FPGA & CPLD
Products (6358)
EP1K50FC256-3N - ACEX 1K 50K Gate FPGA 256-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP1K50FC256-3N is an ACEX 1K field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 2,880 logic cells, 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, 186 user I/O pins, and approximately 50,000 typical gates. It operates from a 2.5 V core supply and is supplied in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The N suffix denotes the lead-free version, while the -3 speed grade supports the 166.67 MHz internal clock performance listed in distributor data. An FPGA is a programmable logic device containing configurable logic blocks, embedded memory, and programmable I/O interconnects that can be reconfigured after manufacturing. The ACEX 1K family was positioned as a low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solution, sitting between simple CPLDs and high-density APEX devices. FPGAs are semiconductors whose logic function is defined by configuration data rather than by a fixed mask, enabling rapid iteration for telecommunications, industrial, and consumer systems. The EP1K50FC256-3N combines a 0.22 µm process with the ACEX 1K enhanced embedded array. This architecture implements efficient memory and specialized logic functions such as FIFO buffers and synchronous RAM without consuming logic cells. With 186 user I/Os, the device can connect to wide parallel buses, multiple memory interfaces, and mixed control signals. The embedded 40,960-bit RAM is useful for packet buffering, line-rate counters, or small look-up tables. The device is an SRAM-based FPGA, so it must be configured at power-up from an external configuration device such as an EPC2 or EPC1441, or through a JTAG/host interface. This configuration memory is not nonvolatile; system designers must include a configuration source in the boot chain. The 256-ball FBGA package provides a square footprint suitable for compact line cards and embedded controllers. Typical applications include broadband access line cards, industrial machine control, consumer video/imaging processing, protocol bridging, and legacy product sustainment. The mix of logic elements, embedded RAM, and 2.5 V operation makes it useful where older 3.3 V programmable logic is being migrated or where a cost-sensitive FPGA is needed. When designing with this part, pay attention to BGA fan-out and decoupling of the 2.5 V core rail. The device does not include a hardened microcontroller or transceiver in the base ACEX 1K architecture, so external PHYs, memory controllers, and CPUs may be required. As an obsolete ACEX 1K device, availability should be secured from existing distributor stock. This page combines distributor pricing, speed-grade alternatives, and practical design guidance that is not typically assembled in a single datasheet listing, allowing engineers to evaluate EP1K50FC256-3N and its drop-in family variants more quickly.
EP1K50FC484-1 - 50K Gate ACEX-1K FPGA, 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FC484-1 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of 2.5V SRAM-based Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The device integrates 50,000 typical gates with 2,880 logic elements (LEs), 40,960 bits of embedded array memory (EAB RAM), and 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), supporting up to 249 user I/O pins. Fabricated on a 0.22 um CMOS process, the ACEX-1K family delivers system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration with enhanced embedded array blocks optimized for efficient memory and specialized logic functions such as dual-port RAM, ROM, and first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffers. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the customer after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit within the taxonomy: programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The ACEX-1K family in particular targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications requiring medium-density logic with on-chip memory. Key features of the EP1K50FC484-1 include a commercial operating temperature range of 0C to 70C, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+), an internal nominal supply of 2.5V (2.375V min / 2.625V max), and 4 dedicated clock input pins plus 4 dedicated clock output pins. The -1 speed grade is the slowest in the ACEX-1K family and is typically used where cost dominates over raw timing margin. Technically, the EP1K50FC484-1 uses a continuous, SRAM-based interconnect architecture with embedded array blocks (EABs) that are essentially dual-port RAM blocks of 4,096 bits each. Each EAB can be configured as memory of varying widths (x1, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32) or as logic implementing megafunctions. Configuration is loaded via a serial or parallel PROM (EPC1, EPC16) or via JTAG. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, interface bridging (PCI, ISA, UART), moderate-density DSP preprocessing, communications backplane controllers, and industrial machine control. The wide I/O count and embedded memory make the device useful in designs that need modest compute plus fast deterministic I/O. When designing with this part, ensure proper decoupling (0.1 uF + 10 uF per VCCINT/VCCIO plane) and a clean clock distribution network. Note that ACEX-1K devices are mature and supply is increasingly limited - cross-reference with newer Cyclone series (e.g., EP1C3 / EP1C6) when designing new boards. This page consolidates distributor pricing, parametric drop-in alternatives from the same ACEX-1K family, and practical design notes that go beyond what the original datasheet alone provides.
