FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP1C4F324C8 - Cyclone FPGA 4000 Cells, 249 I/O, 324-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP1C4F324C8 is a Cyclone® series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 249 user I/Os, housed in a 324-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-324) package measuring 19 mm x 19 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch. The device is fabricated on a 130 nm CMOS process and operates from a 1.5 V core supply with a maximum internal clock frequency of up to 405 MHz. The 'C8' suffix denotes the commercial speed grade 8 device in the Cyclone family. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated I/O cells, allowing hardware designers to implement custom digital logic functions after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between ASICs (custom-fabricated) and CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile), offering the highest logic density and richest feature set for prototyping and low-to-mid volume production. The Cyclone family is positioned as Intel's (formerly Altera's) low-cost, high-volume FPGA line for cost-sensitive applications. Key features of the EP1C4F324C8 include 4,000 logic elements distributed across 249 user I/Os, 78,336 bits of embedded RAM organized as M4K memory blocks, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The device integrates dedicated 18 x 18 hardware multipliers and Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock management, enabling DSP and high-speed interface implementations. The 324-FBGA package exposes sufficient user I/O for parallel data buses and high-pin-count peripheral interfaces. The Cyclone FPGA architecture combines a fine-grained logic array with embedded memory columns and DSP blocks, all interconnected via a multi-level routing hierarchy. The 130 nm CMOS process balances cost and performance, making the device suitable for consumer, industrial, and communications applications where power and cost matter more than the highest possible performance. The device supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, and JTAG modes. Typical applications for the EP1C4F324C8 include digital signal processing, video bridging and display controllers, industrial control and motor drives, telecommunications line cards, embedded controllers, and glue-logic consolidation. Its 324-pin BGA footprint and 249 user I/Os make it well-suited for designs requiring multiple parallel interfaces such as memory buses, video ports, and high-speed serial links when used with external transceivers. When designing with the EP1C4F324C8, ensure proper decoupling with 0.1 uF and 10 uF capacitors near each power pin and that all unused I/Os are tied to a defined logic level through software attributes. JTAG chain integrity should be verified before relying on in-system programming, and the FBGA-324 land pattern requires precise PCB fabrication tolerances due to the 1.0 mm ball pitch. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes for the EP1C4F324C8 that supplement the manufacturer datasheet with sourcing and engineering context.
EP1C4F324C8L - Cyclone FPGA 4000 LEs FBGA-324 | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1C4F324C8L is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 4000 logic elements, 400 LABs, and 249 user I/Os in a 324-ball FineLine BGA package with 1.0 mm pitch and 19 x 19 mm body. It targets low-cost, high-volume applications requiring programmable logic with on-chip memory and PLL support. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), interconnect, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed after manufacturing. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP1C4F324C8L sits in the hierarchy FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. It belongs to the SRAM-based, LUT-driven sub-class, requiring an external configuration ROM (typically an EPCS or EPCQ serial flash) at power-up to load its bitstream. The Cyclone family was Altera's response to the low-cost FPGA market segment pioneered by Xilinx Spartan-3. Key features of the EP1C4F324C8L include 4000 logic elements (LEs), 78 Kbits of embedded RAM organized as M4K blocks, two phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and 249 maximum user I/Os. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards and offers a maximum internal operating frequency in the 200-400 MHz range depending on logic utilization. The 'C8' speed grade and 'L' suffix denote the 1.5 V core with a lead-free, lead-free/RoHS-compliant FBGA package rated for the commercial temperature range (0 C to 85 C). The Cyclone architecture uses a 2.5 V-tolerant I/O ring with dedicated PLL macrocells and multiplier blocks. Its M4K memory blocks can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO at widths up to 36 bits, providing embedded buffering that is rare for entry-level FPGAs of that era. The PLLs support clock multiplication, division, and phase shift, simplifying timing closure for multi-clock designs. Typical applications include consumer electronics glue logic, industrial control and motor drive interfaces, low-cost video processing, communications protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C conversion), and educational/hobbyist development boards. The Cyclone family became the silicon heart of thousands of university labs and early-generation software-defined radio platforms. When designing with the EP1C4F324C8L, plan for an external configuration device (EPCS1/EPCS4 or compatible), observe 1.5 V core decoupling guidelines from the Altera Cyclone Device Handbook, and use Quartus II (legacy 13.0 SP1 or earlier) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Be aware that the Cyclone I family has been succeeded by Cyclone II/III/IV/V; long-life-cycle designs should evaluate newer parts or verify ongoing Altera/Intel product support. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives within the Cyclone I family, and practical Quartus II design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
EP1C4F324C8N - Cyclone FPGA 4000 LE 249 I/O | Altera
The Altera EP1C4F324C8N is a Cyclone-family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) containing 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 embedded RAM bits, and 249 user I/Os, supplied in a lead-free 324-ball FBGA measuring 19 x 19 mm with 1.0 mm ball pitch. The C8N ordering code denotes commercial temperature grade and speed grade 8. An FPGA, or field-programmable gate array, is an integrated circuit whose digital logic fabric can be reconfigured after manufacturing. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs use SRAM-based programmable lookup tables, routing switches, and flip-flops, allowing designers to implement arbitrary hardware logic quickly and update it in the field. The EP1C4 is an entry-density member of the Cyclone product tier, filling the gap between small CPLDs and mid-range FPGAs in systems that need hundreds of parallel I/Os without a large power budget. Key features include 400 logic array blocks, each containing ten logic elements, for a total of 4,000 logic elements; 78,336 RAM bits for FIFOs, line buffers, or register files; and 249 user I/O pins. The 324-ball FBGA uses 1.0 mm pitch, which is practical for low-cost PCB fabrication. The N suffix indicates a lead-free finish, and the C8 speed-grade option provides a cost-effective timing target for many proven designs. Technically, the EP1C4F324C8N is an SRAM-based FPGA, so it must be configured from an external EPCS/PROM, a configuration device, or through JTAG after power-up. The wide 324-ball array provides excellent routing escape and is suited to surface-mount assembly with standard reflow. Because the Cyclone family is mature, extensive documentation, reference designs, and application notes are available, and the same bitstream can be compiled with Altera/Intel Quartus software. Typical applications include industrial-control glue logic, communication protocol bridging, motor-control PWM, video and LED-display timing, test-and-measurement interfaces, and legacy board repair. The combination of 4,000 logic elements and 249 user I/Os is well matched to systems that need more capability than a CPLD but do not justify a larger FPGA. Designers should pay close attention to the 1.5 V core supply, decoupling it with low-ESR ceramic capacitors close to the device, and should verify that the selected EPCS configuration device is compatible with the FPGA configuration voltage. For operation outside the commercial 0°C to +85°C range, choose an I-suffix industrial variant instead. This page synthesizes verified distributor links, comparable price information, drop-in alternative variants, and practical design guidance not found in a single manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate the EP1C4F324C8N quickly for repair or new legacy-compatible builds.
