FPGA & CPLD
Products (6352)
EPF8820ARQ208-3N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 672 Cells 5V RQFP-208
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ARQ208-3N is a FLEX 8000 family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 8,000 typical gates, 672 logic cells, and 152 user I/O pins in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (RQFP) package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process and rated for 5V operation, this device supports system clock rates up to 125 MHz and is configured at power-up from an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441), or a system controller. The -3N speed grade indicates the commercial temperature range and a specific timing bin, with the 'N' suffix denoting lead-free / NiPdAu lead finish. 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, all of which are defined by SRAM configuration bits loaded at power-up. FPGAs sit at the top of the digital logic hierarchy: programmable logic device (PLD) -> FPGA -> high-density SRAM-based FPGA. The FLEX 8000 series was Altera's first-generation family to combine fine-grained logic elements with continuous interconnect, enabling integration of 32-bit buses and high-pin-count glue-logic functions that previously required multiple TTL/CMOS devices. Key features include 8,000 typical gates (approximately 16,000 maximum gates), 672 logic elements (LEs), 152 user I/O pins, and embedded SRAM configuration memory. The device operates from a single 5 V supply with 3.3 V or 5 V I/O compatibility and provides in-system programmability (ISP) via the serial configuration interface. Continuous FastTrack interconnect delivers predictable timing across the die, and the four FastRow interconnect structures support high-speed row-to-row signal paths. The architecture is supported by the MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design environments for schematic, VHDL, and Verilog entry. Typical applications include 32-bit bus integration, peripheral bridging, custom microcontroller peripherals, glue-logic replacement for TTL/CMOS designs, industrial control interfaces, telecommunications line cards, and legacy 5V system upgrades. The high I/O count (152 signals) makes it well-suited to designs that need to consolidate multiple standard logic devices into a single package while maintaining 5V-tolerant I/O for direct connection to legacy buses. When designing with this part, pay attention to the I/O supply voltage (5 V VCCIO is required for 5V TTL inputs), and ensure the configuration scheme (EPC1/EPC2 serial or parallel EPROM) matches the board's boot infrastructure. The 208-pin RQFP has an exposed thermal pad that should be soldered to a copper pour to meet the commercial 0 to 70 °C operating range. The FLEX 8000 family is now mature and approaching end-of-life; users designing new boards should plan around the ACTEL/ProASIC3, Lattice ispMACH, or modern Cyclone families. However, the EPF8820ARQ208-3N remains widely available on the secondary market for sustaining legacy designs. This page synthesises distributor stock, same-package drop-in alternatives within the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for procurement, replacement, and obsolescence planning.
EPF8820ATC100-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672 LC, TQFP-100 | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATC100-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, delivering 672 logic elements (LEs) in a 100-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP-100) package. It supports a maximum of 124 user I/O pins and offers on-chip RAM of approximately 6,144 RAM bits, providing a flexible fabric for glue logic, bus interfacing, and custom state-machine integration in legacy and industrial designs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of an array of configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be reconfigured by the customer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit hierarchically under programmable logic devices (PLDs), parallel to CPLDs (Complex PLDs), and are widely used to implement glue logic, custom peripherals, and parallel DSP operations. The FLEX 8000 family is Altera's classic SRAM-based FPGA line, requiring an external configuration memory device (typically an EPC or serial flash) on every power-up because the SRAM cells are volatile. Key features of the EPF8820ATC100-2 include 672 logic elements, 124 maximum user I/O pins, 6 Kbits of embedded RAM, and a -2 speed grade representing the medium-speed bin of the family. The TQFP-100 surface-mount package with 0.5 mm pitch enables standard reflow assembly and is one of the most widely footprint-supported packages in legacy designs. The device operates from a 5 V tolerant I/O supply and a 3.3 V core supply on earlier FLEX 8000 revisions. Architecturally, the EPF8820ATC100-2 uses Altera's classic Logic Element (LE) structure, each consisting of a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and a carry chain for arithmetic. FastRow and FastColumn interconnect lines route signals between LEs and I/O elements with deterministic delays defined by the Quartus/MAX+PLUS II toolchain. The device is configured via the passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), or active serial (AS) modes, and is in-system programmable through the JTAG-compatible interface. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, telecommunications backplane interfacing, legacy peripheral emulation, prototyping bridges, and educational FPGA platforms. Engineers often select this part for drop-in replacement of original FLEX 8000 designs where a long-lifecycle pin-compatible Altera/Intel part is required. When designing with this part, provide a stable configuration source (EPC1, EPC2, or compatible flash) and decouple the 5 V and 3.3 V rails with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors near the package. Note that the FLEX 8000 family has been superseded by newer Cyclone and MAX families; new designs should consider Cyclone IV or MAX V for long-term supply assurance. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-level drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the legacy Altera datasheet, helping procurement and design engineers confirm supply options quickly.
EPF8820ATC100-2N - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LEs, TQFP-100 | Altera
The Intel (Altera) EPF8820ATC100-2N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based FPGAs, delivering 672 Logic Elements (LEs), 8 FastTrack Interconnect rows, and 672 flipflops in a 100-pin TQFP (TC100) surface-mount package with industrial operating temperature range. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process, it provides configurable logic blocks (LABs) of 8 LEs each and supports in-system reconfiguration via standard configuration EPROMs or Altera EPC1/EPC1213/EPC1064/EPC1441 serial devices. The FLEX 8000 family combines the architectural advantages of both erasable programmable logic devices (EPLDs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). As a CPLD/FPGA hybrid class, FLEX 8000 devices occupy the mid-density programmable logic hierarchy between small PLDs and high-end SRAM FPGAs: they fit above simple gate arrays (PAL/GAL), alongside early-generation CPLDs, and below modern high-density FPGAs in both logic capacity and pin count. Key features include 8 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) for implementing RAM, ROM, or FIFO functions, tri-state buffer emulation on every I/O pin for bus-oriented designs, and a -2 speed grade suitable for commercial logic integration. The device supports JTAG boundary-scan testing, conforms to PCI bus interface standards with appropriate clamping, and provides 5V-tolerant I/O on the 5.0V VCCIO variant. The TQFP-100 (TC100) 14x14 mm package offers a thermal resistance theta_JA of approximately 47 C/W with standard PCB copper. Typical applications include legacy industrial control systems, glue-logic replacement for discrete 74-series TTL, PCI bus interface bridges, multi-drop bus arbitration, and embedded controller co-processing. The 672-LE capacity suits designs that exceed simple PLD capability but do not require modern high-density FPGAs, making the FLEX 8000 family a cost-effective upgrade path for mature designs. When designing with this device, ensure configuration is loaded from a valid serial or parallel EPROM at every power-up. Provide a clean 5V core supply with decoupling capacitors placed close to VCC pins, and respect setup/hold times for the -2 speed grade. The TC100 package requires a 1.0 mm pitch PCB land pattern and standard reflow profile for surface-mount assembly.
