FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP1C6T144C8 - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LE, 98 I/O | Altera
The Altera EP1C6T144C8 is a Cyclone family field-programmable gate array integrating 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 98 user I/Os in a 144-pin TQFP (commonly listed as 144-LQFP) package. It operates from a 1.5 V core supply and is built on a 0.13 μm all-layer copper SRAM process, targeting low-cost, high-volume applications with commercial temperature-grade ordering options. A field-programmable gate array is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacturing. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, it contains programmable logic elements, embedded memory, and I/O blocks whose interconnects are set by SRAM configuration bits. In the device hierarchy, an FPGA is a programmable logic device within the broader category of integrated circuits; it offers hardware-like parallelism with software-like reconfigurability. Cyclone devices belong to Altera's low-cost FPGA family, positioned for applications that need dense parallel logic but do not require high-end transceivers or hardened processors. The EP1C6T144C8 provides 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 bits of on-chip RAM, and 98 user I/O pins, making it suitable for glue logic, bus interfaces, and modest state machines. The 1.5 V core and 130 nm copper SRAM process deliver lower dynamic power than older 2.5 V FPGAs. The 144-pin TQFP package is a conventional surface-mount form factor with exposed leads that ease inspection and rework compared to fine-pitch BGA packages. The device supports JTAG boundary-scan testing and in-system configuration. Internally, Cyclone FPGAs consist of logic array blocks containing multiple logic elements, embedded memory blocks, and clock management resources; however, exact M4K block and PLL counts for EP1C6 were not enumerated in the retrieved data and should be confirmed in the Cyclone FPGA Family Data Sheet. The architecture is SRAM-based, so configuration data is volatile and must be loaded from an external configuration device or host at every power-up. The I/O ring supports multiple single-ended interface standards, and the JTAG interface is used for both boundary-scan and configuration. Typical applications include motor-control interface logic, display and sensor bridging, protocol conversion between UART/SPI/I2C and parallel buses, test equipment sequencing, and low-cost prototyping for students and hardware engineers. The large I/O count and 5,980 LEs are enough for state machines and data-path glue, while the TQFP package allows two-layer PCBs in many designs. When designing with this device, verify the configuration scheme early. Because Cyclone FPGAs have no internal flash, they require an EPCS serial configuration device or a configuration host holding the SRAM bitstream; the selected scheme affects board area and BOM cost. This data page synthesizes distributor availability, lead-free and speed-grade drop-in alternatives, package comparison data, and practical design guidance not stated in the bare datasheet extract, giving engineers a single-source decision reference for the legacy Cyclone family.
EP1C6T144C8 - Cyclone FPGA, 5980 LEs, 98 I/O, 144-TQFP | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP1C6T144C8 is a Cyclone® family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabricated on a 130 nm process, offering 5980 logic elements in a 144-pin TQFP surface-mount package. The device integrates 92160 bits of embedded RAM and provides 98 user I/O pins, with a core voltage of 1.5 V and supporting I/O standards from 1.5 V to 3.3 V. The "C8" suffix denotes the commercial temperature grade (0 °C to +70 °C) and the -8 speed grade. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that allows designers to configure digital logic circuits after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a unique position in the semiconductor hierarchy: more flexible than Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and far more capable than discrete logic ICs. Within the programmable logic taxonomy, the Cyclone family belongs to the low-cost, high-volume segment, sitting below the more advanced Stratix and above the legacy MAX CPLD families. Cyclone devices use a LUT-based logic element fabric with embedded M4K RAM blocks and a network of programmable interconnect. Key features of this Cyclone part include 5980 logic elements distributed across LABs (Logic Array Blocks), two PLLs for clock management, 20 embedded multipliers (18x18-bit) for DSP-style operations, and 5980 equivalent LEs supporting 100 MHz internal operation. The 130 nm process delivers a fine balance of cost, power, and performance for cost-sensitive applications. The 144-pin TQFP package provides a low-cost, easy-to-inspect footprint suitable for prototype, low-volume, and educational designs, with the trade-off of limited pin density compared with BGA alternatives. Typical applications include digital signal processing, glue logic, custom state machines, video and image processing front ends, industrial control, and educational/development platforms. The Cyclone architecture is supported by the Intel Quartus® II (now Intel Quartus Prime) design software, which includes ready-made IP cores for common functions such as UART, I2C, SPI, DDR controllers, and Nios II embedded processors. When designing with EP1C6T144C8, ensure the Quartus II pin assignments match the device pin-out for the 144-pin TQFP package and that decoupling capacitors are placed as close as possible to each VCCINT and VCCIO pin. The configuration scheme (AS, AP, PS, JTAG) must be selected before board layout to allocate correct pins for configuration. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone alternatives, and practical Quartus design notes not aggregated in the original datasheet.
EP1C6T144C8AA - Cyclone FPGA, 6K LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel EP1C6T144C8AA is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 5,980 logic elements and 92,160 bits of embedded RAM in a 144-pin LQFP package with 98 user I/O pins. Speed grade 8 is the slowest commercial-tier speed bin, while the trailing "AA" suffix designates a lead-free, industrial-temperature-grade offering. According to the Cyclone Family datasheet, the device is built on a 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm SRAM-based process with an internal PLL block (up to two PLLs) and dedicated LVDS support, making it a low-cost programmable fabric for glue logic, bus bridging, and parallel DSP preprocessing. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells, all of which are defined by a user-supplied bitstream held in external SRAM or flash. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers in the digital design hierarchy: they deliver ASIC-class parallelism and I/O flexibility without NRE cost, while offering far more deterministic real-time performance than general-purpose CPUs. The Cyclone family was Intel's (formerly Altera's) first low-cost FPGA line and helped define the modern mid-density FPGA market segment. Key features of the EP1C6T144C8AA include 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits (approximately 11.5 Kbytes of block RAM), up to 185 Kbits of usable RAM, two PLLs, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards. The 144-LQFP package exposes 98 user I/Os across four I/O banks, supporting up to 4 user I/O banks per Cyclone device. Industrial temperature range is -40 °C to +100 °C junction, making the part suitable for harsh environments. The device is configured via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), or JTAG modes using an external configuration device. Architecturally, the EP1C6T144C8AA uses a four-input look-up-table (LUT) per logic element, M4K RAM blocks of 4 Kbits each (with parity and shift-register modes), and dedicated multiplier blocks are not present in this family (multipliers are implemented in soft logic using the Quartus Prime library megafunctions). The two PLLs support clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and external clock output, enabling robust clock-tree design across the 98 I/Os. Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation glue logic, video processing and image-sensor interface bridging, low-cost ASIC prototyping, communications backplane interfacing, and consumer display controllers. Designers migrating from discrete logic or CPLDs frequently choose this device for its RAM density and PLL support. When designing with this part, ensure the JTAG chain, configuration flash, and decoupling network are correctly designed. Quartus II (or the legacy Quartus Prime 13.0sp1) is the supported development toolchain; third-party synthesis from Synopsys Synplify or Mentor Precision is also available. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on a single manufacturer or distributor page.