EP1K50FC484-1N - 50K-Gate ACEX-1K FPGA 250MHz 484-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FC484-1N is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering approximately 50,000 system gates, 2,880 logic elements, and 40,960 bits of embedded SRAM in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It is built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, operates from a 2.5 V core supply, and supports 249 programmable I/O pins with up to 250 MHz internal performance. The "-1N" suffix indicates the commercial speed grade and lead-free / RoHS-compliant package option. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that sits between a microcontroller and a custom ASIC in the semiconductor hierarchy: ASIC → FPGA → microcontroller → general-purpose processor. FPGAs integrate configurable logic blocks (LEs), programmable interconnect, and on-chip memory so engineers can implement arbitrary digital logic, DSP pipelines, glue logic, and bus interfaces without a custom mask set. The ACEX-1K family was the first Altera family to embed dedicated array blocks (EABs) for memory or arithmetic functions, and it targets glue-logic, bus-bridging, and low-to-mid volume custom logic designs. Key features of the EP1K50FC484-1N include 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 12 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) providing 40,960 RAM bits, multi-standard I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, SSTL-2), in-system programmability via the JTAG-compliant IEEE Std. 1149.1 interface, and 4 dedicated clock inputs with up to 6 global clock networks. The 484-FBGA package exposes 249 user I/O, giving designers ample headroom for parallel buses and memory interfaces while fitting into a surface-mount footprint. From an architectural standpoint, each Logic Element in ACEX-1K contains a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and a carry chain for arithmetic. The EABs can be configured as 4,096-bit RAM or ROM blocks, allowing efficient implementation of FIFOs, lookup tables, and small algorithmic coefficient stores. The device is configured using SRAM-based configuration cells, so it loads its bitstream on every power-up from a serial PROM, JTAG, or controller. Typical applications include communications infrastructure glue logic, peripheral-bus bridging (e.g., PCI to local bus), industrial control and instrumentation, low-volume custom DSP pre/post-processing, and test-and-measurement backplanes. The wide I/O count also suits multi-channel data-acquisition front ends and protocol-conversion cards where multiple asynchronous interfaces must be absorbed in a single device. When designing with the EP1K50FC484-1N, plan for the 2.5 V VCCINT core rail (separate from VCCIO for I/O banks), provide a configuration source (serial configuration PROM or JTAG), and respect the FBGA-484 routing rules (escape routing on multiple layers, microvia stack if possible). The device is commercial temperature grade (0 °C to +70 °C); industrial or military temperature grades carry the "I" or "MIL" speed-grade suffix. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that complement, rather than duplicate, the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1K50FC484-2 - 50K Gate ACEX-1K FPGA, 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1K50FC484-2 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (cells), and 49,152 RAM bits in a 484-pin FineLine BGA package. Operating from a 2.5 V core supply with commercial-grade temperature support, this device combines a logic-array fabric with embedded array blocks (EABs) optimized for implementing megafunctions such as efficient memory and specialized logic functions including dual-port RAM, ROM, and FIFO buffers. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a position in the semiconductor hierarchy between complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), offering higher logic density than CPLDs and lower non-recurring engineering cost than ASICs. The ACEX-1K family is an older Altera architecture that pioneered embedded memory blocks (EABs) for system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration. Key features of the EP1K50FC484-2 include 360 logic array blocks (LABs), 249 user I/Os, 12 embedded array blocks (EABs), and a maximum internal operating frequency of up to 200 MHz. The device supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) interface and configuration via the passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), passive parallel asynchronous (PPA), and active serial (AS) modes. The -2 speed grade places this part in the mid-range of the ACEX-1K speed bins. Architecturally, the EP1K50FC484-2 uses a CMOS SRAM-based look-up table (LUT) fabric with 4-input LUTs feeding adjacent LAB interconnect, combined with EABs that provide 4 Kbits of dual-port RAM each (true + false clocks, separate read/write addresses). Total embedded memory reaches 49,152 bits (12 EABs × 4 Kbits), configurable as RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory. The LUT-based fabric plus EAB architecture was Altera's response to Xilinx's Virtex-era distributed + block RAM approach. Typical applications include telecommunications glue logic, industrial control state machines, data-path transformation pipelines, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and embedded controller co-processing. The dual-port RAM and FIFO capability make the part well suited to digital signal processing front-ends, protocol conversion, and wide-data-path manipulation in communications equipment. When designing with this device, note that ACEX-1K is a legacy 2.5 V core family manufactured on a 0.18 µm (or older) process. The 484-BGA package requires careful PCB layout for fan-out, and configuration requires an external configuration PROM (such as the EPC2 or EPC16) for active serial modes. Engineers targeting new designs should evaluate the Cyclone or MAX families instead, as ACEX-1K is no longer recommended for new projects. This page synthesizes distributor availability, exact drop-in alternative MPNs from the same ACEX-1K family, and practical design notes that are not duplicated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1K50FC484-2N - 50K-Gate ACEX 1K FPGA, 249 I/O, 484-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FC484-2N is a 50,000-gate ACEX 1K family FPGA housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package, fabricated on a 0.22 µm process and operating from a 2.5 V core supply. The device integrates 2,880 logic elements (cells), 360 logic array blocks (LABs), and 40,960 bits of embedded dual-port RAM, with 249 user I/O pins and a system speed grade of -2 (commercial). Per the ACEX 1K Device Family datasheet, this part targets low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration by combining a programmable logic fabric, embedded array blocks for megafunctions (FIFOs, RAM, multipliers), and a four-element embedded array for memory and specialized logic functions. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing an array of configurable logic blocks (LBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that engineers can program after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital circuits. FPGAs sit hierarchically between CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile, lower density) and ASICs (custom-fabricated, highest density), and are the workhorse of digital prototyping, glue logic, signal processing pre/post-processing, and small-to-medium volume custom compute. ACEX 1K specifically belongs to the 2.5 V low-cost SRAM-based FPGA tier, optimized for high-volume consumer and communications glue logic rather than highest-performance signal processing. Key differentiating features include the on-chip dual-port RAM block (EAB-equivalent) of 40,960 bits, hot-swappable 5 V-tolerant I/O buffers (when configured as inputs), in-system programmability via JTAG, and a robust 249 I/O count in a fine-pitch BGA. The device supports multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI) and offers per-pin tri-state control, making it suitable as a bridge between disparate logic families on a single board. Typical applications for EP1K50FC484-2N include telecom line-card glue logic, industrial control boards requiring 5 V I/O compatibility, display controllers, custom peripheral interfaces for embedded CPUs, and ASIC prototyping. With 50K gates and 360 LABs, designers typically fit 8- to 16-bit microcontrollers, custom bus bridges, or modest DSP pre-processing on a single device. When designing with this part, verify 2.5 V core regulation tolerance (older ACEX 1K parts require precise 2.5 V, not 3.3 V), and confirm the BGA rework process capability. ACEX 1K is mature and now classified as EOL/Last Time Buy by Intel, so designers targeting new designs should evaluate Cyclone or MAX families unless legacy support is required. This page synthesizes distributor availability, drop-in ACEX 1K alternative MPNs, parametric comparison data, and legacy-design practical guidance not consolidated in the original datasheet.