EPF8820ATC144-1 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 Cells, 112 I/O, 144-TQFP | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPF8820ATC144-1 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. It provides 672 logic cells across 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 112 user I/O pins, and an equivalent gate count of approximately 8,000 usable gates, operating from a 5V supply. The trailing "-1" speed grade indicates the slowest of the FLEX 8000 speed bins, suitable for cost-sensitive, non-timing-critical applications. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, interconnect resources, and configurable I/O cells that engineers can customize after manufacture. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and CPLDs in the programmable logic hierarchy, offering higher logic density than CPLDs while remaining factory-reprogrammable. The FLEX 8000 family is configured at system power-up from an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441), or a system controller, and supports MultiVolt I/O for interfacing with 3.3V or 5.0V logic rails. Key features include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, MultiVolt I/O pin operation, a built-in Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) boundary-scan test interface per IEEE Std. 1149.1, and global routing resources for clock and control distribution. The EPF8820ATC144-1 is fabricated on a 5V CMOS process with SRAM configuration memory and is specified for the commercial operating temperature range of 0C to 70C. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, custom state-machine controllers, bus-interface bridging, and peripheral emulation in industrial control, telecom, and embedded computing systems. The FLEX 8000 architecture is register-rich, with the EPF8820A device providing up to 1,500 flip-flops, making it well-suited to pipelined datapath and small processor glue-logic roles. When designing with this device, ensure that the configuration scheme is selected and validated before PCB fabrication because FLEX 8000 devices are SRAM-based and lose configuration when power is removed. Plan for a non-volatile configuration memory on the board, and verify that JTAG chain ordering, voltage-level translation, and decoupling are sized for the 5V supply rail. For new designs consider Cyclone IV or Cyclone V as modern, lower-power successors. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives within the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not consolidated on the manufacturer datasheet.
EPF8820ATC144-10 - 672-Cell FLEX 8000 FPGA, 144-LQFP, 10ns | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATC144-10 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based FPGAs, integrating approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells, and 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) in a 144-pin LQFP (Low-profile Quad Flat Pack) package. Speed grade -10 corresponds to a 10 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay through the logic element, making it the slowest member of the EPF8820A speed-grade ladder. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process and operates from a 5 V supply with MultiVolt I/O capability allowing 3.3 V or 5.0 V interface voltages on all packages except specific 84-pin variants. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital functions. Within the taxonomy, the EPF8820ATC144-10 sits inside the broader hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The FLEX 8000 family pioneered Altera's fine-grained LAB architecture for medium-density glue-logic and bus-interface applications in the 1990s, before being superseded by FLEX 10K and Cyclone families. Key features include 112 user I/O pins, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external serial or parallel EPROM, and configuration support through Altera EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, and EPC1441 configuration devices. The 144-pin LQFP package has a 0.5 mm terminal pitch and supports surface-mount assembly with standard JEDEC footprints. Operating temperature range is commercial 0 °C to 70 °C. Architecturally, the EPF8820ATC144-10 uses CMOS SRAM configuration memory, meaning the design bitstream must be reloaded at every power-up from an external non-volatile store. This makes it suitable for prototyping and volume production where the design may evolve, and the same PCB can host different gateware revisions. Typical applications include industrial glue logic, bus-interface bridges (ISA, PCI, VME), prototyping platforms for ASIC replacement, and legacy system upgrades where 5 V-tolerant I/O is required. The MultiVolt I/O feature is particularly useful when bridging between 3.3 V peripherals and 5 V backplanes. For new designs the FLEX 8000 family is obsolete; engineers should evaluate Altera/Intel MAX II, MAX V, or Cyclone IV for new designs, while the EPF8820ATC144-10 remains useful for maintaining installed equipment. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration EPROM is sized correctly for the bitstream and that JTAG or Altera ByteBlaster programming access is reserved on the PCB for factory programming and field updates. Use I/O registers in the LABs for registered outputs to meet timing on the 10 ns grade. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in speed-grade alternatives, and application guidance not consolidated on a single manufacturer page.
EPF8820ATC144-11 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 144-TQFP | Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATC144-11 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, integrating 8,000 usable gates and 672 logic cells in a 144-pin TQFP (Plastic Thin Quad Flat Pack) package. Speed grade -11 indicates a specific propagation-delay bin, with the wider FLEX 8000 family operating up to 125 MHz internally and supporting 112 user I/O in this TQFP-144 form factor. Supply voltage is 5.0 V nominal with MultiVolt I/O capability (3.3 V or 5.0 V tolerance). A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) whose logic and interconnections are configured by CMOS SRAM cells, distinguishing it from CPLDs (which use non-volatile fuses or flash) and ASICs (custom-masked). Architecturally, an FPGA sits between a CPLD and a hard-masked ASIC in the programmable-logic taxonomy, and within the FLEX 8000 family it provides higher register counts than the smaller EPF8282A and lower density than the EPF81188A / EPF81500A. The FLEX 8000 family uses a fine-grained, register-rich architecture optimized for register-intensive datapaths and in-circuit reconfigurability. Key features of the EPF8820ATC144-11 include: 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells, 112 user I/O pins, 125 MHz internal operation, 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process, MultiVolt I/O interface, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external serial/parallel EPROM or Altera EPC1/EPC1213/EPC1064/EPC1441 configuration devices, JTAG boundary-scan support, and a commercial operating temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C. The 144-pin TQFP package measures 20 mm × 20 mm with 0.5 mm pitch. The FLEX 8000 architecture is built from Logic Array Blocks (LABs) interconnected by a continuous FastTrack interconnect. Each LAB contains multiple Logic Elements (LEs) — the basic building blocks comprising a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, and a carry chain for arithmetic. This register-rich architecture makes FLEX 8000 well-suited to state machines, datapath controllers, and bus-interface glue logic rather than purely combinational designs. Typical applications include glue-logic integration on legacy 5 V ISA/PCI motherboards, industrial control PLCs, telecommunications backplane glue logic, prototyping for ASIC migration, military/aerospace legacy systems, and educational FPGA development platforms. The MultiVolt I/O allows direct interfacing with both 3.3 V and 5.0 V devices without level shifters. When designing with this device, ensure the chosen configuration device (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, or EPC1441) matches the bitstream size. JTAG programming requires the TCK/TMS/TDO/TDI pins to be pulled correctly and a BSDL file from the FLEX 8000 family datasheet. This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in Altera/Intel alternatives, and configuration-design guidance beyond the bare datasheet — covering compatibility with the FLEX 8000 family lineup and modern supply-chain alternatives.
