FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP1AGX60CF484I7N - 60K LE Arria GX FPGA 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1AGX60CF484I7N is a high-density Arria GX Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 60,100 logic elements, 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory, and integrated 3.125 Gbps transceivers, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package rated for the industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C). It belongs to the Arria GX family of mid-range FPGAs optimized for serial-interface bridging, protocol bridging, and DSP-intensive applications that need a balance of logic density, on-chip memory, and high-speed serial I/O. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable integrated circuit whose logic function is defined after manufacturing by loading a configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM cells. FPGAs sit in the digital-logic hierarchy between discrete logic gates and fixed-function ASICs, combining the flexibility of software-programmable logic with sub-nanosecond deterministic timing. The Arria GX family specifically targets applications requiring built-in multi-gigabit transceivers, which historically forced designers to use larger and more expensive Stratix-class parts. Key features of the EP1AGX60CF484I7N include 60,100 logic elements, 2,528,640 embedded memory bits, embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, 4 PLLs, and up to 12 high-speed transceiver channels supporting data rates up to 3.125 Gbps. The 484-ball FineLine BGA package provides abundant I/O with controlled-impedance escape, enabling dense PCB routing while preserving signal integrity for LVDS, DDR, and SERDESX signals. Internally the device combines a Logic Array Block (LAB) fabric, M512/M4K/M-RAM memory blocks, dedicated multiplier blocks, and SERDESX transceiver channels controlled by a HardCopy-compatible transceiver interface. Configuration is loaded from a passive serial, JTAG, or parallel flash source, supporting in-system reprogramming. The Arria GX architecture also includes dedicated circuitry for PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, and basic Serial RapidIO endpoints. Typical applications include telecom line cards, video broadcast equipment, serial-interface protocol bridges (PCI Express Gen1, XAUI, Serial RapidIO, GIGE), test and measurement instrumentation with high-speed data capture, and military/aerospace signal processing where industrial-temperature BGA parts are preferred. The integrated transceivers are particularly valuable when designers need multi-gigabit serial links without paying for higher-end Stratix devices. When designing with this part, ensure the PCB supports the 1.0 mm BGA pitch with proper microvia stack-up and that the transceiver reference clocks are routed as controlled-impedance 100-ohm differential pairs. Altera (now Intel PSG) provides the Quartus II design suite, which is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Power estimation should be performed early with the Quartus PowerPlay tool, because mid-range FPGAs in BGA packages often require multiple low-voltage rails (1.2V core, 2.5V/3.3V I/O, 1.2V transceiver, PLL analog). This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Arria GX family alternatives, and practical Quartus II design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a faster path from concept to working hardware.
EP1AGX60CF484I8N - Arria GX FPGA, 60K LE, 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel FPGA) EP1AGX60CF484I8N is a member of the Arria GX family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package, designed for high-performance, transceiver-based digital logic designs requiring up to 60,100 logic elements and 2,528,640 embedded memory bits. The Arria GX family is built on a 90 nm process and pairs a flexible programmable fabric with embedded multi-gigabit transceivers, making it well-suited for serial connectivity and DSP-rich applications. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices, between fixed-function ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and software-programmable processors. They belong to the semiconductor category and are commonly used as hardware accelerators, glue logic, and digital signal processing engines in embedded, communications, and industrial systems. Compared to an ASIC, an FPGA offers lower NRE cost and faster time-to-market; compared to a microcontroller, it offers deterministic, parallel processing at very high throughput. Key features of the EP1AGX60CF484I8N include 60,100 logic elements (LEs), 2,528,640 bits of embedded RAM (typically referenced as 2528640 in distributor parametric data), 229 user I/O pins, embedded transceiver channels for multi-gigabit serial I/O, embedded multipliers for DSP, and a -8 speed grade designation. The 'I' suffix indicates the industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C case), and 'N' indicates lead-free / RoHS-compliant packaging. The device uses Altera's proven logic element architecture with Look-Up Tables (LUTs), embedded memory blocks (M512, M4K, and M-RAM), and DSP blocks optimized for fixed- and floating-point arithmetic. Quartus II is the supported design toolchain for synthesis, place-and-route, timing closure, and bitstream generation. Typical applications include communications infrastructure (SONET/SDH, CPRI, OTN, baseband processing), broadcast video processing, military and aerospace signal processing, test and measurement instrumentation, and high-speed serial interface bridging. The transceiver-rich fabric makes it a strong fit for any application that aggregates multiple SFP/SFP+ optical links into a single processing block. When designing with this part, ensure that the PCB layout supports BGA fanout with microvia stack-ups, and that the thermal solution is sized for the industrial junction-temperature envelope. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative variants, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1AGX60DF780C6N - Arria GX FPGA 60K LE 3.125Gbps | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1AGX60DF780C6N is a high-density Arria GX Field Programmable Gate Array fabricated on a 90 nm process, delivering 60,100 logic elements, 3,005 logic array blocks (LABs), and 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory in a 780-ball FineLine BGA package. It integrates up to 8 high-speed serial transceivers operating at 3.125 Gbps, 350 general-purpose I/Os, and dedicated hardware multipliers for DSP-centric designs. The device is rated for commercial temperature operation with an internal core voltage of 1.15 V to 1.25 V supplied by an on-chip regulator. This combination targets designers building high-throughput, low-latency serial-link pipelines. What is a mid-range FPGA with integrated transceivers? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks, routing, memory, and increasingly hardened IP such as transceivers, PLLs, and DSP blocks. The Arria GX family sits between the low-cost Cyclone series and the high-performance Stratix series, balancing logic density with embedded 3.125 Gbps serial transceivers. Such FPGAs typically serve as bridges between parallel processing and high-speed serial I/O in communications, video, and storage equipment. The Arria GX family delivers up to 3.125 Gbps per channel across 4 or 8 transceiver channels, supports PCI Express x1/x4 and multiple serial RapidIO configurations, and includes 4.5 Mbits of TriMatrix memory distributed in MRAM, M512, and M4K blocks. On-chip PLLs feed both the transceiver PCS layers and the global clock network, while hardware multipliers accelerate DSP blocks for OFDM baseband and video processing. Typical applications include PCI Express endpoint cards, serial RapidIO bridges for wireless baseband, HD-SDI video capture and processing, and 1G/10G Ethernet MAC prototyping. The integrated transceivers eliminate external SERDES devices, reducing both BOM cost and board complexity for cost-sensitive high-volume designs that previously required discrete ASSPs. When designing with this device, ensure the PCB BGA fanout accommodates the 1 mm pitch 780-ball package and that the transceiver reference clock meets the +/- 100 ppm accuracy requirement. Configuration via JTAG, fast passive parallel, or serial configuration devices requires selecting a compatible EPCS or EPCQ configuration flash. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand Arria GX family drop-in alternatives, and practical high-speed design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1AGX60DF780C7 - Arria GX FPGA, 60K LE, 780-BGA | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (Altera) EP1AGX60DF780C7 is a member of the Arria GX family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), offering approximately 60,100 logic elements, 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory, and a 780-ball FineLine BGA package. The 'C7' speed grade targets commercial-temperature applications with a balance of timing margin and Fmax, while the 'DF' suffix indicates a flip-chip FineLine BGA package suitable for high-speed serial designs. The part supports up to 8 embedded transceivers capable of multi-gigabit serial I/O, making it a well-known transceiver-centric FPGA generation. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated hard IP blocks such as transceivers, memory controllers, and DSP slices. FPGAs sit above ASICs and microcontrollers in the design flexibility hierarchy: unlike ASICs they require no mask set, and unlike microcontrollers they deliver true hardware parallelism. Arria GX in particular bridged the gap between Stratix-class high-end transceivers and the lower-cost Cyclone families when introduced. Key features of the EP1AGX60DF780C7 include up to 8 full-duplex multi-gigabit transceivers supporting CPRI, Serial RapidIO, PCI Express, and Gigabit Ethernet physical interfaces, dedicated on-die termination for LVDS and SSTL signaling, and embedded TriMatrix memory blocks distributed across the fabric. The device also integrates phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management and supports configuration via passive serial, fast passive parallel, and JTAG modes. The EP1AGX60DF780C7 is implemented in a 90 nm process node with a copper interconnect stack and uses 1.2 V core / 2.5 V-3.3 V I/O supply rails. Architecture-wise, the Arria GX fabric combines 8-input adaptive logic modules (ALMs) with M512, M4K, and M-RAM block memory tiers, enabling efficient implementation of buffer-heavy designs such as packet processors and baseband datapaths. Typical applications include wireless baseband processing, Serial RapidIO bridging, telecom backplane aggregation, and broadcast video processing. Designers also deploy the part in test-and-measurement instrumentation where the embedded transceivers eliminate the need for external PHY devices. Because the device is mature, it is frequently seen in long-lifecycle defense and industrial programs where re-qualification costs discourage migration. When designing with the EP1AGX60DF780C7, pay close attention to the 780-BGA fan-out and decoupling scheme - the FineLine BGA land pattern requires microvia or via-in-pad PCB technology for reliable assembly. Quartus II software (13.0 or earlier) is required for design entry; newer Quartus releases have dropped Arria GX device support. Consider migrating to Cyclone V or Arria V for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Arria GX family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1AGX60DF780I6N - Arria GX FPGA, 60K LE, 3.125Gbps Transceivers
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1AGX60DF780I6N is a high-density Arria GX family FPGA integrating 60,000 logic elements (LE), 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory, and embedded 3.125 Gbps serial transceivers in a 780-pin FineLine BGA package. The 'I' suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C junction), while '6' denotes the speed grade and 'N' indicates lead-free / Pb-free packaging. Per the Alldatasheet listing, the Arria GX family datasheet runs 296 pages and combines transceivers with reliable packaging technology. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacturing through user-supplied configuration bitstreams. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between ASICs (fixed function, high NRE) and microprocessors (software-defined). Within the broader taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. Arria GX specifically targets cost-sensitive, transceiver-rich applications such as PCI Express endpoints, serial RapidIO, and proprietary serial links in the 1.5-3.125 Gbps range. The EP1AGX60DF780I6N contains 60100 logic elements organized across 3005 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), with up to 350 user I/O pins exposed on the package. Memory is provided via M512, M4K, and M-RAM blocks totaling 2,528,640 bits. The embedded transceivers support multiple industry protocols and can be aggregated for higher throughput. Per the Mouser listing, this part is described as '3005 LABs 350 IOs'. Architecturally, the device leverages Altera's Stratix-derived fabric, including dedicated 18x18 multipliers, four-phase PLLs, and a high-speed I/O ring. The 780-FBGA package supports transceiver channels and high-fanout logic simultaneously, requiring careful PCB stack-up and via-in-pad design for signal integrity at multi-gigabit rates. Designers should reference AN-503 from Altera for transceiver channel design and AN-487 for high-speed board layout. Typical applications include PCI Express Gen1 endpoint cards, serial RapidIO bridges, XAUI / 10G backplanes, industrial video capture and processing, and telecom line cards where moderate logic density plus integrated transceivers reduce bill-of-materials cost versus discrete ASSP plus FPGA solutions. The industrial temperature grade extends the use case to outdoor or uncontrolled-thermal environments. When designing with this part, allocate at least 6 PCB layers with controlled-impedance routing for transceiver channels, and observe the dedicated power-rail decoupling scheme (VCC, VCCA_PLL, VCCA_TX, VCCA_RX, VCCH) outlined in the Arria GX datasheet. Quartus II software version 9.0 or later is required for bitstream generation; older versions will not recognize the I6N device ID.
EP1AGX60EF1152C6N - Arria GX FPGA, 60K LE, 3.125Gbps | Intel
The Intel EP1AGX60EF1152C6N is a 60,100-logic-element Arria GX Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with up to 3.125 Gbps serial transceivers, 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory, and 514 user I/O, housed in a 1152-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package with a commercial temperature grade and speed grade 6. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that allows designers to implement arbitrary digital logic, signal processing pipelines, and high-speed serial interfaces after PCB fabrication. FPGAs occupy a tier between general-purpose microcontrollers (fixed instruction set) and Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs, fixed function). The Arria GX family specifically targets high-speed serial connectivity, combining multi-gigabit transceivers with a programmable logic fabric in a single die, simplifying board design and shortening time-to-market for communication, video, and test & measurement equipment. Key features of the EP1AGX60EF1152C6N include 60,100 logic elements, 4 transceiver channels supporting data rates up to 3.125 Gbps, 2,528,640 RAM bits distributed across M9K memory blocks, and 514 user I/O pins. The device is fabricated on a 90 nm process with a 1.2 V core supply, enabling moderate power consumption relative to later 65 nm/40 nm generations while still providing industrial-grade serial performance. The Arria GX architecture pairs the programmable fabric with hard IP for PCI Express (x1/x4/x8 Gen1), SERDES, and PLLs. This allows designers to instantiate high-bandwidth serial interfaces without consuming fabric logic elements, preserving the 60K LE for application logic such as DSP datapaths, protocol bridges, or video processing pipelines. Typical applications include telecom backplane interfaces, broadcast video processing, industrial imaging systems, and PCI Express endpoint cards. The combination of multi-gigabit transceivers and ample logic makes the EP1AGX60 particularly attractive for protocol bridging (e.g., Serial RapidIO to Ethernet) and for video capture / display cards that need both high throughput and flexible processing. When designing with this part, pay attention to PCB layout for the 1152-ball FBGA: at least 6 PCB layers are recommended, controlled-impedance routing for transceiver channels, and decoupling per the Intel reference design. The device is sensitive to JTAG chain integrity; verify with the BSDL file during bring-up. This page combines manufacturer datasheet specifications, cross-brand drop-in alternatives, application insights, and practical design guidance not consolidated in the original datasheet.