EP1K50FC484-3 - ACEX-1K 50K Gates FPGA, 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera (formerly Altera) EP1K50FC484-3 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 50,000 system gates with 2,880 logic elements and 40,960 bits of embedded SRAM in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The device is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process with five metal layers and operates from a 2.5 V core supply, exposing 249 user I/Os. The speed grade "-3" denotes the slowest commercial timing in the ACEX-1K lineup, making this part attractive for cost-sensitive designs that do not require maximum FMAX. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that integrates configurable logic blocks (LCs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated memory into a single silicon die. The ACEX-1K family targets low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration, providing an enhanced embedded array structure that is optimized for implementing megafunctions such as efficient memory blocks, specialized DSP-like logic, and dual-port RAM. Within the broader taxonomy, an FPGA sits between programmable logic devices (PLDs/CPLDs) and mask-programmed ASICs, offering higher density than CPLDs and faster time-to-market than ASICs. Key features include 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) grouped into a multiplexed network, 249 user I/Os, embedded memory of 40 Kbits (EAB-based), in-system programmability via SRAM configuration, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan test support. The device is rated for a maximum internal clock frequency of 166.67 MHz. SRAM-based configuration means the design bitstream must be loaded at every power-up from an external PROM or microcontroller, which is a defining architectural trade-off versus antifuse or flash-based FPGAs. The EP1K50FC484-3 is built on a look-up-table (LUT) architecture with 4-input LEs and a continuous routing fabric, paired with Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) for true dual-port RAM, ROM, and multiplier functions. Five metal layers reduce signal skew across the 484-ball BGA package, and a -3 speed grade indicates the slowest grade in this family, with the -1 and -2 grades offering progressively faster timing. Designers targeting higher FMAX should consider EP1K50FC484-2N or EP1K50FC484-1 from the same family. Typical applications include glue-logic replacement, bus-bridging interfaces (PCI, ISA), prototyping of ASIC designs, industrial control logic, low-density DSP preprocessing, and communications glue functions. Designers moving to a modern footprint should evaluate Cyclone-series equivalents from the Cyclone, Cyclone II, or Cyclone III families, none of which retain the 484-FBGA pinout. When designing with this device, remember that ACEX-1K devices are listed as obsolete by Altera/Intel, and Long-Term Supply (LTS) availability is limited. Plan for last-time-buy strategies and validate second-source options within the ACEX-1K family (EP1K50FC484-2N, EP1K50FC484-1) before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical end-of-life design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer product page.
EP1K50FC484-3N - 50K Gates ACEX-1K FPGA 484-BBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FC484-3N is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays featuring 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic cells, and 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The device implements 249 maximum user I/O pins and is fabricated on a 0.22 um CMOS process with a 2.5 V core supply, supporting a maximum internal operating frequency around 166.67 MHz. It is offered in the commercial -3 speed grade and is intended for cost-sensitive, low-density glue-logic and bus-interface applications. What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a class of programmable logic device that allows designers to configure arbitrary digital logic after PCB fabrication, sitting in the hierarchy between simple PLDs (CPLD) and fixed-function ASICs. ACEX-1K was Altera's first family to embed distributed dual-port SRAM blocks alongside the logic fabric, enabling single-chip system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) designs that combine glue logic, FIFOs, and small processor interfaces without external memory. Key features include 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), embedded array blocks (EABs) for efficient memory and specialized logic, in-system programmability via JTAG, and multi-voltage I/O support (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) on the same die. The device is supported by the Altera Quartus II MAX+PLUS II design software and is fully pin-compatible with other ACEX-1K 484-BGA speed grade variants, allowing drop-in PCB reuse when migrating between speed grades or density points within the same package. Architecturally, ACEX-1K uses a continuous, sea-of-LABs routing fabric with dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic and a MegaLAB structure that groups multiple LABs with a shared EAB. This gives the EP1K50FC484-3N a balanced logic-to-memory ratio for bus bridges, peripheral controllers, and telecom glue logic. Typical applications span industrial control boards, telecommunications line cards, low-cost video/display controllers, glue logic between microprocessors and DSPs, and legacy system upgrades. Its 484-BGA footprint suits medium-complexity boards where higher-density Cyclone or Stratix devices would be overkill. When designing with this part, note that ACEX-1K is a mature, end-of-life family - verify last-time-buy status before committing to new production. The 484-BBGA package requires careful PCB stack-up and via-in-pad or via-array escape routing; refer to the Altera ACEX-1K Device Family datasheet for recommended decoupling and JTAG chain guidance. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in ACEX-1K family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers qualify the EP1K50FC484-3N for both new designs and legacy board refresh.
EP1K50FI256-2 - ACEX-1K 50K Gates 2880 Cells FPGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FI256-2 is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), featuring 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (cells), and 186 user I/O pins housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It is fabricated on a 0.22 µm SRAM process technology and operates from a 2.5 V core supply, with a maximum internal clock frequency of 200 MHz. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device whose logic functions, interconnect routing, and I/O behavior are defined after manufacturing by loading a configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) -> FPGAs -> SRAM-based LUT FPGAs, and they serve as the high-density tier used to implement glue logic, custom datapaths, and complete system-on-chip prototypes. ACEX-1K is the entry-level, low-cost SOPC (System-on-a-Programmable-Chip) tier of the Altera/Intel FPGA portfolio, integrating embedded array blocks (EABs) for efficient memory and specialized megafunctions alongside a 4-input LUT logic fabric. The EP1K50FI256-2 supports in-system programmability through an SRAM configuration bitstream loaded via the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) interface or an external configuration PROM. The device contains 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) and 12 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) of 4,096 bits each for distributed dual-port RAM or ROM. It supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL-2/3, with per-pin user-configurable drive strength and slew-rate control. Typical applications for the EP1K50FI256-2 include glue logic consolidation on legacy motherboards, industrial control and factory automation controllers, telecommunications interface cards, prototyping and education platforms, and embedded DSP pre/post-processing. The 256-ball FBGA package provides a compact footprint while maintaining access to 186 general-purpose I/O pins, which is sufficient for many parallel bus and peripheral bridging designs. Designers should note that the EP1K50FI256-2 is built on a 5 V-tolerant-tolerant 0.22 µm process; power sequencing and decoupling must follow the ACEX-1K handbook recommendations. Configuration data is volatile - the device must be reconfigured on every power-up from an external PROM or controller. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives such as EP1K50FC256 variants, lifecycle status, and practical design notes that go beyond a raw datasheet dump.