EP1C6T144C8N - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LE 144-TQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6T144C8N is a low-cost Cyclone® Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 bits of embedded RAM, and 98 user I/O pins in a 144-pin TQFP package with a commercial 0°C to +85°C operating range. The device is built on a 1.5 V, 0.13 µm all-layer copper SRAM process and is offered in the -C8 speed grade targeting up to 275 MHz internal operation, making it a long-standing workhorse for cost-sensitive digital designs, glue logic, and legacy industrial platforms. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable semiconductor that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic - from simple state machines to soft processor cores - by configuring an on-chip array of look-up tables, flip-flops, and programmable interconnect. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD), above simple CPLDs in capacity and below ASICs in per-unit cost but with the crucial advantage of in-system reprogrammability. The Cyclone family specifically targeted low power and low cost per logic element, opening FPGAs to volume consumer and industrial markets previously served only by ASICs or microcontroller-based designs. Key features of the EP1C6T144C8N include two PLLs for clock multiplication and phase shifting, dedicated 18x18 multipliers for DSP-style arithmetic, support for external memory interfaces including DDR SDRAM and FCRAM, and an active serial (AS) configuration interface compatible with low-cost EPCS configuration devices. The 144-TQFP package provides 98 usable I/O pins arranged in four I/O banks, allowing flexible mixed-voltage interfacing through bank-level VCCIO rails. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation backplanes, motor control and inverter drive boards, telecommunications line cards and protocol bridges, low-cost video processing pipelines, education and development kits, and replacement of legacy glue-logic ASICs where the original mask set is unavailable. Long product-life status and broad Quartus II tool support have made it a default choice for sustaining engineering. When designing with the EP1C6T144C8N, engineers should plan for a 1.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO bank rails and observe the I/O bank voltage grouping rules documented in the Cyclone device handbook. Configuration memory must be loaded at every power-up from a non-volatile EPCS device or a JTAG/USB-Blaster programmer; the device does not retain configuration when powered down. Thermal management is straightforward thanks to the plastic TQFP package and modest static plus dynamic power dissipation. This page synthesizes Cyclone family datasheet parameters, distributor stock and pricing snapshots, and drop-in same-footprint alternatives (C6/C7 speed grades, I-grade temperature variants, and 144-TQFP Cyclone I siblings) to help engineers compare, source, and sustain EP1C6T144C8N-based designs.
EP1C6T144I-7 - Cyclone FPGA, 5980 LEs, 144-LQFP | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1C6T144I-7 is a member of the Cyclone family of low-cost Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) fabricated on a 130 nm process. It integrates 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 bits of embedded RAM organized in M4K blocks, and two PLLs into a 144-pin LQFP package (TQFP, 0.5 mm pitch). The device is rated for an industrial operating temperature range of -40 °C to +100 °C and supports a core supply voltage of 1.5 V with I/O banks tolerant of common logic standards. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect, allowing designers to implement arbitrary digital logic, glue logic, DSP pipelines, and parallel processing engines after PCB assembly. Within the power-management and embedded-system hierarchy, the Cyclone family belongs to the low-cost SRAM-based FPGA category, positioned below high-performance Stratix devices and above CPLDs in terms of density and DSP capability. The 130 nm CMOS process and 1.5 V core make EP1C6T144I-7 a mature, low-power entry point. Key features of the EP1C6T144I-7 include 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 embedded RAM bits (twenty M4K blocks of 4,608 bits each), a maximum internal clock frequency up to 320 MHz (speed grade -7), two general-purpose PLLs with four output taps each, and 98 maximum user I/O pins. The device also integrates a JTAG boundary-scan interface, supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, or JTAG modes, and is supported by the Quartus II / Quartus Prime design toolchain. The '-7' speed grade denotes one of the faster Cyclone tiers. Architecturally, the Cyclone device pairs four-input look-up tables (LUTs) with small embedded memory blocks, enabling efficient shift-register, FIFO, and DSP-style FIR filtering implementations without external memory. The two PLLs provide on-chip clock multiplication and phase shifting, eliminating many external clock-generator ICs. Combined with the LVDS, LVTTL, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards supported, EP1C6T144I-7 is engineered for high-volume cost-sensitive applications that require integration density beyond discrete CPLDs. Typical applications include industrial control and instrumentation, motor-control front-ends, consumer-electronics glue logic, embedded video processing for legacy CCTV and digital signage, telecommunications line-card glue logic, and educational / FPGA-training platforms. The 144-pin LQFP package allows hand-soldering and rework on 2-layer prototype boards, which is a key reason this part persists in low-volume production despite newer Cyclone generations. When designing with EP1C6T144I-7, note that the part contains lead (Pb) and is not RoHS compliant - for RoHS designs, use EP1C6T144I7N or newer Cyclone devices. The 1.5 V core requires a dedicated LDO regulator, and all four PLL analog supply pins (VCCA_PLL) must be decoupled with 0.1 µF and 10 µF capacitors per the datasheet typical application circuit. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-brand alternatives from the Cyclone family, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6T144I6ES - Cyclone FPGA, 5,980 LEs, TQFP-144 | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) Cyclone EP1C6T144I6ES is a low-cost, low-power field-programmable gate array (FPGA) from the original Cyclone family, providing 5,980 logic elements (approximately 1,980 logic array blocks / 5980 CLBs per the legacy marketing spec) in a 144-pin TQFP package with 0.5 mm pitch. The device operates over the industrial temperature range (-40C to +100C) and is qualified to the I6 industrial speed grade, supporting an internal clock performance envelope of approximately 405 MHz depending on logic utilization. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory blocks that the user can re-program after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs and ASICs, and offer the best balance of density, performance, and time-to-market for mid-complexity glue logic, bus interfacing, and signal-processing pipelines. The Cyclone family is positioned at the entry/low-power tier of the Altera (now Intel PSG) portfolio, above CPLDs and below the Cyclone II/III/IV/V and Stratix families. Key features of the EP1C6T144I6ES include 5,980 LEs, approximately 92 Kbits of embedded RAM distributed across M4K blocks, two PLLs per device for clock multiplication and phase shifting, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL-2, and SSTL-3 I/O standards through the 144-pin TQFP exposed-pad package. The TQFP-144 footprint is a 22 mm x 22 mm body with 0.5 mm pitch and gull-wing leads, fully lead-free and RoHS-compliant, with a maximum seated height of 1.6 mm. Architecture-wise, the EP1C6 implements a 1.5 V core voltage with a 4-wire passive serial or JTAG configuration interface, supports configuration via Altera EPC configuration devices, and is fabricated on a 0.13 um SRAM process node. Logic is built from 4-input look-up tables (LUT4) grouped into Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each LAB containing ten LEs. Embedded multiplier support is not present in this generation (multipliers were introduced in Cyclone II), so DSP functions are typically implemented as soft logic. Typical applications of the EP1C6T144I6ES include industrial control boards, glue-logic bridging between microprocessors and peripherals, video/display interface conversion (e.g., ITU-R BT.656 capture), serial-protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C expansion), low-volume prototyping for ASIC replacement, and educational platforms where a through-hole-friendly 0.5 mm-pitch TQFP simplifies manual rework. Designers should note that the EP1C6 family supports vertical migration within the same TQFP-144 footprint across the EP1C3 and EP1C6 density points, enabling a single PCB layout to serve multiple logic-capacity SKUs. The 'I6' suffix denotes the industrial temperature range and the slowest speed grade in the family; faster 'I7' and 'I8' variants are available for timing-critical designs. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, same-package drop-in alternatives, and practical Quartus II / Quartus Prime legacy toolchain notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1C6T144I6N - Cyclone FPGA 5980 Cells 144-TQFP | Altera / Intel
The Altera (now Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EP1C6T144I6N is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, delivering 5,980 logic elements in a 144-pin Thin Quad Flat Pack (TQFP) package. It is fabricated on a 1.5V, 130 nm CMOS process, operates at an internal core clock up to 405.2 MHz, and is targeted at cost-sensitive, high-volume digital logic designs that previously used discrete gate arrays or CPLDs. The 'I6' speed/temperature grade indicates an industrial temperature range (-40 C to +100 C) with a -6 speed bin, while the 'N' suffix indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant assembly. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. The Cyclone family sits in the taxonomy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. FPGAs bridge the gap between fixed-function ASICs (low unit cost, no flexibility) and microcontrollers (flexible, but limited performance for parallel workloads). Cyclone devices contain an array of configurable logic blocks (LABs), embedded memory (M4K blocks), phase-locked loops (PLLs), and programmable I/O, all interconnected by a programmable routing fabric. Key features of the EP1C6T144I6N include approximately 5,980 logic elements, around 90 Kbits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), two PLLs for clock multiplication and phase shifting, and 100+ user I/O pins. The device supports a wide range of I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and LVDS, making it interoperable with common microprocessors, memories, and bus interfaces. Configuration is typically loaded from an external EPC serial configuration device or via JTAG, enabling in-system reprogrammability for field upgrades. The Cyclone architecture uses a 1.5V core with separate VCCIO banks that can be powered at 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V to interface with mixed-voltage peripherals. Its built-in multipliers and dedicated routing make it well suited to DSP-style data paths, while the abundant M4K blocks provide efficient on-chip buffering for FIFOs, lookup tables, and small frame stores. Typical applications include industrial control and machine vision glue logic, motor control co-processors, low-cost software-defined radio front-end controllers, communication bridges (UART/SPI/I2C aggregation), LED video wall scan-and-refresh drivers, and education/hobby digital design platforms. The 144-TQFP package has generous pitch (0.5 mm) that is friendly to hand-soldering and four-layer prototype boards. When designing with this part, plan for a stable 1.5V core supply, a separate VCCIO rail per bank, and a configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG). Decouple every VCC/VCCIO pin with 0.1 uF and 10 uF bulk capacitors placed as close to the package as possible. The Cyclone handbook (Altera Cyclone Device Handbook) provides reference schematics and Quartus II pinout files for the 144-pin TQFP. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in same-package alternatives within the Cyclone family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers quickly evaluate the EP1C6T144I6N for both new designs and legacy board re-spins.
EP1C6T144I7 - Cyclone FPGA, 5980 LE, 144-LQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6T144I7 is a Cyclone-series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 1.5V core, 130nm process technology, offering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 98 user I/Os in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP) package. It operates across the industrial temperature range of -40C to +100C and supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial, or Passive Serial modes, making it a drop-in upgrade for designers leaving the legacy Cyclone I family. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) belonging to the integrated circuit family that allows hardware designers to configure digital logic blocks, routing, and I/O after fabrication. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP1C6T144I7 sits as: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. FPGAs are commonly used to implement glue logic, custom state machines, bus bridges, DSP datapaths, and parallel I/O expansion where ASIC NRE costs are not justifiable. Key features include 5,980 logic elements distributed across 598 LABs (logic array blocks), 92,160 bits of embedded SRAM organized as M4K blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and 98 user I/O pins supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL-2, and SSTL-3 I/O standards. The 144-LQFP package is a plastic thin quad flat pack with 0.5mm pitch and a 22x22mm body, well-suited for low-cost PCB assembly and breadboard-friendly prototyping. Unlike BGA packages, the LQFP allows hand-soldering and standard rework, which keeps NPI costs down. The Cyclone I architecture uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element with dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic and routing resources tuned for high logic density at low power. Its quiescent core voltage of 1.5V (VCCINT) keeps dynamic power modest versus later 90nm/65nm families, while I/O banks tolerate up to 3.3V for mixed-voltage interfacing. The device supports up to 250 MHz internal operation in speed grade -7. Common applications include industrial motor control, factory automation bridges, legacy telecom interface cards, low-cost video processing pipelines, and educational FPGA development platforms. Engineers often select this Cyclone part when migrating off EOL (end-of-life) discrete logic or when budget constraints rule out Cyclone II/III/IV successors. A primary design consideration is supply decoupling: place 0.1uF and 10uF capacitors close to every VCCINT and VCCIO pin, and ensure the JTAG chain includes proper TCK pull-down per IEEE 1149.1. Migration to newer families (Cyclone IV, Cyclone 10) requires footprint change because pin counts and ball maps differ; the EP1C6T144I7 is best retained where its footprint is already in volume production. This page consolidates distributor pricing, verified same-package drop-in alternatives, and design notes not found in the standalone datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and selection decisions.