EP1AGX60EF1152I6N - Arria GX 60 FPGA, 60K LE, 1152-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1AGX60EF1152I6N is a member of the Arria GX family of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), integrating 60,100 logic elements and 2,528,640 bits of embedded memory into a 1,152-ball fine-pitch BGA package. It is built on a 90 nm process technology and targets mid-range designs that require 3.125 Gbps high-speed serial transceivers with embedded CDR/SERDES for protocols such as PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, SDI, SerialLite II, XAUI and Serial RapidIO. An FPGA is a reprogrammable logic device that combines programmable logic fabric, configurable I/O, and on-die hard intellectual-property blocks. The Arria GX family sits in the hierarchy FPGA -> programmable logic -> semiconductor device, providing an architecture that bridges cost-sensitive application-specific standard product (ASSP) replacement and high-end transceiver-equipped FPGAs. The EP1AGX60 variant represents the upper-mid density tier within the family, complementing the smaller EP1AGX20 / EP1AGX35 / EP1AGX50 parts. Key features of the EP1AGX60EF1152I6N include 12 dedicated 3.125 Gbps transceiver channels with embedded SERDES, 3,005 LABs/CLBs, 514 user I/O pins, 252 dedicated 18x18 multipliers for DSP, and support for external DDR/DDR2/QDRII/RLDRAM memory interfaces. The device integrates a quad PLL clock network with up to 16 global clock trees, PLLs per quadrant, and per-channel 8B/10B encoding/decoding for serial protocols. The 1152-BBGA package (35 mm × 35 mm, 1.0 mm ball pitch) supports industrial temperature operation from -40 °C to +100 °C. The architecture uses a fixed-function transceiver tile arrayed against the core logic fabric, connected through a structured routing hierarchy. Embedded hard IP for PCI Express (×1, ×4) and Gigabit Ethernet MAC layers reduces soft-logic utilization and timing closure risk, allowing engineers to focus on application logic rather than serial protocol implementation. Power estimation tools such as the Altera PowerPlay early-power estimator are recommended before sign-off. Typical applications include protocol bridging cards, telecom line cards with SERDES aggregation, broadcast video routing (SDI/HD-SDI/3G-SDI), industrial imaging, test and measurement backplanes, and defence/aerospace signal processing. The transceiver capability makes the EP1AGX60EF1152I6N especially well-suited when ASSP alternatives are unavailable or end-of-life. When designing with this device, engineers should use the Quartus II design suite (version 9.0 or later) for synthesis and place-and-route. A multi-layer PCB with continuous GND and PWR planes, plus 100 Ω differential impedance control for SERDES lanes, is mandatory. Pin-compatible Arria GX family members allow density migration between EP1AGX20, EP1AGX35, EP1AGX50, and EP1AGX60 in the same package. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the same Arria GX 1152-BGA footprint, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1AGX90EF1152C5 - Arria GX 90K LE FPGA 1152-BBGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1AGX90EF1152C5 is a high-density Arria GX family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering up to 90,000 logic elements (LE), 4,477,824 memory bits, and 90,220 equivalent logic elements, housed in a 1152-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 1.2V core TSMC 90nm process, it integrates up to 4 embedded transceivers capable of 3.125 Gbps operation for serial connectivity, making it a workhorse FPGA for bandwidth-oriented applications of the late-2000s era. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as transceivers, memory controllers, and DSP blocks. FPGAs occupy the high-flexibility tier of digital logic - more integrated than discrete gate arrays, more parallel than microcontrollers, and reprogrammable in-system, which makes them ideal for prototyping, low-volume production, and applications with evolving algorithms. The Arria GX family specifically targets high-speed serial I/O and DSP-rich designs, positioning it between the lower-cost Cyclone and the higher-end Stratix families. Key features of the EP1AGX90EF1152C5 include 538 user I/O pins, 4 full-duplex transceiver channels, dedicated DDR/DDR2 memory interface support, embedded multipliers for DSP, and an enhanced Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) array for clock management. The device supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes, giving designers multiple boot options for production and field updates. Operating at 1.2V core with separate transceiver and I/O bank supplies, it enables flexible multi-voltage interfacing to TTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, HSTL, and SSTL memory buses. Architecture-wise, the Arria GX uses a logic-array-based fabric with 8-input adaptive look-up tables (ALUTs), TriMatrix embedded memory blocks (M512/M4K/M-RAM), and DSP blocks tuned for high-speed signal processing. Four 3.125 Gbps transceivers with embedded PMA and PCS layers deliver a low-latency serial pipeline that historically made the Arria GX a preferred choice for PCI Express Gen1, Serial RapidIO, and custom serial protocol implementations. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, video broadcast equipment, military and aerospace signal processing, industrial imaging, medical imaging systems, and protocol bridging ASICs. The wide transceiver bandwidth makes it well suited for Software Defined Radio (SDR) front-ends and wireless baseband prototypes, while the embedded multipliers accelerate FFTs, FEC encoders/decoders, and digital filters. When designing with this device, allocate adequate power planes for the 1.2V VCC, VCC_PLL, VCC_TX, VCC_RX rails, and follow Altera's Pin-Out File (POF) guidelines for the 1152-BBGA fanout. Signal-integrity for the transceiver channels requires controlled-impedance routing with continuous reference planes, and the Quartus II development environment (last released v13.1) is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Engineering samples and production units should be sourced through authorized channels given the device's mature status. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in alternative MPNs across the Arria GX family, and practical design notes not consolidated on any single distributor listing, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and second-sourcing decisions.
EP1AGX90EF1152C6 - Arria GX FPGA, 90K LE, 4.4Mb, 1152-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1AGX90EF1152C6 is a high-density Arria GX family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrating 90,220 logic elements, 4,477,824 bits of embedded memory, and 538 user I/Os in a 1152-ball FineLine BGA package. The device is built on a 90 nm process, operates from a 1.2 V core supply, and includes four integrated 3.125 Gbps serial transceiver channels for high-speed serial I/O. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O cells are configurable after manufacture, allowing engineers to implement custom digital circuits, parallel processing pipelines, or hardware accelerators without fabricating a custom ASIC. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD), alongside CPLDs, and are widely used in telecom, industrial, broadcast, and defense applications where time-to-market, in-field reconfigurability, or hardware parallelism justify their unit cost. Within the Arria GX family, the EP1AGX90 sits in the mid-to-high density tier above the EP1AGX20/35/50/60 parts and below the EP1AGX125. Key features of the EP1AGX90EF1152C6 include up to 4,511 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), dedicated 18x18 multipliers for DSP, embedded TriMatrix memory blocks, and high-speed LVDS/PECL support. The integrated CDR-based transceivers support PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, SerialLite II, SDI, Serial RapidIO, and XAUI protocols. The device also exposes Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis and supports configuration via JTAG, passive serial, or Altera EPCS configuration devices. The Arria GX architecture pairs a proven logic array with hard IP blocks such as transceivers, memory controllers, and DSP blocks, enabling deterministic throughput for serial protocol bridging and DSP pipelines. The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core yield a balance between logic density, static power, and signal integrity, and the 1152-ball FBGA provides ample signal breakout for high-pin-count designs. The transceiver blocks implement 8B/10B encoding/decoding, word alignment, and rate-matching on-chip, offloading these tasks from soft logic. Typical applications include PCI Express endpoint and root-complex cards, multi-gigabit serial backplane interfaces, video broadcast SDI routers, DSP co-processing for wireless baseband, and industrial control systems requiring hardware-accelerated determinism. The wide I/O count also makes it suitable for memory-rich designs bridging DDR2 SDRAM to high-speed serial links. When designing with the EP1AGX90EF1152C6, ensure the PCB stack-up supports the transceiver channel-loss budget at 3.125 Gbps and that the 1152-ball FBGA land pattern uses microvia technology for inner-row escape. Use the Quartus II design tool (the supported IDE for this legacy Arria GX family) for place-and-route, and verify the IBIS-AMI models against your channel during signal-integrity sign-off. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes not found on the manufacturer datasheet header. Compliance with RoHS and lead-free requirements has been confirmed for this part number.