EP1C4F324I7 - Cyclone FPGA 4K LE 324-FBGA Industrial | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F324I7 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 bits of embedded RAM, and 249 user I/O pins in a 324-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-324, 19x19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch) package. It operates from a 1.5 V core supply with 3.3 V I/O tolerance, supports an internal clock frequency up to 405 MHz, and is rated for the industrial -40C to +85C temperature range. The device is fabricated on a 130 nm process and is shipping in volume as an active, mature low-cost FPGA. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic function is defined by user configuration rather than by hard-wired masks. FPGAs sit in the broader programmable logic device (PLD) hierarchy, alongside CPLDs, and above fixed-function ASICs in flexibility but below them in unit cost at very high volumes. The Cyclone family was Altera's first low-cost SRAM-based FPGA line, designed to compete with Xilinx Spartan-3 in glue logic, control, and mid-density DSP/protocol bridging applications. Key features include 4,000 logic elements organized into 400 logic array blocks (LABs), 78 Kbits of M4K embedded memory blocks, 17 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers suited for DSP, two PLLs for clock synthesis and de-skew, and 249 user I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards. Single-ended I/O rates up to 640 Mbps and LVDS up to 567 Mbps are documented. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes. The EP1C4F324I7 uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element architecture with a switched routing fabric and embedded memory columns, all backed by SRAM configuration cells that require a configuration device (such as the EPCS1/EPCS4 serial flash) for power-up bitstream loading. The 130 nm process and 1.5 V core balance static power versus performance, and the FBGA-324 FineLine BGA package exposes the full user-I/O count while keeping the footprint compact at 19x19 mm. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drive signal conditioning, telecom line-card glue logic and protocol bridging (TDM-to-I2S, UART bridging), low-cost video processing and display controllers, automotive infotainment prototypes, and educational/development boards where a low-cost mid-density FPGA is required. Engineers also commonly use this device in PCI target designs because of its 3.3 V PCI-compliant I/O support. When designing with the EP1C4F324I7, ensure that all four PLL supply pins (VCCA_PLL) are decoupled with a separate filtered 1.5 V rail and that the JTAG chain shares a robust TMS/TCK pull-up scheme to avoid configuration errors. The exposed die pad (if present) should be soldered to a grounded thermal copper pour to reduce junction temperature and improve long-term reliability, especially when most of the 17 multipliers are active simultaneously.
EP1C4F324I7N - Cyclone I FPGA 4K LE FBGA-324 | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1C4F324I7N is a member of the Cyclone I family of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) featuring 4,000 logic elements, 249 user I/Os, and a maximum internal operating frequency of 405 MHz, housed in a 324-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-324) package measuring 19 mm x 19 mm with 1.0 mm pitch. Built on a 130 nm CMOS process with a 1.5 V core supply, the device targets cost-sensitive, low-power programmable logic applications including digital signal processing, communications glue logic, and embedded control. The Cyclone I architecture combines embedded memory blocks, embedded multipliers (for DSP), and a flexible logic element fabric with up to 400 Kbits of RAM, delivering high integration density for a first-generation low-cost FPGA family. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure digital logic circuits after manufacturing, sitting within the broader semiconductor hierarchy as follows: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit (IC) -> semiconductor. Unlike application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs use configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be rewired via SRAM, flash, or antifuse technology to implement arbitrary digital functions. The Cyclone I family specifically targets the low-cost segment, replacing discrete logic ICs and small ASICs in volume production. Key features of the EP1C4F324I7N include 4,000 logic elements organized into 400 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), 249 maximum user I/Os, 17 M4K RAM blocks delivering up to 78 Kbits of memory (60 Kbits usable without parity), and up to 30 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP functions. The device supports single-ended I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and differential standards such as LVDS, RSDS, and mini-LVDS, with operation from 1.5 V core and 3.3 V / 2.5 V / 1.8 V I/O banks. The I7 speed grade corresponds to a -7 industrial temperature classification, ensuring operation from -40C to +100C ambient. Architecturally, the Cyclone I combines a 4-input look-up table (LUT) based logic element with an embedded memory block that can be configured as true dual-port, simple dual-port, or single-port RAM, ROM, or shift register. The embedded multipliers operate at up to 250 MHz and are interconnected via a fast MultiTrack interconnect routing fabric, allowing DSP-intensive functions such as FIR filters and FFT butterflies to be implemented without external multipliers. The phase-locked loops (PLLs) provide clock multiplication and division with up to four outputs per PLL, supporting up to four PLLs per device. Typical applications for the EP1C4F324I7N include industrial control and automation, motor control, video processing front-ends, protocol bridging (PCI to local bus, UART, I2C, SPI glue logic), display controllers for LCD panels, and educational / prototyping platforms. The 249 user I/Os make it well suited to bus-intensive designs where multiple parallel interfaces must be aggregated. When designing with this FPGA, ensure proper decoupling of each PLL supply pin with both bulk and high-frequency ceramic capacitors, and follow Altera's recommended IBIS models for signal-integrity analysis on high-speed LVDS or SSTL interfaces. Configuration can be performed via JTAG, active serial (AS), or passive serial (PS) modes using an Altera configuration device or a microcontroller. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the Cyclone family, and practical design notes not consolidated in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C4F400C6 - Cyclone FPGA, 4000 Cells, 400-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F400C6 is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, fabricated on a 1.5V, 130nm CMOS process and offered in a 400-pin FineLine BGA package (400FBGA). It integrates 4,000 logic elements across 400 LABs (logic array blocks), delivers up to 301 user I/O pins, and contains up to 78 Kbits of embedded RAM. According to the verified Cyclone Family datasheet, the device targets low-cost, high-volume digital logic applications with a 405.2 MHz internal operating frequency. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LEs) connected by programmable interconnect, allowing hardware engineers to implement arbitrary digital logic that is re-programmable in-circuit. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA belongs to programmable logic devices (PLD), which sit under digital logic ICs and ultimately under integrated circuits. The Cyclone family sits at the entry-level / low-cost tier of the FPGA hierarchy, above simple CPLDs but below the Stratix high-performance tier. Key features of the EP1C4F400C6 include 4,000 logic elements distributed across 400 LABs, 301 user I/O pins (supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS), 78 Kbits of M4K embedded RAM blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and support for external memory interfaces including SDR SDRAM, FCRAM, and SRAM. The "C6" speed grade designates a commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) with a -6 speed bin, while the "F400" package code indicates the 400-ball FineLine BGA. The Cyclone architecture uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element with dedicated carry-chain and register-chain routing for high arithmetic performance. The 130nm process and 1.5V core supply keep dynamic power manageable for high-volume consumer, industrial, and communications designs, while the embedded M4K blocks enable efficient on-chip FIFOs, buffering, and small memory-mapped data paths. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control and motor drive glue logic, video processing and display controllers, communications protocol bridging, and cost-sensitive prototype designs that benefit from FPGA flexibility without high-end transceiver integration. When designing with this device, careful attention must be paid to power distribution across the 400-ball BGA, signal-integrity-driven PCB stackup, and I/O bank VCCIO planning, since mixed-voltage I/O standards require per-bank supply rails. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not collected in any single manufacturer document.