EP1K50FI256-2AA - ACEX 1K FPGA, 186 I/O | Intel
The Intel EP1K50FI256-2AA is an ACEX 1K field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 2880 logic elements, 360 LABs/CLBs, 40960 RAM bits, 186 user I/O pins, and 199000 system gates, supplied in a 256-ball fine-pitch BGA package. The device operates from a 2.5 V core supply in the 2.375 V to 2.625 V range and is rated for -40C to +85C operation. An FPGA is a reconfigurable integrated circuit whose logic functionality is defined after manufacturing by loading a configuration bitstream. In a system hierarchy, the EP1K50FI256-2AA sits between simple programmable logic devices and complex SoC-class FPGAs: it is a field-programmable gate array within the programmable logic device category, and ultimately an integrated circuit for embedded digital systems. The ACEX 1K family was designed around LED, communications, and control applications that need moderate logic density, wide I/O, and low-cost board integration. Key differentiators for the EP1K50FI256-2AA include its 186 user I/O pins, 360 LABs/CLBs, 40960 bits of embedded RAM, and 199000 system gates. The dedicated embedded array supports memory and specialized logic functions, while the logic array implements general-purpose gates and state machines. With a 2.5 V core supply and surface-mount 256-ball BGA package, the device suits space-constrained boards that need high pin count without a large package footprint. At the architectural level, this FPGA is an SRAM-based programmable device built in a 0.22 um CMOS process with a 2.5 V core. The datasheets.com summary reports a maximum internal frequency around 200 MHz for the EP1K50 family. The -2 speed grade in the ordering code indicates the second speed bin. In practice, achievable clock rates depend on placement, routing, and the selected logic functions, so timing should always be constrained and verified in the ACEX 1K software flow. Typical applications for the EP1K50FI256-2AA include industrial control and automation interfaces, telecom line-card bridging, video/imaging frame buffers, and legacy equipment repair. Because the I/O voltage architecture of ACEX 1K supports multiple standards and the FPGA provides 186 pins, it can connect to microprocessors, ADCs, DACs, memory devices, and bus transceivers in the same 2.5 V-era system. One important design consideration is that this device is SRAM-based and must be configured at every power-up from an external configuration device, EPC memory, or JTAG download. The part is classified as obsolete by Intel/Altera, so new designs should keep a verified configuration image and plan a long-term migration path to a current FPGA family when production continuity is required. This page combines distributor cross-reference listings, known package-compatible EP1K50 family variants, and practical legacy-system guidance, providing sourcing and design information that a bare datasheet does not include.
EP1K50FI256-2N - 50K-Gate ACEX-1K FPGA 256-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FI256-2N is a 50,000-gate ACEX-1K family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 2,880 logic elements, 360 LABs/CLBs, and 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. It operates from a 2.5 V core supply (2.375 V to 2.625 V), supports up to 186 user I/O pins, and is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process with a maximum internal frequency of 200 MHz. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory blocks (EABs/BRAMs) that the designer can program after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> parallel/serial programmable accelerators. ACEX-1K specifically pairs look-up-table (LUT)-based logic with Embedded Array Blocks (EABs), allowing each EAB to implement RAM, ROM, dual-port RAM, or FIFO without consuming general LUT resources. Key differentiating features include the EAB-based memory architecture (dual-port RAM and FIFO at up to 40,960 bits), the 360 LABs delivering 2,880 logic elements (10 LEs per LAB), and SameFrame pin-out migration across the 256-pin FineLine BGA family. The die operates from a 2.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO bank voltages, supporting mixed-voltage I/O (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL). Per the ACEX-1K datasheet family, the device is built on a 0.22 µm SRAM-based process and supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and the Altera EPC configuration devices. Architecturally, each LAB contains 10 LEs, each LE holding a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, a carry chain for arithmetic, and a register chain. The EABs are 4 Kbit blocks (40,960 total / 4 Kbit = 10 EABs typical for this density) usable as single- or dual-port RAM, ROM, or FIFO. The device uses SRAM configuration cells, so it must be configured at every power-up from a serial or parallel configuration PROM. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, interface bridging (PCI to local bus, UART expansion), digital signal processing front-ends, prototype ASIC validation, and industrial control boards where moderate logic density and embedded memory are needed without the cost of high-density FPGAs. When designing with this device, ensure the configuration scheme (PS, AS, JTAG) matches the chosen EPC configuration PROM. The 256-ball FineLine BGA is a SameFrame package - designs targeting the EP1K50 family can migrate to EP1K30 (smaller) or EP1K100 (larger) parts with no PCB rework. Watch thermal dissipation: even at modest toggle rates the 0.22 µm process can dissipate 1-2 W in still air; use a minimum 4-layer PCB with an internal ground plane. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives within the ACEX-1K family, and SameFrame PCB-layout guidance not found in the bare datasheet, making it a single source for sourcing, replacement, and design-in decisions.
EP1K50FI484-2 - 50K Gate ACEX 1K FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FI484-2 is a member of the ACEX 1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and supplied in a 484-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It integrates 50,000 equivalent gates, 2,880 logic cells, and supports internal clock frequencies up to 200 MHz. The device operates from a nominal 2.5 V core supply (range 2.375 V to 2.625 V) and offers 249 user I/O pins, making it well suited for medium-density glue-logic and DSP front-end designs. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated I/O cells that the designer can re-program after manufacture. ACEX 1K sits in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> CPLDs/FPGAs -> logic semiconductors, bridging low-cost CPLDs and high-density SRAM-based FPGAs. Key features include built-in dual-port RAM, embedded array blocks (EABs) for efficient memory and megafunction implementation, 6 dedicated input pins, and a maximum combinatorial CLB delay of 0.4 ns. The EP1K50FI484-2 also offers in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, supporting boundary-scan testing and configuration updates without removing the part from the board. Architecturally, the EP1K50FI484-2 combines a Lookup Table (LUT)-based logic fabric with embedded array blocks, giving designers a balanced mix of logic, memory, and I/O. The 0.22 µm process provides predictable timing and low static power dissipation, while the FineLine BGA package ensures robust thermal and electrical performance for industrial temperature grades. Typical applications include industrial control systems, telecommunications line cards, video processing front-ends, and legacy replacement designs in instrumentation. The wide I/O count supports bus-intensive peripherals and multi-standard glue-logic functions. When designing with this device, engineers must supply a stable 2.5 V core rail and a separate I/O bank voltage, sequence the configuration bitstream before releasing RESET, and observe JTAG chain discipline for boundary-scan tests. Designers migrating from 5 V legacy FPGAs should also verify I/O bank compatibility with downstream devices. This page synthesizes distributor stock, lifecycle information, and drop-in same-package alternatives (EP1K50FI484-2N, EP1K50FI484-2P, EP1K100FI484-2) not found in a single manufacturer document, along with practical design notes for engineering reuse.