EP1C6T144I7N - Cyclone FPGA, 5,980 LEs, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6T144I7N is a low-power Cyclone FPGA from the first-generation Cyclone family, delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 98 user I/Os in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP-144) package. It is built on a 0.13 μm SRAM process and operates with a core voltage of 1.5 V plus I/O voltage of 1.5 V to 3.3 V, supporting up to 64 LVDS pairs and 2 PLLs for clock management. The device is targeted at cost-sensitive, high-volume designs that need programmable logic without the cost of an ASIC. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor IC whose logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O cells can be reconfigured in-circuit to implement arbitrary digital functions. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers in the design hierarchy: more flexible than an ASIC, faster and more deterministic than a CPU. The Cyclone family specifically targets consumer, industrial, and communication applications where low unit cost and low static power matter more than raw logic density or transceivers. Key features of the EP1C6T144I7N include 5,980 LEs organized into 598 logic array blocks (LABs), 92,160 bits of embedded M4K RAM (twenty 4-Kbit blocks), 2 PLLs with up to eight output clocks each, and 98 user I/Os arranged across 4 I/O banks supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS I/O standards. The device supports configuration via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes with EPCS configuration devices. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, video bridging and image processing pipelines, industrial control and machine interfaces, automotive infotainment and body electronics, communication protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C to parallel buses), and glue-logic replacement in legacy systems. The wide operating temperature range (-40 °C to +100 °C for the I7 industrial speed grade) and surface-mount TQFP-144 footprint make it suitable for both consumer and industrial PCB designs. When designing with the EP1C6T144I7N, note that the I7 speed grade is the slowest industrial grade available; for designs that close timing marginally, the I8 speed grade (EP1C6T144I8N) provides about 20% higher Fmax at higher cost. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1C6T144I8 - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LE, 144-TQFP, Industrial | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP1C6T144I8 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, fabricated on a 1.5V, 130nm CMOS process and delivering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 2 PLLs in a 144-pin TQFP package with industrial temperature grade. What is a Cyclone FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as block RAM, PLLs, and I/O serializers. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs are programmed by the end user after manufacture, making them ideal for prototyping, low-volume production, and designs that must evolve in the field. The Cyclone family sits in the low-cost, low-power tier of the Intel FPGA portfolio - positioned below Cyclone II/III/IV/V and well below Stratix and Arria families. Within this hierarchy: Cyclone -> low-cost FPGA -> programmable logic -> semiconductor IC. The EP1C6 variant occupies the mid-density position in the original Cyclone lineup, between EP1C3 (smaller) and EP1C12/EP1C20 (larger). Key features of the EP1C6T144I8 include 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), 98 maximum user I/O pins, two analog PLLs with four outputs each, and support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards. The 144-TQFP package offers a 1.0mm lead pitch and gull-wing leads compatible with standard SMT assembly and hand-rework, eliminating the need for fine-pitch BGA handling. Technically, the EP1C6T144I8 is built on a 1.5V core with multi-voltage I/O banks supporting 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V interfacing. The device uses SRAM-based configuration memory, requiring a configuration flash or controller on every board. Configuration is via passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG. The I8 suffix denotes the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C ambient, junction to +135C). Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, custom peripheral expansion, glue logic replacement, software-defined radio front-ends, and educational/development platforms. The Cyclone I/O flexibility makes it well-suited for bridging legacy 5V buses to modern 3.3V processors. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration scheme is selected (AS/PS/JTAG) and that a valid configuration clock source is present at power-up. Unused pins should be left floating per datasheet guidance; the TQFP-144 footprint simplifies prototype bring-up versus BGA alternatives. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1C6T144I8N - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LEs, 144-TQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6T144I8N is a member of the original Cyclone FPGA family fabricated on a 130 nm process, integrating 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 144-pin TQFP packaging with a 1.5 V core supply. Operating from 1.425 V to 1.575 V, this industrial-temperature device delivers up to 275.03 MHz internal performance and provides up to 98 user I/O pins for moderate-density glue-logic, bridge, and control-plane designs. The EP1C6T144I8N suffix breakdown reads: EP1C6 = Cyclone I family / 6K LE density, T = TQFP package, 144 = pin count, I = industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C), 8 = speed grade 8 (slower than -7 but still timing-closure friendly for many control applications). What is an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)? An FPGA is a programmable logic device whose function is defined by a customer-loaded configuration bitstream rather than fixed silicon. Compared to a microcontroller that executes firmware sequentially on a fixed CPU core, an FPGA implements truly parallel hardware in programmable logic fabric. Cyclone I sits below Cyclone II/III/IV in the Altera/Intel portfolio as a low-density, low-cost family targeted at glue logic, I/O expansion, and simple state-machine/bridge functions. Key features of the EP1C6T144I8N include 5,980 logic elements (LEs), 92,160 bits of embedded RAM, two PLLs for clock management, dedicated LVDS support on select pins, and configuration via Altera serial configuration devices. The TQFP-144 footprint (22x22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) provides 98 user I/Os - enough for typical 16/32-bit bus bridges, UART/SPI/I2C controllers, and parallel video or display interfaces in low-cost systems. The Cyclone I architecture combines 4-input LUT-based logic elements, M4K embedded memory blocks, and DSP-style multiplier support. With two PLLs and four fast clock networks, the EP1C6T144I8N offers solid timing margin for industrial control and bridge applications at a fraction of the cost of larger Cyclone II/III/IV devices. Industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C) supports factory-floor and outdoor-edge deployments. Typical applications include industrial motor control (stepper/servo PWM generators), UART-to-SPI/I2C bus bridges, legacy peripheral emulation, low-density video processing, and education/hobby designs using the Quartus II Web Edition toolchain. The TQFP-144 package is hand-solderable and breadboard-friendly for prototype work, a notable advantage over modern BGA-only FPGAs. When designing with the EP1C6T144I8N, ensure your configuration scheme is selected up front (Altera EPCS serial flash is the most common), allocate adequate decoupling across the four core/IO supply rails (VCCINT, VCCIO, VCCA_PLL, VCCD_PLL), and verify timing closure using Quartus II TimeQuest. The original Cyclone I family is mature but not recommended for new designs where Cyclone IV or Cyclone 10 LP offer higher logic density, more RAM, and longer lifecycle support. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design notes for engineers maintaining legacy Cyclone I designs or evaluating cost-optimized FPGA options.
EP1C6T144IT - Cyclone FPGA 6K LEs, 144-LQFP, Industrial | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6T144IT is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, providing 5,980 logic elements in a 144-pin LQFP (T144) package with industrial temperature grade support. It is built on a 0.13-micron SRAM process and targets cost-sensitive, low-power programmable logic applications where ASIC-like integration is impractical. The device integrates 92,160 RAM bits distributed across M4K memory blocks and supports 98 user I/O pins suitable for parallel digital buses, memory interfaces, and general-purpose glue logic. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, and dedicated hard IP that can be customized after manufacture via a configuration bitstream. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers in the design hierarchy, offering hardware-level parallelism for DSP, glue logic, bus bridging, and rapid prototyping. The Cyclone family was Altera's response to the Xilinx Spartan-3E family, focusing on low unit cost and low static power for volume consumer and industrial designs. Key features of the EP1C6T144IT include 5,980 LEs, 92,160 bits of embedded RAM organized as M4K blocks, two PLLs for clock management, support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, and JTAG-based configuration via the standard EPCS or EPC2 serial configuration devices. The device supports single-ended I/O rates up to 311 Mbps and LVDS rates up to 640 Mbps, enabling moderate-speed serial links without external transceivers. Configuration can be performed in AS, AP, PS, or JTAG modes, providing flexibility for production, prototyping, and field updates. The Cyclone architecture pairs a 4-input look-up table (LUT) per logic element with fast-carry chain logic and an extensive interconnect fabric, delivering efficient implementation of arithmetic, state machines, and FIFO buffers. Hard multipliers and DSP blocks are NOT present in this family - multiplication must be implemented in soft logic using LUTs and carry chains - so the device is best suited to control-plane rather than DSP-heavy workloads. The M4K memory blocks can be configured as RAM, ROM, or shift registers and include parity-bit support. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation, video surveillance processing pipelines, low-cost motor control, telecom line cards, USB and peripheral bridging, consumer display controllers, and legacy parallel bus replacement. The LQFP-144 package allows hand-soldering for prototypes and supports standard SMT assembly lines for volume production, eliminating the need for fine-pitch BGAs in cost-sensitive designs. When designing with this device, remember that Cyclone configuration data is volatile - the bitstream must be reloaded from a non-volatile memory (EPCS1, EPCS4, or compatible flash) at every power-up. Plan board layout to keep the configuration interface (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DCLK, DATA0) within 50 mm of the configuration memory, and place decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO pin pair. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Altera/Intel Cyclone family alternatives, and practical engineering considerations not found in the original Cyclone FPGA Family Data Sheet chapter.