EPF8820ATC144-12 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 144-TQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF8820ATC144-12 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, delivering approximately 8,000 usable gates in a 144-pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) package. The device integrates 672 logic cells organized into 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and provides 112 user I/O pins, supporting 5.0V core and MultiVolt I/O operation for 3.3V or 5.0V interface compatibility. The -12 speed grade denotes the slowest timing bin in the FLEX 8000 lineup, optimized for cost-sensitive designs where maximum clock frequency is not the primary constraint. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure digital logic functions after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the semiconductor hierarchy as follows: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The FLEX 8000 family uses a continuous SRAM configuration cell architecture, which enables in-system reconfiguration and rapid prototyping without requiring external boot ROM in development environments. The architecture supports MultiVolt I/O, which is particularly valuable for mixed-voltage systems where the FPGA bridges 5V peripherals and 3.3V ASICs. Key features include 8,000 typical gates (4,500 usable gates), 672 logic elements, 84 LABs, 112 maximum user I/O pins, 5V VCCINT with selectable 3.3V/5.0V VCCIO, fine-grained Look-Up Table (LUT) based logic, fast interconnect routing, and JTAG-based boundary-scan testing. The -12 speed grade offers relaxed timing margins, making it suitable for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine replacement applications where timing closure is straightforward. The FLEX 8000 architecture employs a hierarchical routing structure with FastTrack interconnect, which provides predictable timing and efficient silicon utilization. Configuration data is loaded at system power-up from an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, or EPC1441), or a system controller. The CMOS SRAM configuration approach enables unlimited reconfiguration cycles, supporting iterative development flows and field upgrades. Typical applications include telecommunications interface cards, industrial control systems, glue logic between microprocessors and peripherals, legacy system replacement, and prototyping platforms for ASIC emulation. The 144-pin TQFP package supports both surface-mount manufacturing and hand-soldering for low-volume or repair scenarios, making the EPF8820ATC144-12 a flexible choice for both production and development environments. When designing with this device, note that the -12 speed grade is the slowest in the family; engineers targeting higher clock frequencies should select -10 or -4 speed grades. The MultiVolt I/O feature requires explicit VCCIO selection (3.3V or 5.0V) per bank, and configuration time depends on the selected configuration device and clock source. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package speed-grade alternatives, and design considerations not consolidated in the original Altera FLEX 8000 datasheet, providing an independent reference for engineers sourcing legacy Altera/Intel FPGA inventory.
EPF8820ATC144-15 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 672 Cells | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATC144-15 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, providing approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic elements (also called registers), and 112 user I/O pins in a 144-pin TQFP (also referred to as LQFP) package. The "-15" speed grade denotes a tpd (pin-to-pin delay) of approximately 15 ns, which positions it in the mid-speed tier of the FLEX 8000 series and makes it suitable for control logic, glue logic, and bus-interface bridges running at moderate clock rates. The device operates from a 5 V core supply and supports MultiVolt I/O, allowing 3.3 V or 5 V interfacing on the same silicon. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose logic and interconnections are configured by the user via SRAM configuration memory, placing FPGAs in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> CMOS programmable logic. The FLEX 8000 family pioneered fine-grained logic element architecture with FastTrack continuous interconnect routing, sitting between classic EPLDs and later Cyclone-class devices in Altera's product lineage. The FLEX 8000 architecture is designed for high pin count and register-rich designs. Key features of the EPF8820ATC144-15 include in-system reconfigurability via serial or parallel configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441), JTAG support via the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface, and MultiVolt I/O for mixed-voltage system integration. The 144-pin TQFP package is JEDEC-compliant and surface-mountable, supporting industrial-grade thermal ranges. The CMOS SRAM technology provides low static power and unlimited re-programmability, in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) being a hallmark of the FLEX 8000 family. Architecturally, the EPF8820ATC144-15 implements 672 logic elements arranged into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each LAB containing eight LEs with a local interconnect. The device is fabricated on a 5 V CMOS process with four-layer metal interconnect, with FastTrack routing providing predictable timing. Per the FLEX 8000 datasheet family, the -15 speed grade supports internal clock frequencies up to 125 MHz depending on design density, making it well suited for controller, bus-interface, and coprocessor roles. Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (e.g., between 5 V and 3.3 V domains), TTL integration for legacy system consolidation, coprocessor functions for microprocessor systems, high-speed controllers in industrial equipment, and digital signal processing glue logic. The 112 user I/Os are sufficient to integrate multiple 32-bit buses within a single device, replacing several discrete TTL packages. Designers select this part when they need a cost-effective 5 V FPGA with moderate logic density and a manageable TQFP footprint. When designing with the EPF8820ATC144-15, verify that your timing closure requirements fall within the 15 ns speed grade budget; if your design requires tighter timing, consider -3, -4, or -10 speed grade variants in the same package. The MultiVolt I/O feature allows mixed-voltage interfacing but requires careful VCCIO rail planning. Because the FLEX 8000 family is mature, lead time and inventory on the secondary market should be verified before committing to a new design. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers select the right speed grade and package variant for legacy 5 V FPGA designs.
EPF8820ATC144-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 Cells, 112 I/O, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATC144-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, offering 672 logic cells and approximately 8,000 usable gates in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP) package. The -2 speed grade balances device performance against power consumption for cost-sensitive commercial designs, with 112 user I/O pins for interface connectivity. The part operates from a 5V supply across the commercial 0C to 70C temperature range. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) embedded in a programmable interconnect fabric. In the FLEX 8000 hierarchy, the device sits under FLEX 10K as a register-rich, register-rich CMOS PLD family offering system-level features such as in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices or intelligent controllers, and full PCI Local Bus Specification compliance. This category positions FLEX 8000 between classic CPLDs (lower density, faster I/O) and modern FPGAs (higher density, embedded memory). Key features include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 112 user I/O pins, multiVolt I/O support, and compatibility with industry-standard configuration EPROMs and Altera serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441). The architecture is built on a 0.42 micrometer CMOS process, supporting PCI-compliant I/O signalling for plug-and-play peripheral designs. Typical applications include PCI bus interface glue logic, industrial control state machines, glue logic for legacy microprocessor systems, prototyping of custom ASICs, and bus-bridging in embedded designs. Designers also use FLEX 8000 parts for replacing multiple discrete PLDs and 74-series TTL in single-chip form factors. When designing with the EPF8820ATC144-2, ensure external configuration memory is sized for the bitstream and that JTAG or passive serial configuration is supported by the system controller. The LQFP-144 package allows hand-soldering and inspection, simplifying prototyping and low-volume production. Always verify PCI signalling compliance against the target revision of the PCI Local Bus Specification. This page synthesises distributor inventory, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Site MPN catalogue, and practical configuration guidance not consolidated in the legacy FLEX 8000 datasheet.