EP1K50FI484-2N - 50K-Gate ACEX 1K FPGA, 484-FBGA | Intel (Altera)
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50FI484-2N is a 50,000-gate ACEX 1K family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, packaged in a 484-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) and specified for industrial-temperature operation. The device contains 2,880 logic elements, supports a maximum internal toggle rate of 200 MHz, and operates from a 2.5 V core supply, delivering a low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration in a single device. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, and programmable interconnect. The ACEX 1K family sits within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also includes CPLDs and SPLDs; FPGAs differ from CPLDs in offering higher logic density, distributed RAM, and richer I/O capabilities, making them the natural choice for glue-logic, datapath, and small-to-mid volume ASIC-replacement designs. Key features of the EP1K50FI484-2N include 49,760 typical gates, 2,880 logic cells, 40,960 bits of embedded RAM (EAB), up to 333 user I/O pins, and MultiVolt I/O support allowing I/O banks to interface at 2.5 V or 3.3 V. The device also offers JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan, in-system programmability via the Altera ByteBlaster or BitBlaster, and a typical standby current under 10 mA. Industrial-grade temperature range is -40 °C to +85 °C, and the silicon is fabricated on a 0.22 µm four-layer metal CMOS process. Architecturally, the ACEX 1K family combines a continuous row-based LAB (Logic Array Block) structure with embedded array blocks (EABs) that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or product-term logic. Each LAB contains 10 logic elements, and the interconnect is a fast continuous routing matrix. The 2.5 V core, 0.22 µm process, and 200 MHz toggle rate position this part between early 5 V FPGAs and later Cyclone-class devices. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation interfaces, glue logic and bus bridging (PCI, ISA, VME), digital signal processing pre-processing, custom peripheral controllers in embedded designs, and low-volume ASIC replacement in telecom and instrumentation equipment. When designing with this device, plan I/O bank voltage rails carefully - the ACEX 1K MultiVolt interface requires 2.5 V VCCINT and per-bank VCCIO rails at 2.5 V or 3.3 V. The 484-FBGA package requires careful PCB layout with controlled-impedance traces and a 4-6 layer stack-up to maintain signal integrity on high-speed outputs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and engineering design notes not aggregated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
EP1K50QC208-1 ACEX-1K 50K-Gate FPGA, 208PQFP | Altera
The Altera EP1K50QC208-1 is an ACEX-1K field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 2,880 logic elements, 360 LABs, 40,960 RAM bits, 147 user I/Os, and a 2.5V core supply, delivered in a 208-pin BFQFP quad flat pack. This -1 speed-grade version of the 50,000-gate EP1K50 device is fabricated on a 0.22um process and is rated at family maximum-core operation up to 250 MHz. An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnect that the designer configures after manufacturing to implement custom digital hardware. The ACEX-1K family sits in the FPGA > programmable logic device (PLD) > digital integrated circuit hierarchy. It combines an embedded array for memory and specialized functions with a logic array of LEs, enabling low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration for moderate-complexity designs. Key differentiating features of the EP1K50QC208-1 include 2.5V core operation, 360 LABs arranged in the ACEX-1K logic array, 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, 147 user I/O pins, and a -1 speed grade that provides the fastest timing performance in the family. The commercial temperature grade classifies this device for standard 0C to +85C applications, and the 208-pin BFQFP package supports dense board-level routing with a square gull-wing lead form. Architecturally, the ACEX-1K device uses a LUT-based logic array plus an embedded array optimized for memory and arithmetic megafunctions. This dual-array architecture distinguishes it from simpler CPLDs and offers onboard memory without a separate RAM chip. Typical signal-chain tasks include bus interfacing, protocol conversion, and control-plane glue logic; the 250 MHz capability allows the device to bridge high-speed asynchronous buses while consuming a small board area. Designers commonly choose EP1K50QC208-1 for legacy industrial controllers, communications line cards, test equipment front ends, video/image preprocessing sub-systems, and existing-board repair projects. Its 147 I/O pins permit parallel data buses, memory interfaces, and peripheral signalling on one package. For moderate gate-count designs, this part balances capacity, I/O, and cost. When designing with this device, ensure 2.5V core decoupling with multiple low-ESR ceramic capacitors near the package. The FPGA is SRAM-based and must be configured from an external serial configuration source at each power-up, so reserve the configuration pins and a JTAG chain for debug. This page provides verified distributor context, same-family pin-compatible alternatives in the 208-BFQFP footprint, practical design notes, and pricing signals not consolidated in Altera's compact datasheet.