EP1C6T144ITN - Cyclone FPGA 6K LE 144-LQFP Industrial | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1C6T144ITN is a Cyclone-family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 98 user I/Os, packaged in a 144-pin LQFP (T144). It is the industrial-temperature (I) and lead-free (N) speed-grade variant of the EP1C6T144, designed for cost-sensitive, logic-intensive embedded applications. A Cyclone FPGA is a low-cost SRAM-based programmable logic device from the original Altera Cyclone family (now owned by Intel) that integrates configurable logic blocks (LEs), embedded M4K RAM blocks, and a flexible I/O ring into a single die. Cyclone fits into the programmable-logic hierarchy above simple CPLDs and below high-performance Stratix families, occupying the low-power / low-cost tier of the FPGA taxonomy. The EP1C6 sits at the entry-mid level of Cyclone, offering roughly twice the LE count of the EP1C3 while remaining pin-compatible with the 144-LQFP EP1C3 footprint in many designs, giving engineers a migration path between density points. Key features include 5,980 LEs, 92,160 embedded RAM bits organized into 20 M4K blocks, two PLLs for clock management, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, SSTL-2, and SSTL-3 I/O standards. The device is fabricated in a 0.13 µm process, operates from a 1.5 V core supply with 3.3 V I/O, and supports JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) configuration via the Altera Quartus II / Quartus Prime design suite. The industrial temperature grade spans -40 °C to +100 °C junction. Typical applications include industrial control and motor-drive interfaces, low-cost video processing, glue-logic consolidation on legacy PCBs, communication bridging, and educational / development platforms. The 144-LQFP package enables low-cost PCB manufacturing with standard 1.0 mm pitch and eliminates the need for fine-pitch BGA assembly. When designing with the EP1C6T144ITN, plan for a 1.5 V core rail and 3.3 V I/O rail, place decoupling within 5 mm of each supply pin, and use the JTAG chain for both configuration and in-system debug. Note that the Cyclone family is now in long-term / legacy status, so long-life-cycle programs should confirm availability and consider Cyclone II / Cyclone IV as successors.
EP1C6T144LI6 - Cyclone FPGA 6K LE, 144-LQFP, Industrial | Altera
The Altera EP1C6T144LI6 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family built on a 0.13-µm SRAM process, delivering 5,980 logic elements in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP-144) plastic package with industrial-grade temperature rating. The device integrates 92,160 RAM bits, two PLLs, and a maximum of 185 user I/O pins, providing a low-cost programmable platform for high-volume, cost-sensitive digital logic applications. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic fabric, interconnect, and I/O cells can be reconfigured after manufacture by loading a user-defined bitstream into on-chip SRAM configuration memory. FPGAs sit above microcontrollers in the digital logic hierarchy, providing massively parallel hardware execution with deterministic timing, and below ASICs in terms of unit cost. Cyclone was Altera's first family optimized for low-power, low-cost applications such as consumer electronics, automotive infotainment, and industrial control, displacing CPLDs and small gate arrays in many designs. The 'T144' suffix denotes the TQFP-144 package, the 'L' suffix indicates a lead-free finish, the 'I' indicates industrial temperature range, and the '6' indicates speed grade 6. Key features include support for up to 185 user I/O pins across four I/O banks, two dedicated phase-locked loops for clock synthesis, embedded 4-Kbit RAM blocks (M4K) for distributed buffering, support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL-2, SSTL-3, and PCI I/O standards, and configuration via serial configuration devices, JTAG, or passive serial modes. The Cyclone architecture is built around a sea-of-LABs (Logic Array Blocks) structure with fine-grained interconnect, delivering predictable timing for synchronous designs. The Cyclone architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) grouped into Logic Elements (LEs), with each LE containing a register and carry chain logic for arithmetic operations. The 5,980 LEs of the EP1C6 make it suitable for moderate-complexity state machines, glue logic, bus bridges, and protocol conversion. On-chip memory of 92,160 bits is distributed across 20 M4K blocks, each capable of operating in single-port, simple dual-port, or true dual-port modes at up to 200 MHz. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing front-ends, automotive telematics, consumer set-top box glue logic, telecommunications line cards, and low-cost DSP front-end processing. The combination of low unit price and high logic density made the Cyclone family a popular choice for prototyping and pre-production builds before ASIC migration. When designing with this device, ensure that I/O bank VCCIO voltages match the signal-standard requirements (3.3V, 2.5V, 1.8V, or 1.5V) and that the dual-purpose configuration pins are correctly assigned. Use Quartus II (version 13.0 or earlier for full Cyclone support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation, and verify timing with TimeQuest. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand Altera/Intel drop-in alternatives drawn from the Cyclone family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1C6TC144 - Cyclone 5,980 LEs FPGA | Altera | TQFP-144
The Intel (Altera) EP1C6TC144 is a member of the original Cyclone family of low-cost FPGAs, offering 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and 98 maximum user I/O pins in a 144-pin TQFP package. The "TC" suffix designates the commercial-grade TQFP package, and the trailing digits encode speed grade and temperature grade per the legacy Altera ordering scheme. The Cyclone family targeted volume, cost-sensitive ASIC-replacement and DSP co-processing applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to implement custom digital logic, memory blocks, and I/O protocols by configuring an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded RAM, and routing resources after PCB assembly. FPGAs sit hierarchically under programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Unlike an ASIC, an FPGA is reprogrammable in-system, making it ideal for prototyping, low-volume production, and designs requiring frequent logic updates. Key features of the EP1C6TC144 include up to 92,160 bits of embedded SRAM distributed in M4K blocks, dedicated 18x18 multipliers for DSP, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and support for LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. Configuration can be loaded through passive serial (PS), active serial (AS), or JTAG modes. The device is built on a 0.13 µm SRAM process and operates from a 1.5 V core supply. Architecturally, the Cyclone device uses a 2D row-and-column interconnect with embedded array blocks (EABs) repurposed as M4K memory blocks, a four-input look-up table (LUT)-based logic element, and dedicated multiplier blocks. The 144-pin TQFP package has 1.0 mm pitch and supports up to 98 user I/O with 3.3 V/2.5 V-tolerant banks. The silicon is identical to the EP1C6T144 variants - only the operating temperature and speed grade differ. Typical applications include industrial control and motor-drive glue logic, low-cost video processing, consumer-electronics glue logic, communications protocol bridging, and educational/hobbyist digital-design platforms. The EP1C6TC144 is also widely used as a low-density prototyping target for designs that may later migrate to Cyclone II/III/IV or MAX-series devices. Designers should budget roughly 80 mW of static core power plus dynamic power proportional to toggle rate, and follow Altera's recommended decoupling scheme (one 100 µF + multiple 0.1 µF + 1 nF per supply pin). Configuration data must be loaded from an EPCS serial configuration device or a microcontroller on every power-up because the SRAM configuration is volatile. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family Cyclone drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet - including pinout cross-reference and configuration-scheme selection guidance for new designs.
