FPGA & CPLD
Products (6352)
EPF81188AQC208-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 12K Gates, 148 I/O, 208-BFQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera (formerly Altera Corporation) EPF81188AQC208-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density CMOS Field Programmable Gate Arrays, offering 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic elements (LEs) and 148 user I/Os in a 208-pin BFQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package. The "-3" speed grade and commercial temperature grade (0C to +70C) make this device well suited for cost-sensitive, high-volume logic integration in industrial, telecom, and embedded control systems. Key features include 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) per device, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) that allows the FPGA to be re-programmed on the board without removing the part, and the MultiVolt I/O interface that lets the device drive either 3.3V or 5.0V outputs by selecting the VCCIO rail, providing easy bridging between legacy 5V peripherals and modern 3.3V ASICs. Each LE contains a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains. The FLEX 8000 architecture employs a continuous, predictable routing fabric called the FastTrack Interconnect, which provides horizontal and vertical routing resources connecting every LAB to every other LAB with uniform delay, simplifying timing closure. Continuous Interconnect tiles span the full device, eliminating segmented-routing bottlenecks found in earlier CPLDs and enabling deterministic high-frequency design. Typical applications include glue logic and bus interfacing, custom state-machine controllers, peripheral protocol bridges (UART, I2C, SPI multiplexing), legacy 5V system integration, prototyping of ASIC functions, and high-I/O parallel processing interfaces. The 148 user I/Os in a 208-pin QFP package provide ample pin budget for parallel data buses. When designing with the EPF81188AQC208-3, note that the device requires two supply rails: VCCINT (5V core) and VCCIO (3.3V or 5V I/O). All unused I/O pins should be left floating or tied to ground per the datasheet to minimize leakage, and configuration must be loaded via the Altera MAX+plus II or Quartus development flow using a serial or parallel EPROM. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and design considerations for the EPF81188AQC208-3 in a single reference not found in the original Altera datasheet PDF.
EPF81188AQC208-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 12K Gates 1008 Cells 5V | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EPF81188AQC208-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic cells, and 148 user I/Os in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package. The device operates from a 5 V supply and is built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, supporting in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) and MultiVolt I/O for 3.3 V / 5.0 V mixed-voltage system interfacing. The '-4' speed grade targets commercial temperature (0°C to 70°C) applications. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement arbitrary digital logic via a configuration bitstream stored in SRAM. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic hierarchy between simple PLDs/CPLDs and modern high-density FPGAs/SoCs, and the FLEX 8000 family is Altera's classic 5 V register-rich architecture that predates the Cyclone and Stratix lines. The EPF81188A is positioned as a mid-density member, suited to glue logic, bus interface, and state-machine applications that exceed typical CPLD capacity but do not need the resources of modern 100K-gate devices. Key features include 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 148 user I/O pins, 125 MHz internal performance, MultiVolt I/O support (3.3 V or 5.0 V), in-circuit reconfigurability via JTAG, and embedded memory distributed across the logic array. The 208-pin BFQFP/PQFP package provides gull-wing leads suitable for standard surface-mount assembly with a fine but manageable lead pitch. Architecturally, the FLEX 8000 device uses a sea-of-LABs interconnect with continuous FastTrack routing, dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic, and a cascade chain for wide fan-in logic. Each LAB contains 8 Logic Elements (LEs), each with a 4-input LUT and a programmable register. The MultiVolt I/O feature allows output buffers to drive 3.3 V or 5.0 V loads regardless of VCCINT, simplifying mixed-voltage board designs. Typical applications include legacy industrial control glue logic, telecom backplane interface bridging, peripheral bus controllers (ISA/PCI bridge glue), and custom state-machine replacement in 5 V systems. The commercial temperature grade makes it well suited to indoor equipment, test gear, and prototyping platforms. When designing with this part, confirm that 5 V I/O and 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature match the system requirement. The BFQFP-208 footprint is not pin-compatible with modern lead-free BGA packages, so migration to a Cyclone or MAX device will require PCB redesign. Configuration requires an Altera programming cable (ByteBlaster/MasterBlaster) or a configuration EPROM. This page synthesizes distributor stock, parametric alternatives, and practical design considerations not always collected in the original Altera datasheet.
EPF81188AQC240-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 12K Gates, 240-Pin PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81188AQC240-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, offering 12,000 usable gates and 1,008 logic elements housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package. It provides 184 user I/Os and 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), targeting mid-density glue-logic, bus-interface, and control-plane designs where ASIC NRE cost is unjustified. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user programs after manufacture via a configuration bitstream stored in SRAM, EPROM, or flash. The FLEX 8000 family belongs to the broader class of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and historically bridged CPLDs and early ASICs in the 1990s mid-density market. FPGAs typically sit hierarchically between CPLDs and ASIC/ASSPs, offering higher density than CPLDs and lower NRE than ASICs. Key features of the EPF81188AQC240-2 include a 5 V core supply with MultiVolt I/O support for 3.3 V or 5.0 V interfaces, 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process technology, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via Altera EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 configuration devices, and a -2 speed grade targeting higher internal performance. The -2 speed grade is the fastest of the FLEX 8000 family at this density. Technically, the FLEX 8000 architecture uses a row/column LAB structure with FastTrack continuous routing interconnect and a 4-input look-up table (LUT) logic element. The 240-pin PQFP package provides 184 usable user I/Os across four I/O banks, enabling wide parallel bus interfaces. The -2 speed grade improves internal timing margin relative to the -3 and -4 grades. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control boards, mid-density bus bridges, and legacy replacement of discrete TTL/CMOS glue logic. It is also used in educational and prototyping systems where Quartus II (legacy) or MAX+PLUS II design tools support the FLEX 8000 family. When designing with this device, note the 5 V supply requirement and the need for an external configuration EPROM (EPC1/EPC1441 family) for non-volatile bitstream storage. The 240-pin PQFP footprint requires careful PCB layout due to 0.5 mm pitch and exposed lead-frame thermal considerations. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, lifecycle status (NRND/last-time-buy), and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF81188AQC240-3 - 12K Gates FLEX 8000 FPGA 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81188AQC240-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package, providing approximately 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic cells (logic elements), 184 user I/Os, and a maximum toggle frequency of 125 MHz on a 0.42 µm CMOS process with a 5 V supply. The FLEX 8000 family sits within the broader Altera taxonomy of high-density register-rich programmable logic, positioned between earlier MAX-class CPLDs and the later FLEX 10K and APEX families, and uses a row-and-column interconnect fabric that is configured by on-chip CMOS SRAM at system power-up. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) surrounded by programmable routing resources. The logic and interconnections in the FLEX 8000 architecture are configured with CMOS SRAM elements; FLEX 8000 devices are configured at system power-up with data stored in an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, or EPC1441), or provided by a system controller. The "-3" speed grade at the commercial 0–70 °C temperature range is the mid-tier speed bin for the family, balancing timing margin against cost relative to the -2 and -4 grades. Key features of the EPF81188AQC240-3 include 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 184 user I/O pins, 5 V single-supply operation, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR), and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan test support. The device's high pin count allows integration of multiple 32-bit buses into a single device, simplifying multi-bus bridge designs. All configuration data is volatile and must be reloaded after each power-up, requiring a companion configuration memory on the board. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, bus interface bridges (e.g., PCI/ISA bridge, microprocessor I/O expansion), telecommunications line-card controllers, industrial control logic, prototyping platforms for ASICs, and high-density state machines. Engineers typically select this part when a design has outgrown a complex PLD but does not yet justify a larger FLEX 10K, Cyclone, or MAX II device, and where 5 V tolerant I/O is required to interface with legacy logic. A key design consideration is that the EPF81188AQC240-3 requires a configuration source at every power-up, so a dedicated EPC-series configuration EPROM or a microcontroller-driven download is mandatory. Designers should also budget for the configuration time before the FPGA becomes user-active and ensure JTAG chain integrity for boundary-scan testing. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle observations, and drop-in alternatives drawn from the same FLEX 8000 family, not found in isolation on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF81188AQC240-4 - 12K Gates FLEX 8000 FPGA 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF81188AQC240-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 12,000 usable gates, 1008 logic elements (LEs) organized into 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and 184 user I/Os in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package. Speed grade -4 corresponds to the slowest (most economical) timing bin in the family, while the core architecture supplies a continuous FastTrack interconnect routing network for predictable timing closure across designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacturing via a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM cells. FPGAs sit hierarchically above CPLDs (in density) and below ASICs (in unit cost for high volumes), making them the workhorse for digital signal processing, data-path manipulation, glue logic, and prototyping prior to ASIC tape-out. The FLEX 8000 family specifically targets register-rich designs through its 4-input look-up-table (LUT) based LE architecture with dedicated carry chains and cascade paths. The EPF81188AQC240-4 features 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process technology, a 5 V core supply, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) allowing re-programming on the board without removing the device, and a commercial operating temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C. Each LE combines a compact 4-input LUT with a programmable register, enabling both combinational and sequential logic implementations. The large register count (up to 1,500 per the family) makes the device particularly efficient for pipelined datapath and state-machine applications. Architecturally, the LABs are interconnected through FastTrack continuous routing rows and columns that span the entire die, providing uniform routing delay independent of placement. Configuration data is loaded serially or via byte-wide paths into on-chip SRAM, supporting the in-circuit reconfigurability feature critical for system-level design flexibility. The 184 user I/Os are sufficient to integrate multiple 32-bit buses into a single device, reducing board area and the chip count for bridging and bus-interface designs. Typical applications for the EPF81188AQC240-4 span digital signal processing (DSP) pipelines such as FIR filters and FFT engines, wide-data-path manipulation in image and video preprocessing, data-transformation glue logic between microprocessors and peripherals, telecommunications channel coding, and industrial control state machines. Designers also use this part in prototype ASIC verification, where the ICR feature enables rapid iteration of the design RTL without re-spinning the board. When designing with the EPF81188AQC240-4, plan for the 5 V supply tolerance of the FLEX 8000 family, provide proper decoupling (0.1 µF plus bulk capacitance) near each supply pin, and respect the JTAG configuration mode boundary-scan considerations. The PQFP-240 package is suitable for socketed development but may be replaced by surface-mount variants in production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, lists verified drop-in alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, and consolidates practical design notes not aggregated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF81188AQI208-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 12K Gates, 208-Pin PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF81188AQI208-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, delivering 12,000 usable gates and 1,008 logic elements in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) with gull-wing leads. It operates from a 5V supply with 3.3V or 5V I/O compatibility, achieves a maximum clock frequency of 125 MHz, and has a typical propagation delay of 5.0 ns at the -3 speed grade. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and offers 148 configurable I/O pins for high signal fan-out. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and programmable I/O cells that the designer can reconfigure after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices (PLDs), which sit above standard logic ICs and below ASICs in design flexibility vs unit-cost trade-off. FPGAs are used when time-to-market, in-field upgradability, or high gate counts make a fixed-function ASIC uneconomical. Key features of the EPF81188AQI208-3 include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, a register-rich architecture with up to 1,500 registers for sequential logic density, JTAG boundary-scan test support per IEEE 1149.1, and multi-voltage I/O that simplifies interfacing to legacy 5V buses. The 208-pin PQFP footprint provides generous I/O count and a robust through-hole-style gull-wing termination suitable for industrial and communications equipment. The FLEX 8000 architecture uses a four-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element with a dedicated register and fast carry chain, balancing logic density with predictable timing for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine heavy designs. The 0.42 µm CMOS process and -3 speed grade place this part in the legacy Altera lineup, well-supported by the MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design flows. Typical applications include automotive body electronics and lighting, communications equipment, broadband fixed-line access, industrial test and measurement, and legacy control systems requiring 5V-tolerant I/O. It is also seen in board-level glue logic for telecom backplane designs. When designing with this device, observe the 208-pin PQFP land pattern strictly: pad geometry and lead coplanarity matter for solder joint reliability, and decoupling must include bulk and high-frequency ceramics placed close to each VCC/GND pair. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, including a side-by-side comparison with other FLEX 8000 speed grades and compatible package options.
