs) containing 8-input fracturable look-up tables, paired with 9-Kbit M9K memory blocks distributed across the fabric. This combination delivers an efficient balance of logic density, block RAM, and DSP throughput, allowing designers to consolidate multiple discrete functions (timing, glue logic, video processing, motor control) into a single programmable device. Typical applications for EP4CE6F17C8LN include industrial control and HMI panels, video bridging and display controllers, low-cost motor drives, LED signage, and consumer electronics requiring flexible I/O. It is also widely used in education and prototype development for ASIC/ASSP replacement. The wide operating temperature range and industrial-grade reliability make it suitable for factory automation and outdoor installations. When designing with this device, pay close attention to power sequencing, decoupling, and PLL configuration. Use the Quartus Prime design software (free Lite edition available) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. Intel provides reference designs and application notes for common interfaces including DDR2/DDR3 memory controllers and LVDS display bridging. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible Cyclone IV E family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP4CE6F17C8N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6.3K LE, 256-BGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP4CE6F17C8N is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E FPGA housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package (17x17 mm). It integrates 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits of embedded memory, and 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers, targeting high-volume cost-sensitive applications. Built on a 60 nm process, this Cyclone IV E variant supports up to 179 maximum user I/O pins with a 1.2 V core supply. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, I/O cells, and dedicated hard IP such as block RAM and DSP multipliers. FPGAs sit within the broader programmable logic device (PLD) hierarchy, occupying the same role as ASICs but offering post-fabrication re-programmability. Cyclone IV E belongs to Altera's low-cost FPGA family, optimized for volume production with the lowest power consumption in its class, typically below 1.5 W in static mode. Key features include 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits embedded RAM, 15 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers, two PLLs, and 179 maximum user I/Os. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with on-chip termination (OCT). Configuration options include JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes. The 256-ball FBGA package provides excellent signal integrity for high-speed designs while enabling compact PCB layouts. Technically, the EP4CE6F17C8N uses a 60 nm low-k dielectric process with a 1.2 V core supply and 2.5 V/3.3 V/1.8 V/1.5 V I/O standards. The architecture separates logic, routing, and DSP blocks, enabling deterministic timing closure through Altera/Intel Quartus II design software. Built-in support for Nios II embedded processors allows soft-core CPU integration without external components. The Cyclone IV E family is widely used in industrial control, video processing, and communications infrastructure. Typical applications include motor control and drive electronics, video surveillance and image processing, industrial Ethernet gateways, LED display controllers, and portable medical devices. Its low power consumption and high logic density make it ideal for portable instrumentation, automotive infotainment prototypes, and consumer electronics requiring flexible logic integration. When designing with this FPGA, careful attention must be paid to power rail sequencing, decoupling capacitor placement near each power pin, and thermal management via the exposed pad of the FBGA package. Designers should use Intel Quartus Prime software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis. Verification of pinout compatibility against the FPGA's data sheet is essential before PCB fabrication. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone IV E family, application examples, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CE6F17C9L - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP4CE6F17C9L is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabricated on a 60 nm process, offering 6,272 logic elements and 276,480 bits of embedded memory in a 256-ball FineLine Ball-Grid Array (FBGA) package. It provides 179 maximum user I/O pins, ten global clock networks, and dedicated hardware multipliers, making it well suited for high-volume, cost-sensitive digital designs. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits through configuration of on-chip logic blocks, routing, and I/O. FPGAs sit between CPLDs (smaller, simpler, non-volatile) and ASICs (custom silicon) in the programmable logic hierarchy. The Cyclone IV E family specifically targets volume-driven applications where low static power, integrated transceivers are not required, and where designers need a balance of logic density, memory, and DSP capability at aggressive unit pricing. Key features of the EP4CE6F17C9L include up to 270 Kbits of general-purpose RAM, two PLLs per device quadrant, support for external memory interfaces such as DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM, and on-chip termination (OCT) for impedance matching. The device operates across a commercial 0C to 85C junction temperature range with a core voltage of 1.2 V (VCCINT) and I/O banks tolerant of multiple single-ended and differential standards including LVDS, SSTL, and HSTL. Configuration is supported through passive serial (AS), active serial (PS), and JTAG modes. The 256-ball FBGA package measures 17 mm x 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, providing a compact footprint for high-I/O designs. Internal architecture combines Look-Up Tables (LUTs) acting as distributed logic and small RAM, M9K embedded memory blocks, and 18 x 18 hardware multipliers that can be combined for DSP functions such as FIR filters and FFT engines. Static power consumption is approximately 35 mW typical. Typical applications for this FPGA include industrial control and motor drive, video processing bridges, automotive infotainment, portable medical instrumentation, software-defined radio (SDR) baseband, and consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic or display interfacing. The combination of low cost, plentiful logic, and 179 user I/Os makes it a popular choice for legacy Cyclone III upgrades and new cost-optimized designs. When designing with the EP4CE6F17C9L, plan for proper decoupling across each power rail (VCCINT, VCCIO per bank, VCCAUX), keep configuration and JTAG traces short, and verify ball-out assignments against the Intel Pin Connection Guidelines. Quartus II Web Edition (or the corresponding Intel Quartus Prime Lite release for the Cyclone IV legacy device family) is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and family-swap alternatives, comparison parameters, and practical board-level design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet. All pricing references are current as of 2026-09-10 and reflect verified data from DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart.