EP1C6TC144-8 - Cyclone FPGA, 5980 LEs, 144-TQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1C6TC144-8 is a member of the first-generation Cyclone FPGA family, integrating 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 RAM bits, and two PLLs in a 144-pin TQFP package. The '-8' suffix indicates the commercial speed grade with 8 ns pin-to-pin logic delay. According to the Cyclone Family Data Sheet, this device supports up to 185 user I/O across its package options and operates from a 1.5 V core supply with 3.3 V I/O tolerance through dedicated bank voltage rails. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that allows designers to implement custom digital logic, state machines, DSP pipelines, and bus interfaces after PCB fabrication. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic -> ASIC prototyping devices -> digital semiconductor ICs. The Cyclone family is positioned as a low-cost, low-power FPGA family targeting high-volume applications such as consumer electronics, industrial control, and communications glue logic, sitting below Stratix devices in Altera's portfolio but above MAX CPLDs in logic density. Key features of the EP1C6TC144-8 include 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 bits of embedded RAM organized as M4K blocks (4,608 bits each, 20 blocks total), 92 user I/O pins in this TQFP-144 package, two phase-locked loops for clock management, and support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The device also features dedicated multiplier blocks capable of single 18x18 multiplication for DSP functions and supports external memory interfaces such as DDR SDRAM, QDR SRAM, and SDR SDRAM through dedicated interface circuitry. The Cyclone architecture is built on a 1.5 V, 130 nm SRAM process with four-input look-up tables (LUTs) and embedded memory columns. Configuration is achieved through an SRAM-based bitstream loaded via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), or Passive Serial (PS) modes, with built-in decompression and CRC error detection. The 144-pin TQFP variant offers 92 user I/O pins with fine-grained LVDS support on selected pairs, making it suitable for cost-sensitive designs where BGA packages are not required. Typical applications include industrial control and motor drives, consumer video processing, communications protocol bridging, low-cost DSP implementations, and PCI bus interfacing. The combination of low unit cost, mature tool support (Quartus II), and a non-BGA package makes the EP1C6TC144-8 well-suited for prototype runs, low-volume production, and through-hole-friendly board designs. When designing with this device, plan for a 1.5 V core regulator with adequate transient response and a separate 3.3 V rail for the I/O banks. Power dissipation varies with logic utilization and toggle rate - estimate early using the PowerPlay analyzer in Quartus II. The Cyclone family has been marked EOL by Intel; for new designs, consider Cyclone II, Cyclone IV, or Cyclone V devices unless long-term continuity with legacy IP is required. This page synthesizes distributor pricing (as of 2026-09-06), drop-in same-package alternatives from the same Cyclone family, lifecycle observations, and practical design notes not found in a single manufacturer datasheet view.
EP1C6XXA - Cyclone FPGA 5980 LEs | Intel | Embedded
The Intel (Altera) EP1C6XXA is a Cyclone-series Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a surface-mount BGA package, integrating 5,980 logic elements and 92,160 system RAM bits. Marked MSL 3 (168 hours) and supplied in Tray packaging, this part belongs to Intel's legacy Cyclone family that targets low-cost, high-volume embedded applications such as digital signal processing, industrial control, and consumer electronics. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hardware resources such as block RAM, multipliers, and I/O cells. FPGAs occupy the programmable-logic tier in the broader IC hierarchy: programmable logic device -> PLD -> ASIC-class device -> semiconductor IC. Compared to fixed-function ASICs or microcontrollers, FPGAs offer post-fabrication hardware reconfigurability via SRAM, flash, or antifuse configuration memory, enabling rapid prototyping, hardware-software co-design, and field upgradability without respinning silicon. Key features of the EP1C6XXA include 5,980 logic elements, 92,160 embedded RAM bits, two PLLs for clock management, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI. The Cyclone architecture balances logic density, memory bandwidth, and DSP capability at a low price point, making the family popular for prototyping, low-volume production, and design migration into higher-density Cyclone II/III/IV devices. Integrated block RAM enables on-chip data buffering, FIFO construction, and look-up-table (LUT)-based arithmetic without external memory in many applications. Typical applications include industrial control interfaces (I/O expansion, glue logic), digital signal processing front-ends, motor control and encoder decoding, video processing pipelines, prototyping of ASIC/SoC designs, and embedded bridging/adaptation logic. The part is also widely used in legacy designs migrating to newer Cyclone generations; pin-compatible Cyclone II/III FPGAs can be substituted when design re-validation is feasible. When designing with the EP1C6XXA, ensure proper configuration memory (typically an EPCS configuration flash or JTAG download cable) is provided, and respect the MSL 3 moisture-sensitivity classification by baking prior to assembly if the original packing has been opened beyond the 168-hour floor life. JTAG, AS, and PS configuration modes should be reviewed against board-level design requirements before layout finalization.
EP1K100EFI484-2 - 100K ACEX-1K FPGA, 333 I/O, 484-BBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K100EFI484-2 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of FPGAs delivering 100,000 typical gates (49,152 logic elements, 4,992 typical logic cells) in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package with 333 user I/O pins. The device integrates an embedded array block (EAB) architecture with 49,152 RAM bits, supporting high-density logic, memory, and DSP-style functions on a single chip. The "I" suffix denotes an industrial temperature grade and the speed grade "-2" indicates the standard speed bin for the ACEX-1K family. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and are widely used as glue logic, prototyping platforms, and production accelerators for DSP, communications, and embedded applications. ACEX-1K is Altera/Intel's first-generation low-cost SRAM-based FPGA family, designed to bridge the gap between small CPLDs and high-density FPGAs such as APEX. Key features of the EP1K100EFI484-2 include 100K typical gates, 49,152 flip-flops/latches, 4,992 typical logic cells, 49,152 bits of embedded memory (EAB-based), 333 maximum user I/O pins, a 2.5 V core supply (VCCINT) with 3.3 V multi-voltage I/O support, in-system programmability via JTAG, and industrial temperature range operation (-40C to +85C). The 484-BBGA FineLine BGA package provides high signal density for board-constrained designs. The ACEX-1K architecture is built on a 0.18 umm SRAM process with a 4-input LUT-based logic element and embedded array blocks (EABs) that can be configured as either dual-port RAM, ROM, or synchronous FIFO. Each EAB provides 4,096 bits of memory, and the 12 EABs in the EP1K100E deliver 49,152 bits total. Configuration is volatile and must be reloaded from an external serial or parallel PROM (EPC2, EPC8) on power-up via the built-in JTAG or passive serial interface. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation, communications infrastructure (bridges, routers, line cards), test and measurement instrumentation, legacy ASIC replacement, glue logic and bus interface bridging, and low-volume embedded DSP prototyping. The ACEX-1K family is widely deployed in long-lifecycle industrial and telecom systems where stable, mature silicon is preferred over newer process nodes. When designing with this part, ensure a stable 2.5 V VCCINT and 3.3 V VCCIO supplies with adequate decoupling, and include a configuration PROM on the board because SRAM-based FPGAs lose configuration at power-down. The Quartus II (or MAX+PLUS II) toolchain supports legacy ACEX-1K designs for netlist import, fitting, and timing closure. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and design notes compiled from Intel/Altera ACEX-1K datasheets and current distributor listings - data not consolidated in a single manufacturer source.