EPF81188AQI208-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 16K Gates, 148 I/O, 208-PQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81188AQI208-4 is a high-density FLEX 8000 series CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (BFQFP/PQFP) package, featuring up to 16,000 usable gates, approximately 1,500 registers, 148 user I/Os, and 126 Logic Array Blocks (LABs). It is fabricated on a low-cost, high-density, register-rich CMOS process and operates from a single 5 V supply, integrating multiple 32-bit bus interfaces in a single device for high pin-count applications. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that uses configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and programmable interconnects to implement custom digital circuits. In the broader taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic -> PLD -> logic IC -> semiconductor. The FLEX 8000 family was introduced in the mid-1990s as Altera's register-rich, in-circuit reconfigurable architecture, intended for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine consolidation. Compared with CPLDs, FPGAs offer higher logic density but require SRAM configuration at every power-up, typically loaded from a serial configuration PROM such as the Altera EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441. Key features of the EPF81188AQI208-4 include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR), 148 programmable user I/Os, 6 dedicated clock input pins, JTAG-compliant boundary-scan test support, multiVolt I/O interface capability for 3.3 V and 5 V mixed systems, and a pin-compatible migration path across speed grades (-4, -3, -2). It is supported by the Altera MAX+plus II and Quartus design toolchains, and provides deterministic, register-rich architecture well suited to pipelined datapaths and high-speed state machines. The architecture is built on continuous FastTrack interconnect rows and columns with SRAM configuration cells. Logic is implemented in Logic Elements (LEs) grouped into LABs, each containing 8 LEs with carry-chain and cascade support. Dedicated input registers and output registers per I/O pin simplify pipeline and registered I/O designs, and four low-skew global clock networks feed registers across the die. Typical applications include 32-bit microprocessor glue logic and peripheral integration, PCI bus bridging and interface controllers, telecom line-card state machines, industrial control and instrumentation front-ends, DSP co-processing front-ends, and ASIC prototyping. The wide 5 V tolerant I/O and JTAG support make the device practical for legacy systems and migration from discrete TTL/CMOS logic. When designing with this device, ensure that a serial configuration PROM is included on the board for SRAM-based configuration at every power-up, and that the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE signals are correctly pulled and monitored. MultiVolt I/O allows direct interface to 3.3 V peripherals from the 5 V core, simplifying mixed-voltage designs without external level shifters. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from the same FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet cover page.
EPF81188ARC240-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 12K Gates 240-RQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF81188ARC240-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS programmable logic devices, delivering 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic elements (cells), and 184 user I/O pins in a 240-pin RQFP (RQFP/BFQFP) package with exposed thermal pad. It is built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, operates from a 5 V supply, and supports system clock speeds up to 125 MHz, making it a low-cost, high-density, register-rich programmable logic solution for legacy and industrial designs. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? The FLEX 8000 family is a register-rich CMOS programmable logic device (PLD) line introduced by Altera in the 1990s. FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices, sitting hierarchically as: FPGA -> PLD -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The FLEX 8000 series provides in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) through external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, and is fully compliant with the PCI Local Bus Specification from the Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group (PCI SIG), enabling direct interface to PCI bus systems without bridging logic. Key features of the EPF81188ARC240-2 include 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic cells, 282 to 1,500 flip-flops depending on utilization, 184 maximum user I/O pins, and PCI-compliant I/O signalling. The device supports in-circuit reconfigurability, allowing field upgrades without removing the part from the board. Its 0.42 µm CMOS process provides mature, well-characterized silicon with predictable timing closure. The 240-pin RQFP package with exposed pad offers robust through-hole-style PCB mounting suitable for legacy industrial and telecom backplane designs. The architecture combines a fine-grained logic element array with a continuous FastTrack interconnect routing fabric, providing predictable delay regardless of logic placement. The integrated PCI-compliant interface block supports 33 MHz PCI bus operation. Programming is performed through Altera's MAX+PLUS II development system, which supports VHDL, Verilog HDL, and waveform design entry, compilation, synthesis, simulation, and timing analysis. Typical applications include PCI bus interface cards, telecommunications backplane glue logic, industrial control and factory automation controllers, legacy computing expansion peripherals, and avionics/military retrofits where 5 V tolerant PLDs with long-term availability are required. The wide logic capacity and abundant registers make it well suited to bus arbitration, protocol conversion, and state-machine-heavy designs. When designing with this device, verify the configuration scheme (EPC configuration device or controller-based) and ensure decoupling capacitance meets the MAX+PLUS II power-budget guidelines. The exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal pad for reliable operation. Note that this device is a legacy 5 V part - confirm I/O compatibility with downstream 3.3 V logic before integration. This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Heisener, and Octopart, pin-compatible FLEX 8000 alternatives from the same Altera product family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing decision-ready information for new designs and field-replacement scenarios.
EPF81188ARC240-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 12k Gates 184 I/O | Altera
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPF81188ARC240-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS programmable logic devices, integrating approximately 12,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers into a 240-pin RQFP (BFQFP) package. This commercial-temperature FPGA delivers 184 user I/O pins and operates from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V single supply, with in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) that allows field updates via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers. The device is built on a 0.42 µm SRAM-based process and uses Look-Up Table (LUT) logic elements with FastTrack interconnect, making it suitable for high-density glue-logic, bus-interface, and system-control functions in legacy industrial and telecom designs. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that combines thousands of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells into a single semiconductor. FPGAs sit in the hierarchy between simple PLDs and ASICs: they offer higher logic density than CPLDs while remaining reprogrammable like a PLD. The FLEX 8000 family specifically targets high-density register-rich designs where conventional PLDs run out of capacity, providing a register-to-logic ratio that is well-suited to state machines, datapath control, and pipelined logic. Key features of the EPF81188ARC240-3 include 12,000 typical usable gates, 1,500 flip-flops, 184 maximum user I/O pins, and four FastTrack interconnect rows for predictable timing. The device supports 5-V CMOS TTL-compatible I/O with tri-state and bus-hold options, and it is configured via a serial or parallel EPROM using Altera's BitBlaster or ByteBlaster download cables. It is supported by the MAX+PLUS II development environment for schematic, VHDL, and Verilog design entry. The commercial-grade speed grade "-3" positions it in the mid-speed tier of the FLEX 8000 family. Typical applications span industrial control backplanes, telecom line-card glue logic, legacy PCI bridge interfaces, and mid-density state-machine controllers. Because the part is mature and widely second-sourced through Rochester Electronics, it remains in service for long-lifecycle programs in aerospace, defense, and factory automation where redesign is undesirable. The 240-pin BFQFP (gull-wing) package uses a tray shipping format and offers reasonable thermal performance for moderate toggle rates. When designing with this FPGA, ensure that all VCCINT and VCCIO pins are decoupled with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each supply pin, and that the configuration mode jumpers match the selected programming source. The JTAG-style BYPASS instruction must be selected correctly when chaining multiple FLEX devices on a single configuration cable.