EP1AGX90EF1152C6N - 90K LE Arria GX FPGA, 1152-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1AGX90EF1152C6N is a high-density Arria GX family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrating 90,000 logic elements, 4,477,824 bits of embedded memory, and 538 user I/Os in a 1152-ball FineLine BGA (35 mm x 35 mm) package. It combines 3.125 Gbps multi-gigabit transceivers with a logic fabric that includes 4,511 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and dedicated DSP blocks, providing a balanced platform for high-speed serial I/O, embedded processing, and digital signal processing. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic function is defined by a user-supplied bitstream rather than at the factory. FPGAs occupy the silicon hierarchy between CPLDs and ASICs: they offer higher logic density and richer DSP/serdes resources than CPLDs, while remaining reprogrammable like an ASIC prototype. The Arria GX family specifically targets mid-range applications that need transceivers but do not require the cost or power of a Stratix-class device, placing it in the broader category of programmable logic > FPGA > mid-range FPGA with transceivers. Key features of the EP1AGX90EF1152C6N include up to 538 user I/O pins, dedicated high-speed serial transceiver channels rated to 3.125 Gbps, embedded RAM, embedded multipliers and DSP blocks for signal processing, and a configuration interface compatible with JTAG boundary-scan testing. The device supports a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply and operates over the commercial 0 °C to 85 °C (TJ) junction temperature range. The C6 speed grade and N (lead-free) finish indicate a specific timing bin and a Pb-free / RoHS-compatible assembly. Architecturally, the Arria GX combines a 4-input LUT-based logic fabric with hard IP for transceivers, memory controllers, and DSP, allowing deterministic timing closure on serial protocols such as PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and SerialLite II. The 1152-FBGA provides generous signal integrity for the high-speed serial lanes while keeping the board footprint manageable for line-card designs. Typical applications include telecom line cards with SERDES aggregation, video broadcast and imaging pipelines, software-defined radio baseband preprocessing, industrial machine vision, and high-speed data-acquisition front ends. The combination of embedded transceivers, DSP blocks, and abundant logic also suits ASIC prototyping where engineers need to validate mid-range designs before tape-out. When designing with this device, allocate FPGA power estimation early in the project: the Arria GX PowerPlay estimator should be used before pin-out finalization. Decoupling must follow the Quartus II pin connection guidelines for 1152-FBGA packages, and JTAG chain access must be preserved on every board revision for boundary-scan test. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives drawn from the same Altera/Intel Arria GX family, and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides for the EP1AGX90EF1152C6N.
EP1AGX90EF1152I6 - Arria GX FPGA, 90K LE, 1152-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1AGX90EF1152I6 is a high-density Arria GX family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 90,220 logic elements, 4,477,824 bits of embedded RAM, and 538 user I/Os, housed in a 1152-ball Flip-Chip FineLine BGA (FC-FBGA) package measuring 35 x 35 mm. The device is fabricated on a 90 nm process technology and operates from a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply, integrating 4,511 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and supporting up to 4 embedded transceiver channels for high-speed serial I/O. An FPGA is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as block RAM, DSP blocks, PLLs, and (in the Arria GX family) multi-gigabit transceivers. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs and structured ASICs, offering the highest logic density and parallel processing capability. The Arria GX family specifically targets cost-sensitive applications requiring transceivers up to 3.125 Gbps, positioning it between the lower-cost Cyclone family and the higher-performance Stratix family. Key features of the EP1AGX90EF1152I6 include 4,477,824 bits of embedded RAM, integrated transceiver channels, dedicated DSP blocks for high-throughput signal processing, and support for external memory interfaces including DDR/DDR2 SDRAM and QDRII SRAM. The device supports configuration via passive serial (PS), fast passive parallel (FPP), and JTAG modes, and is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40 C to +100 C. The Arria GX architecture combines a fine-grained logic fabric with embedded transceivers, making it suitable for protocols such as PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and XAUI. The 1152-FBGA package provides ample signal breakout for high-speed serial channels while exposing 538 general-purpose I/Os for parallel interfaces. The industrial-grade speed grade 6 offers a balance of timing margin and power consumption for cost-sensitive designs. Typical applications include wireline telecom line cards, military and aerospace signal processing, video broadcast infrastructure, medical imaging backplanes, and high-speed data acquisition systems. The combination of transceivers and high logic density makes the EP1AGX90EF1152I6 well-suited for protocol bridging, channelized TDM processing, and digital IF processing in software-defined radio platforms. When designing with this device, pay close attention to PCB layout for the FC-FBGA package - high-speed transceiver channels require controlled-impedance routing with length matching, and the flip-chip BGA demands a minimum of 6 PCB layers with buried vias for signal escape. Designers should also allocate sufficient decoupling capacitance near each power pin per the device's Pin Connection Guidelines, and use the Quartus II development software (version 9.1 or later with service pack) for synthesis and place-and-route. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the Arria GX family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1AGX90EF1152I6N - Arria GX FPGA, 90K LE, FBGA-1152 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1AGX90EF1152I6N is a high-performance Arria GX FPGA delivering 90,000 logic elements with 4,510 Kbits embedded memory and 4 transceiver blocks, housed in a 1152-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-1152) package at 35x35 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. It supports up to 538 user I/O pins and integrates dedicated high-speed transceivers capable of 1.25 to 3.125 Gbps operation, making it suitable for serial connectivity and protocol bridging designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around a configurable logic-block matrix and programmable routing fabric that allows engineers to implement arbitrary digital logic, memory blocks, DSP blocks, and high-speed serial interfaces after fabrication. Arria GX sits in Intel's mid-range FPGA hierarchy (Cyclone < Arria GX < Arria II/GT/GX < Stratix), positioned as a cost-optimized transceiver-equipped family targeting protocol bridging, video imaging, and wireless baseband processing where Stratix-grade performance is not required. Key features of the EP1AGX90EF1152I6N include 90220 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), 4511 logic array blocks (LABs), 538 maximum user I/O, and 4 multi-gigabit transceivers supporting PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial RapidIO, and basic XAUI protocols. The device operates from a 1.2V core supply with separate VCCPD and VCCPT rails for I/O and PLL/Transceiver blocks, and supports DDR2/QDRII memory interfaces via dedicated DQS phase-shift circuitry. The architecture combines 4-input ALMs (Adaptive Logic Modules), M512/M4K/M-RAM memory blocks, embedded multipliers, and a hierarchical routing fabric; transceiver channels include dedicated PMA and PCS layers with built-in 8B/10B encoding and word alignment. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) and lead-free FBGA packaging target telecom, industrial, and military applications requiring long-term reliability. Typical applications include PCI Express endpoint cards, Serial RapidIO bridges, video processing and display controllers, wireless baseband DSP, and protocol-conversion line cards. Designers choose this part when they need multi-gigabit transceivers and moderate logic density without paying for Stratix-tier SERDES or transponder logic. When designing with this device, plan the power tree carefully: each transceiver channel draws approximately 100 mA from VCCPT and requires a clean isolated supply. Use the Quartus II Arria GX device pin connection guidelines to validate pin assignments, and follow the IBIS-AMI models for transceiver channel simulation at the target data rate. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, package-level alternatives, and practical design guidance not aggregated in the original Arria GX device datasheet, including parameter-by-parameter comparison with same-package Arria GX family members.