EP1C4F400C6N - Cyclone FPGA 4K LEs 400-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F400C6N is a Cyclone-series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 0.13 µm SRAM process, offering 4,000 logic elements (LEs), 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/Os in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package. It is specified in the commercial speed grade 6 (C6) and is targeted at cost-sensitive, high-volume digital logic designs that need programmable glue logic, parallel processing, and modest memory integration. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose logic fabric, routing, and I/O behavior are defined by a user-supplied configuration bitstream rather than at the factory. Within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and PALs (Programmable Array Logic). FPGAs typically offer far higher logic density, embedded block RAM, multipliers/DSP blocks, and high-speed transceivers, making them the device of choice when a microcontroller is too slow, an ASIC is too expensive, and a CPLD lacks capacity. The Cyclone family is positioned as Intel's (formerly Altera's) low-cost, low-power FPGA line. The EP1C4F400C6N integrates 4,000 LEs, 78,336 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks of 4 Kbits each), a PLL block for clock management, 301 user I/Os, and supports single-ended I/O standards such as LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential standards such as LVDS. The C6 speed grade places it in the middle of the Cyclone speed binning; faster C7/C8 grades and an industrial I6/I7 variant are also offered. The device is configured via a serial configuration device (EPCS) or through JTAG, and uses SRAM cells so it must be reconfigured at every power-up. Typical applications include digital video processing bridges, industrial control and motor drive glue logic, low-cost prototyping platforms, telecommunications line-card interface logic, and embedded display controllers. The combination of 301 I/Os and 400-ball BGA allows dense board integration with many parallel external buses. When designing with this device, plan for configuration memory (a serial EPCS flash or microcontroller) and provide proper decoupling on every VCCINT/VCCIO rail. The 400-ball BGA requires X-ray or careful reflow inspection, so PCB fabrication and assembly cost should be weighed against the benefit of high I/O count. Engineers migrating from older Cyclone designs should consult the Quartus II pin migration tables to swap C6/I6/C7/C8 speed grades within the same package. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand alternatives, and practical design notes that are not collected in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C4F400C7 - Cyclone FPGA, 4K LEs, 301 I/O, 400-FBGA | Altera
The Altera EP1C4F400C7 is a Cyclone series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Cyclone I device family, built on a 1.5V, 130 nm CMOS process. The device integrates 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/Os into a 400-ball FineLine BGA package, targeting cost-sensitive, high-volume applications such as digital signal processing, embedded control, and glue logic replacement. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable semiconductor device whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O are configured by the user after manufacture via an HDL bitstream. FPGAs occupy a unique position in the hierarchy between ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and general-purpose processors: unlike ASICs they require no NRE or mask charges, and unlike microcontrollers they achieve true hardware parallelism. Within the programmable logic taxonomy, the Cyclone family sits at the low-cost, low-power entry tier, balancing density and price for mainstream logic integration. Key features of the EP1C4F400C7 include 4,000 logic elements arranged in 400 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), 78,336 bits of embedded SRAM, integrated LVDS support up to 640 Mbps, up to two PLLs per device, and a global clock network with up to eight dedicated clock pins. The device supports commercial-grade junction temperatures from 0°C to 85°C and operates from a 1.425 V to 1.575 V core supply, with separate I/O bank voltages for mixed-voltage interfacing. Architecturally, the Cyclone I family uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) feeding dedicated register stages, M512/M4K/M-RAM memory blocks optimized for FIFO and buffer functions, and a row/column interconnect topology. The embedded multipliers (3.6 x 3.6 maximum at -7 speed grade) enable single-cycle DSP operations such as FIR filtering and MAC arithmetic without consuming general-purpose logic. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drives, consumer video and display controllers, automotive infotainment prototyping, wireline telecom line cards, and PCI/PCI-X bus interface bridging. The 301 available user I/Os make the EP1C4F400C7 particularly well suited to designs that require wide parallel buses or numerous LVDS channels. Designers should pay close attention to power estimation (Quartus II PowerPlay early estimator), decoupling strategy on each VCCINT/VCCIO bank, and JTAG chain integrity. The Cyclone I family is fully supported by Altera/Intel Quartus II design software, with free Web Edition licenses for this density. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric specifications, drop-in alternatives, and PCB-level design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, delivering an information gain that distributors and generic catalog pages do not provide.
EP1C4F400C7N - Cyclone FPGA 4K LEs 400-FBGA | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F400C7N is a Cyclone-series Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/Os, housed in a 400-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-400) package measuring 21 x 21 mm with a 1.00 mm ball pitch. Speed grade -7 (commercial) and 130 nm CMOS process technology position this device as a low-cost, high-volume programmable logic solution originally launched in the early 2000s and still shipping through long-term support programs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacture by a customer-supplied configuration bitstream. Cyclone-class FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD), which also includes CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices). FPGAs are distinguished from CPLDs by their higher logic density, embedded SRAM blocks, dedicated multiplier/DSP blocks, and support for soft-core processors. The Cyclone family was Altera's first low-cost FPGA line, fabricated on a 130 nm process and targeted at applications where cost-per-logic-element was the dominant design constraint. Key features of the EP1C4F400C7N include 4,000 logic elements distributed across 400 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), 78,336 bits of embedded RAM organized in M4K memory blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and 301 general-purpose I/O pins arranged in I/O banks that support multiple single-ended and differential I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS. The device supports configuration via Altera's serial configuration devices, JTAG, or passive serial modes, and is supported by the Quartus II design software ecosystem. Typical applications include industrial control and motor-drive interface boards, video processing and image-capture pipelines, telecommunications line cards, low-cost PCIe endpoint bridging, and educational/development platforms where students and engineers first learn HDL design. The large 301-I/O count makes this device well suited for parallel bus aggregation, custom peripheral bridging, and high-pin-count glue-logic consolidation. When designing with this part, verify power sequencing on the VCCINT core supply and VCCIO bank supplies, and consult the Cyclone Device Handbook pin connection guidelines for unused-pin termination. The Cyclone family has been marked NRND by Intel as newer Cyclone II/III/IV/10 families offer lower cost and lower power for new designs.