EPF81188ARC240-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 184 I/O, 240-BFQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81188ARC240-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 FPGA family implementing 184 user I/O, 1008 logic elements (LEs), and roughly 16,000 usable gates in a 240-pin BFQFP (also called 240-RQFP, 32x32 mm) package. It is fabricated in a 5 V CMOS SRAM process and is speed-grade -4. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LEs), programmable routing, and I/O cells. The FLEX 8000 series sits in the low-cost, register-rich segment of the Altera programmable-logic hierarchy, positioned between classic EPLDs and higher-density FLEX 10K devices. Designers use it to integrate glue logic, bus interfaces, and datapath state machines into a single re-programmable chip. Key features of the EPF81188ARC240-4 include 1008 logic elements (each containing a 4-input lookup table and a programmable register), 184 user I/O pins, in-circuit reconfigurability via external configuration devices or the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, multiVolt I/O support for 3.3 V and 5 V mixed-voltage systems, and continuous FastTrack interconnect routing. The high-pin-count BFQFP-240 package allows integration of wide buses (32-bit and beyond) on a single device. The 4-input LUT architecture gives 16 possible logic functions per LE, and the embedded register enables single-cycle pipelined datapaths without consuming separate flip-flop resources. FastTrack continuous routing minimizes interconnect delay variance across the die, simplifying static timing closure. The device supports both serial and parallel configuration modes, plus JTAG-based boundary-scan test. Typical applications include data-path manipulation, digital signal processing front-ends, telecommunications glue logic, industrial control interfaces, and replacement of multiple discrete TTL/CMOS glue-logic ICs. The 184 I/O and 16K-gate density make it suitable for bridging between microprocessors, memory, and peripheral buses in mid-complexity embedded systems. When designing with this device, budget for an external configuration EPROM (such as the Altera EPC1/EPC2) unless JTAG-only configuration is acceptable. The 5 V core supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V) and I/O bank voltages must be decoupled with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors placed close to each VCC pin. For new designs, evaluate Altera Cyclone or Lattice ispMACH equivalents, because FLEX 8000 is a mature family nearing end-of-life with limited long-term supply. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package FLEX 8000 drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated in the original manufacturer datasheet.
EPF81188ARC240-4AA - FLEX 8000 FPGA 184 I/O 240-RQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81188ARC240-4AA is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 240-pin RQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package. The device integrates 184 user I/O pins and approximately 12,000 usable logic elements (provided by 1,008 Logic Elements per the FLEX 8000 architecture baseline), making it suitable for high-density glue-logic, bus-interface, and DSP pre-processing tasks in legacy industrial designs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that combines the integration density of a gate array with the design flexibility of in-system programmability. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy, above CPLDs and SPLDs, and are widely used for parallel data-path implementation, custom state machines, and hardware-accelerated algorithms. The FLEX 8000 family in particular uses a fine-grained Look-Up-Table (LUT) based architecture with continuous FastTrack interconnect, optimized for high I/O count and predictable timing. Key features of the EPF81188ARC240-4AA include CMOS SRAM configuration cells for unlimited re-programmability, JTAG-based boundary-scan test support, and compatibility with Altera EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, and EPC1441 serial configuration devices. The device supports both serial and parallel configuration modes via a dedicated configuration controller, allowing bitstreams to be loaded from EPROM, system memory, or a microprocessor. Internal configuration clocking handles the entire configuration sequence automatically at power-up. Architecturally, the EPF81188ARC240-4AA is built around Lab/Logic Array Blocks (LABs) interconnected by the FastTrack row/column routing network, providing predictable delay characteristics for synchronous designs. Each LAB contains multiple Logic Elements (LEs), each consisting of a 4-input LUT, a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated carry and cascade chains for efficient arithmetic and wide-function implementation. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial control backplanes, parallel bus bridges, and ASIC prototyping. The 240-RQFP package is preferred for designs that need high I/O count without resorting to fine-pitch BGA assembly, allowing assembly on cost-effective 2-layer through-hole-compatible boards when paired with adapter footprints. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration interface is correctly selected for the chosen EPC device and that CONF_DONE is properly monitored at system power-up. Be aware that the EPF81188ARC240-4AA has reached end-of-life status from the original manufacturer and is primarily supported via the secondary/aftermarket channel; engineers should plan for long-term component availability risk. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package details, and same-brand drop-in alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family to support both new design and legacy-maintenance use cases, providing information gain beyond the original datasheet.
EPF81188ARC240-5 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 1008 LEs, PQFP-240 | Altera
The Altera EPF81188ARC240-5 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based, loadable programmable logic devices, featuring 1008 logic elements (LEs) and 1184 flip-flops housed in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flatpack (PQFP) package with 0.500 mm terminal pitch. The device integrates programmable logic array blocks, an embedded interconnect network, and configurable I/O supporting both 3.3 V and 5 V signaling standards, making it adaptable to mixed-voltage system designs. Its CMOS SRAM configuration cells allow in-system reconfiguration and rapid design iteration. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? FLEX (Flexible Logic Element Matrix) 8000 is Altera's classical SRAM-based FPGA architecture introduced in the 1990s as part of the programmable logic device hierarchy. FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which sit between fixed-function ASICs and discrete logic in terms of flexibility and integration. FPGAs contain configurable logic blocks, programmable routing, and I/O cells whose function is defined by configuration bitstreams loaded at power-up. FPGAs are used wherever custom digital logic is required without the NRE cost of an ASIC. Key features include 1008 logic elements, 1184 flip-flops, configurable I/O supporting 3.3 V or 5 V operation, and CMOS SRAM-based configuration. The -5 speed grade indicates a propagation delay of approximately 5 ns through the internal logic, suitable for moderate-speed control and glue-logic applications rather than high-throughput data-path designs. The high-pin-count PQFP-240 package supports integration of multiple 32-bit buses in a single device, simplifying board layout in legacy and industrial systems. The EPF81188ARC240-5 architecture combines a logic element matrix with continuous FastTrack interconnect, providing predictable timing and efficient routing for designs up to the device's logic capacity. Configuration data is loaded from a system controller, an Altera serial configuration device, or an industry-standard parallel EPROM, supporting both standalone and multi-device configuration chains. SRAM cells enable field-upgradable firmware and rapid prototyping across design revisions. Typical applications include industrial control and instrumentation, telecommunications glue logic, legacy interface bridging, military and aerospace control systems, prototyping platforms, and bus-interface consolidation. The 3.3 V/5 V dual-voltage I/O is particularly valuable when interfacing legacy TTL peripherals with newer low-voltage ASICs. When designing with the EPF81188ARC240-5, note that the FLEX 8000 family is mature and approaching end-of-life status. Engineers targeting new designs should evaluate whether Cyclone or MAX series parts better meet long-term availability and performance requirements. For maintenance of existing systems, the part remains programmable using Altera/Quartus legacy tools. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, lifecycle data, and design guidance not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet, providing a single reference for engineers managing long-lifecycle industrial and military systems.
EPF81188ARC240-6 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 1008 LE, 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF81188ARC240-6 is a CMOS SRAM-based member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic family, providing 1008 logic elements (LEs) and 1184 flip-flops in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP / RQFP-240) package with -6 speed grade. It is a loadable PLD designed for glue-logic integration, custom state-machine implementation, and mid-complexity parallel datapath consolidation where ASIC NRE cost is not justified. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose logic function is defined after PCB assembly by loading a configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic branch of the digital IC taxonomy, above simple PLDs (PAL/GAL) and below fixed-function ASICs in cost-per-unit, offering the highest density and routing flexibility within the programmable family. The FLEX 8000 series specifically targets 5V-tolerant, SRAM-based designs and is suitable for prototyping and low-to-mid volume production. Key features include 1008 logic elements organized into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 1184 dedicated flip-flops, a typical gate count range suited for bus-interface and peripheral-aggregation designs, 5V-tolerant I/O buffers in legacy applications, and SRAM-based in-system reconfigurability via the serial configuration interface. The device uses continuous FastTrack interconnect routing to provide predictable timing across logic blocks and supports both serial and parallel configuration schemes using Altera MAX+plus II or Quartus design tools. Architecturally, the EPF81188ARC240-6 uses Altera's MultiCore architecture with four-input look-up tables (LUT4) per logic element, dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, and a registered I/O cell architecture. The -6 speed grade places it in the mid-speed tier of the FLEX 8000 family - slower than -3/-4 grades but offering higher margins at extended temperature ranges and reduced dynamic power at equivalent logic density. Typical applications include custom bus-interface bridges, peripheral controllers in industrial backplanes, glue logic replacing multiple 74-series discrete gates, retrofits of legacy PLD designs needing higher density, and educational or evaluation platforms demonstrating SRAM-FPGA concepts. It is commonly found in telecom line cards, factory automation controllers, and instrumentation front-ends where 5V tolerance simplifies mixed-rail designs. When designing with the EPF81188ARC240-6, verify that the 240-PQFP footprint matches the existing PCB land pattern. Note that FLEX 8000 devices require an external configuration EPROM (e.g., EPC2 or EPC16) or a microcontroller to load the bitstream on power-up - the configuration interface is not on-chip flash. Confirm Quartus or MAX+plus II tool support remains available for the chosen design flow. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and design notes for legacy Altera FLEX 8000 designs not typically aggregated on major distributor catalog pages.
EPF81188ARI240-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 12K Gates, 240-RQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81188ARI240-4 is a FLEX 8000 family CMOS programmable logic device (PLD) delivering 12,000 usable gates, 1,008 logic elements (LEs), and 184 user I/O pins in a 240-pin RQFP package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, it operates at 5 V with a maximum internal frequency of 125 MHz and is rated for the industrial temperature range. The '-4' speed grade designates the slowest of the FLEX 8000 commercial/industrial speed bins. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user can define after manufacture. Within the broader taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) as the two main classes of programmable logic; the FLEX 8000 family is positioned as a low-cost, high-density, register-rich SRAM-based PLD targeting data-path and DSP workloads. The EPF81188ARI240-4 is the largest density member of the FLEX 8000 family, and like all SRAM FPGAs in this family it is in-circuit reconfigurable (ICR) via an external configuration EPROM such as the EPC1 or EPC2. Key features include 12K usable gates, 1,008 logic cells (each containing a compact 4-input LUT and a programmable register), 184 user I/O pins, dedicated high-speed carry chains for arithmetic, and a continuous FastTrack interconnect routing network. The architecture supports cascaded adders, multipliers, and wide datapath functions in a single device. Configuration can be loaded serially or in parallel modes, and JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test is supported. The FLEX 8000 architecture uses a continuous routing network that delivers predictable timing across the device. Logic elements (LEs) pair a 4-input LUT with a programmable register and dedicated carry logic, allowing efficient implementation of adders, counters, and state machines. The 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM-based configuration memory enables unlimited re-programmability but requires a configuration EPROM on every power-up. MultiVolt I/O supports 5.0 V and 3.3 V interface signaling to surrounding ASICs and microprocessors. Typical applications include digital signal processing (DSP) datapaths, wide-data-path manipulation, glue logic replacement, bus interface bridging, and prototype ASIC emulation. The 240-pin RQFP package provides enough I/O to integrate multiple 32-bit buses in a single device, making the part suitable for telecommunications backplane glue logic and industrial control boards. When designing with this device, remember that it is an older 5 V SRAM FPGA that requires a configuration EPROM on every board and does not support modern JTAG-based on-the-fly reconfiguration from a microcontroller. Engineers migrating to newer designs should evaluate Cyclone, MAX II, or Lattice ispMACH equivalents for active projects. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Site MPN library, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPF81500AGC280-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 16K Gates 280-CPGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81500AGC280-3 is a high-density CMOS programmable logic device from the FLEX 8000 family, delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 280-pin Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA) package. Operating at 5V with a 0.42 µm process technology, it provides 1.8 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay and a maximum internal clock frequency of 385 MHz, suitable for high-performance register-rich designs. The 280-CPGA package offers a square ceramic metal-sealed cofired body designed for through-hole mounting and high-reliability applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected by programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. The FLEX 8000 family, introduced by Altera in the 1990s, was register-rich and SRAM-based, targeting system-level integration and in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR). This generation preceded modern SRAM-based FPGAs and is now classified as legacy hardware by Intel, which acquired Altera in 2015. Key features include 1296 logic cells, a maximum internal frequency of 125 MHz in some datasheet figures, 204 I/O outputs, in-circuit reconfigurability via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, and a commercial 0°C to +70°C operating range. The device supports system-level features including JTAG boundary-scan test, multi-volt I/O compatibility, and built-in JTAG-based reconfiguration. The FLEX 8000 architecture enables designers to integrate wide bus functions and complex state machines on a single chip. Typical applications include legacy telecom switching systems, industrial control logic, prototyping glue logic for microprocessor systems, and embedded designs requiring high register count. The 280-CPGA package also made it popular in aerospace, military, and high-reliability through-hole designs where surface-mount BGA packages were unsuitable. Engineers working with industrial retrofits often specify the EPF81500AGC280-3 to maintain long-lifecycle designs already in field deployment. When designing with this device, verify configuration memory requirements and supply decoupling. The FLEX 8000 family requires an external EPROM or microcontroller for SRAM-based configuration at every power-up. The commercial temperature grade limits this variant to benign environments; the EPF81500AGI280-3 industrial variant is preferred for extended-temperature designs. Designers should also consider that this part is now classified as legacy, and modern alternatives from Intel's Cyclone or MAX families offer higher density at lower cost. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF81500AGC280-4 - FLEX 8000 CPLD, 1500 Gates | Intel / Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPF81500AGC280-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 280-pin CPGA (Ceramic Pin Grid Array) package. It operates at a maximum clock frequency of 357 MHz and provides 208 user I/O pins plus 4 dedicated inputs, making it suitable for system-level integration and glue-logic applications. A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) is a non-volatile programmable logic device that combines multiple PAL/GAL-style macrocell arrays with a central interconnect matrix. CPLDs typically offer fast deterministic pin-to-pin propagation delays (single-digit to low-double-digit nanoseconds), in-system programmability via JTAG, and high fan-in. Within the broader programmable logic taxonomy, CPLDs sit alongside FPGAs (higher density, register-rich, SRAM-based) and SPLDs (simpler PAL/GAL-style). The FLEX 8000 family uses a continuous, SRAM-based interconnect fabric with FastTrack routing, which is one of the early Altera architectures that predates the modern MAX II / MAX V non-volatile CPLD families. Key features include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, 4 dedicated inputs, 208 I/O lines, and a -4 speed grade designation that places the part in the lower-delay tier of the FLEX 8000 family. The 280-pin CPGA ceramic package provides high reliability and is suitable for demanding thermal and mechanical environments. The device's 1,500 registers and high gate count enable implementation of wide datapath glue logic, bus interfaces, and state machines. Technically, the EPF81500AGC280-4 uses a CMOS SRAM-based architecture that requires an external configuration EPROM or controller at every power-up. This contrasts with flash-based or antifuse CPLDs that retain configuration without external memory. The SRAM cells drive lookup tables and registers organized in logic array blocks (LABs) interconnected via FastTrack continuous routing rows and columns. I/O pins support TTL and CMOS standards with programmable drive strengths. Typical applications include telecom line cards, industrial control, ASIC prototyping, bus-bridging glue logic between microprocessors and peripherals, and legacy system upgrades where Altera FLEX 8000 designs are already deployed. The 357 MHz maximum internal frequency supports high-speed pipeline designs. When designing with this part, ensure the JTAG chain and configuration memory (typically an EPC1 or EPC2 configuration device) are correctly wired. The CPGA package requires through-hole PCB sockets or careful hand-soldering, so plan board layout and assembly process accordingly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, and CPGA-package design considerations not always summarized on a single manufacturer page.
EPF81500AQC240-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 1296 LE 240-BFQFP | Altera
The Intel (Altera) EPF81500AQC240-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 1,296 logic elements across 162 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) with 181 user I/Os, housed in a 240-pin BFQFP (QFP) package. Operating from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V supply, the EPF81500AQC240-2 integrates SRAM-based configuration memory, fine-grained logic, and continuous interconnect routing, packaged as a commercial-grade (speed grade -2) device for general-purpose digital logic prototyping. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be electrically reconfigured after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic functions. FPGAs sit hierarchically between programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), combining high gate density, parallel processing, and rapid time-to-market. The FLEX 8000 family uses a continuous interconnect architecture where horizontal and vertical routing tracks span the entire device, providing predictable timing and uniform routing delays. Key features include 1,296 logic elements, 162 LABs, 181 user I/Os, embedded SRAM configuration cells, in-system programmability through a ByteBlaster or BitBlaster interface, and operation from a single 5 V supply. The device supports JTAG boundary-scan testing (IEEE 1149.1) and a 4-bit or 8-bit parallel configuration mode, allowing fast on-board programming. Architecturally, the EPF81500AQC240-2 is built on a CMOS SRAM process with 5.0 V tolerant I/O cells. Each LAB contains eight Logic Elements (LEs) consisting of a 4-input look-up table, a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated carry and cascade chains for fast arithmetic and wide fan-in operations. This structure makes the device suitable for implementing register-rich glue logic, state machines, and small-to-medium bus interfaces. Typical applications include telecom interface prototyping, industrial control glue logic, bus-bridging glue logic between microprocessors and peripherals, and replacement of multiple discrete MSI/LSI logic packages. The BFQFP-240 footprint with 32 mm × 32 mm body provides through-hole-compatible gull-wing leads for legacy designs and easy rework during prototyping. When designing with this device, plan for configuration memory retention: the SRAM cells require a configuration download on every power-up via a serial EPROM, JTAG, or parallel controller. The 5 V supply rail requires proper decoupling with 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors close to the VCC pins to suppress switching noise. This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, Heisener, and Octopart, together with drop-in same-brand FLEX 8000 variants, and practical design notes not collated on any single manufacturer page.
EPF81500AQC240-2N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 16K Gates 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81500AQC240-2N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density CMOS programmable logic devices, providing 16,000 usable gates, 1,296 logic cells, and 1,500 registers in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) measuring 32 x 32 mm. Operating from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V single supply with a typical internal core voltage derived on-chip, this device delivers up to 181 user I/O pins with a propagation delay of approximately 1.7 ns, making it suitable for high-density glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine intensive designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that engineers can re-program after manufacture to implement custom digital circuits. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) between simple programmable array logic (PAL/GAL) and complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and are commonly used to accelerate digital signal processing, implement glue logic, prototype ASICs, and host soft processor cores. The FLEX 8000 family specifically pioneered the look-up-table based architecture that informed later Altera device families. Key features of the EPF81500AQC240-2N include 16K usable gates with 1,296 logic elements (LEs), 181 maximum user I/O pins, 0.42 micrometer CMOS process technology, and a maximum toggle frequency of approximately 125 MHz. The device integrates in-system programmable configuration memory, JTAG boundary-scan support per IEEE Std 1149.1, and on-chip logic for efficient state machine and arithmetic logic unit implementation. The 240-BFQFP package exposes a generous number of I/O pins for medium-to-large peripheral integration. From an architectural standpoint, the FLEX 8000 series uses a continuous, high-performance FastTrack interconnect fabric linking embedded array blocks (EABs) and logic array blocks (LABs). Each LAB contains multiple logic elements with a four-input look-up table, programmable register, and dedicated carry chain, while EABs provide up to 2,048 bits of dual-port RAM or ROM, enabling the device to absorb small FIFOs, ROM look-up tables, and arithmetic functions without external memory. This combined logic-plus-memory architecture differentiates FLEX 8000 from pure-CPLD architectures that are optimized for glue logic only. Typical applications for the EPF81500AQC240-2N include telecommunications line-card controllers, peripheral bridging in legacy industrial systems, custom microcontroller peripherals, glue logic between microprocessors and memory, and prototype ASIC emulation. Designers continue to specify FLEX 8000 devices in long-lifecycle systems such as industrial automation controllers, military/aerospace subsystems, and replacement of end-of-life ASICs where modern FPGA families are oversized or incompatible. When designing with the EPF81500AQC240-2N, ensure that the 5 V supply is well decoupled with 0.1 microfarad and 10 microfarad capacitors placed close to the device VCC pins. The 240-pin PQFP package has substantial lead inductance, so signal integrity on high-speed clocks should be validated with IBIS or SPICE simulation. Configuration data is typically loaded from a serial EPROM using the dedicated configuration port, and JTAG programming per IEEE 1149.1 is supported. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, exact-spec match alternatives in the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes that go beyond the information in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPF81500AQC240-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 16K Gates 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81500AQC240-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 240-pin PQFP package. It features 181 user I/Os and 162 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), configured at system power-up from an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 serial configuration device, or a system controller. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the high integration of a gate array with the flexibility of in-system reprogrammability. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an FPGA sits below custom ASICs (higher NRE cost, lower unit cost) and above discrete glue logic, occupying the niche of high-density register-rich logic with fast design iteration. The FLEX 8000 series in particular is known for its low-cost, register-rich architecture targeting system-level integration. Key features include 5V CMOS operation (4.75V to 5.25V supply), 1296 logic elements, 1.7 ns propagation delay, and a 240-pin PQFP (also described as 240-BFQFP) package measuring 32x32 mm. The device is specified for commercial operating temperature range (0 to 70 C) and uses SRAM configuration cells that must be reloaded on every power-up, enabling unlimited re-programmability but requiring an external configuration memory. The EPF81500AQC240-3 is built on a 0.42 um CMOS SRAM process with Altera's classic 4-input look-up table (LUT) logic element and continuous FastTrack interconnect. The 162 LABs each contain 8 logic elements (LEs), providing register-rich density for state machines, datapath control, and bus interfacing. Architecture supports JTAG boundary-scan testing and PCI-compliant I/O for bus interface applications. Typical applications include telecom line cards, industrial control logic, PCI bus interface glue logic, glue-logic consolidation around microprocessors, and ASIC prototyping for designs up to 16K gates. Its 181 user I/Os and PQFP package make it suitable for systems needing high pin count without BGA complexity. When designing with the EPF81500AQC240-3, note that SRAM-based configuration means the device loses its configuration on power-down - a boot PROM or system controller must reload it on every reset. The 240-pin PQFP package requires careful PCB layout for the high pin count and is best suited for designs migrating from 5V legacy ASICs to programmable logic. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives from the FLEX 8000 series, and practical design notes not consolidated in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EPF81500AQC240-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 16K Gates, 240-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF81500AQC240-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, offering 16,000 usable gates, 1,296 logic elements, and 181 user I/O pins in a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP / BFQFP) package. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM-based process and operates from a 5 V supply (with MultiVolt I/O supporting 3.3 V or 5.0 V interface levels), reaching system speeds up to 125 MHz with typical logic delays around 4.9 ns and pin-to-pin propagation of approximately 1.7 ns. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells, all defined by SRAM configuration bits loaded at power-up. Within the programmable logic hierarchy, an FPGA sits above CPLDs (which use non-volatile EEPROM/flash configuration and have lower density) and below fixed-function ASICs (which offer higher density at the cost of no reconfigurability). FPGAs bridge prototyping and production: they deliver ASIC-class integration with mask-change-free design revisions, making them indispensable for telecom, industrial control, and DSP pipelines. Key features include 1,296 logic cells, up to 16,000 usable gates, four phase-locked loop (PLL)-style clock networks via the FLEX 8000 row/column architecture, JTAG-based boundary-scan testing, MultiVolt I/O for mixed-voltage buses, and SRAM configuration that supports parallel EPROM, serial EEPROM (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441), or microcontroller loading. The -4 speed grade indicates a faster bin than the -3, -2, or -1 grades. The FLEX 8000 architecture combines a fine-grained logic element (LE) array with continuous routing channels and a predictable delay model, which simplifies static timing closure. The device is built on a 0.42 µm five-layer metal CMOS process that integrates configuration SRAM, logic, and I/O on a single die, eliminating the need for external configuration logic beyond the boot EEPROM. Typical applications for the EPF81500AQC240-4 include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial control and factory automation state machines, DSP preprocessing pipelines, legacy PCI bus bridges, and instrumentation front-ends. The wide 240-pin footprint provides ample I/O for parallel buses and SRAM/DRAM interfaces. When designing with this part, engineers should select an EPC-series configuration device to match the FLEX 8000 serial/parallel boot protocol, leave guard bands around all 181 I/O pins to accommodate signal integrity on parallel buses, and confirm the -4 speed grade against downstream timing budgets (a -3 or -2 grade may suffice if 125 MHz is not required). This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified FLEX 8000 family specifications, drop-in same-package alternatives, and design considerations not found in the original datasheet alone.
EPF81500ARC240-2 - 16K Gates 240-Pin FPGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EPF81500ARC240-2 is a member of the legacy FLEX 8000 FPGA family, delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 240-pin RQFP (240-BFQFP Exposed Pad) surface-mount package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, the device provides 181 user I/O pins, 1,296 logic elements, and is rated for operation at 5 V across the commercial 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range. It is part of the FLEX 8000 series, which historically served as a low-cost, high-density, register-rich programmable logic platform. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by the customer after manufacturing rather than at the foundry. FPGAs sit within the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), alongside CPLDs, and occupy the role of high-density, fine-grained, SRAM- or antifuse-based reconfigurable logic between discrete glue logic and a fully custom ASIC. The FLEX 8000 family belongs to the early-1990s generation of SRAM-based CMOS FPGAs that pioneered in-circuit reconfigurability for telecommunications, industrial control, and glue-logic consolidation. Key features include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, support for Altera's MAX+PLUS II development environment, VHDL and Verilog HDL design entry, and integrated synthesis, simulation, and timing analysis tooling. The part supports the 5 V I/O standard typical of its era and provides a high ratio of registers to combinatorial logic that makes it well suited to state-machine and pipeline applications. The 240-pin RQFP Exposed Pad package provides a large pin count sufficient for 181 user I/Os while remaining compatible with conventional surface-mount assembly. The exposed pad enhances thermal performance for sustained operation in industrial enclosures with moderate airflow. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial control and instrumentation, legacy peripheral interfaces, bus bridges, and state-machine controllers. Engineers typically select the EPF81500ARC240-2 when maintaining or replicating a long-lifecycle 5 V system where the FLEX 8000 toolchain is already qualified. When designing with this part, note that the FLEX 8000 family is mature and approaching end-of-life; verify long-term availability with Intel / Altera authorized distributors and plan a migration path to a Cyclone-class device for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, lifecycle status, and design considerations not found in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EPF81500ARC240-2A - 16K-Gate FLEX 8000 FPGA | Intel (Altera) | 240-RQFP
The Intel (Altera) EPF81500ARC240-2A is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of register-rich, high-density CMOS programmable logic devices (PLDs), delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 logic registers in a 240-pin RQFP (BFQFP with exposed pad) package. Built on a 0.42 umm CMOS SRAM process, it provides in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) through external configuration devices or an intelligent host controller, allowing designers to update logic in-system without removing the device. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing to implement custom digital logic. FPGAs sit within the broader semiconductor hierarchy as reconfigurable logic -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The FLEX 8000 family was designed to integrate multiple 32-bit buses into a single device, making it suitable for glue-logic, bus-bridging, and high-density state-machine implementations in telecom, industrial, and computing systems. Key features of the EPF81500ARC240-2A include 1,296 logic elements (LEs), 181 user I/O pins, and system-level support for in-circuit reconfigurability through industry-standard parallel EPROM or Altera serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, EPC1441). Operating from a 5V supply, the device achieves a typical internal performance of approximately 125 MHz. The 240-pin BFQFP package with exposed pad provides a robust thermal path for high-density designs. The architecture combines a fine-grained logic element array with continuous FastTrack interconnect routing, enabling predictable timing and high logic utilization. Multiple Logic Array Blocks (LABs) are interconnected via row and column channels, and each LE contains a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains for arithmetic and wide functions. Typical applications include telecommunications bridging, industrial control glue logic, high-density state machines, and legacy system upgrades where multiple TTL/CMOS devices can be consolidated into a single FLEX 8000 FPGA. The high pin count and exposed pad also suit high-pin-count applications such as multi-bus integration. When designing with this device, ensure correct configuration mode (serial vs parallel) and proper power-up sequencing of VCCINT and VCCIO rails. The exposed pad of the 240-RQFP must be soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal dissipation, especially when many I/O are switching simultaneously. This page synthesizes distributor availability, parametric data, and drop-in alternatives to assist with sourcing and replacement decisions not available on a single datasheet.
EPF81500ARC240-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 16K Gates 240-RQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81500ARC240-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 240-pin RQFP (240-BFQFP Exposed Pad) surface-mount package. Per the manufacturer datasheet, the device contains 1,296 logic cells, 181 user I/O pins, and is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process. The "-3" speed grade indicates a standard performance bin targeting a maximum internal clock frequency of approximately 125 MHz in the FLEX 8000 family. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that combines the high integration of a gate array with the design flexibility of in-circuit reconfigurability. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, an FPGA sits under programmable logic, alongside CPLDs, and above fixed-function ASICs in design flexibility. The FLEX 8000 family occupies a unique position as one of the first register-rich, high-density SRAM-based PLD families designed for system-level integration with features such as in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR), multi-volt I/O support, and JTAG boundary-scan testing. Key features of the EPF81500ARC240-3 include 16,000 usable gates, 1,500 flip-flops, embedded SRAM for fast on-chip memory, and continuous FastTrack interconnect routing. The device operates from a 5V core supply and supports 3.3V and 5V I/O standards through its multi-volt interface. A 240-pin RQFP package with exposed thermal pad supports high-I/O-count designs in industrial, telecom, and consumer applications. According to the Flex 8000 Device Family datasheet, configuration is performed at system power-up using industry-standard parallel EPROMs, Altera serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, EPC1441), or a system controller. Typical applications include industrial automation controllers, telecommunications line cards, glue-logic consolidation in legacy 5V systems, and prototyping platforms for ASIC migration. The exposed thermal pad enables reliable operation at extended junction temperatures when properly soldered to a PCB thermal land pattern. When designing with this device, ensure adequate decoupling on the VCCINT and VCCIO rails and follow Altera's configuration schematic recommendations to prevent partial configuration states at power-up.
EPF81500ARC240-4 - 16K Gates Flex 8000 FPGA | Intel | 240-RQFP
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF81500ARC240-4 is a high-density member of the Flex 8000 family of CMOS programmable logic devices, delivering up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers in a 240-pin RQFP package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and operating from a 5 V supply, this -4 speed-grade device is rated for system-level frequencies up to 125 MHz, making it suitable for glue-logic, bus-interface, and high-volume control-plane designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O blocks are configured after manufacturing by loading a user-defined bitstream. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and discrete programmable-logic devices (CPLDs): they offer far higher logic density than CPLDs while preserving the in-system reprogrammability that ASICs lack. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an FPGA sits under Programmable Logic -> Programmable Devices -> Logic ICs -> Integrated Circuits. Key features of the EPF81500ARC240-4 include 181 user I/O pins, 1,296 logic elements (cells), in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, JTAG boundary-scan support (IEEE Std 1149.1), and dual-port SRAM-based configuration memory. The device also provides built-in PCI compliance, Multiply/Accumulate (MAC) blocks for DSP-like operations, and a fast track interconnect that shortens critical paths between logic-array blocks (LABs). The Flex 8000 architecture uses a row-and-column logic array with embedded array blocks (EABs) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or product-term logic. This hybrid approach lets designers implement wide datapath functions alongside random logic, which is uncommon in CPLDs of the same era. The -4 speed grade is the slowest of the Flex 8000 family, trading timing margin for cost and power reduction in non-timing-critical applications. Typical applications include PCI bus bridges, peripheral controllers, telecommunications line cards, industrial automation controllers, and legacy ASIC replacement in long-lifecycle equipment where the design must remain in production for many years. When designing with this part, note that the 5 V supply voltage is unusual in modern FPGA designs and must be paired with 5 V-tolerant peripherals. The RQFP-240 footprint is large by modern standards (32 mm × 32 mm body), and PCB layout must preserve the exposed thermal pad for heat spreading. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family variants, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.