EP1K100F1256-2 - ACEX 1K 100k Gates FPGA, F1256, -2 Speed | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K100F1256-2 is a member of the ACEX 1K family of SRAM-based programmable logic devices, delivering up to 100,000 typical gates in a 256-pin FineLine BGA (F1256) package at the -2 speed grade. The ACEX 1K family combines a Look-Up Table (LUT)-based architecture with embedded array blocks (EABs) for on-chip memory and true dual-port RAM, making it suitable for high-volume glue-logic, datapath, and bus-interface applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose digital logic functionality is defined after manufacturing by the end user. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy below full custom ASICs but above generic logic ICs, occupying the role of flexible hardware that can be reconfigured for DSP, control, protocol bridging, and parallel processing workloads. Compared with discrete logic ICs, FPGAs integrate anywhere from thousands to millions of logic elements, embedded multipliers, block RAM, and high-speed transceivers onto a single die. Key features of the EP1K100F1256-2 include approximately 4,992 logic elements (LEs), 12 embedded array blocks providing roughly 49,152 RAM bits, 333 user-I/O pins, and a core voltage of 2.5 V with multi-standard I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS). The device supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, and JTAG modes, and is fabricated on a 0.18 µm SRAM process. Per-pin slew-rate control and programmable drive strength simplify signal-integrity tuning at the board level. The ACEX 1K architecture is built around Logic Array Blocks (LABs) connected by a continuous row-and-column routing network; each LAB contains ten LEs with carry-chain and cascade-chain support for arithmetic and wide fan-in logic. The embedded array blocks (EABs) provide up to 4 Kbits of dual-port RAM each and can be cascaded to build FIFOs, lookup tables, and DSP coefficient stores. JTAG boundary-scan test (IEEE 1149.1) is integrated for board-level testability. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation backplanes, PCI/PCI-X bridge designs, network routers and switches, video and image processing pipelines, and legacy glue-logic replacement. Engineers choose the EP1K100F1256-2 when they need a cost-effective, mid-density programmable fabric with a proven toolchain (Quartus) and a mature FPGA platform with abundant reference designs. When designing with this part, ensure the 256-ball FineLine BGA PCB footprint follows Intel's recommended land pattern and that decoupling follows the Quartus PowerPlay guidelines for ACEX 1K. Because the device is SRAM-based, the configuration bitstream must be loaded from a non-volatile PROM (such as an EPC family configuration device) on every power-up; this adds a boot-time latency that may matter in fast-startup systems. This page synthesizes distributor stock signals, ACEX 1K family context, and practical design considerations not collected on a single distributor page, giving procurement and engineering teams a single source for evaluation, sourcing, and migration decisions.
EP1K100FC256-1 - ACEX 1K FPGA 100K Gates 256-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP1K100FC256-1 is a member of the ACEX 1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 100,000 typical gates, 4,992 logic elements, and 49,152 bits of embedded dual-port RAM in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package at the -1 speed grade. Built on a 2.5 V, 0.22 µm CMOS process, the device provides 186 user I/O pins and is rated for commercial operating temperature. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that integrates configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnects into a single silicon die. FPGAs sit in the digital semiconductor hierarchy as: programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The ACEX 1K family was Altera's first device to combine a lookup-table (LUT)-based logic array with embedded dual-port SRAM on a 2.5 V core, enabling System-On-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) integration for low-cost glue logic, bus interfaces, and DSP datapaths. Key features of the EP1K100FC256-1 include 49,152 bits of true dual-port RAM organized into embedded array blocks (EABs), 4,992 logic elements for sequential and combinatorial logic, support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL, in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and dedicated clock management with up to six clock pins and two dedicated clock networks. The device operates from a 2.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for mixed-voltage interfacing. Architecturally, the EP1K100FC256-1 uses an enhanced embedded array in which each EAB provides 4 Kbits of dual-port memory configurable as RAM, ROM, or multiplier, while the logic array provides fast interconnect between LABs (Logic Array Blocks). This hybrid LUT/embedded-memory architecture was tuned for high-throughput datapath designs in telecom, industrial control, and glue-logic applications during the early-2000s ACEX design cycle. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation, PCI bridge and bus-interface glue logic, DSP co-processing front-ends, and legacy embedded system designs. The 256-pin FineLine BGA package supports dense board layouts with controlled-impedance signal routing required for 66 MHz PCI and 133 MHz SDRAM interfaces. When designing with this part, validate timing closure against the Quartus II MAX+PLUS II timing models and confirm VCCIO bank voltages against the I/O standard selected; LVTTL outputs typically need 3.3 V VCCIO while SSTL memory interfaces require 2.5 V VCCIO. Programming is performed via JTAG using a ByteBlasterMV or MasterBlaster cable, with configuration data stored in an external serial EEPROM. This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle status, and drop-in pin-compatible alternatives to help engineers sourcing this legacy ACEX 1K device for production and field-replacement scenarios.
EP1K100FC256-1N - 100K Gates 49Kbit SRAM ACEX-1K FPGA | Altera | BGA-256
The Altera EP1K100FC256-1N is a member of the ACEX-1K family of low-cost FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) fabricated on a 0.18 µm SRAM-based process, offering approximately 100,000 typical gates and housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package (commercial speed grade -1, lead-free "N" suffix). The device integrates 49,152 bits of embedded SRAM organized into dedicated dual-port memory blocks, 4,992 logic elements (LEs), and 186 maximum user I/O pins. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that the designer can reconfigure after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy beneath CPLDs (which are simpler, non-volatile, and lower density) and above fixed-function ASICs, occupying the niche where fast time-to-market, in-system reprogrammability, and parallel hardware acceleration outweigh the per-unit cost advantage of masked ASICs. Key features of the EP1K100FC256-1N include 624 logic array blocks (LABs) each containing 8 LEs, dedicated dual-port EAB (Embedded Array Block) memory supporting true dual-port RAM, ROM, and FIFO functions, built-in JTAG IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan support, and 2.5 V core operation with multi-voltage I/O supporting 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V interfaces through configurable I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL. The device is configured via Altera's serial or parallel configuration scheme using a passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), or passive parallel asynchronous (PPA) configuration mode driven by an external PROM or microcontroller. Typical applications include glue-logic replacement for multiple 74-series TTL parts, low-volume prototype-to-production bridge designs, peripheral bus controllers (PCI bridges, ISA-to-PCI converters), serial protocol bridges (UART, SPI, I2C), digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control logic, and education/training platforms where low cost and Quartus II software support are essential. Its 256-ball BGA package enables dense PCB layouts but requires careful fan-out routing on at least a 4-layer board. When designing with the EP1K100FC256-1N, ensure adequate decoupling (0.1 µF per VCC pin plus 10 µF bulk), controlled-impedance routing for clock traces, and a robust configuration circuit because SRAM-based FPGAs lose their configuration on every power cycle and must be reconfigured at boot. Designers should also verify supply ramp time falls within the datasheet limits to avoid configuration latch-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, ACEX-1K family drop-in alternatives, and practical BGA layout design notes not consolidated in any single manufacturer document.
