FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP4CGX110DF31C7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 109K LEs, 896-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP4CGX110DF31C7 is a Cyclone IV GX Field Programmable Gate Array delivering 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 system gates, and 475 user I/O pins in a 896-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 60 nm low-power process, it integrates up to 8 transceiver channels at 3.125 Gbps, embedded multipliers, and 5490 Kbits of embedded memory. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that the engineer can re-program in-system to implement custom digital logic. Within the broader taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. Cyclone IV GX devices specifically target cost-sensitive, transceiver-equipped applications, sitting in the low-to-mid density tier below Cyclone V and Stratix families. Key features include 56 (18x18) embedded multipliers for DSP acceleration, 4 PLLs for clock management, and 8 high-speed transceivers supporting PCI Express Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and other serial protocols up to 3.125 Gbps. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards with hot-socketing capability, allowing live insertion into backplanes. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV GX family uses a 4-input LUT-based logic element fabric with column- and row-based interconnect, dedicated memory blocks (M9K) of 9 Kbits each, and dedicated DSP blocks. The 60 nm process and 1.2 V core operation deliver low static and dynamic power compared to the prior Cyclone III generation, making this family suitable for power-budgeted designs. Typical applications include industrial video processing and machine vision, motor control and factory automation, wireline communication line cards, PCIe Gen1 endpoint cards, low-cost software-defined radio, and automotive driver assistance. The combination of transceivers, DSP blocks, and a rich logic fabric makes the EP4CGX110DF31C7 a versatile workhorse for cost-sensitive mid-density designs. When designing with this FPGA, plan power sequencing for the 1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V analog PLL, and I/O bank supplies separately. Use Quartus II / Quartus Prime for synthesis and place-and-route. Provide adequate thermal relief on the FBGA land pattern and follow Intel's PCB layout guidelines for transceiver channel integrity. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family alternatives (EP4CGX110DF27C7, EP4CGX110CF23C7), cross-brand pin-compatible parts, and practical Quartus design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX110DF31C7N - 109K LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 896-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31C7N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded memory, and 475 user I/O pins in a 896-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a low-power 60 nm process, it integrates up to eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers and a PCIe hard IP block, making it a drop-in low-cost solution for serial-connectivity applications. The 'C7' speed grade and 'N' suffix denote a commercial-temperature 896-ball FBGA variant rated 0 to 85°C. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic function is defined by the user after manufacture, sitting in the programmable logic hierarchy between CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile) and ASICs (fixed-function, mask-programmed). Within Intel's product taxonomy, the Cyclone IV GX belongs to the low-power, transceiver-equipped family of FPGAs designed for cost-sensitive serial I/O, bridging, and protocol-conversion designs. Compared with previous-generation Cyclone III parts, the GX family adds integrated transceivers and a hard PCIe Gen1 IP block that historically required external PHY devices. Key features include 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 RAM bits, four general-purpose PLLs, eight 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels, hard PCIe Gen1 x1/x2/x4 IP, 475 maximum user I/Os, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The 896-FBGA package exposes high-speed serial links alongside a large parallel I/O count, allowing dense board designs without external muxing. VCCINT core voltage is 1.2 V nominal, with VCCA at 2.5 V and a programmable VCCIO from 1.2 V to 3.3 V per bank. Typical applications span PCIe endpoint cards, industrial video-bridging boards, low-cost protocol converters, motor-control and machine-vision front-ends, and telecom line cards needing 1G/2.5G transceivers. Designers favor the GX family when they need built-in multi-gigabit transceivers and PCIe in a single chip without paying for higher-end Stratix or Arria tier devices. The 896-FBGA footprint keeps the device on standard JTAG-aware PCB flows and supports Altera/Intel Quartus II design tools. When designing with the EP4CGX110DF31C7N, pay close attention to power-rail sequencing (VCCINT before VCCA, then VCCIO), transceiver reference-clock jitter, and decoupling density around the FBGA balls. Quartus II supports this device in both legacy 13.0 and the final 15.1 releases; check the Quartus software page for design-suite support before starting a new project.
EP4CGX110DF31C8 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 109K LE 896-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31C8 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded memory, and 475 user I/O pins, housed in a 896-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 60 nm low-power process, it integrates up to 3.125 Gbps transceivers and is intended for cost-sensitive applications that still require high-speed serial I/O, such as industrial video, motor control, and protocol bridging. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array is a programmable logic device that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic, memory blocks, DSP blocks, and high-speed transceivers on a single chip, replacing discrete glue logic and even small ASICs. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic family alongside CPLDs and are widely used for prototyping, low-volume production, and any application where late-stage hardware flexibility is valuable. The Cyclone IV family is positioned as Intel's low-power, cost-optimized FPGA line, with the GX sub-series adding integrated transceivers previously reserved for higher-end families. Key features include 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded RAM (564 Kbits per M9K block times ~10 blocks, configured as M9K blocks), 486 embedded multipliers (18x18), and integrated PCIe hard IP. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply with separate PLL and transceiver supplies, and supports commercial junction temperature grades (C-suffix, 0 C to 85 C). Programmable via JTAG and active serial configuration, it is supported by the Quartus Prime design suite, including Qsys system integration and Platform Designer IP. Typical applications include industrial machine vision, factory automation backplanes, broadcast video processing, low-power wireless baseband, motor control, and PCIe endpoint cards. The integrated transceivers make the GX family especially attractive for protocols such as PCIe Gen1, GigE, SDI, and serial RapidIO, replacing multi-chip solutions with a single device. Designers also choose this part for protocol bridging (for example, USB-to-GigE or PCIe-to-memory) where deterministic latency and reconfigurable logic outweigh the cost advantage of an ASSP. When designing with the EP4CGX110DF31C8, follow Intel's PCB layout guidelines for the 896-FBGA: a 1 mm pitch requires microvia or via-in-pad technology, controlled-impedance routing for the 3.125 Gbps transceivers, and dedicated ground returns. Decoupling must follow the Quartus pin connection guidelines; the board must use all specified supply pins even if a rail is not used in the design, otherwise the device may fail power-up self-test. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP4CGX110DF31C8N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 109K LEs, 896-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31C8N is a Cyclone IV GX Field Programmable Gate Array delivering 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded memory, and 475 user I/Os in a 31mm 896-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a low-power 60nm process with a 1.2V core supply, the device integrates up to eight high-speed transceivers (3.125 Gbps) and is offered in a commercial (0C to 85C) speed grade 8 device variant. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable semiconductor that implements custom digital logic through a configurable matrix of logic elements, embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy: programmable logic device -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> low-power FPGA family. The Cyclone IV GX family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications that require integrated transceivers, balancing logic density, DSP capability, and power efficiency in a single chip. Key features of the EP4CGX110DF31C8N include 109,424 logic elements organized into 6,839 logic array blocks (LABs), 5,621,760 bits (approximately 702 Kbits/Kb) of embedded SRAM with nine-bit parity support, 264 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, four general-purpose PLLs, and eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers supporting PCI Express Gen1/Gen2 hard IP. The 896-ball BGA package provides ample signal breakout for high-pin-count designs and supports 475 user I/Os across eight I/O banks with LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The Cyclone IV GX architecture uses an SRAM-based lookup-table (LUT) fabric with dedicated routing, M9K memory blocks, and hardware DSP blocks. The transceiver block incorporates physical coding sublayer (PCS) and physical medium attachment (PMA) layers, supporting protocols such as PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, SRIO, and Serial Digital Interface (SDI). The 1.2V core supply and 60nm process yield lower static power than the prior Cyclone III generation, simplifying thermal management in dense designs. Typical applications include industrial video broadcast equipment using SDI transceivers, low-cost PCI Express endpoint cards for embedded computing, motor control and industrial automation with deterministic DSP pipelines, and low-cost wireless backhaul baseband processing. The integrated transceivers make the part especially attractive for designs that previously required an FPGA plus an external PHY. When designing with this device, plan power sequencing for the 1.2V core, 2.5V/3.3V I/O, and PLL analog supplies. Use the Quartus Prime design suite for synthesis, place-and-route, and configuration bitstream generation. The 896-BGA requires careful PCB stack-up and microvia technology; signal integrity on the high-speed transceivers mandates controlled-impedance routing and AC coupling capacitors. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative candidates from the same Cyclone IV GX family, and practical board-design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, giving procurement and design engineers a single-source comparison reference.