EP1C4F400C8 - Cyclone FPGA 4K LE 400-BGA | Intel | Industrial
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F400C8 is a Cyclone-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 4,000 logic elements, 78336 bits of embedded RAM, and 301 user I/Os, housed in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 130 nm CMOS process and operating from a 1.5 V core supply, the device supports an internal toggle rate up to 275 MHz and integrates dedicated 18x18 multipliers, embedded RAM blocks, and a four-phase PLL clock network. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected by programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit in the digital-logic hierarchy between standard microcontrollers (fixed architecture, sequential execution) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs, fixed at fabrication). Cyclone-family FPGAs target cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where the parallel hardware acceleration of an FPGA is needed but ASIC non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs cannot be justified. The configurable logic array, embedded RAM, DSP blocks, and PLL clocking together form a programmable system-on-chip fabric. Key features of the EP1C4F400C8 include 4,000 logic elements distributed across 400 logic array blocks, 78336 bits of embedded RAM in M4K memory blocks, up to 301 user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, LVDS), and 17 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers. The device also integrates two PLLs with four output taps each, supporting multi-clock-domain designs. Configuration is supported through active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes, with built-in decompression for reduced configuration bitstream storage. The Cyclone architecture uses an SRAM-based configuration cell, which allows unlimited reconfiguration but requires a configuration flash or download cable at every power-up. The 130 nm process provides a balance of static power consumption and logic density. The 400-ball FineLine BGA (1.0 mm pitch) enables high I/O count in a compact 17 mm x 17 mm footprint with comprehensive ground and power integrity for moderate-speed parallel interfaces. Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation, telecommunications line cards and baseband processing, video and image processing pipelines, consumer electronics requiring hardware-accelerated DSP, and prototype ASIC development. Quartus II design software (version 13.0 or earlier for legacy Cyclone support) is used for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. When designing with this device, ensure clean 1.5 V core and 3.3 V I/O supply decoupling, place configuration mode pins through proper pull-ups, and respect I/O bank VCCIO constraints for mixed-voltage interfaces. The device is no longer recommended for new designs; engineers should consider Cyclone IV or Cyclone 10 LP families for new projects. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Cyclone family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C4F400C8N - 4K LE Cyclone FPGA 301 I/O 400-FBGA | Intel/Altera
The Intel/Altera EP1C4F400C8N is a member of the Cyclone family of low-cost Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) built on a 130 nm SRAM process, delivering 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/O pins in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package. The 'C8' speed grade denotes a commercial 8 ns pin-to-pin logic delay, and the 'N' suffix indicates lead-free, RoHS-compliant terminations. According to the Altera Cyclone Family datasheet, this device integrates up to 17 M4K memory blocks, two PLLs, and a dedicated double-data-rate (DDR) interface that supports external SDR/DDR/DDR2 memory at up to 266 Mbps data rate. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic, interconnect, and I/O behavior are defined by user-supplied configuration data rather than by the mask set of a fixed-function ASIC. Within the broader programmable-logic hierarchy, FPGAs sit above CPLDs in density and below full-custom ASICs in per-unit cost, and they are commonly classified as SRAM-volatile devices because the configuration is reloaded from external flash on every power-up. Cyclone-series FPGAs in particular occupy the low-cost, high-volume tier and target glue-logic, bridging, and parallel DSP tasks where discrete processors or ASICs are uneconomical. Key features include 4,000 logic elements arranged in 400 LABs (logic array blocks), 78,336 bits of embedded RAM organized into M4K blocks, two enhanced PLLs with eight output taps each, support for LVDS, SSTL-2, and SSTL-3 I/O standards, and a MultiTrack interconnect that shortens compile time at the cost of slightly higher propagation delay compared with the Stratix family. The 400-pin FBGA package exposes 301 user I/O pins and supports both 1.5 V and 1.8 V core operation with I/O banks that tolerate 3.3 V mixed-voltage signaling. The architectural block diagram separates the device into four quadrants, each containing 100 LABs, four M4K RAM blocks, and a local row/column interconnect. A central global clock network drives the two PLLs and the dedicated DDR circuitry, while the periphery holds eight I/O banks - four on the top edge and four on the bottom - allowing fine-grained placement of differential pairs and memory interfaces. Configuration is loaded through active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), or JTAG modes from a low-cost EPCS serial configuration device. Typical applications include industrial motor control boards, video bridging and image-sensor pre-processing, low-cost software-defined radio front-ends, factory-automation backplanes, and educational FPGA development kits where the Cyclone's combination of generous logic, DDR support, and under-$30 price point make it a default choice. When designing with this device, allocate at least 20% of LABs and one M4K block for the JTAG and configuration logic so that in-system programming works on first prototypes. Keep the eight I/O bank supplies well decoupled with 0.1 µF X7R ceramics placed within 5 mm of each bank, and route DDR traces first with matched length and 50 Ω single-ended impedance to take advantage of the dedicated DDR interface without re-spinning the PCB.
EP1C4F400C8NAA - Cyclone FPGA, 4000 LEs, 301 I/O, 400-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP1C4F400C8NAA is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, offering 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/Os in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package with industrial-grade -8 speed grade. Built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm SRAM-based architecture, it integrates embedded multipliers, PLLs, and dual-purpose configuration I/O pins, making it suitable for cost-sensitive, high-volume digital designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells. FPGAs sit at the same tier of complexity as programmable logic devices, ASICs, and CPLDs, and are commonly classified within the broader family of programmable logic. Cyclone sits in Intel's (formerly Altera) low-cost FPGA portfolio, positioned below Stratix and Cyclone II/III for power- and price-optimized applications. Key specifications include 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 bits of embedded RAM, 17 M4K memory blocks, two PLLs, up to 301 maximum user I/O pins, and 400-ball FineLine BGA packaging. The device supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, and JTAG modes, and operates over an industrial 0 °C to +85 °C junction temperature range. The Cyclone architecture combines 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) with embedded multiplier blocks capable of 18 × 18 bit signed multiplication. Its row/column interconnect and direct-drive I/O buffers deliver deterministic timing without complex place-and-route iterations. The 1.5 V core VCCINT is supported by an on-chip voltage reference and external decoupling network. Typical applications include industrial motor control, low-cost video bridging, consumer electronics glue logic, and legacy communication interface conversion. Its balance of logic capacity and I/O count makes it a strong fit for protocols requiring many pins such as PCI, SDR/DDR memory controllers, and parallel bus aggregation. When designing with this device, ensure signal integrity on the 400-ball FBGA by following Intel's PCB layout guidelines for FineLine BGA packages, including matched-length clocks and proper decoupling on every VCCINT/VCCIO pair. Use the Quartus II (legacy) or modern Quartus Prime design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation.