EP1C12F256C6 - Cyclone FPGA, 12,060 LEs, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) Cyclone EP1C12F256C6 is a low-cost, low-power FPGA from the Cyclone I family, delivering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/Os in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package at a commercial temperature grade. Built on a 1.5 V, 130 nm SRAM process, this device provides up to 405 MHz internal operating frequency and is supported by the Quartus II design software toolchain. The 'C6' speed grade denotes a commercial operating temperature range of 0C to +85C with a mid-tier timing closure. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory and DSP resources that can be reconfigured after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit hierarchically between application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and microcontrollers in the digital design landscape: they offer ASIC-level parallelism and throughput while preserving the programmability and short time-to-market of processor-based designs. The Cyclone family specifically targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where traditional FPGA pricing has historically been a barrier. The EP1C12F256C6 features 12,060 logic elements organized into 1,206 logic array blocks (LABs), 239,616 RAM bits (52 M4K memory blocks of 4,608 bits each), and 17 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP operations. It includes two PLLs for clock management and multiplication, supports LVDS, LVTTL, SSTL-2, SSTL-3, and PCI I/O standards, and offers true LVDS support up to 640 Mbps. The 256-FBGA package has a 17 mm x 17 mm body with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, enabling compact PCB layouts. The Cyclone I architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic, and embedded multiplier blocks for efficient DSP implementations. The device supports configuration via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes, with built-in decompression of configuration bitstreams. The 130 nm process delivers an attractive performance-per-watt profile, making the family suitable for thermally constrained embedded applications. Typical applications for the EP1C12F256C6 include industrial control and factory automation, telecommunications line cards and DSLAMs, video processing and image capture pipelines, consumer electronics such as digital displays and set-top boxes, automotive infotainment prototypes, and cost-sensitive prototyping for ASIC migration. The combination of high logic density, embedded multipliers, and abundant I/O makes it well-suited for glue logic replacement, bus bridging, and moderate-complexity DSP functions. When designing with the EP1C12F256C6, use Quartus II version 13.0 sp1 or earlier for full design support, since newer Quartus versions have dropped Cyclone I device support. Pay attention to decoupling: place 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors near each power pin pair, and use a 4-layer PCB with continuous ground and power planes to minimize SSO noise. The 256-FBGA package requires via-in-pad or microvia technology for reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, same-family Cyclone drop-in alternatives, and practical Quartus II design notes that go beyond the device datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, substitution, and design bring-up.
EP1C12F256C6AA - Cyclone FPGA 12,060 LEs 256-BGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1C12F256C6AA is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. The 'C6' speed grade and 'A' suffix denote the commercial temperature range variant with Pb-free / lead-free terminal finish suitable for modern assembly lines. Built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm SRAM process, the Cyclone EP1C12 targets cost-sensitive, high-volume digital logic integration. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hardware such as block RAM, PLLs, and I/O serializers that can be re-programmed in the field after PCB assembly. FPGAs sit hierarchically between general-purpose microcontrollers and fixed-function ASICs: they offer far higher logic density and parallel throughput than MCUs while avoiding the NRE mask costs of an ASIC. The Cyclone family was Altera's first line positioned as a low-cost alternative to the company's Stratix high-end series, opening FPGA use to consumer, industrial, and communications cost points previously dominated by ASSPs. Key features of the EP1C12F256C6AA include two phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock multiplication and de-skew, up to 301 Mbits/s LVDS I/O support, dedicated DDR SDRAM interface circuitry, and embedded multiplier blocks for low-density DSP. The device supports the Altera Nios II soft-core processor and is configured via passive serial (PS), JTAG, or Altera-specific configuration schemes. Configuration bitstream is loaded from EPCS serial flash or a microcontroller on every power-up. Architecture-wise, the EP1C12 uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) in its logic array blocks, with embedded M4K RAM blocks each 4 Kbit plus parity, summing to 239,616 RAM bits. The 185 user I/Os support multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, PCI, and LVDS, allowing direct interfacing to DDR SDRAM, QDR SRAM, and legacy parallel buses without external glue logic. Typical applications include industrial control and machine vision, automotive infotainment pre-processors, consumer video processing, low-density telecommunications line cards, and education/hobby logic prototyping. The wide 256-BGA package supports high I/O count designs while maintaining signal integrity on dense boards. When designing with the EP1C12F256C6AA, remember that configuration requires an external serial configuration flash (EPCS1/EPCS4) unless the host CPU loads the bitstream via JTAG or passive serial. Plan power sequencing for the 1.5 V core, 3.3 V I/O, and PLL analog supply independently. Decouple each supply rail with bulk + ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the package balls. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in replacement options, and practical design guidance not consolidated in the original Cyclone Family datasheet - providing a single reference for engineers evaluating or sustaining EP1C12F256C6AA-based designs.
EP1C12F256C6N - 12,060 LEs Cyclone FPGA 256-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256C6N is a Cyclone® family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package, offering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/O pins. Built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm SRAM process, the device operates across the commercial 0 °C to +85 °C range and is rated at speed grade -6. A Field-Programmable Gate Array is a reprogrammable digital logic device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated I/O cells. Within the broader hierarchy, an FPGA sits above CPLDs and below ASICs in terms of integration density and flexibility, and the Cyclone family specifically targets low-cost, high-volume applications where FPGAs were historically considered too expensive. Cyclone was Altera's first family explicitly designed to displace fixed-function ASICs and ASSPs in glue-logic, bus-interface, and DSP pre-processing roles. Key features of the EP1C12F256C6N include a 2,980-LAB architecture delivering up to 12060 logic elements, two PLLs for clock management, dedicated 18×18 hardware multipliers for DSP, and per-pin LVDS support at up to 640 Mbps. The device supports multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS) and is configured via a serial configuration device or JTAG, making it suitable for low-density, low-power designs. The Cyclone architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) and embedded M4K memory blocks, allowing efficient implementation of state machines, FIFOs, and small DSP pipelines. The two embedded PLLs provide clock multiplication, division, and phase shifting, while the multiplier blocks accelerate DSP functions without consuming logic resources. With a 1.5 V core and typical quiescent power well below 1 W at moderate toggle rates, the EP1C12F256C6N balances density with low power consumption. Typical applications include industrial control boards, consumer video/display glue logic, communication protocol bridging, low-cost DSP preprocessing, and PCI interface bridging. The Cyclone family is also widely used in educational platforms and rapid-prototyping boards due to its mature toolchain (Quartus II) and abundant reference designs. When designing with this device, ensure that the 256-ball FBGA requires careful PCB layout with via-in-pad or microvia technology, and that configuration requires an EPCS serial flash or JTAG programmer. Power sequencing must respect the 1.5 V VCCINT and 3.3 V VCCIO ramp requirements to avoid high inrush current. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing an at-a-glance view for BOM decisions and FPGA selection.