EP4CGX110DF31I6N - 109K LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA 896-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31I6N is a high-density Cyclone IV GX FPGA built on a 60 nm low-power process, offering 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded memory, and 475 user I/O pins in a 896-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The device integrates up to eight high-speed transceiver channels (3.125 Gbps), 66 embedded multipliers (18x18), and four general-purpose PLLs, delivering an optimal balance of logic density, DSP capability, and serial connectivity for cost-sensitive applications. Operating from a 1.2 V core supply with -40C to +100C industrial temperature range, the device targets protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, and CPRI. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic, memory and I/O behaviour is defined after manufacture by the user through a hardware description language. Cyclone IV GX sits inside Intel's low-cost Cyclone family, itself a subclass of SRAM-based programmable logic devices; the family hierarchy is FPGA -> programmable logic -> programmable logic device -> semiconductor IC. Cyclone IV GX specifically adds embedded multi-gigabit transceivers (MGTs), positioning it between the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E and the higher-cost Cyclone V GX family. Key features include 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 embedded memory bits, 475 maximum user I/Os across 9 I/O banks, 66 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and up to 8 full-duplex transceiver channels supporting data rates from 600 Mbps up to 3.125 Gbps. Four general-purpose PLLs and eight transceiver PLLs provide flexible clock synthesis. The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL, with on-chip termination and dynamic phase alignment. The Cyclone IV GX architecture combines an SRAM-based logic fabric with hard PCIe Gen1 (x1/x4) IP cores, hard memory controllers, and embedded transceivers, eliminating external PHY components for many common interfaces. The 60 nm process keeps static and dynamic power low versus 90 nm predecessors, while preserving deterministic timing closure with the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design suite. Each transceiver channel contains its own PMA, PCS, and bit-error-rate test (BERT) hardware. Typical applications include industrial machine vision, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, wireless baseband preprocessing, video bridging and display controllers, motor control, and military/aerospace digital signal processing. Transceivers support SRIO, CPRI, OBSAI, PCIe Gen1, and custom serial protocols. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible variants, and practical Quartus design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP4CGX110DF31I7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 109K LE, 896-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31I7 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 total memory bits, and integrated transceivers in a 31 mm 896-ball FBGA package. It belongs to the low-power Cyclone IV GX family that pairs high-density programmable logic with multi-gigabit transceivers for cost-sensitive applications. The "I7" speed/temperature grade indicates industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C Tj) with the -7 speed grade optimized for timing closure in mainstream designs. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic, routing, and I/O behavior are defined by the user's configuration bitstream rather than fixed at fabrication. FPGAs occupy the programmable-logic tier of the broader digital IC hierarchy: they sit between fixed-function ASICs (lower NRE cost per unit at volume, but inflexible) and microcontrollers/DISC processors (sequential execution under firmware). Modern FPGAs such as the Cyclone IV GX family typically embed hard IP blocks for transceivers, memory controllers, multipliers, and PLLs, combining parallel hardware acceleration with the reconfigurability that distinguishes them from ASICs and ASSPs. The Cyclone IV GX family specifically extends the Cyclone IV E base by adding 3.125 Gbps transceivers, positioning these parts as low-cost, low-power alternatives to mid-range FPGAs that previously required dedicated transceiver silicon. Key features of the EP4CGX110DF31I7 include up to 475 user I/O pins, 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, 432 multipliers (18x18), 270 M9K memory blocks (approximately 2,430 Kbits), and four general-purpose PLLs. The device supports DDR/DDR2/DDR3/LPDDR2 external memory interfaces via hardened controllers and provides 8 dedicated clock networks per quadrant. The 896-ball FBGA package exposes all transceivers, high-speed I/O, and PLLs while leaving generous user I/O for parallel interfaces, which is unusual for a sub-$200 logic capacity point. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV GX family is built on a 60 nm, low-leakage process and uses an SRAM-based configuration cell that requires an external configuration device (EPCS) or JTAG. Static power is roughly 40% lower than the previous Cyclone III generation at the same capacity, which is the primary differentiator versus earlier Cyclone III LS parts. The transceiver hard IP supports PCIe Gen1 (x1, x2, x4), CPRI, Serial RapidIO, and proprietary serial protocols up to 3.125 Gbps - a feature that makes this density uncommon in its price tier. Typical applications include industrial vision and imaging pipelines, motor control and encoder interfaces for factory automation, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards for data acquisition, serial-backplane aggregation in telecommunications equipment, and protocol bridging (e.g., Serial RapidIO to parallel LVDS). The industrial temperature grade extends suitability to factory floor, outdoor telecom, and transportation environments where consumer-grade parts would otherwise fail. When designing with the EP4CGX110DF31I7, plan configuration storage (EPCS64 supports ~109K LE) and ensure the Quartus II / Quartus Prime toolchain (13.0 or later recommended for Cyclone IV support) is selected before synthesis. The 31 mm 896-BGA package has a 0.8 mm ball pitch that requires HDI PCB stack-up with microvia fanouts; using a 4-layer FR-4 board with through-vias only is not feasible for the inner-row balls. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives within the Cyclone IV GX family, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer ordering page.