EP1K50QC208-1N - ACEX 1K FPGA, 2880 LE, 250MHz | Altera
The Altera EP1K50QC208-1N is a 208-pin PQFP (BFQFP) field-programmable gate array (FPGA) in the ACEX 1K family, providing 2,880 logic elements, 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, and 147 user I/O pins while operating from a 2.5 V core supply. The -1N suffix identifies the speed grade -1, lead-free N-finish commercial variant of the EP1K50 device. An FPGA is an integrated circuit containing reprogrammable logic fabric that can implement arbitrary digital logic after manufacturing. Unlike fixed ASICs, an FPGA is field programmable, allowing designers to change pin functions, interfaces, and state machines by loading a configuration bitstream. In the device hierarchy, the ACEX 1K FPGA sits below complex SoCs and ASICs for flexibility and above CPLDs for density, making it suitable for data-path, DSP, control, and interface designs. Key features include 2,880 logic elements organized into 360 LABs, 40,960 bits of on-chip memory, 147 user I/O pins, and 2.5 V core operation. The device is listed with a 250 MHz maximum operating frequency and is manufactured on a 0.22 um CMOS process. The FPGA uses LUT-based logic for efficient data-path implementation and embeds EABs that support RAM, ROM, dual-port RAM, and FIFO functions. Architecturally, ACEX 1K combines a look-up table structure with embedded array blocks to deliver a die-efficient, low-cost programmable platform. The LUT fabric is particularly effective in register intensive and mathematical designs, while the EABs reduce external memory requirements by absorbing FIFOs and small RAM blocks. This makes the EP1K50QC208-1N a practical option for legacy 2.5 V systems needing moderate logic density and predictable timing. Typical applications include communication line-card bridging, DSP co-processing, industrial control interfaces, video acquisition, and legacy bus integration. The 147 user I/Os allow the FPGA to connect directly to microcontrollers, backplane transceivers, DACs, ADCs, and memory buses, while the embedded memory holds coefficients or packet buffers. Designers can prototype in-system and reprogram without board changes. When designing the EP1K50QC208-1N into a system, place capacitors close to the 2.5 V core supply pins and follow the ACEX 1K configuration guidelines. The FPGA must load its configuration from an external Altera configuration device such as EPC2, EPC1441, or through a JTAG download cable after power-up. Verify configuration source and power sequencing before committing the PCB layout. This page provides verified distributor data, drop-in family alternatives, practical design notes, and current information gain that are not all available from a single datasheet snapshot. Pricing and availability are presented as of 2026-09-07, with legacy product caveats noted.
EP1K50QC208-2 - 50K Gates ACEX-1K FPGA 208-PQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50QC208-2 is a 50,000-gate ACEX-1K family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 0.22 µm SRAM process, providing 2,880 logic elements across 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, and 147 user I/Os in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BFQFP) package at commercial speed grade -2. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells, all of which can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a unique position in the digital design hierarchy between fixed-function ASICs and software-programmed microcontrollers - they offer hardware-timed parallelism and deterministic latency, which is impossible to achieve in software alone. The ACEX-1K family specifically targeted low-cost, high-volume applications as a system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration platform, bridging the gap between small PLDs and high-density FPGAs. Key features include a 2.5 V core supply, support for embedded array blocks (EABs) implementing dual-port RAM, ROM, or specialized logic functions, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) boundary scan, multi-voltage I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI), and an operating junction temperature range suitable for commercial deployments. The PQFP-208 footprint supports conventional surface-mount reflow and through-hole-compatible lead frames for prototyping. The ACEX-1K architecture uses a continuous SRAM configuration cell that must be loaded at power-up from an external serial or parallel PROM (such as an EPC2 or EPC16 configuration device). The device integrates lookup tables (LUTs), fast carry chains for arithmetic, cascade chains for wide fan-in logic, and a tristate network for bus-oriented designs - providing megafunction-equivalent density at lower cost than the contemporary FLEX 10K family. Typical applications include industrial glue logic, communication protocol bridging, low-to-medium density state-machine controllers, motor-control co-processors, flat-panel display timing controllers, and legacy PCI bus interface cards. The combination of 50K gates, embedded memory, and 147 I/Os makes it a versatile platform for system integration tasks where dedicated ASICs are uneconomical. When designing with the EP1K50QC208-2, ensure the configuration memory device is correctly selected for the chosen configuration scheme (PS, AS, or JTAG). The PQFP-208 package has limited thermal dissipation capability compared to BGA equivalents; for designs operating near full logic utilization, evaluate timing closure in Quartus II using the slowest commercial speed-grade derating. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing, drop-in ACEX-1K alternatives, and practical design notes not consolidated on any single manufacturer or distributor page.
EP1K50QC208-2N - ACEX-1K 50K-Gate FPGA, 208-PQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50QC208-2N is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), integrating 50,000 typical gates and 2,880 logic elements into a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. Fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and operating from a 2.5 V core supply, the device supports a maximum toggle frequency of 200 MHz and offers 147 user I/Os, 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and 40 kbit of embedded SRAM. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable digital logic IC that allows designers to implement arbitrary combinational and sequential logic, memory blocks, and I/O protocols in a single chip. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors, providing higher density and higher performance than traditional CPLDs while remaining reprogrammable in-system. The ACEX-1K family was Altera's mid-density, low-power SRAM-based FPGA line introduced in the late 1990s. Key features include 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (LEs) arranged in 360 LABs, 40 kbit of embedded memory distributed across Embedded Array Blocks (EABs), and 147 user I/O pins. The -2N speed grade targets a 0.4 ns pin-to-pin delay per logic element, while the device supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and Altera's serial configuration scheme using EPC configuration devices. The device architecture combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements with embedded array blocks for efficient memory and DSP operations. With four dedicated clock inputs and dedicated high-speed routing, the EP1K50QC208-2N supports synchronous designs requiring deterministic timing closure. The CMOS 0.22 µm process delivers low static power dissipation typical of mid-density ACEX-1K designs. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation, telecom line cards and bridging, legacy digital signal processing pipelines, prototyping ASICs, and glue logic replacement in legacy 5 V-tolerant systems. The commercial 0 °C to 85 °C operating range makes the EP1K50QC208-2N suitable for cost-sensitive embedded designs. When designing with this part, ensure the configuration scheme (PS, AS, or JTAG) is selected to match the system boot requirements and that the 2.5 V core supply is decoupled with low-ESR bulk and ceramic capacitors close to the device. Verify timing closure with Quartus II design software and observe the 200 MHz maximum toggle frequency budget for clock-domain logic. This page synthesizes distributor stock, same-family Intel / Altera drop-in alternatives, and practical legacy-design guidance not aggregated on individual distributor listings.