EP1C12F256C7 - Cyclone FPGA 12,060 LEs 256-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256C7 is a member of the Cyclone FPGA family built on a 130 nm process, delivering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 185 user I/O in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. It targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where programmable logic is needed without the power and price of high-end FPGAs. The device supports up to 12060 logic cells with embedded multipliers and a PLL-based clock network. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit whose digital logic function is defined by user-supplied configuration data rather than fixed at the factory. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices (PLD), alongside CPLDs and programmable SoCs. FPGAs bridge the gap between fixed-function ASICs and software-defined microcontrollers, providing hardware-level parallelism with user-reconfigurable interconnect, lookup tables, block RAM, and dedicated DSP/PLL blocks. Key features include 12,060 logic elements organized into 1,206 logic array blocks (LABs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks of 4 Kbits each plus 512-bit M512 blocks), two PLLs for clock management, and 185 user I/O pins distributed across four I/O banks. The device operates from a 1.5 V core supply with 3.3 V-tolerant I/O and supports common LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, and LVDS signaling standards via per-pin configuration. Configuration is loaded through passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes. The Cyclone architecture pairs a 4-input lookup table (LUT) in each logic element with a small register file and a dedicated carry chain for arithmetic. Embedded multiplier blocks accelerate DSP tasks such as FIR filters and FFT butterflies without consuming general-purpose logic. Distributed and block RAM resources let designers implement FIFOs, shift registers, and dual-port memories directly on-chip, while the two PLLs handle frequency synthesis, phase shifting, and duty-cycle correction. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation interfaces, video processing and display controllers, communications glue logic, low-cost video surveillance DVRs, and ASIC prototyping. The Cyclone family is also widely used in educational platforms and evaluation kits such as the Altera Cyclone development board. When designing with this part, pay attention to power-supply sequencing (1.5 V VCCINT must ramp before or with VCCIO), I/O bank voltage grouping, and proper decoupling. A JTAG header is strongly recommended for in-system programming and boundary-scan test. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C12F256C7N - Cyclone FPGA 12060 Cells 185 I/O 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera EP1C12F256C7N is a Cyclone family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 12060 logic elements (LEs), 239616 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/O pins, housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package measuring 17 x 17 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. Built on a 1.5 V, 130 nm CMOS process, the device includes two PLL blocks, 12060 logic cells, and 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers, with a maximum internal clock frequency near 320 MHz. The "C7" speed grade and "N" lead-free suffix confirm its commercial temperature grade (0 C to +85 C) and lead-free / RoHS-compliant assembly, while the "F256" package code identifies the FBGA-256 footprint. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as multipliers, memory blocks, and PLLs. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD) within the semiconductor hierarchy, and the Cyclone family specifically targets low-cost, high-volume applications where power and cost matter more than absolute performance. The EP1C12 sits in the middle of the Cyclone I lineup, offering a balance of logic density and I/O count for cost-sensitive designs. Key features include 12060 logic elements, 239616 RAM bits, two PLLs, 185 user I/O, and 52 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers. The LVDS-compatible I/O support and dedicated DDR SDRAM interfaces make the device well suited to data-pipeline and signal-processing front-ends. The 1.5 V core with multi-voltage I/O banks (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) simplifies interfacing with legacy and modern memory devices. From an architecture standpoint, the EP1C12F256C7N uses an SRAM-based configuration cell, requiring an external configuration memory (typically an EPCS or EPCQ serial flash) for self-loading on power-up. The Quartus II design suite provides synthesis, place-and-route, timing analysis, and embedded logic-lock IP support. Designers should plan for the configuration device footprint and JTAG chain on the PCB. Typical applications include industrial control boards, motor-control accelerators, video processing pipelines, low-cost ASIC prototyping, communication glue logic, and consumer display controllers. The 185 available I/O and 52 multipliers also suit small DSP filter banks and protocol-bridging applications. When designing, ensure the configuration flash and JTAG header are placed per Altera reference schematics; pay attention to the decoupling network on each VCCINT and VCCIO bank, and use at least four PCB layers with a continuous ground plane beneath the FBGA for thermal spreading. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Cyclone drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Altera datasheet, enabling faster part selection and BOM validation for engineers sourcing EP1C12F256C7N.