EP4CGX110DF31I7N - Cyclone IV GX 109K LE FPGA | Intel | 896-BGA
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX110DF31I7N is a Cyclone IV GX family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 109,424 logic elements, 5,621,760 bits of embedded memory, and 475 user I/Os, housed in a 896-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA-896) package. It operates from a 1.2 V core supply and is fabricated on a 60 nm low-power CMOS process that targets high-volume, cost-sensitive designs needing transceiver capability. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor that lets designers implement arbitrary digital logic, memory blocks, and I/O protocols by loading a hardware description language (HDL) bitstream after manufacture. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven processors: faster and more deterministic than CPUs for parallel DSP and signal-routing tasks, yet far cheaper and faster to iterate than full-custom ASICs. The Cyclone IV family sits at the low-cost, low-power end of the FPGA hierarchy and adds the GX sub-family suffix when integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers are required. Key features of the EP4CGX110DF31I7N include up to 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels that simplify board layout by eliminating external PHY ICs, 270 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP blocks, and a hard PCIe Gen1 IP core that accelerates embedded connectivity designs. The device supports common memory interfaces such as DDR2, LPDDR2, and QDRII+ for high-bandwidth buffering, and ships in an industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) suitable for non-automotive harsh environments. Configuration can be performed via JTAG, AS, PS, or fast passive parallel modes for flexible production programming. Architecturally, the device uses ALM-based logic blocks, M9K memory blocks, and 9x9 multiplier elements feeding into a multi-tier routing fabric. The 60 nm process reduces static leakage relative to earlier 90 nm Cyclone generations while preserving the deterministic timing model that Quartus II software relies on for synthesis closure. Typical applications include industrial machine vision cameras, broadcast video processing, low-cost wireline backplane aggregation, and PCI Express endpoint cards where the integrated transceivers and hard PCIe IP reduce BOM cost. When laying out a Cyclone IV GX board, allocate at least four PCB layers for the FBGA-896 break-out fan-out, provide multiple decoupling capacitors around the 1.2 V core, and follow the transceiver reference-clock jitter guidelines in the Cyclone IV GX handbook to meet link-margin specifications. This page consolidates distributor stock, drop-in same-package alternates, and practical PCB layout guidance that goes beyond the bare datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the EP4CGX110DF31I7N in the broader Cyclone IV GX family.
EP4CGX150CF23C6N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23C6N is a low-power, high-volume Cyclone IV GX FPGA featuring 149,760 logic elements, 6,144 Kbits of embedded memory, and integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, housed in a 484-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 60 nm process node, it operates from a 1.2 V core supply and is intended for cost-sensitive, transceiver-rich applications. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, interconnect, and I/O that can be reconfigured after manufacturing. The Cyclone IV GX family is positioned in Altera/Intel's low-power FPGA portfolio, sitting between the smaller Cyclone IV E and the higher-end Cyclone V series. The GX variant adds hard 3.125 Gbps serial transceivers, making it suitable for protocols such as PCIe, GbE, SATA, and serial RapidIO. Within the broader taxonomy, EP4CGX150CF23C6N belongs to programmable logic devices (PLD) -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> Cyclone family. Key features include 149,760 logic elements, 6,144 Kbits of embedded RAM (approximately 720 Kbytes), 720 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers. The device supports up to 8 PLLs, 11 global clocks, and up to 310 user I/O pins. It also includes hard PCI Express Gen1 (x1/x2/x4) IP blocks, hard memory controllers for DDR/DDR2/QDRII SRAM, and dedicated LVDS support. From an architectural standpoint, the EP4CGX150CF23C6N uses a logic-element (LE) fabric of 4-input LUTs, embedded RAM blocks (M9K), and DSP blocks. The hard transceivers and PCIe blocks offload common high-speed serial tasks from the fabric, improving both performance and logic efficiency for I/O-bound designs. Compared to ASICs, FPGAs offer rapid prototyping, field upgrades, and lower NRE cost; compared to ASICs in high-volume production, they trade absolute power efficiency for programmability. Typical applications include industrial video and image processing, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, motor control and industrial automation, automotive driver assistance, and protocol bridging (for example, GbE-to-Serial RapidIO). The combination of transceivers, PCIe hard IP, and a large logic capacity at a Cyclone price point makes it especially attractive for bridge and aggregation designs. When designing with this device, pay attention to power sequencing of the 1.2 V core and 2.5/3.3 V auxiliary supplies, transceiver reference clock quality, and PCB BGA fanout for signal integrity. Use Intel Quartus Prime (free Cyclone IV device support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. Always validate thermal performance against the FBGA package theta-JA for the end-use environment. This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-package speed-grade variants, and practical design considerations for the EP4CGX150CF23C6N that are not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150CF23C7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 149K LE | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23C7 is a low-power, low-cost Cyclone IV GX Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 60 nm process, integrating 149,760 logic elements and 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply, supports up to 270 user I/O pins, and includes integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers for high-speed serial protocols. The 'C7' speed grade and commercial temperature rating place this part in mainstream cost-optimized designs where low static and dynamic power consumption are required. A Cyclone IV GX FPGA belongs to the programmable-logic family of semiconductors that sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined processors; FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) provide hardware-reconfigurable logic blocks, embedded memory, DSP blocks, and high-speed transceivers that let designers implement custom digital signal processing, bus interfacing, and parallel compute pipelines without a custom mask set. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The 'GX' suffix designates the transceiver-equipped variant, while the non-transceiver Cyclone IV E family targets cost-sensitive parallel-logic applications. Key features of the EP4CGX150CF23C7 include eight 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels, up to 6.6 Mbits of embedded SRAM, dedicated hardware multipliers for DSP, and a flexible clock management network with PLLs distributed across the device. The 484-FBGA package provides a high I/O-to-area ratio suitable for high-density board layouts. The part supports common interfaces such as PCI Express (Gen1) hard IP, Ethernet MAC, and DDR/DDR2/DDR3 SDRAM controllers via soft IP, making it a versatile platform for bridging, aggregation, and pre-processing roles. Architecturally, Cyclone IV GX combines a logic fabric of adaptive logic modules (ALMs), M9K memory blocks, and 18x18 hardware multipliers, all stitched together by a hierarchical routing network. The integrated transceivers are hardened for protocols like PCIe, Serial RapidIO, and Gbps Ethernet, removing the need for external PHY ICs in many designs. Static power is engineered below 1.5 W for the full chip, while dynamic power scales with toggle rate and logic utilization. Typical applications for the EP4CGX150CF23C7 include industrial video and image processing, motor control and industrial drives, telecom line cards, test and measurement instrumentation, PCIe adapter boards, and low-cost serial-protocol bridges. Designers often pair the part with external DDR2/DDR3 memory and a handful of serializer/deserializer (SerDes) companion ICs for full system designs. When designing with this FPGA, pay close attention to transceiver reference-clock jitter, PCB layer stack-up for 3.125 Gbps routing, and proper decoupling of the 1.2 V core rail. Quartus II / Quartus Prime software is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Engineers should validate thermal performance because BGA packages concentrate heat at the die; thermal vias under the center balls are recommended. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes for the EP4CGX150CF23C7 that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