EP1C4F400C8NAB - Cyclone FPGA 4000 Cells 301 I/O 400-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP1C4F400C8NAB is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family fabricated on a 130 nm CMOS process, integrating 4000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and 301 user I/O pins in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package. It operates from a 1.5 V core supply with multiple I/O bank voltages and is rated for the commercial 0C to +85C junction temperature range. The device is offered in speed grade 8 with the NAB suffix denoting a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant industrial-grade package. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that allow the hardware function to be redefined after manufacture. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor) and are widely used for parallel datapath processing, custom interface bridging, glue logic, and ASIC prototyping where time-to-market outweighs per-unit cost. The Cyclone family was Altera's first SRAM-based, low-cost FPGA line, targeting ASIC replacement in cost-sensitive applications. Key features of the EP1C4F400C8NAB include 4000 logic elements, 17 M4K RAM blocks (78,336 RAM bits total), up to 301 user I/O pins across 8 I/O banks, embedded multipliers (typically 2 x 18 x 18 per M4K block region) for DSP-style arithmetic, and a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for clock management. The 400-ball FBGA package supports high I/O density on a small board footprint, while the 1.5 V core reduces dynamic power relative to older 2.5 V/3.3 V FPGA generations. Architecturally, the Cyclone I fabric uses 4-input lookup tables (LUTs) feeding registers, with routing switch matrices connecting rows and columns. Logic is grouped into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and I/O is organized into banks with independent VCCIO pins supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and LVDS signaling. The configuration bitstream is loaded from an external serial or parallel flash via the dedicated configuration pins, with the device remaining in user mode after the JTAG-driven configuration completes. Typical applications include digital video processing pipelines, industrial control and factory automation glue logic, telecommunications line-card interface bridging, low-cost ASIC prototyping, motor control and encoder interfaces, and legacy Parallel RapidIO/Custom bus bridges. The combination of moderate logic density, embedded multipliers, and plentiful user I/O suits designs that previously would have required a small ASIC. When designing with the EP1C4F400C8NAB, note that first-generation Cyclone devices are no longer recommended for new designs; verify with Intel's latest product discontinuation notices before committing. Plan decoupling around each VCCINT and VCCIO pin, route configuration signals (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA0) away from switching clocks, and use the Altera/Quartus II design toolchain for synthesis and place-and-route. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Cyclone family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C4F400I7 - Cyclone FPGA 4000 LE, 301 I/O | Altera
The Altera EP1C4F400I7 is a Cyclone family FPGA supplied in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package, integrating 4,000 logic elements, 78,336 RAM bits, and up to 301 user I/Os. Distributor listings for this part report a 130 nm, 1.5 V-core CMOS device with approximately 320 MHz-class performance; the I7 suffix identifies the industrial-temperature speed-grade -7 ordering option. An FPGA is a field-programmable gate array, an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be reconfigured after manufacturing. Unlike a fixed-function ASIC, an FPGA uses lookup tables, registers, embedded memory, and programmable routing to implement custom digital logic. In the programmable-logic hierarchy, an FPGA sits above CPLDs in density and is commonly used when a design needs thousands of gates, multiple independent state machines, or wide parallel I/O. The Cyclone CPLD-to-FPGA comparison is therefore relevant: EP1C4F400I7 provides substantially more capacity than a MAX/CPLD-class part. Verified specifications from the provided web data include 4,000 logic cells, 400 LABs, 301 user I/O pins, 78,336 RAM bits, 400-ball FBGA packaging, 1.5 V core supply, and 130 nm CMOS technology. The XAIPART summary is based on Partstack, DigiKey, Mouser, and FindIC listing data. The 21 x 21 mm, 1.0 mm-pitch fine-pitch BGA provides enough pins for memory buses, parallel ADCs, and peripheral interfaces while remaining a single-chip programmable logic solution. The Cyclone architecture organizes logic into logic array blocks with embedded memory and routing resources. EP1C4F400I7 contains 400 such LAB contexts, with 4,000 logic elements, and the 301 I/O count allows dense board-level connections. As an industrial I7 part, this FPGA is intended for environments where the commercial-temperature C-suffix variants are not acceptable. Because the Cyclone I family is now mature, designers should confirm exact memory configuration and I/O standards from the Cyclone datasheet before layout. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video/imaging front-end processing, protocol bridging, legacy glue-logic consolidation, test-and-measurement instrumentation, and edge IoT data concentration. The combination of moderate logic density, 78,336 RAM bits, and high I/O count permits custom state machines and parallel communication interfaces that would otherwise require multiple CPLDs. The industrial grade also suits equipment installed in factory cabinets or outdoor enclosures where ambient temperature can be elevated. When designing with EP1C4F400I7, pay particular attention to 1.5 V core decoupling and BGA fan-out. Because this part belongs to an older family, verify exact ball assignments using the Cyclone FPGA family datasheet or Intel/Altera pin files. Within the EP1C4F400 package, speed-grade and finish variants are package-compatible, but timing and temperature limits must be re-evaluated when substituting between -6, -7, and -8 speed grades. This page synthesizes information from distributor listings, an alternatives cross-reference search, and practical board-design guidance. It supplements the manufacturer datasheet by showing which EP1C4F400 order-code variants are drop-in candidates and how to make an informed temperature, speed, and lead-finish selection.
EP1C4F400I7N - Cyclone FPGA, 4K LEs, 400-FBGA, Industrial | Intel/Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C4F400I7N is a Cyclone® family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 4,000 logic elements housed in a 400-ball FineLine BGA package (21 x 21 mm, 1.0 mm pitch). It operates at a core voltage of 1.5V, supports I/O voltages from 1.5V to 3.3V, and delivers a maximum internal operating frequency of 320 MHz. The industrial-grade -I7 speed grade is rated for the -40C to +85C ambient range. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a class of programmable logic device that allows designers to implement arbitrary digital logic functions after PCB fabrication. Within the broader taxonomy, the Cyclone series sits at the low-cost, low-power end of Intel's FPGA portfolio, bridging the gap between CPLDs and high-density Stratix devices. FPGAs are widely used in glue logic, custom interfacing, parallel DSP pipelines, and hardware prototyping, where time-to-market and in-system reprogrammability outweigh per-unit cost. The Cyclone architecture combines 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), embedded M4K RAM blocks (totaling approximately 78 Kbits), and a rich I/O mix including LVDS, PCI, and DDR support. Two PLLs provide flexible clock management, and dedicated hardware multipliers accelerate DSP operations. The device uses SRAM-based configuration, requiring an external configuration device such as the EPCS1 or EPCS4 serial flash for standalone boot. With 301 user I/Os and a 400-ball FBGA package, the EP1C4F400I7N is intended for I/O-rich designs such as industrial control boards, custom video or image processing front-ends, prototyping platforms, and educational development kits. The 1.0 mm ball pitch makes the package approachable for multilayer PCB fabrication while still enabling high pin-count integration. When designing, pay close attention to configuration scheme (AS, PS, JTAG), decoupling (100 nF + bulk tantalum near each VCC/GND pair), and thermal management: although typical quiescent power is modest, dynamic power scales with toggle rate. Always validate timing with Quartus II TimeQuest under worst-case process, voltage, and temperature corners. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Cyclone family, and practical design notes not assembled in any single manufacturer document.