EP1K50QC208-3 - ACEX 1K FPGA 50K Gates 208-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EP1K50QC208-3 is a member of the ACEX 1K programmable logic family, integrating 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic cells, and 40,960 RAM bits into a single 208-pin PQFP package. It is a 2.5 V SRAM-based field-programmable gate array (FPGA) built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, offering a maximum internal operating frequency of 166.67 MHz with a -3 speed grade. According to the Altera ACEX 1K datasheet family data sheet, the device provides 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 147 user I/O pins, and 12 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) for dual-port memory and megafunction implementation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and dedicated memory resources on a single die. Within the integrated-circuit taxonomy, an FPGA sits under programmable logic devices, then semiconductor ICs, and finally integrated circuits. FPGAs are used to implement arbitrary digital logic, signal-processing pipelines, and glue logic that would otherwise require multiple discrete components, while remaining re-programmable in-system to fix bugs or upgrade functionality. The EP1K50QC208-3's defining features include die-efficient LUT-based logic combined with EAB memory blocks for efficient implementation of RAM, ROM, and specialized megafunctions such as multipliers and FIFO controllers. The device supports in-system configuration via passive serial, active serial, and JTAG modes, and is supported by the Quartus II and MAX+PLUS II design toolchains. The PQFP-208 package supports surface-mount assembly with 147 usable I/Os, sufficient for multi-bus glue-logic and mid-density digital control applications. The architecture is built around LABs containing 8 Logic Elements (LEs) each, with each LE containing a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and a carry chain. The EABs provide 4 Kbit memory blocks, configurable as single- or dual-port RAM, ROM, or as look-up-table based logic. The device operates from a 2.5 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks for output voltage flexibility, and exposes multi-voltage I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, and PCI. Typical applications include telecommunications line-card glue logic, industrial control systems, test and measurement instrumentation front-ends, and legacy PCI bus interface bridging. The ACEX 1K family was positioned as a low-cost, low-power programmable alternative to ASICs for mid-volume products, and remains in service in long-lifecycle industrial and aerospace programs that have completed extensive design qualification. When designing with this part, note that the ACEX 1K family has been discontinued by Intel (formerly Altera) and is designated Not Recommended for New Designs. Engineers should validate long-term supply, use authorized-franchise distributors for current production runs, and consider Cyclone II/III/IV or MAX II CPLDs for new designs of similar density. This page synthesizes distributor stock status, same-family drop-in alternatives, and a candid lifecycle assessment not found on the manufacturer product page, helping engineers make informed design and procurement decisions.
EP1K50QC208-3AA - ACEX-1K FPGA 50K 2.5V | Altera
The Altera EP1K50QC208-3AA is an ACEX-1K family field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integrating 2,880 logic elements, 360 logic array blocks, 40,960 RAM bits and 147 user I/O pins in a 208-pin BFQFP (PQFP) package. It is a -3 speed-grade, 2.5 V device fabricated in a 0.22 um process, with a typical gate count of 50,000 gates and a listed maximum internal frequency of 166.67 MHz for the -3 speed grade. An FPGA is an integrated circuit that contains programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnects, allowing the same silicon to implement many digital functions after manufacturing. In a system hierarchy, FPGA-style programmable logic sits above fixed-function ASSPs and below full custom ASICs; it is configured by a bitstream and can be re-configured for updates or family variants. The ACEX-1K family was Altera's low-cost programmable logic family, combining logic fabric with embedded memory blocks for system-on-a-programmable-chip integration. Key differentiating specifications include the 2,880 logic elements arranged into 360 LABs, 6 dedicated inputs, 147 user I/O pins, and 40,960 RAM bits for small FIFOs or register files. The -3 speed grade supports a maximum internal frequency of 166.67 MHz, while the 2.5 V core supply range is 2.375 V to 2.625 V. The commercial temperature range is 0°C to 70°C, and the 208-pin PQFP package provides a square fine-pitch surface-mount footprint. Built on a second-generation 0.22 um process, the EP1K50QC208-3AA offers a transistor-count and cost structure suitable for moderate logic integration without the expense of a high-density flagship FPGA. The ACEX-1K architecture balances four-input look-up-table logic with embedded memory, making it appropriate for bus interfaces, state machines, and low-to-medium-speed datapath control. The 147 I/O pins permit parallel busses and control signals to be routed directly from the FPGA to peripherals. Typical applications include legacy industrial controllers, communication line-card glue logic, video timing generation, and FPGA architecture training boards. In these roles, the device provides reprogrammable gates for prototype iteration and can implement modest memory functions without external SRAM. The 40,960 RAM bits can be used for packet counters, small line buffers, or processor mailbox registers. When designing with the EP1K50QC208-3AA, remember that the ACEX-1K is an older family; exact configuration mode, I/O standard support, and power consumption should be confirmed in the manufacturer ACEX-1K datasheet before finalizing a production design. Because this is a mature part, planning for a pin-compatible faster or alternate grade can protect against allocation problems. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, package-compatible alternatives, datasheet availability, and practical design notes not found on a simple distributor listing, helping engineers make a faster BOM decision for legacy and mid-density FPGA applications.
EP1K50QC208-3N - 50K Gates ACEX-1K FPGA, 208-PQFP | Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50QC208-3N is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (LEs), 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), and 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, housed in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP / BFQFP) package with 147 user I/Os. It is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, operates from a 2.5 V core supply, and is specified for the commercial 0 °C to 70 °C temperature range. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a configurable logic device — a hierarchical category that sits between a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) and an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) — and the ACEX-1K family combines a look-up-table (LUT)-based logic fabric with Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) for efficient memory and DSP megafunction implementation. Within that taxonomy, the EP1K50 is positioned as a low-cost, die-efficient system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration device, targeting glue-logic, bus-interface, and low-to-mid density state-machine designs. Key features of the EP1K50QC208-3N include a maximum internal frequency of 166.67 MHz, 1.4 ns pin-to-pin logic delay via dedicated FastTrack interconnect, in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and dual-port RAM support inside the EAB blocks. The 'QC208' suffix identifies the 208-pin PQFP plastic surface-mount package, while the '3N' speed/packaging suffix indicates the -3 speed grade and lead-free / Pb-free terminal finish per the Altera ordering code conventions. Architecturally, each LAB contains 16 LEs and local interconnect; EABs provide 4 Kbit RAM blocks (4,096 bits per EAB × 10 EABs = 40,960 bits total) usable as RAM, ROM, or multiplier logic. FastTrack continuous routing lines run horizontally and vertically across the device, while each I/O element supports 3.3 V PCI compatibility on selected banks, plus JTAG boundary-scan testing. Typical applications for this part include industrial control and instrumentation, legacy telecom and networking glue logic, prototyping for larger Altera APEX/Stratix migrations, and replacement of discrete TTL/CMOS logic. The 2.5 V core and 208-pin PQFP make it a drop-in for designs that previously used 5 V PLDs but need the density of an FPGA. A critical design consideration is that ACEX-1K is a legacy family — the EP1K50QC208-3N is no longer recommended for new designs and should be sourced from authorized distributors with full traceability. Quartus II software (final version supporting ACEX-1K is 13.0 SP1) is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and programming file generation. This page synthesizes the official ACEX-1K datasheet parameters with distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives (PQFP-208, -1/-2/-3 speed grades, NiPd/Au lead-free finish), and practical design notes not aggregated on the manufacturer's product page.