EP4CGX150CF23C7N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149760 LE FBGA-484 | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23C7N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 149760 logic elements, 9360 logic array blocks, 6.635 Mbits of embedded memory, and 8 transceiver channels, housed in a 484-ball fine-pitch BGA package (23 x 23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch, lead-free). A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, dedicated DSP blocks, block RAM, and high-speed I/O on a single semiconductor die. Within the broader programmable-logic taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs, ASICs, and ASSPs as the principal hardware platform for high-density digital design. The Cyclone IV family targets low-power, cost-optimized applications while still offering transceivers in the GX variants, distinguishing them from the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E series. Key features of the EP4CGX150CF23C7N include 149760 logic elements, 6.635 Mbits of embedded RAM (RAM bits), 270 user I/O pins, 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, a maximum operating frequency of approximately 472.5 MHz, and built-in support for common I/O standards such as LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI/PCI-X, and DDR/DDR2 SDRAM interfaces. The 60 nm process node, 1.2 V core supply, and dedicated PLL blocks deliver a balance of performance and dynamic-power efficiency suitable for cost-sensitive designs. Architecture highlights include 4 PLLs (up to 6 in some members of the family), embedded multipliers (18 x 18) for DSP, and 9-bit memory logic array blocks. Configuration is supported through standard JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes, allowing flexible in-system programming via the Quartus Prime design software. Typical applications include industrial machine vision, video surveillance and broadcast bridging, low-cost ASIC replacement, motor control and industrial automation, and PCIe Gen1 endpoint/root-port designs that exploit the integrated transceivers. The wide operating-temperature grade and proven 60 nm process make it a popular choice for production deployments outside of strictly automotive or aerospace domains. When designing, ensure the FBGA-484 footprint includes adequate via-in-pad escape routing and a minimum 4-layer PCB stack-up for signal integrity on transceiver channels. Use the Quartus Prime PowerPlay analyzer to estimate dynamic power dissipation, and respect the transceiver reference-clock jitter budget for any 3.125 Gbps link. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, FBGA-484 drop-in alternatives, and practical Quartus Prime design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150CF23C8 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 150K LE, 484-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23C8 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) offering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 270 user I/Os in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a low-power 60 nm process, the Cyclone IV GX variant integrates up to eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers, distinguishing it from the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E family. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O cells are configured by an end-user after manufacture. FPGAs sit hierarchically within digital ICs alongside ASICs and CPLDs, occupying the middle ground between fixed-function microcontrollers and full-custom silicon. The Cyclone IV family targets cost- and power-sensitive high-volume applications that still demand the parallel processing and reconfigurable I/O of an FPGA. Key features include 9,360 logic array blocks (LABs), 720 Kbits of distributed RAM, 360 embedded 18x18 multipliers, eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers, and hard PCIe Gen1 controllers. The device supports 1.0 V or 1.2 V core operation, four general-purpose PLLs, and dual-configuration flash interfaces for remote upgrades. The C8 speed grade designates a -8 commercial speed bin suitable for 0 C to +85 C operation. Architecture-wise, the Cyclone IV GX combines a fine-grained logic fabric with embedded memory blocks, DSP blocks, and hardened serial transceiver IP. The transceiver hard IP delivers deterministic latency and protocol support for PCIe, gigabit Ethernet, CPRI, and basic serial standards without consuming fabric resources. Configuration is supported through JTAG, serial passive, or quad-serial flash, enabling secure remote updates. Typical applications include industrial motor control and machine vision, low-cost video bridging and display controllers, PCIe endpoint cards, software-defined radio front-ends, and USB 3.0 bridging. The integrated transceivers make the EP4CGX150CF23C8 a strong fit for protocols requiring serialized high-speed links above 1 Gbps. When designing with this part, plan power sequencing for the 1.0 V core and 2.5 V/3.3 V auxiliary rails separately, and ensure the FPGA heat profile matches the 484-FBGA thermal envelope. Decoupling capacitors must follow the reference design pattern in the Cyclone IV Handbook power section. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, enabling faster BOM validation and supply-chain risk assessment.
EP4CGX150CF23C8N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 150K LEs, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23C8N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) built on a 60 nm process, integrating 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 270 user I/Os in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The part is rated for commercial temperature operation (0C to +85C), a core voltage of 1.2 V, and supports up to eight high-speed transceivers, making it the largest density option in the Cyclone IV GX family. An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as transceivers, DSP blocks, and embedded RAM. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which in turn are a sub-category of digital semiconductors. Unlike ASICs, FPGAs can be reconfigured in the field after manufacture, allowing rapid prototyping, late-stage design changes, and one-chip implementation of glue logic, control state machines, and high-speed serial interfaces. Key features of the EP4CGX150CF23C8N include support for PCIe Gen1 (x1/x2/x4) hard IP, 8 transceiver channels with data rates up to 3.125 Gbps, embedded multiplier blocks for DSP, and Quartus II / Quartus Prime design-software support. The 484-FBGA package provides a dense, surface-mount footprint suitable for volume production on standard 1.0 mm pitch PCB technology, and its commercial temperature grade makes it suitable for lab, industrial-control, video-bridging, and prototype telecom designs. The Cyclone IV GX architecture combines a low-cost, low-power FPGA fabric with transceivers specifically optimized for cost-sensitive applications requiring serial connectivity. Compared with the earlier Cyclone III LS family, the IV GX family delivers roughly 2x the logic capacity at similar static power. Embedded memory is distributed across M9K blocks (9 Kbit each), enabling efficient implementation of FIFOs, lookup tables, and small processor scratchpads without external SRAM. Typical applications include PCIe endpoint cards, low-cost video capture/display bridges, industrial machine-vision interfaces, motor-control coprocessors, software-defined radio front-ends, and communications protocol bridges such as GbE MACs and Serial RapidIO endpoints. The integrated transceivers also make the part attractive for low-volume prototyping of SFP/SFP+ based links and proprietary backplanes. When designing with this device, allocate adequate power-decoupling on each of the VCCINT, VCCA, VCCIO, and transceiver supply rails, and use the Altera/Intel Pin Planner to confirm that your specific pin assignments fit the 484-FBGA escape pattern. Note that the 'N' suffix indicates lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish and RoHS compliance; the 'C8' speed grade places it in a mid-range timing bin suitable for most general-purpose applications. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150CF23I6N - 149760 LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 484-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP4CGX150CF23I6N is a high-density member of the Cyclone IV GX FPGA family, delivering 149760 logic elements, 6635520 bits of embedded memory, and 720 user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. It combines low-power 60 nm process technology with integrated transceivers, targeting cost-sensitive applications that still require gigabit serial connectivity. What is a Cyclone IV GX FPGA? The Cyclone IV family is a low-power, low-cost SRAM-based programmable logic family from Intel (formerly Altera) that occupies the high-volume, low-end of the FPGA spectrum. Within Cyclone IV, the GX variant adds integrated multi-gigabit transceivers (MGTs) and a hard PCIe Gen1 IP block, extending the architecture toward wireline communication, video bridge, and industrial connectivity. In the broader taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital semiconductor -> integrated circuit (IC). The GX variant specifically instantiates a transceiver-bearing subfamily, distinguishing it from the non-transceiver Cyclone IV E series. Key features of the EP4CGX150CF23I6N include 8 integrated transceiver channels supporting data rates up to 3.125 Gbps, 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs), 6.6 Mbits of embedded RAM, and 720 user I/Os. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply and supports multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL, with per-bank voltage reference support. Configuration is supported through JTAG, AS, PS, and FPP modes with encryption capability. The Cyclone IV GX architecture uses a logic element fabric composed of 4-input adaptive LUTs, dedicated 18x18 multipliers (up to 360 in this device), and embedded memory blocks (M9K) that can each store 9 Kbits. The hard memory controller and high-speed transceivers enable the device to bridge between parallel processor buses and serial high-speed links without external PHY ICs. The 60 nm process balances static and dynamic power, supported by Intel's PowerPlay early power estimator tooling. Typical applications include industrial video bridge and protocol conversion (Camera Link, SDI, HDMI), low-cost PCIe Gen1 endpoint cards, motor control and factory automation, wireless baseband preprocessing, and military/aerospace signal conditioning. The integrated transceivers make the GX variant particularly suitable for replacing multiple ASSP bridge chips with a single programmable device. When designing with this FPGA, allocate sufficient PCB area for the 484-ball FineLine BGA at 1.0 mm pitch - it requires at least 4-6 PCB routing layers with microvia stackups. Plan decoupling for the 1.2 V core, 2.5 V/3.3 V analog PLL, and per-bank VCCIO rails. JTAG access, AS configuration flash (typically EPCS64 or larger), and a robust power-on-reset network are essential for production-ready designs. This page synthesizes Intel/Altera product documentation, distributor pricing, parameter-by-parameter comparison vs same-family alternatives, and PCB design notes - practical context that complements the official Cyclone IV Device Handbook.
EP4CGX150CF23I7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 149760 LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150CF23I7 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, housed in a 484-pin fine-pitch BGA (F23) package. Built on a low-power 60 nm process, the device targets cost-sensitive high-volume applications where both logic density and serial connectivity are required. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, embedded memory, DSP blocks, and hard IP cores such as transceivers and PLLs. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor, and the Cyclone IV GX family specifically occupies the low-power, cost-optimized tier of Intel's FPGA portfolio while still integrating multi-gigabit transceivers. Key features include 720 Kbits of embedded memory (M9K blocks), 360 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations, hard PCIe Gen1 x4 controllers, eight 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR2, DDR3, QDRII, and RLDRAM II. The -I7 speed grade and industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C ambient, 125C junction cap) make this part suitable for thermally and electrically harsh environments. Cyclone IV GX architecture pairs a transceiver-rich die with power-optimized logic and routing. The 1.2 V core supply draws significantly less power than the prior Cyclone III generation, and the integrated hard IP blocks (PCIe, transceivers, PLLs) free up general fabric for application logic. Designers typically implement logic with Quartus Prime and the Platform Designer toolchain, using pre-verified IP cores to shorten development. Typical applications include industrial video broadcast and image processing, low-cost protocol bridging (PCIe to Gigabit Ethernet), motor control and industrial drives, handheld and portable test equipment, and low-power wireless baseband processing. The integrated transceivers also make the device a popular choice for low-volume custom serial protocols in industrial and broadcast equipment. When designing with this device, plan the power distribution network around the 1.2 V core, the 2.5 V/3.0 V PLL analog, and the 1.5 V/1.8 V/2.5 V/3.3 V transceiver supplies. A 484-pin BGA requires multi-layer PCB stack-up with microvia or via-in-pad technology for reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical Quartus design notes that are not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150CF23I7N - Cyclone IV GX 150K LEs FPGA 484-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP4CGX150CF23I7N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 149,760 logic elements (LEs), 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 270 user I/Os, housed in a 484-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA-484, 23x23 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) package. It is built on a low-power 60 nm process and supports up to eight integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, making it a cost-optimized device for high-volume, bandwidth-oriented designs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by the customer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy below ASICs (custom-fixed-function silicon) and above general-purpose microcontrollers in terms of parallel processing capability. Cyclone IV is the lowest-power, lowest-cost FPGA family in the Altera/Intel Cyclone series, with the GX variant adding high-speed serial transceivers for protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and CPRI. The 150K LE density positions this device in the mid-range of the family, between the smaller EP4CGX75/110 and the largest EP4CGX22/30 logic-only Cyclone IV E/GX parts. Key specifications include 9,360 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), 720 Kbits of M9K block RAM, 6 PLLs, 8 transceivers at up to 3.125 Gbps, 270 user I/Os, and an operating temperature range of -40C to +100C (industrial grade, indicated by the 'I7' suffix). Core voltage is 1.2 V nominal with I/O voltages configurable per bank to support LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL standards. The device is offered in the industrial temperature grade and is lead-free / RoHS compliant. Typical applications include industrial video and image processing, motor control and factory automation, low-cost wireless backhaul baseband, PCIe Gen1 endpoint cards, and bridging interfaces such as Serial RapidIO to parallel GPIO. The combination of transceivers, embedded multipliers, and ample logic capacity allows single-chip implementation of protocol bridges, custom DSP pipelines, and parallel data acquisition front ends where ASSP options are unavailable or too costly. Designers should plan power sequencing for the 1.2 V core and the 2.5/3.3 V auxiliary supplies, follow the recommended ball-grid-array PCB escape routing on at least 6 inner layers, and use Quartus II / Quartus Prime for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, parametric alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150DF27C6N - 149760 Cells, 3.125 Gbps Transceiver FPGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27C6N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 149,760 logic elements, fabricated on a 60 nm process and housed in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It features integrated 3.125 Gbps multi-gigabit transceivers and operates from a 1.2 V core supply. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as transceivers, DSP blocks, and memory. Within the broader taxonomy it sits between an ASIC (fixed-function, high-NRE) and a microcontroller (firmware-defined, lower performance), making it ideal for high-throughput parallel processing, protocol bridging, and design-iterable logic. The Cyclone IV family targets cost-sensitive, low-power applications where ASIC NRE is unjustified. Key features of the EP4CGX150DF27C6N include 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, dedicated hardware multipliers and DSP blocks for signal processing, distributed and embedded memory, and support for common I/O standards (LVDS, LVTTL, PCI Express, DDR2/3). It supports PCI Express Gen1 x1/x2/x4 hard IP blocks and offers a low static power design typical of the Cyclone IV family. Architecturally, the device is built around Logic Array Blocks (LABs) containing adaptive logic modules (ALMs), fed by global and peripheral routing. The integrated transceivers support protocols such as PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, CPRI, and Serial RapidIO, while the hard memory controller and PLL block simplify clock and external memory interfacing. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing, software-defined radio, automotive driver assistance, and communication infrastructure. The FBGA-672 package is well suited to high-density PCB designs with controlled-impedance routing for high-speed serial links. When designing with this device, ensure signal-integrity-aware PCB layout for the multi-gigabit transceiver channels, including matched-length routing and proper decoupling. Engineers should also verify Quartus Prime tool support for the target logic capacity and transceiver configuration. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150DF27C7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149K LE | Altera | 672-FBGA
The Altera (Intel) EP4CGX150DF27C7 is a Cyclone IV GX Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 total memory bits, and 393 maximum user I/O pins, fabricated on a 60 nm low-power process and housed in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package measuring 27 × 27 mm. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, embedded memory, DSP blocks, and (in the GX variants) multi-gigabit transceivers on a single die. FPGAs sit in the semiconductor hierarchy between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined processors: they deliver ASIC-class deterministic latency and parallelism while remaining fully reprogrammable in the field, which makes them ideal for high-volume, cost-sensitive designs that still require hardware-level customization. The Cyclone IV GX family is engineered for the lowest cost and lowest power in its class, with this -7 commercial speed grade, 1.2 V core operation, and integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers that enable protocols such as PCI Express Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and CPRI. The device integrates 720 Kbits of embedded RAM distributed across M9K blocks, 360 18×18 hardware multipliers for DSP, and 8 PLLs for clock management - sufficient to implement moderate-complexity signal processing pipelines and protocol bridging. Architecturally, the EP4CGX150DF27C7 uses an SRAM-based configuration cell, requiring a serial or parallel configuration device (typically an EPCS or EPCQ flash) on the board to load the bitstream at power-up. The 60 nm process is mature, well-characterized, and supported by the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design toolchain, which provides synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and the Qsys system-integration tool for rapid IP assembly. Typical applications include industrial video processing and machine vision, automotive infotainment and driver-assistance backbones, wireless baseband preprocessing, low-cost protocol bridging (PCIe to Ethernet, CPRI fronthaul), and any cost-sensitive embedded design that needs FPGA-class parallelism without the cost of high-end Stratix devices. Designers typically choose this device when logic density above 100K LE is needed, transceivers are required, and PCB real estate for a 27×27 mm BGA is acceptable. When designing with this device, attention to power integrity is essential: a 1.2 V core rail with tight tolerance (±3%) and adequate decoupling (typically 100 µF bulk + multiple 0.1 µF + 10 nF ceramics per rail) must be provided. Thermal management relies on the exposed-die top-side heat-spreader rather than a PCB heatsink; a heatsink, heat pipe, or forced-air cooling is recommended above ~3 W dissipation. Configuration mode, JTAG, and transceiver reference-clock routing should be planned early because PCB rework on a 672-ball FBGA is impractical. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design considerations not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, with a focus on engineering trade-offs that matter during component selection and board bring-up.
EP4CGX150DF27C7N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149K LE | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27C7N is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 393 maximum user I/O pins, housed in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-672) package. Built on a 60 nm low-power process, the device operates from a 1.2 V core supply and integrates up to eight integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, supporting PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial RapidIO hard IP blocks. The 'C7N' speed grade and commercial temperature rating (0C to +85C) make it suitable for cost-sensitive, high-volume designs that require transceiver bandwidth without the power budget of a Stratix-class device. A Cyclone IV GX FPGA is a low-power, SRAM-based programmable logic device that combines general-purpose fabric (look-up tables, flip-flops, DSP blocks, and embedded memory) with high-speed serial transceiver channels and hard PCIe/Gigabit Ethernet MAC IP. It belongs to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) within the FPGA hierarchy, which sit alongside microcontrollers and ASICs as the three dominant digital implementation platforms. Compared with ASICs, an FPGA provides reconfigurable hardware with shorter time-to-market and zero NRE cost; compared with microcontrollers, an FPGA offers parallel hardware acceleration for compute-intensive workloads such as signal processing, image processing, and protocol bridging. Key features include 8 integrated transceivers operating up to 3.125 Gbps, hard PCIe Gen1 x1/x2/x4 IP cores, 720 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 6,635,520 bits of RAM, and a true LVDS serializer/deserializer capability. The device also supports external memory interfaces up to DDR2 SDRAM, QDRII SRAM, and RLDRAM II, enabling high-throughput data buffering in streaming applications. Cyclone IV GX parts cut static power by up to 30 percent relative to Cyclone III devices at the same logic density, which simplifies thermal design in compact enclosures. Typical applications include industrial vision and machine vision cameras, motor control and factory automation, broadcast video processing, software-defined radio front-ends, medical imaging preprocessing, and PCIe-based add-in cards. The 672-pin FBGA package offers ample signal integrity margin for parallel DDR2 interfaces and provides the routing headroom needed for eight transceiver channels plus their reference clocks and bias networks. When designing with this device, pay close attention to transceiver channel placement and reference-clock distribution: each quad requires a dedicated PLL and a precision external reference clock with sub-500 ppm accuracy. Use the Quartus II design suite (or the current Intel Quartus Prime release that retains Cyclone IV support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and signal-integrity-aware board-level IBIS-AMI simulation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand and cross-brand alternatives, and practical design notes drawn from the manufacturer Cyclone IV device handbook to help engineers select the right FPGA for cost-sensitive high-volume designs.