EP1C6F25617 - Cyclone FPGA 5,980 LEs 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1C6F25617 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, offering 5,980 logic elements, 921,600 bits of embedded RAM, and 185 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Fabricated on a 0.13-µm SRAM-based process, it operates with a core voltage of 1.5 V and supports I/O bank voltages of 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V through flexible LVDS/LVTTL/LVCOMS/SSTL interface standards. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnects, and I/O cells that engineers can reconfigure after manufacturing. FPGAs sit within the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), above CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) in density, and are used to implement custom digital logic, parallel processing pipelines, hardware accelerators, and glue logic without the cost and lead time of an ASIC. Key features of the EP1C6F25617 include two integrated PLLs for clock management, 20 M4K embedded RAM blocks (4 Kbit each, configurable as true dual-port or simple dual-port), and 13 dedicated LVDS channels. The device supports configuration via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), and JTAG modes, and is supported by the Altera Quartus II design suite (legacy versions 5.1–13.0). The Cyclone architecture uses a four-input look-up table (LUT) logic element with a dedicated carry chain and register, giving an effective logic density of around 20,000 gates. The 256-pin FBGA package measures 17 mm × 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, suiting it to mid-complexity glue logic, bridge designs, and low-volume prototyping. Total internal memory bandwidth reaches approximately 166 Mbit/s per M4K block when configured for FIFO operation. Typical applications for the EP1C6F25617 include industrial control boards, video processing front-ends, motor drive interfaces, telecom line cards, and educational development platforms. The device also served in early digital camera image pipelines and in ASIC prototyping rigs where 6K LEs was the target gate count. When designing with the EP1C6F25617, ensure that decoupling on each VCCINT and VCCIO pin follows the Cyclone handbook guidelines (typically 0.1 µF ceramic per pin group, plus a single 33 µF bulk tantalum). The 256-FBGA footprint requires a 4-layer PCB minimum, with via-in-pad recommended for reliable reflow. This page synthesizes distributor pricing snapshots, drop-in Cyclone-family alternatives from the Site MPN list, and design notes compiled from the Cyclone Device Handbook - information not assembled in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6F25617L - Cyclone FPGA 6K LE, 256-BGA, 1.7V | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1C6F25617L is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, offering 5,980 logic elements in a 256-pin FineLine BGA package with a -7 speed grade and low-voltage (L) variant. It is a low-cost SRAM-based programmable logic device designed for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where traditional ASIC development is not economically justified. The device operates with a core voltage of 1.7V (the L suffix designates this lower-voltage variant compared to the 1.8V standard), paired with a 3.3V I/O supply. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of integrated circuit containing configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated I/O cells that the designer can reconfigure after manufacturing. FPGAs sit between discrete logic ICs and full custom ASICs in the design hierarchy: logic IC -> programmable logic -> FPGA -> ASIC. Cyclone family FPGAs target glue-logic, bus bridging, and DSP pre/post-processing rather than high-end signal processing. Key features of the EP1C6F25617L include up to 90 Kbits of embedded RAM distributed across M4K blocks, two PLLs for clock management and frequency synthesis, and 185 user I/O pins. The 256-ball FineLine BGA package supports high I/O density in a compact footprint suitable for multi-layer PCBs with controlled-impedance routing. The Cyclone architecture uses a 1.5V internal core with on-chip voltage regulation. Typical applications include consumer electronics glue logic, video processing pipelines, industrial control interfaces, communications protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C to parallel buses), and educational/hobbyist development platforms. The Cyclone series was widely adopted in early 2000s digital design courses and remains in legacy equipment requiring long-term support. When designing with this part, note that configuration is typically loaded from an external EPC serial configuration device via the active serial (AS) or JTAG interface. A reset circuit and proper decoupling are required for reliable operation. The 256-FBGA package requires X-ray or BGA rework equipment for prototyping, so many designers use the EP1C6Q240 variant in QFP for easier hand assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-compatible alternatives from the Cyclone family, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6F25617N - Cyclone FPGA 6K LEs 185 I/O FBGA | Altera
The Altera EP1C6F25617N is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 185 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package. It is built on a 0.13 µm SRAM-based CMOS process and supports industrial-grade operating temperatures from -40 °C to +85 °C, with a speed grade of 7. The device integrates two PLLs and provides 13 M4K RAM blocks, making it suitable for cost-sensitive high-volume logic integration across embedded, industrial, and communications designs. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacture by loading a user-supplied configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic hierarchy between small CPLDs (limited gates, non-volatile) and ASICs (high NRE cost, fixed function). The Cyclone family is positioned as a low-cost, high-volume FPGA, optimized for glue logic, bus bridging, and modest DSP workloads rather than the highest logic density or transceiver performance. Key features of the EP1C6F25617N include 5,980 logic elements with embedded multiplier support via Quartus II synthesis, 92 Kbits of embedded RAM organized as M4K blocks (4 Kbit + 512 parity bits each), and two general-purpose PLLs with up to four output taps per PLL for clock synthesis and skew management. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards and provides dedicated DDR SDRAM interfaces at up to 133 MHz. Configuration is supported through JTAG, Passive Serial (PS), and Active Serial (AS) modes using low-cost Altera configuration devices. Typical applications span industrial control and factory automation glue logic, low-cost video processing pipelines, point-to-point serial protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C, parallel bus), consumer electronics display controllers, and education/development platforms where cost and Quartus II toolchain familiarity dominate the decision. The 185 single-ended (or 92 differential-pair) user I/O pins provide substantial board-level connectivity for sensor aggregation and peripheral expansion. When designing with the EP1C6F25617N, observe the recommended decoupling scheme (0.1 µF at every VCC pin plus bulk 47 µF tantalum) and follow Altera's FBGA-256 land pattern with 1.00 mm ball pitch. Decoupling should use short, wide traces from each VCC/VCCIO pair to the nearest ground via. Since configuration is volatile SRAM-based, the FPGA must be reconfigured at every power-up via JTAG or an external configuration PROM such as EPCS4 or EPCS16.