EP1C12F256C8 - Cyclone FPGA, 12,060 LEs, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256C8 is a Cyclone-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package, delivering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 185 user I/O pins in a low-cost SRAM-based architecture. The part integrates up to two PLLs and supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, or JTAG modes. The device operates from a 1.5 V core with 3.3 V I/O support. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a class of programmable logic device whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O behaviour can be reconfigured after manufacture, making it the workhorse of digital prototyping, hardware acceleration, glue logic, and high-volume programmable SOC prototyping. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit alongside ASICs and CPLDs as the three major programmable-logic families; the Cyclone family is Altera's (now Intel FPGA's) low-cost, high-volume branch, optimized for price-sensitive designs where the highest-speed transceivers of Stratix are not required. Key features include 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM distributed across 52 M4K blocks (4,608 bits each plus 576 parity bits), 185 user I/O pins spread across multiple I/O banks, and two PLLs for clock synthesis and skew management. The 256-pin FBGA package supports surface-mount assembly, with the 'F' suffix denoting the FBGA ball pattern and the trailing 'C8' indicating the commercial 0 to 85°C temperature grade. The Cyclone architecture uses a four-input look-up table (LUT4) as the basic logic element, with embedded multiplier support and dedicated DDR SDRAM / FCRAM interface circuitry. Embedded RAM blocks support true dual-port, simple dual-port, and single-port modes with configurable aspect ratios, enabling efficient implementation of FIFOs, shift registers, and lookup-table based DSP functions. Typical applications include industrial control and machine vision, communications bridges, video processing pipelines, embedded processor prototyping, motor control and robotics, and consumer electronics requiring programmable logic. The Cyclone I family is especially common in education and legacy systems where a low-cost, widely-supported device is preferred over newer families. When designing with the EP1C12F256C8, ensure the Quartus II design software (web edition or subscription) supports the EP1C12 device variant and that the bank-voltage supply rails match the I/O standard selected for each bank. Decoupling and bank sequencing are critical - consult the Cyclone Device Handbook for bank-specific power requirements. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C12F256C8N - Cyclone FPGA, 12,060 LEs, 256-BGA | Intel/Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256C8N is a member of the first-generation Cyclone family of field-programmable gate arrays, fabricated on a 1.5-V, 0.13-µm, all-layer copper SRAM process. The device integrates 12,060 logic elements (LEs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM organized in 52 M4K blocks, 185 user I/Os, and 2 PLLs inside a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The speed grade is C8 (commercial, -8 speed), and the trailing N denotes a lead-free / Pb-free finish. A Cyclone FPGA is a SRAM-based, look-up-table (LUT) based programmable logic device that lets designers implement arbitrary digital logic, state machines, glue logic, and soft-processor cores (such as the Nios II) without custom silicon. Within the broader hierarchy, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices (PLDs), then to logic ICs, then to integrated circuits; the Cyclone family is Intel/Altera's low-cost, high-volume FPGA line, sitting below the Stratix high-performance family and above the MAX CPLD line. Cyclone devices are designed for cost-sensitive, high-volume applications such as digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control, and display interfaces. Key features of the EP1C12F256C8N include up to 12,060 LEs for combinational and sequential logic, 239,616 bits of true dual-port or simple dual-port RAM (52 M4K blocks of 4,608 bits each), a single 1.5-V core supply with on-chip voltage regulation, and 2 PLLs providing clock multiplication, phase shifting, and skew management. The device supports LVDS I/O on selected banks and offers typical internal clock speeds up to 275 MHz in this speed grade, with rich DSP support through dedicated multiplier blocks when paired with logic. The architecture centers on LABs (Logic Array Blocks) of 10 LEs each, interconnected by a multi-level routing fabric. Embedded M4K memory blocks allow efficient buffering, FIFO, and shift-register implementation without consuming logic resources. Configuration is loaded from a serial or parallel EPCS / EPC flash memory, and the device is reprogrammable in-system via JTAG or Active Serial / Active Parallel interfaces. Typical applications include industrial motor control and machine vision, consumer display controllers (LCD/DVI/HDMI bridges), telecom line cards, automotive infotainment pre-production, and cost-sensitive DSP front ends. The 256-ball FBGA package supports high pin-count designs while remaining compatible with standard 1.0 mm pitch BGA PCB assembly. When designing with this part, engineers should plan power sequencing (1.5-V core, separate PLL analog supply, and I/O bank supplies), thermal management (low-power 0.13-µm process keeps TJA modest), and a configuration scheme that survives field updates. Engineers should also verify Quartus II version compatibility, since older Cyclone devices require legacy Quartus releases for synthesis, fitting, and bitstream generation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family variants, and practical design notes that are not collated in the original Altera Cyclone Family Data Sheet alone.
EP1C12F256I7 - Cyclone FPGA, 12,060 LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256I7 is a member of the original Cyclone family of low-cost FPGAs, providing 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/O pins housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. It is fabricated on a 130 nm process and targets cost-sensitive applications where a true programmable logic fabric is needed without the power or cost of larger Stratix-class parts. The 'I7' speed/temperature grade suffix places this variant in the industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C), making it suitable for uncontrolled-environment deployments. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as memory blocks, PLLs, and I/O serializers. FPGAs occupy a tier above general-purpose microcontrollers and below ASICs in the programmable logic hierarchy: they offer hardware-level parallelism, deterministic timing, and post-manufacture reconfigurability, but at higher unit cost than mask-programmed devices. The Cyclone family was Altera's response to the Xilinx Spartan-3 family, targeting high-volume cost-sensitive designs such as digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control, and consumer video. Key features of the EP1C12F256I7 include 12,060 logic elements organized into 1,206 logic array blocks (LABs), 239,616 bits of M4K embedded memory (approximately 52 blocks of 4,608 bits each), two PLLs for clock synthesis and skew management, and 185 user I/O supporting multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential LVDS pairs. The 256-pin FineLine BGA provides a board footprint of 17 mm x 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, balancing pin density against PCB manufacturability. The device operates from a 1.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for I/O standard flexibility. The Cyclone architecture embeds 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) plus dedicated carry chains for arithmetic operations and dedicated multiplier blocks for efficient DSP, making it capable of handling modest DSP workloads such as finite impulse response (FIR) filters and basic video processing. The two PLLs support clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and duty-cycle control - essential for interfacing with external memory and high-speed peripherals. Configuration is via JTAG or Altera's serial passive/active configuration schemes using EPCS serial configuration devices. Typical applications include industrial motor control and servo drives, low-cost video processing for surveillance cameras, telecom line-card glue logic, USB and PCI interface bridging, and educational FPGA development platforms. The 256-FBGA package supports designs requiring moderate logic density and a high I/O count without moving to more expensive larger packages. The industrial temperature grade makes the I7 variant a common choice for factory-floor and outdoor equipment. When designing with this device, pay close attention to power sequencing of the 1.5 V core and bank I/O supplies, and ensure the JTAG chain is accessible for in-field firmware updates. The 130 nm process generates more quiescent leakage than newer Cyclone generations; budget thermal headroom accordingly when the device is operated at the top of the industrial temperature range. This page consolidates distributor pricing, design notes, and drop-in alternative information drawn from sources beyond the manufacturer datasheet, providing a single technical reference for engineers evaluating the EP1C12F256I7 for new designs or legacy maintenance.
EP1C12F256I7N - Cyclone FPGA, 12K LEs, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F256I7N is a low-cost Cyclone FPGA with 12,060 logic elements housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package with industrial temperature grade. Built on a 0.13 μm SRAM-based process, the device delivers up to 239,616 bits of embedded RAM and 185 user I/O pins, targeting high-volume cost-sensitive designs that need programmable logic without the power and price of high-end FPGAs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed to implement arbitrary digital logic functions after manufacturing. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven processors in the design hierarchy: more flexible than ASICs, faster and more deterministic than general-purpose CPUs for parallel DSP and glue-logic tasks. Cyclone family FPGAs specifically target the low-cost, low-power end of the FPGA market for applications such as consumer electronics, industrial control, communications glue logic, and display interfaces. Key features include 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits organized into M4K memory blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and 185 user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI. The 256-pin FineLine BGA package offers high-density board integration while the industrial-grade -40°C to +100°C operating temperature range supports harsh-environment deployment. Architecturally, the Cyclone device uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element with embedded carry chain for arithmetic operations, distributed and block RAM for on-chip storage, and dedicated global clock networks with up to eight clock per quadrant. Configuration is typically loaded from a serial configuration device such as the EPCS4 or EPCS16 over an active serial interface. Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation, video processing pipelines, protocol bridging between legacy and modern interfaces, software-defined radio front-end signal conditioning, and low-volume ASIC prototyping. The combination of high logic density and low unit cost also makes the part attractive for educational platforms and evaluation boards. When designing with this part, plan for configuration memory requirements and select a serial configuration device sized to the bitstream. Use the Quartus II design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure - older versions of Quartus (10.0 to 13.0) are typically used because the Cyclone device family is mature and newer releases prioritize newer device families. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, drop-in alternatives, and practical design considerations that engineers can use as a single reference, complementing the manufacturer datasheet with selection guidance and application context.
EP1C12F324C6AA - Cyclone FPGA 12K LE 324-BGA | Intel | Industrial
The Intel EP1C12F324C6AA is a Cyclone-series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 249 user I/O pins, housed in a 324-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 130 nm CMOS process and powered by a 1.5 V core supply, this device is specified for the commercial 0 C to +85 C operating range and supports internal clock rates up to 405.2 MHz. What is a Cyclone FPGA? A Cyclone FPGA is a low-cost, high-volume programmable logic device from the Altera (now Intel) Cyclone family that falls within the broader category of SRAM-based FPGAs. FPGAs sit within the programmable logic hierarchy of digital semiconductors (FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit) and are used to implement arbitrary digital logic, DSP, and glue-logic functions without custom ASIC fabrication. The Cyclone series specifically targets cost-sensitive applications where designers need programmable hardware acceleration without the expense of high-end FPGA families such as Stratix. Key features of the EP1C12F324C6AA include 12,060 logic elements, 52 embedded 18x18 multipliers suitable for DSP operations, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM organized as M4K blocks, 249 user I/O pins with support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL, and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The 1.5 V core is derived from an external supply with internal regulation and the I/O banks can be independently configured between 1.5 V and 3.3 V. The Cyclone architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) as the basic logic element, with embedded multiplier blocks that can be configured as 9x9 or 18x18 hardware multipliers. The M4K memory blocks can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO, supporting true dual-port operation. The four PLLs provide clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and frequency synthesis, eliminating the need for external clock-generation ICs in most designs. Typical applications include industrial control and automation, video processing and image capture, telecommunications line cards, automotive infotainment and driver assistance systems, prototyping of ASIC designs, and embedded digital signal processing. The 324-BGA FineLine BGA package supports high I/O count designs while maintaining a compact board footprint suitable for space-constrained products. When designing with the EP1C12F324C6AA, careful attention must be paid to power supply sequencing between the 1.5 V core and the I/O voltages to prevent latch-up, and decoupling capacitors must be placed close to all power pins. The JTAG configuration interface should include the TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO signals brought out to a header for in-system programming and debugging using the Quartus design software. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C12F324C6N - Cyclone 12,060 LEs FPGA, 324-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C12F324C6N is a Cyclone® family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 RAM bits, and 249 user I/Os, housed in a 324-ball FineLine BGA package. Speed grade 6 with a -40°C to 0°C commercial operating range, the device is fabricated on a 130 nm process and operates from a 1.5 V core supply. The Cyclone architecture targets low-cost, high-volume applications requiring balanced logic, memory, and DSP resources. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a class of programmable logic device that allows hardware designers to configure digital circuits after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) between simple Complex PLDs (CPLDs) and high-end Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). The Cyclone family specifically targets cost-sensitive applications that still require meaningful logic density and embedded memory. FPGAs are programmed using hardware description languages such as Verilog or VHDL via vendor tools (Quartus II for Cyclone), and the configuration is loaded into SRAM cells at power-up. Key features include 12,060 logic elements distributed across 1,206 logic array blocks (LABs), 239,616 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), two Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL I/O standards. The device includes up to 52 embedded 9-bit multipliers suited for DSP pipelines such as FIR filters and FFT butterflies. Differential signaling and dedicated global clock networks support high-speed source-synchronous interfaces common in video, communications, and industrial imaging. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing and display controllers, low-cost software-defined radio front ends, USB and Ethernet bridging logic, and glue-logic consolidation in telecom equipment. The 130 nm SRAM-based fabric requires a configuration flash or download cable on every board, and the 324-ball BGA footprint targets designs with sufficient PCB layer count (typically 6+ layers) for power plane and signal escape. When designing with this part, plan the configuration source (EPCS serial flash is the most common companion) and provide a clean JTAG header for Quartus II programming. Decouple VCCINT (1.5 V) and VCCIO banks with 100 nF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of each BGA ball cluster, and route all clocks through the dedicated global clock network for minimal skew. The C6N suffix indicates a -40°C to 0°C commercial temperature range and speed grade 6; choose C7N or C8N only when timing closure requires the faster device. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in and speed-grade alternatives, application guidance, and practical design notes beyond the datasheet, helping procurement, design, and validation engineers evaluate the EP1C12F324C6N in one view.
EP1C12F324C7 - Cyclone FPGA, 12,060 LEs, 324-BGA | Altera | Intel
The Altera (now Intel) EP1C12F324C7 is a Cyclone family Field-Programmable Gate Array delivering 12,060 logic elements, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM, and 249 user I/Os in a 324-ball FineLine BGA package operating at up to 320 MHz on a 130 nm CMOS process at 1.5 V core. The device belongs to the original Cyclone series introduced for low-cost, high-volume FPGA designs and targets applications where 12060 logic cells are sufficient but deterministic logic capacity and high I/O count are required. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device containing configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells, all governed by SRAM-based configuration memory. The Cyclone family sits at the low-cost end of the Altera/Intel FPGA hierarchy: it is positioned below Stratix/Cyclone high-performance families but above legacy MAX CPLDs. EP1C12F324C7 specifically uses 1,206 LABs (Logic Array Blocks) implemented in 130 nm technology, with each LAB containing 10 logic elements, giving the headline 12,060 LEs that designers plan around. Key features include 12,060 logic elements organized into 1,206 LABs, 239,616 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks) ideal for FIFO and small buffer functions, two embedded PLLs for clock multiplication and phase shifting, 249 user I/Os with multi-voltage I/O standards support, and JTAG-based configuration via the passive serial (PS) or active serial (AS) modes using low-cost EPCS configuration devices. The Cyclone architecture is fundamentally RAM-based, meaning the device loses its configuration when power is removed, so a configuration ROM or controller is mandatory on every board. Architecturally, the device uses 1.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for I/O voltage flexibility. The four-input look-up table (LUT) per LE provides flexible logic implementation, while dedicated multiplier blocks (where available on larger Cyclone variants) and M4K memory blocks accelerate DSP and buffer functions. The device supports LVDS, SSTL, and other high-speed I/O standards, making it usable in low-to-mid speed communication interfaces. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation backplanes, low-cost video processing bridges, telecommunications line-card glue logic, consumer electronics requiring custom video or audio pipelines, and educational FPGA prototyping platforms where the Altera Quartus II design suite provides a complete flow from synthesis through bitstream generation. When designing with this part, always include a configuration ROM (such as EPCS4 or EPCS16) on the PCB because the SRAM-based configuration is volatile. JTAG chain ordering matters when multiple Altera devices share the chain, and the four JTAG pins (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) plus the nCONFIG/nSTATUS/CONF_DONE configuration control pins must be brought to accessible test points. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Cyclone family, and practical design notes that go beyond what a single datasheet provides, enabling faster board bring-up and BOM hardening.