EP4CGX150DF27C8 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 149760 LE, FBGA-672 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27C8 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 393 user I/O pins, fabricated on a 60 nm low-power process and housed in a 672-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA-672) package. It supports 1.2 V core operation and integrates up to eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers, making it the largest device in the Cyclone IV GX family. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic, routing, and I/O behaviour are defined after manufacture by a user-supplied configuration bitstream. FPGAs sit in the broader programmable-logic-device (PLD) hierarchy (CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and occupy the high-density end of that taxonomy, competing with ASICs for prototyping and low-to-medium-volume production. Cyclone IV GX specifically targets cost-sensitive applications that still require multi-gigabit serial transceivers. Key features include 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of RAM, 720 embedded 18x18 multipliers, eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers, and hard PCI Express (PIPE) Gen1 IP blocks. The device is offered in a commercial temperature grade (0C to 85C), supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial, or Passive Serial modes, and includes dedicated PLL and DLL blocks for clock management. The Cyclone IV GX architecture combines a logic fabric built from adaptive logic modules (ALMs), a perimeter of high-speed LVDS and LVTTL I/O, embedded memory blocks (M9K), and DSP blocks (18x18 multipliers). The transceiver blocks support protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, CPRI, and Serial RapidIO, eliminating external PHY ICs and reducing BOM cost in communications and industrial designs. Typical applications include industrial video-broadcast equipment, wireless baseband preprocessing, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, motor-control and factory-automation controllers, and software-defined-radio front-end processing. The integrated transceivers also suit fibre-channel-overhead designs and embedded-vision pipelines where deterministic latency and parallel DSP throughput are critical. Designers must observe FPGA-specific PCB guidelines: a continuous GND plane under the BGA, matched-length differential pairs for the transceiver lanes (within the tolerance specified by the Intel Cyclone IV GX Handbook), and an FPGA-decoupling network of bulk, mid-range, and 0.1 uF/0.01 uF high-frequency capacitors placed as close as possible to each power pin. The configuration flash memory and JTAG header should be routed to allow in-system programming. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in speed/temperature/package variants, and PCB-layout guidance not always covered in the manufacturer datasheet, enabling rapid design-in for engineers already using the Cyclone IV GX platform.
EP4CGX150DF27C8N - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 149760 Cells, 672-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27C8N is a Cyclone IV GX Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 60 nm low-power process, integrating 149,760 logic elements and 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) with 1.0 mm pitch and a 27 x 27 mm body. The device integrates 8 high-speed transceivers operating up to 3.125 Gbps and 393 user I/O pins, balancing cost, density, and power for high-volume applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose logic architecture can be reconfigured after manufacturing through a hardware description language (HDL) bitstream. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD) within digital ICs, competing with ASICs for low-to-mid volume production and with microcontrollers for parallel signal-processing workloads. The Cyclone IV GX family specifically targets applications requiring high-speed serial I/O (transceivers) without the cost of full Stratix-class FPGAs. Key features include 9,360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), embedded multipliers for DSP operations, hardware PLLs for clock management, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, and SSTL. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply and supports commercial junction temperature (0 C to +85 C). The 3.125 Gbps transceivers enable protocols such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and CPRI without external PHY devices, making it well-suited for wireline communications and industrial connectivity. The Cyclone IV GX family targets engineers designing cost-sensitive, low-power serial connectivity solutions. Compared to the Cyclone III LS family, the GX variants add hardened PCIe and gigabit transceivers while keeping static power below the 1.5 W typical figure cited for the family. The architecture pairs the transceiver blocks with general-purpose logic, multipliers, and M9K memory blocks to allow true system-on-chip integration. Typical applications include industrial machine vision and camera-link interfaces, motor control and factory automation, low-cost wireline bridges, PCI Express endpoint cards, and protocol bridging between legacy busses and high-speed serial links. The 672-FBGA package exposes 393 user I/Os for parallel peripheral expansion alongside the high-speed serial channels. When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling of each transceiver power domain, follow Intel's Pin Connection Guidelines for unused transceiver pins (tie to AC-ground or leave properly biased), and validate timing closure with the latest Quartus II / Quartus Prime software. The 672-FBGA requires a multi-layer PCB with microvia or via-in-pad technology; this is a design consideration rather than an afterthought. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives (C7/I7 speed grades), and practical PCB layout notes that are not present in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150DF27I7 - Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 150K LE, 672-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27I7 is a Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements (LEs), 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 393 user I/Os in a 672-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA-672) package, built on a 60 nm low-power process and supplied at 1.2 V core. The device integrates up to eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers and dedicated PHY blocks for PCI Express (x1/x2), gigabit Ethernet, and serial RapidIO, providing protocol-hardened I/O on top of a low-cost programmable fabric. Per the Cyclone IV GX device family datasheet, the EP4CGX150 variant is the largest-density member of the family. What is a Cyclone IV GX FPGA? Cyclone IV GX belongs to Intel's low-power, cost-optimized Cyclone IV FPGA family, which itself sits within the broader category of SRAM-based programmable logic (FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor). The 'GX' suffix denotes integrated high-speed serial transceivers and protocol IP, distinguishing it from the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E and feature-light Cyclone IV LE families. This combination targets cost-sensitive applications that still require multi-gigabit serial connectivity. Key features include 149,760 logic elements, 720 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 6,635,520 bits of embedded SRAM distributed across M9K blocks, eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers, and integrated PCI Express hard IP. The 672-pin FBGA package provides a 1.0 mm ball pitch, enabling moderate-density PCB escape routing while still supporting the wide parallel I/O count. Operating junction temperature spans -40 °C to +100 °C for the industrial 'I' speed grade 7 device. Cyclone IV GX FPGAs are typically used in industrial video bridging, low-cost wireline backplanes, motor control, and protocol-bridging designs where a soft processor plus a few gigabit serial links replace a more expensive ASIC. The protocol-hardened transceivers shorten design cycles versus soft SERDES implementations, and the low static and dynamic power enable fan-less or sealed-enclosure deployments. When designing with this part, observe the LVDS I/O placement rules from the Cyclone IV GX handbook, place decoupling within the package ball field, and verify PCB stack-up supports the 3.125 Gbps transceiver channel-loss budget. Quartus Prime (or legacy Quartus II) software is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and configuration bitstream generation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand Cyclone IV drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to support sourcing and second-source decisions for the EP4CGX150DF27I7.