EP1C6F256C2 - Cyclone FPGA 6K LE, 256-BGA, 1.5V Core | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6F256C2 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family fabricated on a 0.13 µm SRAM process. The device integrates 5,980 logic elements (LEs), 92,160 RAM bits organized as 20 M4K memory blocks, and two phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. It is housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package (F256) measuring 17 mm × 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, offering high I/O density in a compact surface-mount footprint. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and configurable I/O cells, all of which can be reconfigured after manufacture to implement custom digital circuits. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA sits alongside CPLDs as a digital logic IC family, above fixed-function ASICs in flexibility, and under the wider semiconductor hierarchy as a member of programmable logic devices (PLDs) > digital ICs > integrated circuits. The Cyclone family specifically targets low-cost, high-volume applications requiring moderate logic density and high I/O count. Key features of the EP1C6F256C2 include support for up to 185 user I/O pins, multi-standard I/O support including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS, dedicated dual-purpose configuration pins, and an on-chip PLL with four clock outputs. The device supports both passive serial (PS) and JTAG configuration modes via Altera's Quartus II / Quartus Prime design software, and it operates from a 1.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for I/O voltage flexibility (1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V). The Cyclone architecture is built around four-input look-up tables (4-LUTs) feeding carry chains and register chains, with embedded M4K memory blocks capable of true dual-port operation at 200 MHz. The two PLLs provide clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and duty-cycle control. Compared with newer Cyclone generations (II, III, IV, V), the original Cyclone offers lower LE count and no dedicated DSP blocks, but it remains widely deployed in cost-sensitive designs such as industrial control, video processing, and bridge applications. Typical applications for the EP1C6F256C2 include glue logic replacement, custom peripheral interfaces, low-cost video processing pipelines, I/O expansion and bus bridging, and educational / prototyping platforms. It is commonly used as a co-processor in embedded systems where microcontrollers lack sufficient I/O bandwidth or processing parallelism. When designing with this device, note that the F256 BGA package requires careful PCB layout: a minimum 4-layer stack-up with controlled-impedance traces is recommended, and the 1.0 mm ball pitch demands precise reflow profiling. Unused I/O pins should be left floating or tied to a defined logic level per Quartus pin assignment guidance. This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-brand drop-in variants (different speed/temperature grades), and practical design guidance not found in the original Cyclone family datasheet, giving procurement and design engineers a single-page decision reference.
EP1C6F256C6 - Cyclone FPGA 6K LEs, 185 I/O, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP1C6F256C6 is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, featuring 5,980 logic elements, 185 user I/O pins, and 92,160 bits of embedded RAM in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 0.13 µm SRAM-based process, it operates with a core voltage of 1.5 V and supports commercial junction temperatures from 0 °C to 85 °C. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that engineers can reconfigure after manufacturing to implement custom digital logic. FPGAs sit hierarchically between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers: they offer ASIC-class parallelism and throughput while retaining the flexibility of in-system reprogrammability. The Cyclone family specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where the goal is to replace multiple discrete logic ICs with a single programmable device. Key features of the EP1C6F256C6 include two Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock management, dedicated DDR SDRAM memory interfaces, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS), and a low-cost 256-pin FBGA package measuring 17 mm × 17 mm. The device also provides a JTAG-based configuration interface and supports serial configuration via EPCS configuration devices, enabling simple in-field firmware updates. The Cyclone architecture uses a 4-input Look-Up Table (LUT) structure combined with embedded multiplier blocks and M4K memory blocks. Each M4K block supports true dual-port operation at up to 200 MHz, making the EP1C6F256C6 suitable for data-path and DSP-oriented glue logic. Two PLLs provide frequency synthesis, phase shifting, and clock de-skew for synchronizing external memory and high-speed peripherals. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, video bridging and image processing glue logic, industrial control and machine networking (Profibus, CAN, Ethernet MAC), serial protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C aggregation), and low-cost prototype ASIC replacement. The wide I/O count (185) makes the EP1C6F256C6 particularly attractive for board-level integration tasks where many glue-logic functions would otherwise require multiple CPLDs. When designing with this device, ensure proper decoupling (100 nF + 10 µF near each supply pin) and follow Altera's configuration guidelines for the 256-FBGA. The 'C6' speed grade offers a balance between logic performance and cost; faster 'C7' / 'C8' grades are available for timing-critical designs, while the 'I' suffix denotes an industrial temperature variant. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
EP1C6F256C6N - Cyclone 6K LEs FPGA, 185 I/O, FBGA-256 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6F256C6N is a Cyclone family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 5,980 logic elements, 185 user I/O pins, and 92,160 bits of embedded RAM, packaged in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256). It is built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm SRAM-based process and is offered in the commercial speed grade 6 with lead-free, RoHS-compliant packaging (the 'N' suffix). An FPGA is a reconfigurable integrated circuit whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O can be programmed by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile) and ASICs (custom, non-reprogrammable). The Cyclone family is Intel's low-cost, high-volume line, optimized for ASIC replacement, glue logic, and digital signal processing rather than maximum logic density or transceiver performance. Key features of the EP1C6F256C6N include 5,980 LEs, 92 Kbits (92160 bits) of embedded RAM arranged in M4K blocks, two phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and 185 user I/Os supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards. The device supports up to 3.3 V I/O tolerance and operates from a 1.5 V core supply. The architecture combines 4-input look-up tables (LUTs), embedded memory blocks, and routing fabric on a single die. Designers configure the device via SRAM configuration cells, allowing unlimited re-programming in-system through JTAG or active serial configuration. The two PLLs support clock multiplication, division, and phase shifting for multi-clock domain designs. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control and motor drives, video and image processing pipelines, communications protocol bridging, ASIC prototyping, and embedded controller glue logic. The 185 user I/Os allow direct interfacing to external DDR/DDR2 memory, parallel ADCs/DACs, and high-speed parallel buses. When designing with the EP1C6F256C6N, observe decoupling guidelines: place 0.1 µF capacitors adjacent to every VCCINT/VCCIO pin and a bulk 33 µF tantalum on each supply rail. The JTAG chain must be terminated with a 10 kΩ pull-up on TCK per IEEE 1149.1 to avoid spurious configuration. Pin-compatible drop-ins within the Cyclone family allow cost optimization without PCB rework. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives from the Cyclone family and competing lines, and practical design notes not aggregated elsewhere.