EP4CE6F17C9LN - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LE, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17C9LN is a low-cost, low-power Field Programmable Gate Array from the Cyclone IV E family, providing 6,272 logic elements, 392 CLBs, and 270 Kbits of embedded memory in a 256-ball FineLine Ball-Grid Array (FBGA) package. Built on a 60 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, it operates from a 1.2 V core supply with 179 maximum user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI Express. The integrated transceivers block delivers up to 8 PLLs and 270 Kbit embedded RAM across 392 logic array blocks, with a typical internal operating frequency of 265 MHz. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected through programmable interconnect. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and microcontrollers: they deliver hardware-timed parallelism and custom logic depth far beyond what any MCU can do, while avoiding the NRE and mask costs of an ASIC. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP4CE6F17C9LN sits at the silicon level: programmable logic device > FPGA > low-power FPGA > Cyclone IV E family. This lineage explains why the part is widely specified for cost-sensitive, volume production designs where unit price and total power matter as much as raw logic density. Key features include up to 6,272 logic elements, 270 Kbits of embedded RAM, 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, and 6 general-purpose PLLs. The device supports configuration through JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Active Parallel (AP), and Passive Serial (PS) modes, giving hardware engineers flexibility during prototyping and production. Compared to the earlier Cyclone III generation, Cyclone IV E uses a smaller 60 nm process node and consumes up to 25% less dynamic power while expanding the logic and memory budget. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance with image processing pipelines, low-cost digital signal processing front-ends, consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic, and cost-optimized communication bridges. The 256-ball FBGA package and 0.4 mm ball pitch enable compact PCB designs while still providing the I/O count needed for parallel video, memory, and bus expansion interfaces. The 1.2 V core plus independent banked I/O supplies also simplify integration with legacy 3.3 V and 2.5 V peripherals. When designing with this part, pay attention to power sequencing across the VCCINT, VCCIO, and VCCA rails; missing one rail will damage the device. The Quartus II / Quartus Prime design suite is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. The -N speed grade suffix (C9 in this part number) corresponds to the 265 MHz internal performance tier.
EP4CE6F17I7 - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LEs, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel / Altera EP4CE6F17I7 is a Cyclone IV E Field Programmable Gate Array with 6,272 logic elements, 392 Kbits of embedded block RAM, and 179 maximum user I/Os, packaged in a 256-pin LBGA (17x17 mm, 1 mm pitch). The device uses a low-power 60-nm process and supports up to 200 MHz internal operation with embedded multipliers and PLLs, providing a low-cost FPGA platform for high-volume applications. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that allows hardware designers to configure digital logic blocks, interconnects, and I/O behavior after manufacturing. FPGAs occupy a tier between fixed-function ASICs and microcontrollers, offering parallel processing capability and deterministic timing. Cyclone IV E belongs to the Cyclone IV family within Intel's (formerly Altera's) programmable logic hierarchy, positioned as a low-power, cost-optimized family for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications. Key features of the EP4CE6F17I7 include 6,272 logic elements (LEs), 392 Kbits of embedded RAM distributed as M9K blocks, 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers, and four general-purpose PLLs. The I-variant denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C). The device also supports configuration via JTAG and Active Serial (AS) modes, and integrates on-chip voltage regulators that allow single-supply operation from a single 1.0V/1.2V rail. From an architectural standpoint, the EP4CE6F17I7 uses an SRAM-based logic fabric with 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), fast carry chains for arithmetic, and dedicated memory blocks (M9K) that can be cascaded to support wider or deeper memory configurations. The 15 embedded 18x18 multipliers can be configured as individual multipliers or paired for 9x9 / 18x18 / 36x36 modes, enabling efficient DSP operations without consuming general logic. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-cost video bridging, machine vision pre-processing, USB/Ethernet protocol bridging, and embedded display controllers. The wide I/O count and DSP blocks also make this device a popular choice for educational development boards (e.g., the DE0-Nano platform). When designing with the EP4CE6F17I7, pay close attention to power sequencing: VCCINT (1.2V) and VCCIO must ramp together within datasheet-specified monotonicity to avoid in-rush damage. Decoupling capacitors (0.1uF and 10uF) must be placed adjacent to each power pin, and the exposed pad (EP) thermal ball array must be soldered to the ground plane for thermal dissipation. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, package-level dimensions, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a one-stop reference for engineers evaluating the EP4CE6F17I7 for new designs or sourcing for production.
EP4CE6F17I7N - Cyclone IV E FPGA, 6K LE, 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CE6F17I7N is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV E field-programmable gate array (FPGA) containing 6,272 logic elements, 276,480 bits of embedded RAM, and 179 user I/O pins, housed in a 17x17 mm 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It is offered in the industrial -40C to +100C temperature grade and is well suited for cost-sensitive high-volume designs requiring moderate logic density. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that lets designers configure digital logic, memory blocks, and I/O after fabrication. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy: PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA. Cyclone IV E belongs to Intel's mainstream low-power FPGA family, balancing logic density with low static and dynamic power consumption. Key features include 15 total 18x18 multipliers (up to 230 MHz operation), two general-purpose PLLs for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces such as DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII+ SRAM. The device also integrates 10 global clock networks and 8 user I/O banks with support for LVDS, SSTL, HSTL, and LVCMOS I/O standards. Configuration is supported through JTAG, active serial, and passive serial modes. The Cyclone IV E architecture is built on a low-power 60 nm process, providing static power reductions of up to 25 percent compared to the previous Cyclone III generation. The on-chip SRAM is organized in M9K blocks of 9 Kbits each, totaling 30 blocks, allowing flexible FIFO, ROM, and dual-port memory implementations. Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation, video processing and image aggregation bridges, automotive infotainment subsystems, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic or display controllers. The wide operating temperature range supports outdoor and industrial deployments. When designing with this device, pay attention to BGA fanout and routing on the PCB: the 1.0 mm pitch FBGA requires microvia or via-in-pad technology for reliable escape routing. Use the Altera / Intel Quartus II design suite (or the newer Quartus Prime Lite Edition) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation.