FPGA & CPLD
Products (6352)
EPF8636AQC160-4N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 504 Cells | Intel
The Intel EPF8636AQC160-4N is a member of the legacy FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based FPGAs, providing approximately 6,000 usable gates, 504 logic cells, and 118 user I/Os in a 160-pin PQFP package. It is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process, operates from a 5 V supply, and is rated for a commercial temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C. The device targets glue-logic, bus-interface, and PCI-compliant system designs that need non-volatile in-system reconfigurability via an external EPROM or Altera EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 configuration device. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable digital IC whose logic and interconnects are configured by static RAM cells. FPGAs sit within the broader programmable logic hierarchy (PLD → CPLD → FPGA) and are commonly classed as a sub-category of digital ASICs/structured ASICs. They are used wherever a custom digital function must be implemented quickly and updated without respinning silicon, and FLEX 8000 was Altera's first-generation high-density FPGA family introduced in the mid-1990s, later folded into the Intel FPGA portfolio after the 2015 Altera acquisition. Key features of the EPF8636AQC160-4N include 504 logic elements, 118 user I/Os, embedded JTAG boundary-scan test (BST) circuitry compliant with IEEE Std. 1149.1-1990 on selected devices, peripheral registers for fast setup and clock-to-output delay, full PCI Local Bus Specification compliance, and 5 V / 3.3 V I/O compatibility. Maximum toggle performance is approximately 125 MHz internally, with Fmax typically reported near 83 MHz for register-rich designs. Architecturally, FLEX 8000 devices use continuous, SRAM-based lookup-table (LUT) logic elements arranged in Logic Array Blocks (LABs), interconnected by FastTrack continuous routing. Configuration data is loaded at power-up from an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device, or a system controller, giving true in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR). Typical applications include PCI bus interface bridges, peripheral glue logic in industrial controllers, legacy telecom backplane controllers, and JTAG-driven prototype boards. The 160-pin PQFP footprint and 5 V I/O make it a drop-in option for legacy designs that still require a high-density 5 V FPGA rather than a modern 3.3 V or 1.8 V device. When designing with this device, ensure the configuration EPROM is sized for the compressed bitstream, observe 5 V VCCIO ramp sequencing, and use Altera MAX+PLUS II or Quartus for synthesis. JTAG BST pins must be reserved if boundary-scan testing is required. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and migrating legacy designs.
EPF8636AQC160-5 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 504 Cells 5V PQFP-160 | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EPF8636AQC160-5 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based FPGAs, delivering 6,000 usable gates, 504 logic elements (cells), and 636 flip-flops in a 160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. Manufactured on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, the device supports a 5 V core supply with 3.3 V or 5 V configurable I/O operation and runs system clock rates up to 125 MHz. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user defines after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also include CPLDs and SPLDs. The FLEX 8000 family in particular introduced a fine-grained, look-up-table based architecture optimized for medium-density glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine designs of the 1990s and early 2000s. Key features of the EPF8636AQC160-5 include 6K gates of logic, 504 logic cells (LCs), 636 flip-flops, in-system programmability via SRAM configuration, and JTAG boundary-scan support. The device is reconfigurable in-circuit, allowing iterative design without UV erasure, and offers 5 V tolerant I/O operation. The architecture uses a 0.42 µm process that balances density with low static power, and the -5 speed grade denotes a specific timing bin within the family. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, telecommunications backplane interfaces, PCI bus bridges, and legacy ASIC prototyping. Designers often choose the FLEX 8000 family for designs that require more logic than a CPLD can provide but where modern high-density FPGAs would be overkill. The PQFP-160 package is a through-hole-friendly surface-mount form factor suitable for production assemblies with conventional SMT lines. When designing with EPF8636AQC160-5, ensure that the configuration EPROM or controller correctly drives the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins during power-up, and that JTAG chain integrity is verified before board bring-up. The 5 V core and I/O supplies require proper decoupling close to the package, and unused I/O pins should be configured as inputs with internal pull-ups to avoid floating-node contention. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in FLEX 8000 family alternatives from the same Altera/Intel product line, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF8636AQC208-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 208-PQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8636AQC208-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density, register-rich CMOS programmable logic devices (PLDs), delivering up to 6,000 usable gates and 504 logic elements (cells) in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process, operates from a 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V), and is offered in the commercial 0°C to 70°C temperature grade, indicated by the "C" suffix in the part number. 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 arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also include simpler complex PLDs (CPLDs) and programmable read-only memory (PROM). FPGAs differ from CPLDs in their use of SRAM-based configuration cells, fine-grained look-up tables, and rich interconnect, making them suitable for register-intensive data-path and DSP functions rather than simple glue logic. Key features of the EPF8636AQC208-2 include 63 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) with 136 user I/Os, 504 logic elements, and configuration via industry-standard parallel EPROM, Altera serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441), or a system controller. The FLEX 8000 architecture uses CMOS SRAM configuration elements that allow in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR), enabling the same device to be reprogrammed in-system for design iterations or field upgrades. Typical applications include TTL integration, coprocessor functions, bus interfaces (including multi-32-bit bus integration in the high-pin-count 208-PQFP package), wide-data-path manipulation, and high-speed controllers. The MAX+PLUS II development system supports VHDL and Verilog HDL design entry, synthesis, simulation, and timing analysis. When designing with this FLEX 8000 device, ensure your configuration scheme (EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 or microprocessor) is selected early, since the configuration interface differs across modes. Note that this part is marked Obsolete (EOL) per the manufacturer lifecycle status, so long-term production designs should consider migration to the FLEX 10K or Cyclone families. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF8636AQC208-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 136 I/O QFP208 | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8636AQC208-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based, in-circuit reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (BFQFP / PQFP) package. The device integrates 136 user I/Os, 504 logic elements, and 63 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), delivering up to approximately 6,000 usable gates for cost-sensitive glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine applications. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? The FLEX 8000 family belongs to the broader category of Field Programmable Gate Arrays - reconfigurable semiconductor devices that combine programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and programmable I/O cells. FPGAs sit hierarchically under programmable logic devices (PLDs), which include CPLDs and simpler PAL/GAL devices. The FLEX 8000 series was Altera's first family to introduce a continuous, segmented interconnect architecture optimized for high-speed, predictable timing across designs of up to roughly 24,000 gates, and was widely adopted in telecommunications backplanes, industrial control, and ASIC prototyping during the late 1990s and 2000s. Key features of the EPF8636AQC208-3 include 136 user I/O pins distributed across four I/O banks, 504 logic elements organized in 63 LABs, dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic, and cascade chains for wide fan-in logic functions. The device operates from a single 5 V supply and supports commercial temperature grades (0C to 70C per the manufacturer temperature-grade code). The -3 speed grade designation places this part in the moderate-speed tier of the family, suitable for designs with system clocks up to approximately 80 MHz depending on routing and utilization. Architecturally, the FLEX 8000 family uses an SRAM configuration cell backed by an EPROM-compatible configuration ROM, enabling in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via the Altera BitBlaster or ByteBlaster programming hardware. The continuous FastTrack interconnect provides predictable delays across the die, and the device is supported by the Altera MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design flows (legacy support). I/O cells support 5 V PCI compliance, 3.3 V and 5 V interfaces, and per-pin tri-state control. Typical applications include ASIC prototyping, bus-interface bridging (e.g., ISA-to-local bus glue logic), industrial control state machines, telecommunication backplane glue logic, and legacy system refresh designs. The wide 208-pin PQFP footprint provides ample general-purpose I/O for parallel datapath designs. When designing with this part, ensure your power decoupling follows the FLEX 8000 reference design: bulk 100 uF to 220 uF plus 0.1 uF and 0.01 uF ceramics near each VCC pin. The JTAG chain must include the TRST pin pulled low or tied through 1 kohm for reliable boundary-scan operation. Note that the EPF8636AQC208-3 is a legacy device - verify long-term availability before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, datasheet specifications, and drop-in alternatives within the FLEX 8000 family - information engineers need that is not consolidated in the original manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF8636AQC208-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 6K Gates, 504 Cells | Altera
The Altera EPF8636AQC208-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density, register-rich CMOS programmable logic devices (PLDs), packaged in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP). It provides approximately 6,000 usable gates, 504 logic elements (LEs), 136 user I/O pins, and operates at up to 125 MHz system performance on a 5 V supply. The device is rated for commercial temperature range (0 °C to 70 °C) and uses a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM-based architecture with in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via the serial Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PassivePROM-style) or serial configuration scheme, allowing bitstream updates without removing the part from the board. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and configurable I/O cells, all of which can be redefined after manufacture. Within the broader hierarchy, this part is a low-density legacy FPGA, sitting between simple PLDs/CPLDs and high-performance modern FPGAs; it is widely used for glue logic, bus bridging, and state-machine integration in industrial and telecom systems that were originally designed in the mid-1990s to early 2000s. Key differentiating features of the EPF8636AQC208-4 include 4,992 typical usable gates, a fine-grained Look-Up Table (LUT) plus register architecture inherited from the FLEX 8000 family, JTAG-based boundary-scan test support (IEEE 1149.1), multi-volt I/O support, and a speed grade of -4 (commercial 0 °C to 70 °C). The 208-pin PQFP (28 × 28 mm body) provides ample user I/O (136 pins) for parallel buses, while the embedded array blocks (EABs) allow implementation of on-chip RAM, ROM, and FIFO functions without external memory. Technically, the device uses a 5 V CMOS core with 5 V tolerant I/Os and supports both synchronous and asynchronous memory interfaces. Its 504 LEs are organized into rows of Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each containing 8 LEs with carry-chain and cascade-chain support, enabling efficient arithmetic and wide decoding functions. Combined with the 0.42 µm process node and tri-state buffer per LAB, the device balances speed and density for legacy designs. Typical applications include industrial glue-logic replacement, telecom line-card glue logic, parallel bus interfacing and bridging, factory automation controllers, legacy printer and imaging pipelines, and embedded state-machine controllers. Designers favor the FLEX 8000 family for drop-in upgrades from discrete TTL/CMOS logic because of the 136 I/O count and 5 V interface compatibility. When designing with this part, note that the EPF8636AQC208-4 has been marked obsolete by Intel (which acquired Altera in 2015). Engineers should plan multi-source qualification and verify long-term supply; Rochester Electronics and other legacy distributors continue to support the part, but design teams are advised to assess modern replacements such as Altera MAX II/V CPLDs or low-density Cyclone FPGAs for new designs.
EPF8636AQC208-4N - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 6K Gates, 504 Cells, 5V | Intel
The Intel EPF8636AQC208-4N is a FLEX 8000 family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 6,000 usable gates, 504 logic cells, and a maximum toggle frequency of 125 MHz, fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and packaged in a 208-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) with gull-wing leads. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that the user can program after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic hierarchy above CPLDs and below fixed-function ASICs, offering higher density than CPLDs and faster time-to-market than ASICs. The FLEX 8000 family is positioned as a low-cost, register-rich, high-density PLD family that bridges classic PLDs and modern FPGAs. Key features of the EPF8636AQC208-4N include 504 logic elements (LEs), 136 user I/O pins on this PQFP-208 package option, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via the dedicated configuration interface, and a single 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V). The device supports combinatorial and registered logic with dedicated fast paths for carry chains and cascade chains, allowing efficient arithmetic and wide fan-in functions. Per the FLEX 8000 datasheet, performance is approximately 125 MHz for typical designs. Architecturally, each LE contains a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated high-speed paths. Clock, clear, and preset control signals for the flip-flop can be driven by dedicated input pins, by general-purpose I/O, or by any internal logic. For purely combinatorial functions, the flip-flop can be bypassed and the LUT output drives the I/O directly. The high-pin-count PQFP-208 package integrates multiple 32-bit buses into a single device, making the EPF8636AQC208-4N a strong fit for bus-intensive glue-logic, bridge, and protocol-conversion applications. Typical applications include 32-bit bus interface bridging, peripheral controller glue logic, custom state-machine controllers, industrial control logic replacement, and legacy system redesign where 5 V tolerance and high I/O count matter. When designing with this part, plan for 5 V supply rails (3.3 V-only designs require a different family) and ensure JTAG/configuration timing matches the FLEX 8000 reference design. The PQFP-208 package has generous thermal headroom for commercial-temperature operation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EPF8636ARC208-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 208-RQFP | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPF8636ARC208-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based FPGAs, providing 6,000 usable gates with 504 logic elements in a 208-pin RQFP (28x28 mm) package with exposed pad. It operates from a 5V nominal supply (4.75V to 5.25V) and is fabricated on a 0.42 micron process, supporting system clock rates up to 125 MHz. The device is offered in speed grade -3 and is a loadable PLD using CMOS technology. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells, all of which can be customized by the designer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs -> CPLDs -> FPGAs) and are widely used to implement glue logic, custom processors, DSP pipelines, and high-speed I/O bridges. The FLEX 8000 family was Altera's second-generation SRAM-based FPGA line, replacing the earlier FLEX 6000 family with finer-grained logic and faster interconnect. Key specifications of the EPF8636ARC208-3 include 6,000 typical gates, 504 logic cells, 136 user I/O pins, and a 125 MHz internal performance target. The 208-RQFP package is a metric quad flat pack with an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation. The device supports in-system programmability via an external configuration EPROM or the Altera BitBlaster download cable, and is compatible with the MAX+plus II and Quartus design flows. Typical applications include legacy glue logic in telecom backplanes, industrial control boards, test and measurement front-ends, and migration paths for FLEX 8000 designs. The 136 I/O count is well suited for bus bridging, parallel DSP co-processing, and channelized interface aggregation. The 5V tolerant I/Os are particularly valued in industrial settings where 5V buses remain common. When designing with this part, observe that the FLEX 8000 family has been EOL for many years, so design verification against the latest revision of the datasheet is essential. Use proper decoupling on all VCC pins and follow Altera's recommended PCB layout for the exposed pad to maintain thermal performance. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in compatible FLEX 8000 family members, and practical design considerations not found in the original datasheet, helping engineers sourcing legacy Altera silicon confirm availability and identify pin-compatible substitutes before committing to a new board revision.
EPF8636ARC208-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 6K Gates, 208-RQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF8636ARC208-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based, loadable-programmable logic devices (PLDs), integrating 6,000 usable gates, 136 logic elements and 504 flip-flops into a 208-pin RQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package with exposed thermal pad. It operates from a single 4.75V to 5.25V supply, supports in-system configurability via a serial configuration EEPROM, and is built on a 5 V CMOS process with a 0.42 um feature size. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC whose logic architecture, interconnect, and I/O behaviour are defined after manufacturing by a user-supplied bitstream. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD), which also includes simple PLDs (SPLD), complex PLDs (CPLD), and structured ASICs. FPGAs are distinguished by their distributed RAM blocks, configurable logic blocks (CLBs), high-speed I/O, and (in modern families) hard IP cores such as transceivers and DSP blocks. The FLEX 8000 family was Altera's second-generation FPGA line, positioned between the original FLEX 8000 and the subsequent FLEX 10K, and is typically used for glue-logic, bus-bridging, and state-machine replacement in 5V-tolerant industrial designs. Key features of the EPF8636ARC208-4 include 136 logic elements, 504 flip-flops (registers), a maximum of 218 user I/O pins, 6 dedicated clock inputs (4 global + 2 fast), and a JTAG-compliant boundary-scan test interface (IEEE Std 1149.1). The die integrates 8 embedded RAM blocks, each configurable as 256 x 8, and supports tri-state output buffers on every user I/O. The device supports multi-volt I/O operation (3.3 V or 5 V), making it well-suited for mixed-voltage system designs. Architecturally, the FLEX 8000 family combines a four-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element with a fast-carry chain for arithmetic, a continuous interconnect fabric with both row and column channels, and per-pin tri-state control. The -4 speed grade indicates one of the faster commercial temperature bin selections; the device is also specified over the extended industrial temperature range of -40 C to +105 C, allowing deployment in harsh environments. Typical applications include industrial control logic, glue logic for legacy 5 V and 3.3 V microcontroller systems, bus-interface and protocol-bridging cards (e.g., PCI, ISA, VME), prototyping platforms, and embedded control systems. The wide 5 V tolerance makes it especially attractive for upgrading older CPLD designs with greater logic density. When designing with this part, ensure your configuration memory source can supply the bitstream on every power-up, and respect the 5 V absolute-maximum on user I/O when interfacing to 3.3 V logic (use a series resistor or level translator). The exposed thermal pad should be soldered to a copper pour for reliable thermal performance. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the EPF8636ARC208-4 that are not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet.
EPF8820ABC225-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672 LEs 8K Gates BGA-225 | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPF8820ABC225-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, providing 8K usable gates, 672 logic elements, and up to 16,000 usable gates with 1,500 registers in a 225-pin BGA package. Manufactured on a 0.42 micron CMOS process, this -3 speed grade device operates from a 5V supply and supports in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, enabling field updates without removing the device from the PCB. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and configurable I/O cells. Unlike an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA can be reconfigured after manufacturing, allowing engineers to implement custom digital logic without incurring NRE mask costs. The FLEX 8000 family sits in the taxonomy: PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> fine-grained register-rich architecture, optimized for high register count and wide datapath designs. Key features of the EPF8820ABC225-3 include a maximum internal clock frequency of approximately 125 MHz (per published family datasheet), 3.3V or 5V configurable I/O support, JTAG-based boundary-scan testing, and a 4-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element architecture. The 225-ball BGA package provides high I/O density for memory bus, address bus, and datapath designs that demand high pin count. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and glue logic, legacy data acquisition backplanes, prototyping of ASIC designs, and bus interface bridges. The EPF8820ABC225-3 was widely adopted in the late 1990s for high-density register-rich designs including FIFO controllers, peripheral bridges, and protocol converters. When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling on every VCC pin and use the dedicated JTAG chain for in-system programming. Note that the FLEX 8000 family has been NRND for many years and is now considered obsolete; modern alternatives like Cyclone IV/V offer substantially higher logic density at lower power.
EPF8820ABC225-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 5V 225-BGA | Intel
The Intel / Altera EPF8820ABC225-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 8,000 typical gates, 672 logic cells, and 152 user I/Os in a 225-ball BGA package. Fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, it operates from a 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V) at commercial temperature grade (0 °C to +70 °C) with a system performance rating of 125 MHz. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable digital integrated circuit whose logic functionality is defined after manufacturing by loading a configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy, above CPLDs and SPLDs, and are used wherever high gate counts, parallel data-path manipulation, or fast time-to-market outweigh the unit-cost advantage of an ASIC. The FLEX 8000 family was one of the first Altera device families to introduce logic elements (LEs) that combine a 4-input look-up table with a programmable register, supported by a continuous routing fabric. The EPF8820ABC225-4 organizes 672 logic cells across 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and exposes 152 user I/O pins. Its 4-input LUT architecture plus dedicated carry chains allows efficient implementation of arithmetic functions, datapath registers, and state machines. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, bus interfacing, DSP pre/post-processing, and wide datapath manipulation in industrial control and telecom infrastructure. Architecturally, the device uses SRAM configuration cells, meaning it must be reconfigured at every power-up (typically from a serial EPROM or microcontroller). The 225-BGA package at 19 × 19 mm provides ample signal escape and thermal headroom for the commercial-grade silicon. Power consumption scales with toggle rate and clock frequency; in static (un-clocked) conditions the device draws substantially less than at 125 MHz full-toggle. The -4 speed grade identifies a faster timing bin within the EPF8820 family, supporting internal toggle rates up to 125 MHz. The 'BC225' suffix specifies the 225-ball BGA package, while the trailing '-4' marks the speed grade and commercial operating temperature. A slower -3 speed grade is also available in the same package for cost-sensitive designs where the additional timing margin is acceptable.
EPF8820ABC225-4U - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LE, 225-BGA | Altera
The Intel / Altera EPF8820ABC225-4U is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) supplied in a 225-ball Plastic BGA (225-BGA) package. It provides approximately 8,000 usable gates (672 logic elements / 84 Logic Array Blocks) with 152 user I/Os, operates from a 4.75 V to 5.25 V core supply, and is offered in a commercial 0 °C to 85 °C temperature grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the user can define after manufacture via a bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), above simple PLDs (SPLDs) and complex PLDs (CPLDs), and below fixed-function ASICs in terms of integration density. The FLEX 8000 family specifically targets low-cost, high-density glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine consolidation, with system-level features such as in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration EPROMs or intelligent controllers. Key features include a register-rich architecture optimized for synchronous designs, multi-voltage I/O support (5.0 V PCI-compliant), JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan testing, and built-in PCI compliance for embedded bus applications. The 225-BGA package uses a 19 × 19 mm body and provides a robust thermal envelope for industrial temperature operation. Combined with SRAM-based configuration, the part allows unlimited reconfiguration during the product lifecycle, supporting field upgrades and design iteration without hardware rework. The FLEX 8000 architecture employs a four-input look-up table (LUT) plus a flip-flop per logic element, with fast continuous routing channels between Logic Array Blocks (LABs) to deliver predictable timing closure. The carry-chain and cascade-chain interconnects accelerate arithmetic and wide-decoder functions. The SRAM configuration cell is volatile, requiring a configuration memory on every power-up, typically a serial EPROM such as the EPC1 or EPC2 configuration device from the same Altera family. Typical applications include PCI bus interface bridges, peripheral controllers in networking line cards, glue-logic consolidation in legacy industrial PC/104 designs, and asynchronous-to-synchronous clock-domain bridges. The 152 available user I/Os accommodate parallel buses and multi-port memory interfaces, while the SRAM configuration permits in-system firmware updates over JTAG or processor-driven configuration schemes. When designing with this device, ensure proper power-supply sequencing: VCCINT (5 V core) must ramp monotonically before configuration is attempted. The user must select a configuration scheme (passive serial, passive parallel, or JTAG) and a compatible configuration memory device. Note that this MPN suffix 'U' indicates a tray packaging variant of the EPF8820ABC225-4 die; pinout, electrical specs, and timing are identical. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, BGA handling design notes, and configuration-scheming guidance not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
EPF8820AGC192-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 8K Gates, 192-Pin CPGA | Intel
The Intel EPF8820AGC192-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, delivering 8K usable gates, 672 logic cells, and a maximum internal clock frequency of 125 MHz in a 192-pin Ceramic Pin Grid Array (CPGA) package. Fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and powered from a 5 V supply, the EPF8820AGC192-2 delivers up to 16,000 usable gates and 1,500 registers with in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be electrically reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy: programmable logic device (PLD) -> FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital semiconductor. The FLEX 8000 family, introduced in the mid-1990s, was one of the early register-rich, SRAM-based CMOS PLD families aimed at glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine consolidation in 5 V systems. Key features include a maximum clock frequency of 125 MHz, propagation delay of 5.0 ns (per third-party catalog data), 3.3 V or 5 V tolerant I/O operation, and configurable I/O standards. The device supports multiple I/O voltage references, allowing direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V buses. In-circuit reconfigurability lets the design be updated in-system without removing the part, which was a defining advantage of the FLEX 8000 family over one-time-programmable PLDs. Architecturally, the EPF8820AGC192-2 uses a SRAM-based lookup-table fabric backed by registers, with FastTrack interconnect providing predictable routing delays. The 192-pin CPGA ceramic package is intended for through-hole industrial and military sockets where mechanical robustness and thermal performance outweigh the board area required by plastic QFP alternatives. Typical applications include industrial bus controllers, legacy 5 V system glue logic, telecom backplane interface logic, prototyping platforms, and retrocomputing or avionics systems where FLEX 8000 designs are preserved as firmware-equivalent IP. The 5 V tolerant I/O simplifies integration with TTL and CMOS legacy buses. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration EPROM is correctly selected and that ICR is disabled during reset to prevent spurious configuration loading. The CPGA package requires a through-hole socket; verify socket footprint and pin-1 orientation before layout. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric compatibility data, and practical design considerations not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page, complementing the original FLEX 8000 datasheet.
EPF8820AQC160-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 Cells, 160-PQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820AQC160-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based programmable logic devices, offering 672 logic elements (cells) and 120 user I/Os in a 160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and rated for a 5 V supply, it delivers up to 8,000 usable gates with a maximum toggle frequency of 125 MHz, making it suitable for glue-logic, bus-interface, and medium-complexity state-machine designs in commercial-grade systems. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells, all of which can be reconfigured after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) between simple CPLDs and high-density SoC FPGAs, and they are widely used for digital logic prototyping, custom interface bridging, and small-volume hardware acceleration where ASIC NRE costs are prohibitive. The FLEX 8000 series pioneered in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via an external serial or parallel configuration EPROM, allowing field updates without removing the device from the board. Key features of the EPF8820AQC160-2 include 120 user I/O pins supporting 5 V PCI-compliant signaling, a built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test interface, and a hierarchical interconnect architecture that routes signals between logic elements through fast local and global routing resources. The device supports both synchronous and asynchronous design styles, and its rich register count (approximately 712 flip-flops across the 672 logic elements) makes it well suited to pipelined datapaths and control logic with significant state-holding requirements. From a technical perspective, the FLEX 8000 architecture implements each logic element as a 4-input look-up table (LUT) feeding a programmable register, with carry-chain support for fast arithmetic. The SRAM configuration memory means the device is volatile and must be loaded at power-up, typically from a serial configuration PROM such as the EPC1 or EPC2. The -2 speed grade indicates a mid-tier timing closure suitable for most commercial designs at clock rates up to 125 MHz. Typical applications include PCI bus interface bridges, custom peripheral controllers for legacy microprocessors, glue logic replacing multiple 74-series TTL devices, industrial control boards with moderate logic density, and telecommunications line-card interface logic. The 160-pin PQFP package is easy to hand-prototype and rework, making the EPF8820AQC160-2 a popular choice for low-volume production and engineering development platforms. When designing with this device, ensure the configuration memory solution (EPC1/EPC2 or compatible) is correctly wired to the dedicated configuration pins (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA0). Because the configuration is SRAM-based, plan for deterministic power-up behavior, and add JTAG boundary-scan to simplify board test. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers shorten the sourcing cycle for legacy FLEX 8000 designs.
EPF8820AQC160-3 - 8K Gates FLEX 8000 FPGA, 120 I/O, 5V | Intel
The Intel EPF8820AQC160-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, delivering 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells, and 120 user I/Os in a 160-pin BQFP package. Built on a 0.42 um CMOS process and supplied from a 5 V rail, the device operates at up to 125 MHz system frequency and supports in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or an intelligent controller. The -3 speed grade places this part in the moderate-performance tier of the FLEX 8000 family, suitable for glue-logic, bus-interface, and PCI Local Bus bridging designs. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. Architecturally an FPGA sits above simple PLDs (PALs, GALs) and below ASICs in the logic-density hierarchy: it offers far more gates than a CPLD while remaining reprogrammable, making it a hybrid between programmable logic and custom silicon. FPGAs like the FLEX 8000 family integrate programmable logic elements (LEs), embedded interconnect, and configurable I/O cells on a single die, and they are widely used for prototyping, low-volume production, and design re-spin avoidance. Key features of the EPF8820AQC160-3 include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 1,500 registers, 282 to 1,500 flip-flops, and built-in PCI SIG-compliant bus interface support. Each LE contains a 4-input look-up table, a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated carry and cascade paths that accelerate arithmetic and wide fan-in functions. The device integrates JTAG boundary-scan test circuitry (IEEE 1149.1) for board-level test access. From an architectural perspective, the FLEX 8000 family uses a continuous, row-and-column interconnect structure with FastTrack Interconnect channels that provide predictable timing across the device. The 5 V tolerant I/O pins drive 120 external signals, sufficient for 32-bit processor buses plus memory and peripheral interfaces. The -3 speed grade delivers internal toggle rates suitable for 50-66 MHz PCI bus designs. Typical applications include PCI Local Bus interface bridges, peripheral controllers for embedded systems, industrial glue logic, prototyping for ASICs, and high-density state-machine replacement. The wide supply tolerance and CMOS process make it compatible with TTL-level peripherals. When designing with the EPF8820AQC160-3, ensure your board-level decoupling follows Altera's reference design and that configuration is supplied via an Altera EPC configuration EPROM or JTAG. Avoid using this legacy part in new 3.3 V-only designs; the 5 V supply is a defining constraint. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the EPF8820AQC160-3 not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF8820AQC160-4 - 8K Gate FLEX 8000 FPGA 672 Cells 160-PQFP | Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820AQC160-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic family, integrating approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells (Logic Elements / flip-flop pairs), and 120 user I/Os in a 160-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP / BQFP) surface-mount package. It is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, operates from a single 5 V supply, and supports system frequencies up to 125 MHz. The device carries the speed grade "-4" and commercial temperature grade (0 °C to 70 °C). A FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement custom digital logic through a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LEs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and smaller CPLDs in the programmable logic hierarchy: they offer higher density and richer register-rich architecture than CPLDs, while providing faster prototyping and lower NRE cost than ASICs. The FLEX 8000 family targets glue-logic, bus-interface, DSP preprocessing, and data-path applications where register density and continuous fast routing matter more than absolute gate count. Key features of the EPF8820AQC160-4 include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), continuous high-performance routing resources, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, and a register-rich architecture suitable for state machines, pipelined datapaths, and DSP frontend functions. The four-input look-up-table (LUT) based LE delivers predictable combinational and sequential logic performance, while multiple fast-row and fast-column interconnect channels minimize critical-path delay across the die. Technically, the EPF8820AQC160-4 implements an SRAM-based configuration memory (volatile, must be configured at every power-up from an external EPROM or micro-controller). Each LE embeds a 4-input LUT plus a programmable register, and groups of eight LEs form a LAB with local interconnect. The device supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan testing, tri-state bus drivers on every I/O, and PCI-compatible output drive strengths. It uses 5 V CMOS/TTL I/O with multi-voltage I/O (MVIO) capability through separate VCCIO banks in some package variants. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial-control interface bridging, DSP co-processing front-ends, wide data-path manipulation, and data-format conversion in legacy 5 V systems. Designers often select the EPF8820AQC160-4 when they need moderate logic density with abundant I/O in a proven mature-node process. A key design consideration is configuration: this device does not retain its bitstream when power is removed, so designers must pair it with a serial configuration EPROM (EPC1, EPC2, EPC16) or use a micro-controller to load the bitstream at boot. Because the FLEX 8000 family has been NRND for many years, designers should verify long-term availability and consider the Altera Cyclone series for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, application guidance, and drop-in same-family alternatives not typically collected on a single manufacturer datasheet page — useful when extending the lifecycle of installed FLEX 8000 designs or sourcing replacements for obsolete stock.
EPF8820AQC208-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 8K Gates, 152 I/O, 5V, PQFP-208 | Altera
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EPF8820AQC208-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells (also referred to as registers), and 152 user I/Os at a maximum toggle frequency of 125 MHz, all in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The device operates from a 5 V supply and is specified over the commercial 0 C to 70 C temperature range, targeting glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine replacement in legacy 5V designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), a programmable interconnect fabric, and programmable I/O cells. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an FPGA belongs to: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. FPGAs differ from CPLDs primarily by their SRAM-based configuration memory and finer-grained architecture, and they are typically used where high gate counts, register-rich designs, or in-system reconfigurability are required. The FLEX 8000 family is implemented in a 5 V CMOS process with on-chip SRAM configuration memory. Each logic element (LE) contains a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains, allowing efficient implementation of arithmetic and wide fan-in logic. The interconnect uses continuous, fast-path lines across the entire die for predictable timing, and the device supports in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, enabling field upgrades without removing the part from the system. Key features of the EPF8820AQC208-2 include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) of 8 LEs each (672 LEs total), 152 user I/O pins with 5 V tolerant I/O buffers, JTAG-based boundary-scan testing compliant with IEEE 1149.1, and a dedicated configuration interface. The PQFP-208 package provides gull-wing leads on a 28 mm x 28 mm body suitable for standard surface-mount assembly with a 0.5 mm lead pitch. Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (PCI, ISA, VME), glue logic replacement for discrete 74-series TTL/CMOS, industrial control state machines, prototyping ASICs, and legacy telecom/datacom equipment that still operates from 5 V rails. The combination of high I/O count and 5V tolerance makes the EPF8820AQC208-2 well suited for backplane interfacing where 5V signaling is mandatory. When designing with this part, note that FLEX 8000 devices are SRAM-based and require a configuration ROM on every power-up; JTAG programming alone does not retain the design. Designers should also verify that the 5V I/O tolerance is compatible with downstream devices and consider using series resistors or bus-switches when bridging to 3.3V peripherals. As the FLEX 8000 family is long since EOL/NRND, second-source qualification of pin-compatible alternatives is recommended for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison, and practical drop-in alternative guidance not found in the original datasheet alone.
EPF8820AQC208-2N - 8K Gates FLEX 8000 FPGA | Altera | 5V
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820AQC208-2N is a CMOS SRAM-based FLEX 8000 family FPGA with approximately 8,000 usable gates and 672 logic elements, packaged in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/QFP). The device supports 152 user I/O pins, runs from a 5 V supply, and is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process node, achieving a maximum toggle frequency around 125 MHz with a propagation delay of roughly 5 ns. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that integrates configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells on a single die. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs, microcontrollers, and ASICs as the dominant platforms for digital logic implementation. The FLEX 8000 family specifically targets register-rich, glue-logic and bus-integration applications, sitting hierarchically between low-density PLDs and high-density ASICs. Key features of the EPF8820AQC208-2N include 672 logic elements, 152 user I/O pins, JTAG-based in-system reconfigurability via the ByteBlaster interface, four dedicated fast inputs, multiVolt I/O support for 3.3 V and 5 V interfaces, and a global low-skew clock network. The device uses a continuous SRAM configuration architecture, so it must be configured at every power-up by an external EPROM, an Altera EPC1/EPC1441 configuration device, or a system controller. Architecturally, FLEX 8000 devices use a Logic Array Block (LAB) structure of 8 logic elements per LAB with shared carry chains and cascade paths, surrounded by a FastTrack Interconnect routing fabric. The embedded memory array holds the configuration bitstream, enabling live reconfiguration but making the part inherently volatile. The 5 V core and I/O operate at commercial temperature grade (0 to 70 °C), with the part produced under the FLEX 8000 family datasheet umbrella. Typical applications include high-speed bus bridges, peripheral controllers in telecom and networking, industrial machine control glue logic, prototyping for ASIC replacement, and bus-intensive designs such as 32-bit RISC/CISC peripheral glue. The 152 I/O pins accommodate multiple parallel buses in a single device, eliminating external bus-multiplexing logic. When designing with this part, ensure that configuration is supplied on every power-up using an EPC-series configuration device or microcontroller, and observe 5 V VCCINT and VCCIO decoupling guidelines. The part is EOL/legacy; new designs should consider Cyclone or MAX families.
EPF8820AQC208-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LEs, 208-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF8820AQC208-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), housed in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package with 152 user I/Os. It integrates 672 logic elements and 8,000 usable gates, organized into 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and operates from a 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V). A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs) connected by programmable interconnect. FPGAs belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which sit between fixed-function ASICs and discrete logic in the design hierarchy. Unlike gate arrays or standard-cell ASICs, FPGAs are reprogrammed in-circuit, accelerating prototyping and reducing non-recurring engineering (NRE) cost. The FLEX 8000 architecture combines a fine-grained logic fabric with dedicated FastTrack interconnect and a continuous SRAM configuration memory. Each LAB contains 8 logic elements (LEs) and local interconnect, while FastTrack rows and columns provide predictable, tpd-independent delays across the device. The EPF8820AQC208-3 also features built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan support and in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external EPROM (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441) or a system controller. Typical applications include glue-logic replacement, peripheral bus bridging, custom state-machine controllers, telecom interface glue, and industrial control front-ends. The 152 available I/Os at 5 V tolerance (commercial grade 0C to 70C) make it well suited to legacy TTL/CMOS bus interfaces. The device is also commonly deployed as a hardware accelerator for DSP pre/post-processing in cost-sensitive systems where modern FPGAs are over-spec. When designing with this part, note that the EPF8820AQC208-3 is marked Obsolete/EOL per the latest distributor listings; only remaining stock and refurbished supply are available. Designers should validate long-term availability for new production and consider modern Cyclone or MAX series as functionally equivalent drop-in alternatives where possible. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-to-pin compatible alternatives from the Altera FLEX 8000 family, and design notes not found on the original Altera datasheet, including context on SRAM configuration and JTAG testing for legacy designs.
EPF8820AQC208-3N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 672 Cells | Altera
The Altera EPF8820AQC208-3N is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, integrating approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells (LEs), and 152 user I/Os in a 208-pin FQFP (PQFP) package. It is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process and operates from a 5 V supply with a commercial 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor IC whose logic and interconnect resources are configured by the end user via a bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM configuration memory. FPGAs sit above CPLDs, ASSPs, and discrete logic in the programmable logic hierarchy and below custom ASICs in unit cost but above them in design flexibility and time-to-market. The FLEX 8000 family pioneered high-density, register-rich CMOS PLDs targeting glue logic, bus integration, and system-level integration that previously required multiple 32-bit bus devices in separate packages. Key features of the EPF8820AQC208-3N include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or a system controller, fast 16-bit loadable counter performance rated at 95 MHz, a 16-to-1 multiplexer delay of 7.9 ns at the -3 speed grade, and CMOS SRAM-based configuration elements that allow unlimited reconfiguration. The 152 user I/O count supports wide parallel bus interfaces, and the high-pin-count 208-FQFP package integrates multiple 32-bit buses into a single device. Configuration is performed at system power-up using data stored in an industry-standard parallel EPROM or via Altera EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, or EPC1441 serial configuration devices. Architecturally, FLEX 8000 devices use Logic Elements (LEs) tied together by a continuous FastTrack interconnect, with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory-intensive functions. The 0.42 µm process supports up to 16,000 usable gates, and the speed grade -3N indicates the -3 speed bin (slower than -4) with N denoting a non-lead-free or commercial finish variant. Typical applications include industrial control, telecom interface cards, and legacy bus-bridge replacement. Typical applications include industrial automation control, legacy telecom interface cards, PCI bus bridges, glue-logic consolidation in 5 V industrial systems, and educational/hobbyist development platforms. The wide I/O count makes it suitable for interfacing with parallel SRAM, FIFOs, and microprocessors of its era. Design with care when migrating to modern 3.3 V systems; the 5 V I/Os are tolerant but not strictly 3.3 V-compliant. When designing with this FPGA, observe that configuration data is volatile and must be reloaded on every power-up. Ensure proper decoupling of VCCINT and VCCIO rails, and verify timing closure against the -3 speed grade rather than the -2 or -4 grades. For new designs, consider that FLEX 8000 is in legacy lifecycle status. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, FQFP-208 footprint compatibility data, and practical configuration-design notes not found in the original FLEX 8000 datasheet - useful for engineers maintaining legacy 5 V systems.
EPF8820AQC208-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 Cells, 152 I/O, 5V | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820AQC208-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, integrating 672 logic cells (8K usable gates) with 152 user I/Os in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, supports a 5 V core supply, and operates at up to 125 MHz system frequency, making it suitable for high-volume glue-logic and bus-interface designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the density of gate arrays with the design flexibility of in-system reprogrammability. FPGAs occupy a tier between simple PLDs (PAL/GAL, CPLDs) and ASICs in the broader semiconductor hierarchy: programmable logic -> PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> programmable semiconductor. The FLEX 8000 series was Altera's first generation of register-rich, SRAM-based FPGAs with in-circuit reconfigurability, marking a transition away from one-time programmable fuse-link devices. Key features of the EPF8820AQC208-4 include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 152 user I/O pins, MultiVolt I/O support for 3.3 V and 5.0 V interface operation, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, and a continuous commercial temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C. The PQFP-208 package provides a robust gull-wing lead footprint compatible with standard surface-mount assembly lines. From an architectural standpoint, the EPF8820AQC208-4 uses an SRAM-based look-up-table (LUT) fabric with embedded register-rich LABs, a fast continuous interconnect network, and dedicated I/O cells supporting JTAG boundary-scan and MultiVolt I/O standards. In-circuit reconfigurability allows the device to be reprogrammed on the PCB without removing the part, a major advantage over fuse-based PLDs. Typical applications for the EPF8820AQC208-4 include industrial glue-logic replacement, PCI bus interface bridging, telecommunications line-card controllers, and legacy embedded control systems. The 152 I/Os make it attractive for designs that need to consolidate multiple discrete 74-series logic functions onto a single programmable device. When designing with this device, note that it is now a mature legacy part with limited distributor stock; engineers should verify long-term availability or plan a migration to a Cyclone-family replacement before entering volume production. The 5 V VCCIO option supports direct interfacing to legacy TTL/CMOS logic without level shifters. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and design notes not found in the original FLEX 8000 datasheet, providing practical sourcing and engineering guidance for engineers maintaining legacy FLEX 8000 designs.
EPF8820ARC-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672 Logic Elements | Altera
The Intel / Altera EPF8820ARC-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with 672 logic elements (LEs), 152 user I/O pins, and a -4 speed grade. According to the Altera FLEX 8000 datasheet, the EPF8820ARC-4 is supplied in a 208-pin BFQFP (R-C suffix) package and operates from a 5V VCCINT with 3.3V or 5V tolerant I/O, making it compatible with mixed-voltage legacy and 3.3V ASIC interfaces. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and configurable I/O cells. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, and are used to implement arbitrary digital logic that can be reconfigured after manufacture. The FLEX 8000 family specifically targets glue logic, bus interface, and state-machine applications in telecom, industrial, and embedded systems. Key features of the EPF8820ARC-4 include 672 logic elements (LEs), 152 user I/O pins, an embedded array block (EAB) for memory functions, and a -4 speed grade providing a balance between timing performance and power. The device supports in-system programmability via the Altera BitBlaster or ByteBlaster download cable, and configuration can be stored in serial EPROM or via the passive serial / passive parallel asynchronous modes. Compared with smaller FLEX 8000 members, the EPF8820 provides more than 3x the logic density of the EPF8282 family. Architecturally, the EPF8820 uses Altera's Classic look-up table (LUT) approach combined with EAB blocks for efficient RAM/ROM implementation. The device is built on a 0.5 um CMOS SRAM process, which provides deterministic configuration and unlimited re-programmability but requires a configuration device at power-up. The 208-pin BFQFP package exposes both core and I/O power rails for noise decoupling. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control glue logic, ASIC prototyping, and legacy bus-interface bridges. Designers select the EPF8820ARC-4 when they need medium logic density with a generous I/O count in a robust surface-mount plastic QFP. The FLEX 8000 family is widely supported by the Altera (now Intel) MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design tools. When designing with the EPF8820ARC-4, ensure a configuration EPROM (such as the Altera EPC1 or EPC2) is present at power-up since FLEX 8000 devices are SRAM-based and lose configuration when VCCINT drops. Decouple all VCCINT and VCCIO pins individually with 0.1 uF capacitors, and provide a minimum of 6 layers or a solid ground plane to suppress simultaneous switching noise on the 152 I/Os. Operating junction temperature must stay below 85C for commercial and 100C for industrial grades.
EPF8820ARC-4N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672-Cell 5V | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ARC-4N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, integrating 8,000 usable gates and 672 logic elements in a 208-pin RQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and powered from a 5 V supply, the device is rated for operation up to 125 MHz and is intended for system-level logic integration where deterministic, reconfigurable hardware is required. FLEX 8000 devices are SRAM-based programmable logic devices (PLDs). They belong to the broader taxonomy of FPGAs -> programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. Unlike antifuse or flash FPGAs, FLEX 8000 SRAM cells must be configured at every system power-up using external memory, which makes them reconfigurable in-circuit but volatile. Within the family, the EPF8820 sits in the mid-density tier between the smaller EPF8282/EPF8452 and the larger EPF8636/EPF81188. Key features of the EPF8820ARC-4N include 672 logic elements (LEs), 152 maximum user I/O pins, an embedded array block for wide fan-in functions, FastTrack interconnect for predictable routing delays, and a 4-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element. The '-4N' speed grade combined with industrial temperature support (0 °C to +70 °C junction) makes the part a drop-in upgrade candidate for FLEX 8000 designs where timing closure is critical. The exposed pad on the RQFP-208 package provides an additional thermal dissipation path. The device is configured at power-up via an industry-standard parallel EPROM or via Altera's serial configuration devices EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, and EPC1441. After configuration, the SRAM cells define both the logic function and the interconnect, allowing full in-system reprogrammability. The architecture is supported by the Altera MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design toolchains, which accept schematics, VHDL, and Verilog HDL inputs. Typical applications include glue logic for legacy 5 V embedded systems, industrial control and instrumentation, bus-interface bridging, and ASIC prototyping where the design is intended to migrate to a hard-structured ASIC. The wide operating voltage and broad third-party IP ecosystem (UARTs, FIFOs, memory controllers) extend the device's usefulness to telecom, military, and avionics platforms where FLEX 8000 remains a long-lived standard. A key design consideration for EPF8820ARC-4N is the configuration memory interface: because the SRAM configuration is volatile, the board must include a configuration EPROM, a microcontroller loader, or a JTAG chain (IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan) to reload the bitstream on every power-up. Designers should also budget for the 5 V I/O bank supply and ensure that all inputs stay within the 5 V tolerant range to avoid latch-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in FLEX 8000 family alternatives, and practical configuration/PCB layout notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single source for parametric, lifecycle, and replacement decisions.
EPF8820ARC160-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LE, 120 I/O, 160-BQFP | Intel
The Intel EPF8820ARC160-2 is a member of the classic FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based, electrically reprogrammable FPGAs, delivering 8,000 typical gates with 672 logic elements (LEs) organized into 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and providing 120 user I/O pins in a 160-pin BQFP (Metric Quad Flat Pack) surface-mount package. It operates from a single 5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V), is specified over the commercial 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range, and is designed for high-volume glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine integration where ASIC NRE costs cannot be justified. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? FLEX 8000 is a legacy SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Array family introduced by Altera (now Intel PSG) in the mid-1990s. Hierarchically, FLEX 8000 sits between simple PLDs/CPLDs (small logic-only devices) and modern high-density SRAM FPGAs (Cyclone, MAX series): device -> FPGA -> programmable logic -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. FPGAs contain configurable logic blocks (here, 4-LUT-based LEs grouped into LABs), programmable routing, and I/O cells; SRAM configuration makes them in-system reprogrammable but requires a configuration memory on every power-up. Key features include 120 user I/O pins supporting 5 V TTL/CMOS interfaces, on-chip SRAM-based configuration memory, multi-volt I/O compatibility, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test support, and a 4-input Look-Up Table (LUT) logic architecture. The part is built on a 0.5 µm CMOS SRAM process (Altera FLEX 8000 family), giving it non-volatile operation only when paired with an external configuration EPROM such as the EPC1 or EPC2. The device targets applications like industrial control glue logic, telecom line-card interface bridging, PCI bus interface bridging, custom peripherals for embedded microprocessors, and legacy replacement of 74-series and 4000-series MSI/LSI logic. With 120 I/O it can sink/source up to 25 mA per pin (typical) and supports PCI-compliant drive. When designing with EPF8820ARC160-2, plan for configuration: a serial configuration EPROM (EPC1/EPC2) or microcontroller must load the SRAM at every power-up. The 160-BQFP package has a footprint roughly 28 mm × 28 mm; provide four-layer PCB with solid ground and power planes for noise-sensitive applications. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, and parametric comparison versus same-family Intel FLEX 8000 variants and cross-brand Xilinx XC3000/XC4000 equivalents - information that is not consolidated on any single distributor page.
EPF8820ARC208-2 - 8K-Gate FLEX 8000 FPGA 152 I/O | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ARC208-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, integrating 672 logic cells, 152 user I/O pins, and approximately 8,000 usable gates in a 208-pin RQFP/BFQFP package with exposed thermal pad. It is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, operates from a 5 V supply, and is rated for commercial-temperature operation with a -2 speed grade targeting 125 MHz internal performance. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and discrete logic: like an ASIC they implement arbitrary digital functions, but unlike an ASIC the design is loaded into on-chip SRAM at every power-up, enabling in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR). Within the broader taxonomy, EPF8820ARC208-2 belongs to PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-density register-rich programmable logic family, a category historically used for glue logic, bus bridging, and state-machine consolidation in telecom, industrial, and computing designs. Key features include MultiVolt I/O operation (3.3 V or 5.0 V interface on all packages except 84-pin variants), in-system configuration via Altera EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 serial configuration devices or a microprocessor, 1,500 registers across the array, and JTAG-compliant boundary-scan test support. The Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and Enhanced Interconnect provide deterministic, predictable timing that Quartus and MAX+PLUS II development flows exploit for fast compile cycles. The architecture combines four Logic Elements per Logic Array Block, FastTrack continuous routing, and dedicated carry chains for arithmetic. Internal SRAM configuration memory is volatile, so an external configuration EPROM or controller must present the bitstream on each power-up; this is what makes FLEX 8000 devices in-circuit reconfigurable but also non-volatile-free in their default form. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial control and factory automation state machines, PCI/ISA bus bridges, video and image-processing data-path controllers, and legacy 5 V computing systems that require drop-in 5 V-tolerant I/O. The MultiVolt feature is particularly attractive in mixed-voltage designs (3.3 V core, 5 V peripherals). When designing with EPF8820ARC208-2, ensure the configuration scheme (EPC serial device, parallel EPROM, or microcontroller) is correctly dimensioned for the chosen bitstream size and that the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a sufficient copper pour to keep junction temperature within the commercial range. This page synthesizes Altera FLEX 8000 datasheet extracts, DigiKey/Mouser distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design considerations not found on any single manufacturer or distributor page.