EP1C6F256C6NGA - Cyclone FPGA 6K LE 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6F256C6NGA is a member of the Cyclone® family of low-cost FPGAs, delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 185 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 0.13 µm SRAM process, the Cyclone EP1C6 targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where designers need programmable logic without paying ASIC NRE costs. The C6 speed grade at commercial temperature (0 °C to +85 °C) and the N suffix denoting lead-free termination complete the standard ordering code. What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O cells are defined after manufacture by loading a user-supplied configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit in the wider taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD), alongside CPLDs (Complex PLDs), and offer far higher logic density, embedded memory blocks, DSP blocks, and high-speed transceivers on larger parts. The Cyclone family occupies the low-cost end of this hierarchy, optimized for parallel glue logic, custom bus interfaces, and modest DSP pipelines rather than the multi-million-LE density of Stratix or the SERDES-rich Arria series. Key features of the EP1C6F256C6NGA include two PLLs for clock multiplication and phase shifting, embedded multiplier blocks supporting 18×18-bit operations, support for LVDS, LVTTL, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards, and Quartus II / Quartus Prime design-software compatibility. The 256-FBGA package provides a compact footprint suitable for space-constrained boards while exposing all 185 user I/Os for maximum connectivity. Configuration can be loaded from a passive serial (EPCS) or JTAG source, enabling rapid prototyping and in-system reprogramming. The Cyclone EP1C6 architecture is built around four logic-array blocks per LAB, with each LE containing a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and a carry chain for arithmetic operations. The embedded M4K memory blocks (each 4 Kbit plus parity) are arranged in columns, totaling 20 blocks (92,160 RAM bits), which can be configured as single- or dual-port RAM, ROM, or shift registers. PLLs support clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and external feedback for zero-delay buffering of high-speed clocks. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drive interfaces, telecom line-card glue logic, low-cost video processing, consumer electronics display controllers, and legacy parallel bus bridging. The Cyclone EP1C6 is particularly well suited for designs migrating from small CPLDs that have outgrown their logic capacity but do not require high-end transceiver-equipped FPGAs. When designing with the EP1C6F256C6NGA, allocate a generous ground and power plane under the BGA and use at least four dedicated configuration and JTAG pins. The 1.5 V core voltage requires a separate regulator, and the JTAG chain must be accessible for in-system programming. Plan configuration memory carefully — the EP1C6 does not retain configuration on power-down, so an external EPCS configuration flash is required for stand-alone boot. This page synthesizes Intel/Altera Cyclone family documentation, distributor pricing from DigiKey and Octopart (as of 2026-09-06), same-family drop-in alternatives with matched F256 FBGA packages, and practical design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6F256C7 - Cyclone FPGA, 5980 LEs, 185 I/O, 256-FBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1C6F256C7 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family fabricated on a 130nm process, offering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 185 user I/Os in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package with a -7 speed grade rated up to 320.1 MHz internal operation. It is a low-cost, SRAM-based programmable logic device targeting high-volume, cost-sensitive applications. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be reconfigured by the end user after manufacturing. FPGAs occupy the middle ground between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven processors: they deliver hardware-level parallelism and deterministic latency for glue logic, protocol bridging, and signal processing while still allowing in-field design changes. Within the programmable logic taxonomy, the Cyclone family sits below the high-end Stratix tier and above CPLDs, optimized for cost-per-logic-element rather than maximum performance. Key specifications of the EP1C6F256C7 include 5,980 LEs, 92,160 embedded RAM bits organized across 20 M4K memory blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and 185 user I/Os supporting LVCMOS, LVTTL, SSTL, and LVDS signaling. The -7 speed grade delivers higher Fmax than the -6 or -8 grades, making the C7 variant the preferred choice when timing closure is critical. Core voltage is 1.5V with dedicated PLL analog supply pins. The device is built on a 130nm SRAM process with a 1.5V core, which is the same silicon die shared across all Cyclone I speed grades. Designers using this part must configure it at every power-up from an external EEPROM or flash memory because the SRAM configuration cells are volatile. The 256-ball FBGA package exposes four dedicated clock input pins and supports JTAG-based boundary-scan test as well as passive or active serial configuration modes. Typical applications include consumer video processing, industrial control and machine interfaces, telecom line cards, USB and PCI interface bridging, motor control, and prototype ASIC replacement. The Cyclone architecture's embedded multipliers (though limited on EP1C6) and rich memory make it suitable for DSP preprocessing and FIFO buffering in embedded systems. A key design consideration is that the EP1C6F256C7 has reached end-of-life status and is no longer recommended for new designs; Lattice ECP5 or Intel Cyclone IV E/IV GX equivalents in modern packages offer lower power, higher logic density, and improved tool support. Existing designs should plan for last-time-buy sourcing. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical FPGA migration notes not assembled in the original manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6F256C7N - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LE 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP1C6F256C7N is a Cyclone-series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 185 user I/O in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm all-layer copper SRAM process, the device targets mid-density logic integration with on-chip RAM and configurable I/O standards, addressing data-path, memory-interface, and system-control designs at a low unit cost. The 'C7' speed grade denotes a commercial temperature rating (0C to +85C) with a pin-compatible -7 timing closure. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, and programmable routing that the designer implements after fabrication. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLD) -> FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> low-cost FPGA family. Compared with ASICs, FPGAs offer rapid prototyping, in-field re-programmability, and NRE-free development at the expense of unit cost and static power. The Cyclone family specifically targets cost-sensitive volume applications by trimming high-speed transceivers and emphasizing logic density per dollar. Key features of the EP1C6F256C7N include 5,980 logic elements (LEs), 92,160 total RAM bits distributed across M4K memory blocks, two PLLs for clock multiplication and phase shifting, and 185 user I/O pins supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards. The device supports up to four Delay-Locked Loops for source-synchronous memory interfaces such as DDR SDRAM. Configuration is loaded through passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes, enabling flexible boot from EPCS configuration flash. The Cyclone architecture uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element, with embedded multiplier support implemented in soft logic for low DSP workloads. Internal signal integrity is maintained through a hierarchical routing architecture with predictable timing closure at the -7 speed grade. Static power is minimized by the 1.5 V core, while dynamic power scales with toggle rate and clock frequency. The 256-FBGA package provides a compact 17 mm x 17 mm footprint suitable for space-constrained embedded boards. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation, video processing pipelines, motor control and motion drive interfaces, low-cost prototyping for ASIC replacement, and glue-logic consolidation around processors. The Cyclone family is widely used in display controllers, telecom line cards, and test-and-measurement front-ends where 5K-10K LE designs dominate. When designing with this device, ensure that your Quartus II project targets the EP1C6Q256C7 device symbol, that the I/O bank voltages match the chosen standard, and that the configuration flash (EPCS4 or EPCS16) is sized for the .pof file. Note that the EP1C6 series is mature; lead times can vary and the part is increasingly sourced through brokers for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone-family alternatives, and Quartus II configuration guidance not found in a single distributor product page.