EP4CGX150DF27I7N - 149K LE Cyclone IV GX FPGA, 672-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP4CGX150DF27I7N is a high-density Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 393 user I/Os in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-672) package. Built on a low-power 60 nm process, the device integrates up to eight 3.125 Gbps transceivers and supports DDR2/QDRII+ memory interfaces, making it suitable for cost-sensitive applications that still require high-speed serial connectivity. An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) is a semiconductor device built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as transceivers, multipliers, and memory controllers. Within the broader programmable logic family hierarchy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile) and SoC FPGAs (which add a hard application processor), and they belong to the wider category of programmable logic devices (PLDs) used in digital system design for prototyping, glue logic, and full custom silicon replacement. Key features of the EP4CGX150DF27I7N include 149,760 logic elements, 720 embedded 18x18 multipliers (suitable for DSP workloads), 8 high-speed transceivers supporting data rates up to 3.125 Gbps, and on-chip memory bandwidth backed by 6.6 Mbits of RAM distributed across 720 M9K blocks. The F27 FBGA-672 package offers a 27 mm x 27 mm body with 1.0 mm ball pitch, suitable for production PCB manufacturing with standard surface-mount processes. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +100 C junction) is supported with the 'I7' speed grade and 'N' lead-free suffix. Architecturally, Cyclone IV GX devices leverage a low-power 60 nm process and an enhanced ALM (adaptive logic module) structure that delivers higher logic efficiency than the previous Cyclone III generation. The integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, PCI Express hard IP, and dedicated DDR/QDR memory controllers reduce bill-of-materials cost and PCB complexity compared with discrete solutions. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance and image processing, low-cost serial backplane aggregation, software-defined radio, and embedded prototyping for wireless base stations and factory automation. The combination of high logic density and integrated transceivers is particularly attractive in designs that need a single-chip solution for control-plane plus high-speed data path. When designing with this device, ensure your PCB layout supports the 1.0 mm pitch BGA with microvia or via-in-pad technology. Power estimation should be performed in the Quartus II PowerPlay tool before final design, and the FPGA must be configured via JTAG, AS, or PS mode using an external configuration device such as the EPCQ-L. This page synthesizes Intel/Altera datasheet data, distributor pricing, drop-in alternative candidates, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP4CGX150DF27I7NAE - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 149K LE | Altera
The Altera EP4CGX150DF27I7NAE is a Cyclone IV GX Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 393 (18x18) multipliers, all integrated into a 672-ball FineLine BGA package with integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers. Built on a low-power 60 nm process, this device extends the Cyclone series leadership in cost- and power-sensitive applications while adding high-speed serial I/O for protocol bridging. What is a Cyclone IV GX FPGA? It is a member of the low-cost, low-power SRAM-based programmable logic family from Altera (now Intel FPGA) that combines general-purpose logic, embedded memory blocks, DSP blocks, and multi-gigabit transceivers on a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, it sits as: FPGA -> Programmable Logic Device (PLD) -> Logic IC -> Integrated Circuit -> Semiconductor. The "GX" suffix denotes the transceiver-enabled variant of the Cyclone IV generation, complementing the transceiver-less Cyclone IV E and Cyclone IV GX families. Key features of the EP4CGX150DF27I7NAE include up to 8 integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, support for PCI Express (PIPE) Gen1 x1/x2/x4 hard IP, eight PLLs, and 11 clock networks per device quadrant. Memory interfaces support DDR2/DDR3 SDRAM, QDRII+, and RLDRAM II with dedicated DQS logic and up to 6.6 Mbps LVDS performance. The device ships in industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) suitable for harsh-environment deployments. Architecturally, the Cyclone IV GX family uses 9-Kbit M9K memory blocks, 144-Kbit MLABs (memory logic array blocks), and 18x18 multipliers configurable as two 9x9 multipliers. Logic elements incorporate a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and a carry chain for efficient arithmetic. Configuration is via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), fast passive parallel (FPP), or JTAG modes using industry-standard EPCS or EPCQ configuration memories. Typical applications include industrial video surveillance and machine vision bridges, low-cost protocol bridging cards (PCIe to serial RapidIO/GbE), motor control and robotics interfaces, broadcast video processing, and telecom line-card glue logic. The integrated transceivers enable board-level designs that previously required an external PHY, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. When designing with the EP4CGX150DF27I7NAE, observe the FineLine BGA fan-out and via-in-pad requirements for signal-integrity compliance. Decouple all power rails with low-ESR ceramics placed within 100 mil of the balls, and follow the Altera Cyclone IV GX Hardware Reference Manual for transceiver channel routing (controlled-impedance 85 ohm differential, length-matched within 0.127 mm). Use the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design software with the Cyclone IV GX device support for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, datasheet references, and practical design notes beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone offers, including drop-in alternatives that share the same 672-ball BGA footprint for risk-mitigated second sourcing.
EP4CGX150DF27I7NAF - Cyclone IV GX FPGA 150K LE BGA-672 | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP4CGX150DF27I7NAF is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone IV GX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) delivering 149,760 logic elements, 6,635,520 bits of embedded memory, and 720 user I/Os, integrated into a 672-ball fine-pitch BGA package. Built on a 60 nm process and offering integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, the device targets high-volume applications where cost, density, and serial connectivity must coexist. The 'I7' speed/temperature grade and 'AF' ordering code indicate industrial temperature range and a specific customer-required set of feature/option combinations verified at Intel's manufacturing flow. A Cyclone IV GX FPGA belongs to the programmable-logic family of digital ICs. Programmable logic devices (PLDs) and FPGAs allow designers to implement arbitrary digital logic in silicon by configuring an array of logic elements (LEs), embedded memory blocks (M9K/M144K), multiplier blocks, and I/O cells. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and microcontrollers in the design hierarchy: they offer ASIC-level performance and parallelism while remaining reprogrammable. The Cyclone IV GX sub-family specifically adds multi-gigabit transceivers, making it suitable for serial-protocol bridging such as PCIe Gen1, Gigabit Ethernet, and Serial RapidIO, in addition to general-purpose glue logic. Key features of the EP4CGX150DF27I7NAF include eight integrated transceivers operating up to 3.125 Gbps, support for PCI Express Gen1 (x1, x2, x4), 8 PLLs, 2 hard memory controllers, and dedicated DDR/DDR2 SDRAM interfaces. Hard IP blocks reduce soft-logic overhead and silicon area while improving timing closure. The device supports multiple boot modes including active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG, with bitstream encryption (AES) available for IP protection. Configuration is performed through Quartus II / Quartus Prime design software. Architecturally, the EP4CGX150DF27I7NAF uses a four-input look-up-table (LUT) logic element architecture with embedded carry chains for arithmetic, 9-Kbit M9K memory blocks, and 144-Kbit M144K memory blocks optimized for buffering. The transceiver physical coding sublayer (PCS) and physical medium attachment (PMA) blocks are hardened, freeing fabric resources for application logic. Multipliers (18x18) enable DSP operations at typical Cyclone IV GX frequencies up to 260 MHz. Typical applications include industrial video processing, motor control, protocol bridging cards, low-cost PCIe endpoint cards, factory automation controllers, and wireline telecom line cards. The integrated transceivers eliminate external PHY components, reducing both BOM cost and PCB area. Engineers commonly pair this FPGA with external DDR2 SDRAM, flash memory for configuration storage, and an EPCS/EPCQ configuration device. Designers should pay attention to the BGA-672 PCB layout, which requires microvia or via-in-pad technology, controlled-impedance routing for transceiver channels (100-ohm differential), and strict power-rail decoupling per the Cyclone IV GX device handbook. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C Tcase for 'I7') makes the device suitable for harsh-environment deployments, but thermal management with adequate copper pour and forced airflow is recommended for transceiver-heavy designs. This page synthesizes Intel pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives from the Cyclone IV GX product tree, and practical design notes that are not found in the standalone datasheet. Engineers should consult the Cyclone IV GX device family overview and the EP4CGX150-specific pin connection guidelines for full electrical and timing details.