EPF8820ATC144-2N - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates 144-TQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EPF8820ATC144-2N is a FLEX 8000 family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic elements, and 112 user I/Os in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process and operating from a 5 V supply, it supports in-circuit reconfigurability through external configuration EPROMs or Altera EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1213/EPC1441 serial configuration devices, enabling system-level flexibility for prototyping and field updates. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that an engineer can program to implement arbitrary digital logic, glue logic, bus interfaces, state machines, and signal-processing datapaths. Within the broader taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs in the programmable logic hierarchy and are categorized under Integrated Circuits > FPGA & CPLD. FLEX 8000 was Altera's register-rich, high-density family positioned between simpler Classic EPLDs and the larger FLEX 10K family that introduced embedded array blocks. Key features of the EPF8820ATC144-2N include 84 logic array blocks (LABs), 112 maximum user I/O pins, and a maximum toggle frequency of 125 MHz. The device supports multi-voltage I/O operation (TTL and CMOS interfaces) and offers fast in-system configuration via the FLEX configuration scheme. The high-pin-count 144-TQFP package integrates multiple 32-bit buses into a single device, allowing dense glue-logic and peripheral-bridge designs. The EPF8820ATC144-2N uses Altera's classic 4-input look-up table (LUT) architecture with a continuous routing network, providing predictable timing and good register-to-logic ratios suited for state machines, datapath registers, and address decoding. The 5 V core is robust for legacy industrial interfaces and TTL buses. Typical applications include TTL and bus integration (PCI bridges, ISA glue logic), high-speed controllers, coprocessor functions, DSP preprocessing, wide-data-path manipulation, and address/data translation between mismatched processor peripherals. The 112 I/Os comfortably handle 32-bit datapaths plus control. When designing with this part, ensure correct configuration mode selection (FLEX configuration scheme), proper decoupling of the 5 V rail, and observance of TQFP-144 PCB land pattern guidelines for reliable hand or reflow soldering. This page consolidates distributor stock, drop-in alternatives, and application notes not always present in the bare datasheet PDF, serving engineers searching for a FLEX 8000 FPGA cross-reference.
EPF8820ATC144-3 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LE, 144-LQFP | Intel/Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATC144-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of high-density CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering approximately 8,820 usable logic elements with 672 logic elements (LEs), 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and 112 user I/Os, all housed in a 144-pin LQFP (also referred to as TQFP 20x20 mm) package. It supports a single 5.0 V supply rail (VCCINT 4.75 V-5.25 V) with selectable VCCIO for 3.3 V or 5.0 V I/O standards, includes 16,000 usable gates with up to 1,500 registers, and operates over the commercial 0 C to +70 C temperature range. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? The FLEX (Flexible Logic Element matriX) 8000 family is a register-rich, low-cost, high-density CMOS programmable logic family based on a look-up table architecture with embedded SRAM configuration memory. In the broader hierarchy, it sits below programmable logic devices (PLDs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are themselves a class of semiconductor integrated circuits that implement arbitrary digital logic via user-programmable configuration rather than fixed mask-defined interconnects. FLEX 8000 devices introduced system-level features such as in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, multi-volt I/O, and built-in JTAG boundary-scan testing. Key features include in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) interface or Altera EPC serial configuration devices, multi-volt I/O supporting both 3.3 V and 5.0 V interfaces, and interconnect-rich fine-grained architecture based on continuous FastTrack routing. The architecture combines 4-input look-up tables in each LE with a dedicated carry chain for arithmetic and a cascade chain for wide fan-in functions, enabling high logic density at low cost. Configuration RAM is volatile and must be reloaded at every power-up, supporting in-circuit reconfigurability for field upgrades. Typical applications include glue-logic replacement on legacy 5 V PCI, ISA, and VME boards, industrial control and factory automation controllers, telecommunications interface glue logic, and high-volume consumer equipment that benefits from logic integration. The device is also widely used in educational hardware and retro-computing projects that require an authentic 5 V-era FPGA. The -3 speed grade offers a balance of speed and cost suitable for most general-purpose designs operating below 100 MHz internal frequencies. When designing with this device, observe the 5.0 V VCCINT requirement - this part is NOT 3.3 V core tolerant like modern FPGAs. Use level shifters on I/O banks when interfacing with 3.3 V logic, and budget configuration time during power-up. Configuration data must be loaded from an external serial or parallel PROM on every POR event.
EPF8820ATC144-3N - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 8K Gates, 672 Cells | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EPF8820ATC144-3N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, delivering approximately 8,000 usable gates and 672 logic cells in a 144-pin TQFP (also described as 144-LFQFP) surface-mount package. It is fabricated on a 0.42 µm process node and operates from a 5 V supply within the commercial 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range. The -3 speed grade positions this device in the mid-tier of the FLEX 8000 performance spectrum, with an internal counter frequency benchmark commonly cited around 125 MHz. What is a FLEX 8000 FPGA? The FLEX (Flexible Logic Element matriX) 8000 is a register-rich, in-system reconfigurable programmable logic family from Altera (now Intel FPGA). FPGAs in general sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD) and belong to the digital semiconductor hierarchy: logic IC -> PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA. FLEX 8000 devices are configured at system power-up by loading SRAM configuration bits from an external EPROM or from Altera EPC-series serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441). The architecture provides two dedicated high-speed signal paths, carry chains and cascade chains, used to accelerate arithmetic and wide fan-in logic functions. The architecture combines a flexible logic element (LE) matrix with continuous FastTrack interconnect rows and columns. Each LE contains a 4-input look-up table (LUT) for combinatorial logic and a programmable flip-flop for sequential logic. The flip-flop clock, clear, and preset control signals 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, allowing the LUT output to flow directly to the device pin. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, interface bridging, bus protocol conversion, and small to medium state-machine controllers in industrial, telecom, and embedded systems. The 152 user I/Os and 5 V tolerance make this part particularly suitable for legacy 5 V system designs where modern low-voltage FPGAs cannot be directly interfaced. System-level features include in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external configuration devices, allowing field upgrades without removing the device from the board. Designers should consider the device's 5 V core supply requirement, the need for an external configuration memory, and the inherent volatility of SRAM-based configuration, which means the bitstream must be reloaded after every power cycle. Compared with lower-density CPLDs, the FLEX 8000 family offers significantly higher logic capacity and richer register resources at the cost of a larger footprint and external configuration logic. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in FLEX 8000 alternatives in the same 144-pin TQFP footprint, and practical configuration-design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet.
EPF8820ATC144-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 Cells, 144-TQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATC144-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. It integrates approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic elements across 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and 112 user I/O pins, fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process with four input Look-Up Tables (LUTs). It operates from a 5 V core supply, supports MultiVolt I/O interfacing at 3.3 V or 5.0 V, and is offered in a -4 speed grade rated for commercial temperature operation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) subclass that uses an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LABs), programmable interconnect, and configurable I/O cells to implement arbitrary digital logic. Within the broader taxonomy, the FLEX 8000 belongs to: FPGA → programmable logic device (PLD) → digital integrated circuit → semiconductor. FPGAs are reconfigurable in-system and are used wherever custom ASIC-like logic density and parallelism are required without the NRE cost of a mask-programmed device. Key features of the EPF8820ATC144-4 include 8K equivalent gates, 672 logic cells, 84 LABs, 112 user I/O, embedded SRAM configuration memory, MultiVolt I/O support, and on-chip JTAG-based boundary-scan test (IEEE 1149.1) for production programming. Configuration is loaded at power-up via serial or parallel PROM using Intel configuration devices such as EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, and EPC1441. The FLEX 8000 architecture separates logic, interconnect, and I/O into distinct structures with continuous FastTrack interconnect rows and columns, providing predictable timing across the device. The LUT-based logic element supports wide-input combinational and registered functions, while the SRAM-based configuration enables unlimited in-system re-programmability. A global clear and clock network distributes reset and clock signals across all LABs. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, telecommunications interface bridging, test and measurement instrumentation, and legacy system prototyping. It also appears in legacy 5 V industrial bus systems where modern low-voltage FPGAs are incompatible, and in educational hardware platforms requiring a low-density, 5 V tolerant programmable device. When designing with the EPF8820ATC144-4, plan for external configuration memory (an EPC1, EPC1064, or EPC1441 serial PROM) and respect the 5 V VCCINT supply requirement. Note that this part is from a discontinued legacy family; production availability is limited to remaining distributor stock, and new designs should evaluate Intel's modern MAX II, MAX V, or Cyclone families as alternatives.
EPF8820ATC144-4N - 8K Gates, 125MHz FLEX 8000 FPGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EPF8820ATC144-4N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells, and 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) with up to 112 user I/Os in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. The device is fabricated on a 0.42 µm CMOS process, operates from a single 5 V supply, and supports system clock rates up to 125 MHz, making it a high-density register-rich programmable logic solution for glue logic, bus interfacing, and state-machine control in legacy industrial and telecom designs. An FPGA is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs / LABs in Altera terminology) interconnected by a programmable routing matrix and surrounded by user I/O cells. FPGAs differ from CPLDs in offering distributed flip-flops, block RAM, and richer routing, enabling implementation of wide datapath functions, FIFOs, and pipeline stages that exceed the macrocell capacity of a CPLD. The FLEX 8000 family in particular pioneered Altera's continuous FastTrack interconnect, balancing predictable timing with high logic density. Key specifications of the EPF8820ATC144-4N include 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic elements, 84 LABs, 112 user I/Os, 5 V single-supply operation, 0.42 µm CMOS technology, and a maximum internal operating frequency of 125 MHz. The device is configured at power-up via an industry-standard parallel EPROM or an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441). Built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan support and in-circuit reconfigurability simplify board-level test and field upgrades. The architecture centers on a symmetrical array of LABs connected by the FastTrack continuous interconnect hierarchy, providing fast and predictable connections between adjacent and diagonal blocks. Each LAB contains multiple logic elements (LEs), each consisting of a 4-input look-up table, a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated carry and cascade chains. The I/O ring supports a wide range of standards (TTL, CMOS) and is organized as input, output, or bidirectional cells with individual enable and clocking options. Typical applications of the EPF8820ATC144-4N include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation, glue logic on legacy VME/PCI bus systems, ASIC prototyping, and instrumentation front-ends. The wide operating temperature range (commercial, 0 to 70 °C) and TQFP-144 footprint allow direct drop-in use in designs originally specified around FLEX 8000 logic density. When designing, verify that your configuration scheme (serial vs parallel), JTAG chain, and I/O voltage standards match the FLEX 8000 reference design; pair the device with EPC1441 or EPC1064 configuration PROMs and a low-skew global clock buffer for multi-clock domains. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in same-package alternatives from the FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EPF8820ATC144-6 - 8K Gates, 125MHz FLEX 8000 FPGA | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATC144-6 is a member of the FLEX 8000 programmable logic device family, delivering approximately 8,000 usable gates, 672 logic cells, and 112 user I/Os in a 144-pin TQFP (LFQFP) package. Operating from a 5V supply at a 125MHz internal frequency, this CMOS SRAM-based FPGA provides low-cost, high-density register-rich programmable logic with in-circuit reconfigurability. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing channels, and programmable I/O cells. FPGAs sit at the top of the digital logic hierarchy: programmable logic device (PLD) -> complex PLD (CPLD) -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA. The FLEX 8000 family targets glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine consolidation roles where discrete 74-series logic or a CPLD would otherwise consume excessive board area. Key features include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) with 8 logic elements per LAB, 4 dedicated input pins, MultiVolt I/O supporting 3.3V or 5.0V interface (144-pin packages), and configuration via industry-standard parallel EPROM or Altera serial configuration devices (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, EPC1441). The -6 speed grade specifies a worst-case propagation delay of approximately 1.9ns. The FLEX 8000 architecture uses continuous SRAM configuration memory, allowing in-system reconfiguration (ICR) via a controller or configuration device. Each LAB contains an expansion product-term array and a carry chain for arithmetic functions; interconnect uses FastTrack routing with row and column channels. Die size and process technology make this device the lowest-density FLEX 8000 variant, suitable for designs that exceed CPLD capacity but do not require modern high-logic-count FPGAs. Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (PCI, ISA, VME), glue-logic consolidation in industrial controllers, state-machine replacement, address decoding and interrupt handling in embedded systems, and legacy 5V peripheral interfacing where MultiVolt I/O removes the need for level shifters. Production-intent designs targeting this part typically migrate to newer Cyclone or MAX families today. Design considerations include dedicated VCCINT and VCCIO rail separation for 3.3V/5.0V I/O, mandatory configuration device selection (EPC1, EPC2, EPC1441), and JTAG support via nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins. The -6 speed grade represents one of the slower grades in the family; faster -3 or -2 grades are usable when timing margins are tight. This page synthesizes Altera FLEX 8000 specifications, parametric drop-in alternatives within the same speed/package family, and design notes not consolidated in the original datasheet.
EPF8820ATC144-7 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672-Cell 7ns TQFP-144 | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EPF8820ATC144-7 is a member of the classic FLEX 8000 programmable logic family, delivering 8,000 usable gates and 672 logic cells in a 144-pin TQFP package. The "-7" suffix denotes a 7ns pin-to-pin propagation delay speed grade, making it the slowest commercial bin of the EPF8820A device. According to Altera FLEX 8000 datasheet, the family is built on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process and supports in-circuit reconfigurability (ICR) via external EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441 configuration EPROMs. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing channels, and programmable I/O cells. Designers describe logic at the register-transfer level using HDLs (VHDL or Verilog) and the synthesis toolchain maps the design into the bitstream that configures SRAM look-up tables, flip-flops, and interconnect. FPGAs sit in the broader programmable logic hierarchy: PLD (programmable logic device) is the umbrella term, SPLD/CPLD represent simpler non-volatile architectures, while SRAM-based FPGAs like FLEX 8000 offer the highest logic density and re-programmability. Key features of the EPF8820ATC144-7 include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 112 user I/O pins, a 5V core supply with MultiVolt I/O support (3.3V or 5.0V on the I/O bank for all packages except 84-pin variants), and JTAG-based boundary-scan testing per IEEE 1149.1. The architecture uses continuous FastTrack interconnect routing and incorporates embedded RAM blocks and a per-pin tri-state buffer for bus-oriented designs. The TQFP-144 footprint exposes 112 user I/Os while leaving the remaining pins for power, ground, configuration, and JTAG signals. Typical applications include glue-logic integration, peripheral bus bridging (ISA-to-PCI bridges in legacy PCs), industrial control state machines, prototyping ASICs, and replacement of multiple TTL/CMOS 74-series packages. Engineers also deploy the EPF8820ATC144-7 in telecommunications line cards, test equipment front-ends, and avionics subsystems where 5V tolerance and through-hole-compatible surface-mount packages are required. The FLEX 8000 family was a workhorse of late-1990s and early-2000s designs, and many systems still rely on these parts for long-life-cycle support. When designing with the EPF8820ATC144-7, ensure your Quartus II or MAX+PLUS II toolchain targets the FLEX 8000 device family and that the configuration EPROM (EPC1/EPC1064/EPC1441) is correctly selected for the device density. Watch the -7 speed grade carefully - it is the slowest EPF8820A bin and may not meet timing budgets that the -3 or -4 grades can. The part is now in NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) lifecycle, so consider Cyclone or MAX families for new projects.
EPF8820ATC144-8 - FLEX 8000 8K Gate FPGA, 144-LQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATC144-8 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays, offering approximately 8,000 usable gates with 672 logic elements in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP) surface-mount package. It is part of the legacy Altera programmable logic portfolio, originally released in the mid-1990s and now supported through Intel FPGA's mature-device lifecycle. The "-8" suffix designates a specific speed grade within the FLEX 8000 family, where lower numeric suffixes correspond to faster internal performance. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) interconnected by a programmable routing matrix. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy: PAL/GAL (simple) -> CPLD (complex programmable logic device) -> FPGA (highest density, SRAM-based). The FLEX 8000 family pioneered Altera's look-up-table-based architecture combined with continuous interconnect, a design that influenced later device families such as ACEX, APEX, and Cyclone. Key features include 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 112 user I/O pins, on-chip SRAM configuration memory, and support for MultiVolt I/O interfacing with 3.3V or 5.0V systems (excluding EPF8636A 84-pin variants). The device is configured at system power-up via an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, EPC1441), or a system controller. The CMOS SRAM configuration approach allows in-system reconfiguration and unlimited reprogramming cycles. The FLEX 8000 architecture is fabricated on a 0.42 micrometer CMOS process with four-layer metal interconnect. Each Logic Element contains a 4-input look-up table, a programmable flip-flop, and dedicated carry and cascade chains that accelerate arithmetic and wide fan-in functions. Continuous FastTrack interconnect provides predictable routing delays across the device. The 144-pin LQFP package uses a 0.5 mm terminal pitch and offers a 31 mm x 31 mm body suitable for production through-hole-free assembly. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, telecommunications interface adapters, legacy ASIC replacements, prototyping platforms, and military/aerospace systems requiring long-life programmable logic. Engineers continue to deploy EPF8820ATC144-8 designs where proven design IP, long-term availability through Altera/Intel's mature-device program, and a stable Quartus design flow outweigh the benefits of migrating to newer families. When designing with this device, ensure proper configuration is supplied at every power-up because SRAM-based FPGAs lose configuration on power-down. The JTAG boundary-scan and dedicated configuration pins must be correctly terminated, and the MAX+plus II or Quartus design software should be used for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. Users targeting modern I/O standards should migrate to newer families like Cyclone or MAX 10. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, FLEX 8000 family drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone, enabling engineers to evaluate the EPF8820ATC144-8 for both new and legacy design-in scenarios.
EPF8820ATI144-1 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 8K Gates, 1.8ns, TQFP-144 | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATI144-1 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS programmable logic devices, delivering up to 8,200 usable gates, 672 logic elements, and 112 I/O pins in a 144-pin TQFP (TQ144 / 0.500 mm pitch) industrial-grade package. Built on a 0.42 µm CMOS EPROM process, this device provides a propagation delay of approximately 1.8 ns and supports system clock frequencies up to 80 MHz. The FLEX 8000 family is an SRAM-based programmable logic device (PLD) that combines fine-grained logic elements with continuous-channel routing to deliver predictable timing. It is widely used as a flexible substitute for discrete TTL/CMOS glue logic and gate arrays, allowing designers to integrate 5V and 3.3V interfaces through MultiVolt I/O buffers while operating from a 3.0 V to 3.6 V core supply. Key features include a continuous FastTrack Interconnect routing architecture for deterministic timing, built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test, in-system programmability through the EPC configuration controller, and four dedicated high-speed clock inputs with on-chip PLL-like global clock distribution. The TQFP-144 package offers an industrial operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C suitable for telecom, industrial control, and embedded computing designs. Typical applications for the EPF8820ATI144-1 include high-volume glue-logic consolidation in 5V and 3.3V systems, PCI bus interface bridges, legacy ASIC and gate-array emulation, telecom line-card control logic, and industrial automation controllers. Its compatibility with the Quartus II and MAX+PLUS II design environments also makes it a useful bridge in maintenance and long-life-cycle designs. When designing with the EPF8820ATI144-1, ensure the design tools (Quartus II or MAX+PLUS II) match the device, and verify configuration scheme support. The device is one of the highest-density FLEX 8000 members in a 144-pin TQFP; the same die is also offered in larger packages such as RQ208, R240, and C240 for applications needing more I/O pins.
EPF8820ATI144-2 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 672-LE PQFP Industrial | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATI144-2 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 672 logic elements (LEs) in a 144-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package with 112 user I/O pins and 4 dedicated inputs. It is graded for the industrial temperature range and operates from a 4.5V to 5.5V single supply with a nominal VCC of 5V. 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, allowing the designer to implement arbitrary digital logic after PCB fabrication. In the system hierarchy, the FLEX 8000 family sits under SRAM-based programmable logic -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The EPF8820 targets glue-logic, bus-interface, and low-to-medium-density state-machine applications where a small ASIC would otherwise be required. Key features include 1.7 ns pin-to-pin propagation delay through the FastTrack interconnect, 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), continuous FastTrack routing for predictable timing, and built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan support. The 0.50 mm terminal-pitch PQFP-144 (S-PQFP-G144) package supports surface mounting and is compatible with standard SMT assembly lines. The device is configured at power-up from a serial PROM or microcontroller via the FLEX 8000 passive serial/parallel configuration scheme. Architecturally, the EPF8820A uses an SRAM configuration cell, requiring an external boot device on every power cycle. Each LE contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and a carry chain for arithmetic. The 84 LABs are arranged in rows and columns around the periphery, with 16 LEs per LAB and dedicated cascade chains for wide fan-in functions. The I/O ring supports 5V-tolerant inputs on a 5V VCCIO, plus programmable slew-rate and pull-up resistors. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, telecommunications backplane interface bridging, custom peripheral expansion for embedded microprocessors, and legacy 5V system upgrades that cannot move to 3.3V FPGAs. The 1.7 ns tPD also makes it useful for fast custom-state-machine replacement of discrete 74-series logic. When designing, treat the EPF8820ATI144-2 as an SRAM FPGA: a configuration source (EPC1, EPC2, or a microcontroller) is mandatory because internal SRAM is volatile. Ensure VCC ramps monotonically per the FLEX 8000 handbook; an incomplete power-up can corrupt configuration and cause bus contention on the outputs. Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor at every VCC/VCCIO pin and provide a low-impedance ground plane. This page consolidates distributor pricing, real FLEX 8000 family drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance beyond what is reproduced in the legacy Altera datasheet.
EPF8820ATI144-2N - 672-Logic-Element FLEX 8000 FPGA | Altera | 5V
The Altera (now Intel) EPF8820ATI144-2N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based programmable logic devices (PLDs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), offering 672 logic elements in a 144-pin TQFP (TQ144) industrial-grade package with a 1.7 ns propagation delay. It is a loadable PLD that operates from a single 5V supply (4.5V to 5.5V range) and is intended for surface-mount designs requiring a moderate gate density with predictable timing. A FLEX 8000 device is a class of SRAM-based programmable logic that combines fine-grained logic elements (LEs) with continuous interconnect and embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory functions. FPGAs in general sit within the programmable logic hierarchy (PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA) under the broader semiconductor category, and the FLEX 8000 family was Altera's mainstream high-density family prior to the MAX and Cyclone series. Unlike antifuse or flash FPGAs, FLEX 8000 parts are volatile and must be configured from an external EPROM or Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1213, EPC1064, EPC1441) at every power-up. Key features include 672 logic elements, 1.7 ns combinatorial propagation delay (tPD), SRAM-based configuration that supports in-system re-programmability, an industrial operating temperature grade (-40C to +85C), and JTAG-erasable memory cells for fast design iteration. The 144-pin TQFP package uses gull-wing leads at 0.500 mm pitch for SMT assembly, and the device is pin-compatible with other EPF8820A TQ144 speed grades, allowing board reuse across the family. Architecturally, the EPF8820A integrates logic elements organized into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each containing multiple LEs with a 4-input look-up table, programmable register, and carry chain. EABs provide on-chip RAM/ROM with widths up to 16 bits. Continuous routing channels deliver predictable, deterministic timing well-suited to glue-logic, bus-interface, and state-machine roles in legacy industrial systems. Typical applications include industrial machine control, legacy telecom interfaces, glue-logic replacement for TTL/74-series designs, custom bus controllers (ISA, PC/104, VME), and prototyping platforms where the FLEX 8000 toolchain (MAX+PLUS II or Quartus) is still in production use. The part is also common in long-lifecycle defense and aerospace programs where a stable 5V supply and industrial-temperature silicon are required. When designing with this part, designers must provide an external configuration memory because FLEX 8000 devices lose their configuration on power-down. Plan a 5V analog supply with adequate decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF), respect the 4.5V to 5.5V supply window, and reserve board area for the EPC1/EPC1441 configuration EPROM. Programming is performed via the Altera ByteBlaster or via JTAG. This page synthesizes distributor availability, Altera-family drop-in alternatives in the same TQ144 footprint, and practical design notes (configuration memory, 5V supply decoupling, JTAG chain) that are not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet itself.
EPF8820ATI144-3 - 672-LE FLEX 8000 FPGA, 5V, 144-LQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATI144-3 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 144-pin LQFP (LFQFP) package with gull-wing leads. The device integrates 672 logic elements, supports 152 user I/O pins with 3.3V or 5V configurable I/O standards, and operates at a 0.2 ns propagation delay target suitable for high-speed glue-logic and bus-interface designs. The "-3" speed grade designates a faster bin within the EPF8820A industrial-grade product line, which is graded for industrial temperature operation. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and programmable I/O cells that the designer can configure after manufacture. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), alongside CPLDs (Complex PLDs) and simple PLAs/PALs, and are distinguished by their very high logic density and SRAM-based configuration memory. The FLEX 8000 family is the second-generation Altera architecture that preceded the FLEX 10K and Cyclone series, and EPF8820 parts were widely used in 5V-tolerant telecom, industrial-control, and embedded glue-logic applications during the late 1990s and 2000s. Key features of the EPF8820ATI144-3 include 672 logic elements with Look-Up Table (LUT)-based architecture, 152 maximum user I/Os, an embedded array block structure for efficient memory and arithmetic, in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan interface, and a 0.2 ns propagation-delay figure that supports clock and register-intensive pipelines. The 144-pin LQFP package provides 1.6 mm package height and 0.5 mm lead pitch, enabling low-cost PCB assembly on standard 4-layer FR-4 boards with conventional SMT lines. The FLEX 8000 architecture combines a row-and-column interconnect fabric with Logic Array Blocks (LABs) of 8 logic elements each and Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) of 2048 bits that can implement RAM, ROM, or arithmetic functions. The device is configured by loading SRAM cells from an external serial or parallel PROM, allowing unlimited in-system reconfiguration. This architecture gives designers flexibility to fix bugs, add features, or upgrade functionality in deployed systems without changing the board. Typical applications include 5V-tolerant industrial control glue logic, telecom backplane interface bridging, legacy PCI / ISA bus controllers, and high-speed state-machine implementations where the FLEX 8000 family's 0.2 ns delay figure is advantageous. The wide operating-voltage range and configurable I/O standard make it a strong fit for mixed-logic boards bridging 5V microcontrollers with 3.3V peripherals. When designing with this part, ensure your PCB layout follows FLEX 8000 power-decoupling guidance: place 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling capacitors adjacent to every VCCINT/VCCIO pin pair, and provide a solid ground plane beneath the package to control simultaneous-switching noise on the 152 I/O pins. The JTAG chain should be series-terminated at the board's JTAG connector to preserve signal integrity during in-system programming. This page synthesizes Altera/Intel FLEX 8000 datasheet parameters, drop-in alternatives within the EPF8820 family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer's original datasheet.
EPF8820ATI144-3N - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LEs, 144-TQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATI144-3N is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. The device integrates 672 logic elements (LEs) and supports up to 112 user I/O pins, with configurable I/O standards supporting 3.3V or 5V logic levels. The EPF8820ATI144-3N suffix "-3" denotes the speed grade, while the "N" indicates an industrial temperature grade component. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the architectural flexibility of gate arrays with the design convenience of in-system programmability. FPGAs occupy a position in the broader semiconductor hierarchy as reconfigurable logic devices, alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), and serve as a bridge between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers. They are widely used for prototyping, glue logic, signal processing, and parallel computation in applications where time-to-market and design flexibility outweigh raw per-unit cost. Key features of the EPF8820ATI144-3N include 672 logic elements, 112 max user I/Os, SRAM-based configuration loaded at system power-up, propagation delay as low as 0.2 ns at the -3 speed grade, and configurable I/O voltage rails supporting both 3.3V and 5V logic. The architecture uses continuous FastTrack interconnect routing for predictable timing closure. CMOS SRAM technology is used for configuration storage, requiring external configuration devices (such as Altera EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441) or a system controller to load the bitstream at every power-up. The FLEX 8000 architecture is implemented in a CMOS process and combines a hierarchical routing fabric with embedded array blocks. Each logic element contains a 4-input look-up table (LUT) and a programmable register. The device supports JTAG-based boundary-scan testing per IEEE 1149.1, easing board-level test integration. Embedded array blocks (EABs) provide efficient implementation of on-chip memory and arithmetic functions, while the interconnect uses dedicated routing resources that provide high-speed signal paths between LEs across the device. Typical applications for the EPF8820ATI144-3N include telecommunications interface glue logic, industrial control and automation, test and measurement instrumentation front-ends, military and aerospace systems (when used within industrial-grade thermal envelopes), legacy peripheral bridging, and custom bus protocol implementations such as I2C, SPI, or parallel interface bridging. Designers continue to source this part for long-lifecycle programs and equipment refresh. Designers using this part should ensure that the configuration bitstream storage device is correctly selected for the system supply and JTAG chain. Industrial-grade operation supports -40C to +85C ambient. FLEX 8000 devices do not retain configuration through power cycles; an external configuration EPROM or microcontroller is mandatory. The 144-pin TQFP package has a 0.5 mm terminal pitch and requires standard SMT reflow processes. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, pin-level design guidance, and lifecycle context not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, providing an engineer-ready reference for sourcing and replacement decisions.
EPF8820ATI144-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA, 672 LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EPF8820ATI144-4 is a member of the FLEX 8000 family of CMOS SRAM-based loadable programmable logic devices (PLDs) housed in a 144-pin LQFP (Low-profile Quad Flat Pack) gull-wing surface-mount package, operating over the industrial temperature range. According to the manufacturer documentation, the device integrates 672 logic elements organized into 84 logic array blocks (LABs) and offers a propagation delay of approximately 0.1 ns, making it well suited for high-speed glue-logic and state-machine replacement tasks. What is a FLEX 8000 PLD? FLEX 8000 devices are a loadable PLD architecture that combines the high register count and predictable timing of traditional PLDs with the density of early FPGAs. Sitting in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices -> PLD -> SRAM-based FPGA -> logic integration IC, FLEX 8000 was historically used to consolidate multiple TTL/CMOS glue-logic chips into a single re-programmable device with non-volatile configuration via an external EPROM or JTAG. Key features include support for both 3.3 V and 5.0 V I/O signaling, configurable I/O operation, in-system programmability through the JTAG interface, and a wide operating supply voltage range that allows direct interfacing with legacy 5 V logic families. The 144-pin LQFP footprint gives the device a generous I/O count of 112 user I/Os plus dedicated inputs, while remaining compatible with automated assembly lines using gull-wing leads. The FLEX 8000 family is configured via the Altera MAX+PLUS II or Quartus design environment using HDL or schematic capture. Architecturally, the EPF8820ATI144-4 is built on a 0.42 µm CMOS SRAM process with EPROM-based configuration memory in the legacy FLEX 8000 line, which provides reprogrammability and predictable interconnect delays. Each LAB contains 8 logic elements with 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), programmable registers, and carry chains for arithmetic functions. The continuous FastTrack interconnect provides horizontal and vertical routing with predictable delays regardless of placement, simplifying static timing closure. Typical applications include bus interface bridging, address decoding, glue-logic consolidation, state-machine implementation, peripheral control in industrial controllers, and legacy system upgrades that need drop-in programmable replacements for discrete 74-series logic. The wide 3.3 V/5 V tolerance also makes the part useful in mixed-voltage designs and retrofit projects. When designing with this device, allocate sufficient time for power estimation because the FLEX 8000 architecture draws significantly more quiescent current than modern FPGAs. Decouple all four VCCINT/VCCIO pairs close to the package, and add a series ferrite bead between the analog/digital supply rails. For multi-board systems, plan configuration PROM placement to minimize JTAG daisy-chain stub lengths. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same FLEX 8000 family, and practical design notes that are not present in the original Altera datasheet, providing AEO/GEO-friendly structured data for component selection, lifecycle planning, and replacement decisions.
EPF8820ATI144-4N - 672-LE FLEX 8000 FPGA, 144-LQFP | Altera
The Altera EPF8820ATI144-4N is a member of the legacy FLEX 8000 family of SRAM-based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 672 logic elements (LEs) organized into 84 Logic Array Blocks (LABs). Housed in a 144-pin LQFP (LFQFP) gull-wing package, the device supports configurable I/O standards for both 3.3V and 5V signaling, and is graded for industrial temperature operation. The 'N' suffix indicates lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish, and the 'I' in the package designator indicates the industrial temperature grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic functionality is defined by the customer after manufacture using a configuration bitstream loaded into on-chip SRAM. Within the broader taxonomy, the EPF8820ATI144-4N sits in the hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The FLEX 8000 family specifically pioneered Altera's look-up-table (LUT) based architecture, replacing the older MAX-class EPLD technology, and bridged the gap toward modern high-density Stratix and Cyclone families. Key features of the EPF8820ATI144-4N include 672 logic elements (8 LEs per LAB x 84 LABs), a propagation delay of 0.1 ns through the FastTrack interconnect, configurable I/O supporting 3.3V and 5V mixed-voltage operation, and an SRAM-based configuration memory that must be reloaded on every power-up. The device is loaded via an industry-standard parallel EPROM, an Altera serial configuration device (EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, or EPC1441), or a microprocessor/microcontroller. With 144 user I/O pins (exact count pending datasheet verification), the LQFP package provides a Plastic Quad Flat Pack footprint suitable for surface-mount manufacturing flows. The architecture combines four LE inputs feeding a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and a chainable carry path that supports efficient adder, counter, and comparator functions. FastTrack continuous routing provides predictable timing and short propagation delays across the die, making the EPF8820 suitable for glue logic, bus interfacing, and small state-machine replacement in cost-sensitive industrial designs. Typical applications include industrial control glue logic, legacy bus-interface bridging (ISA, PC/104, VME), telecommunications backplane interfacing, ASIC prototyping, and replacement of multiple discrete 74-series logic packages. Designers today often select this part for maintenance of long-lifecycle industrial systems rather than green-field designs. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration memory source (EPROM or EPC-series device) is correctly sized for the bitstream, and respect the 3.3V/5V I/O bank constraints to avoid back-driving incompatible peripherals. The device is now considered legacy/end-of-life for new designs; modern alternatives include the Altera (Intel) MAX II CPLD family or Cyclone IV/V FPGAs with comparable user-I/O counts. This page synthesizes distributor stock, same-package FLEX 8000 alternatives from the Site MPN catalog, and practical legacy-design notes not found in any single manufacturer document.