EP1K100FC256-2 - ACEX-1K FPGA, 4992 LE, 186 I/O, 2.5V | Altera
The Altera EP1K100FC256-2 is an ACEX-1K Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 4992 logic elements, 49152 bits of embedded RAM, 186 user I/O pins, and a 2.5 V core, supplied in a 256-ball BGA (FBGA-256) package. It is the speed grade -2 commercial-temperature variant of the ACEX 1K family and is widely stocked for legacy and active designs by distributors such as DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow, and Heisener. An FPGA is a reprogrammable integrated circuit that lets designers implement custom digital logic after manufacturing. The ACEX-1K FPGA family sits between high-density programmable logic arrays and structured ASICs, giving engineers a low-cost way to integrate logic, memory, and I/O on one device. It is part of the broader programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> semiconductor. This EP1K100 device is often used where fixed-function ASICs are too expensive or where in-field flexibility is required. The EP1K100FC256-2 delivers around 257,000 equivalent gates, 624 logic array blocks, and 186 user I/O pins. The core runs from a 2.5 V supply and is manufactured using 0.22 um CMOS technology. Its embedded RAM supports efficient memory functions such as FIFOs, dual-port RAM, and lookup-table-based logic functions. The 186 available I/O pins allow parallel bus interfaces, control logic, and chip-to-chip communication in moderate-density digital systems. The -2 speed grade provides a middle performance level. Faster -1 variants are available for high-performance systems, while the -3 speed grade offers a lower-cost option when timing margins permit. Because ACEX-1K devices in the same 256-ball package support Altera SameFrame pin migration, designers can migrate between density and speed grades on the same PCB layout, protecting board investment when logic requirements change. Typical applications include industrial control and automation, telecom protocol bridging, test and measurement instrumentation, and legacy system repair. The high I/O count and dual-port RAM make the EP1K100 suitable for bus converters, FIFO buffers, and custom state machines. It is also a practical choice for maintaining products that were originally designed with ACEX-1K devices. When designing with the EP1K100FC256-2, remember that it is an SRAM-based FPGA: configuration data must be loaded from an external configuration device at power-up. Use an EPC2 or compatible configuration memory and provide clean 2.5 V core supplies with adequate decoupling on the BGA power balls. This page combines distributor availability, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical migration guidance that are not all present on a single distributor datasheet page. Verify current pricing and lifetime status before committing to a high-volume design.
EP1K100FC256-2N - 100K-Gate ACEX FPGA | Intel
Intel EP1K100FC256-2N is a 2.5 V ACEX 1K field-programmable gate array offering approximately 100K gates, 4,992 logic cells, a 0.22 µm CMOS process, 186 user I/Os, and a listed 250 MHz maximum frequency. It is housed in a 256-pin fine-pitch BGA package and is specified with 0.5 ns loadable-PLD delay in one retrieved source. The architecture targets programmable logic integration where configurable logic, embedded memory, and interface functions must coexist in a single device. A field-programmable gate array is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, routing resources, and configurable I/O cells. FPGA is a type of programmable logic device within the broader integrated-circuit hierarchy. Unlike a fixed application-specific integrated circuit, an FPGA can be configured after manufacturing, allowing designers to change logic functions, timing behavior, interfaces, and control functions without fabricating a new silicon device. ACEX 1K devices were designed as lower-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip platforms for implementing digital functions, memory blocks, and specialized logic. The retrieved specifications identify 4,992 cells, 49,152 bits of RAM, 624 logic array blocks, and 186 I/Os. The device is described as a 100K-gate ACEX 1K family member using 0.22 µm technology and a 2.5 V supply. A 250 MHz frequency figure is listed by distributor and datasheet-index sources. The BGA-256 package provides dense high-count connectivity for digital systems, while the FPGA architecture supports post-assembly logic changes and design revisions. The part uses a CMOS programmable-logic architecture with configurable logic and routing resources. The verified data describes dual-port memory functionality within the ACEX 1K family, making embedded array blocks useful for FIFOs, registers, buffers, and control state. The 0.5 ns value is presented as a loadable-PLD specification, while the 250 MHz value is a listed device frequency; these figures should not be treated as interchangeable timing guarantees for every design path. Static timing analysis and the selected I/O configuration remain necessary. Typical applications include industrial control logic, communications-interface processing, test equipment, embedded control, and legacy digital systems requiring programmable state machines or datapaths. The 186-I/O count supports multiple buses and peripheral interfaces, while the 49,152-bit RAM resource supports localized buffering. The 100K-gate capacity is appropriate for moderate logic integration but should be compared with modern FPGA resources when migration is considered. Designers should verify the exact ball map, configuration method, voltage requirements, timing model, and obsolete-part status from the manufacturer data before new production. For a replacement, prioritize a device with the same 256-ball footprint, compatible configuration interface, and verified pinout; a same-package mark alone is not sufficient. The page also compares the -2N device with the -3N speed-grade option, whose timing characteristics differ. This product page synthesizes the supplied manufacturer-oriented and distributor specifications, package information, pricing snapshot, lifecycle caveats, and drop-in-oriented comparison context. It is intended as an engineering reference, not a substitute for the original ACEX 1K family datasheet, package drawings, and device-specific qualification records.
EP1K100FC256-3 - 100K Gate ACEX-1K FPGA, 256-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K100FC256-3 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process with a 2.5 V core supply. The device integrates 100,000 typical gates, 4,992 logic elements (LEs), 49,152 bits of embedded array RAM organized as dual-port EABs, and 186 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. The suffix '-3' denotes the speed grade and 'FC' indicates the commercial-grade temperature range with the FineLine BGA package. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect that designers can configure after manufacture to implement custom digital circuits. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and, compared to fixed-function ASICs, trade raw performance-per-watt and unit cost for flexibility, rapid prototyping, and the ability to re-spin logic without changing the silicon. The ACEX-1K family targets low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration in a single device, combining an enhanced embedded array with logic for efficient memory and specialized functions. Key features of the EP1K100FC256-3 include 624 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), per-LE arithmetic mode support (two 3-input LUTs per LE for fast adder/accumulator/comparator implementation), dual-port embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory-mapped peripherals, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan testing. The 2.5 V VCCINT supply keeps power dissipation modest relative to later 1.8 V and 1.2 V families, while the 256-ball FineLine BGA footprint provides high I/O density in a compact 17 × 17 mm outline. The EP1K100FC256-3 architecture combines a continuous interconnect network of fast row and column channels with embedded array blocks (EABs), each EAB providing 4,096 bits of RAM that can be configured as single- or dual-port memory, ROM, or as a multiplier/lookup table for DSP-style operations. Fine-grained carry chains and dedicated cascade paths accelerate arithmetic and wide fan-in functions, while per-LE registers enable pipelined data paths. The chip supports the legacy Altera MAX+PLUS II and Quartus design flows. Typical applications include glue logic and bus interfacing in legacy industrial control systems, custom peripheral controllers for PCI and ISA backplanes, prototype ASIC replacements, and digital signal preprocessing where the 4,992 LEs and embedded RAM suffice. The 256-ball FineLine BGA also offers SameFrame pin compatibility with smaller ACEX-1K devices such as the EP1K30 and EP1K50, simplifying board-level migration. When designing with this device, engineers should plan for the 2.5 V core supply, route a complete VCCINT/VCCIO decoupling network, and confirm Quartus II version support because the ACEX-1K family pre-dates the Cyclone series and is maintained only by Intel's legacy device support program. For new designs, modern Cyclone or MAX 10 families are recommended unless legacy compatibility or existing IP is mandatory. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives (speed-grade and temperature variants), and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers decide whether the EP1K100FC256-3 still fits their application.