EP1K50QC208-3Q - 50K Gate ACEX 1K FPGA, 208-PQFP | Altera
The Altera EP1K50QC208-3Q is a 50,000-gate ACEX 1K family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 2,880 logic elements (cells), 40,960 bits of embedded RAM, and 147 user I/Os, packaged in a 208-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP/BQFP). Built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and powered by a 2.5 V core supply, it offers up to 166.67 MHz internal operation and is targeted at high-volume, low-cost SOPC (System-on-a-Programmable-Chip) applications. The -3 speed grade denotes the standard commercial speed bin, while the trailing "Q" suffix identifies the part as a military/aerospace temperature grade variant. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells. ACEX 1K belongs to the embedded-array PLD category, which combines look-up-table (LUT)-based logic fabric with embedded memory blocks (EABs) for efficient implementation of megafunctions such as dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO and DSP functions. Positioned in the broader taxonomy, ACEX 1K sits between classic CPLDs (lower density) and the higher-end APEX / Cyclone families (higher density) within Altera's programmable logic portfolio. Key features include 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), 12 Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) totalling 40,960 bits of RAM, multi-volt I/O support (2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V tolerant), in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, and built-in PCI compliance. The Look-Up Table (LUT) architecture delivers fast combinational logic, while the EABs provide up to 16 bits per block of dual-port RAM — a rare feature in this density class. The 208-pin PQFP package supports both commercial (0 °C to 70 °C) and industrial (-40 °C to 85 °C) operating ranges depending on suffix, with the -3Q suffix here indicating a ruggedized/military-grade temperature range. The ACEX 1K architecture uses a continuous interconnect structure (DirectDrive) with predictable timing, four-input LUTs, and dedicated carry chains for arithmetic. Each EAB can be configured as 256×16, 512×8, 1024×4, 2048×2 or 4096×1 memory, or as a multiplier block. I/O banks are independently configurable to 2.5 V, 3.3 V or 5.0 V LVTTL/LVCMOS interfaces, allowing mixed-voltage system designs without external level shifters. Typical applications include industrial glue logic and bus interface bridges, telecommunications line cards, military and avionics control systems, low-cost DSP preprocessing, glue logic for legacy 5 V/3.3 V systems, and PCI target devices. The 208-PQFP footprint also makes it suitable for through-hole-friendly assembly where BGA rework capability is limited. Compared to ASICs at this density, the ACEX 1K offers NRE-free prototyping and rapid design iteration through Quartus II design software. When designing with the EP1K50QC208-3Q, observe multi-volt I/O bank constraints — each bank shares a VCCIO rail, so mixed-voltage peripherals must be grouped. Use the Quartus II Place-and-Route fitter reports to verify timing closure at 166.67 MHz, and ensure JTAG chain integrity before relying on in-system programming for production. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, military/aerospace grade availability, drop-in alternatives within the ACEX 1K family, and practical Quartus II design notes not found in the original datasheet alone.
EP1K50QI208-2 - ACEX 1K 50K Gates FPGA, 208-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1K50QI208-2 is a member of the ACEX 1K family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that integrates 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (LEs), and 40,960 bits of embedded SRAM in a 208-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The -2 speed grade indicates a moderate-performance tier targeting volume-cost applications, and the device operates from a 2.5 V core supply with multi-voltage I/O support. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits using a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory. FPGAs sit in the broader semiconductor hierarchy alongside ASICs, microcontrollers, and CPLDs, and are preferred over ASICs when time-to-market, low NRE cost, or post-production design flexibility matters. Within the Altera/Intel portfolio, the ACEX 1K series is positioned as a low-cost, low-power FPGA family using a 2.5 V core process. Key features of the EP1K50QI208-2 include 147 user I/O pins, 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), built-in Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs), in-system programmability via SRAM configuration cells, and MultiVolt I/O supporting 2.5 V / 3.3 V / 5.0 V mixed-voltage interfacing. The 208-pin PQFP surface-mount package offers easy prototyping and rework on conventional PCB assembly lines, while the embedded dual-port SRAM enables on-chip FIFOs and small buffers without external memory. The architecture is built on a CMOS SRAM-based lookup-table fabric combined with dedicated routing, four input LUTs per LE, and fast carry chains for arithmetic operations. The -2 speed grade corresponds to roughly 166.67 MHz internal performance, which is sufficient for glue logic, custom bus interfaces, and many industrial control loops. The device supports JTAG-based boundary-scan testing and the Altera ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster programming cables. Typical applications for the EP1K50QI208-2 include DSL modem channel aggregation, low-cost Ethernet switches and routers, PCI bus bridges, custom peripheral controllers, industrial automation glue logic, glue logic between microcontrollers and DSPs, and legacy communication infrastructure. The wide voltage range and 147 I/Os make it suitable for legacy 5 V system interfacing where modern FPGAs may no longer offer 5 V-tolerant I/O. When designing with this part, note that the ACEX 1K family uses SRAM configuration cells, meaning the FPGA loses its configuration on power-down and must be reconfigured at every boot from a serial configuration PROM such as an EPC2 or EPCS device. Designers must therefore budget for a configuration device on the board and ensure the JTAG chain is correctly ordered for in-system reprogramming during board bring-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, SameFrame pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design guidance not found in the original ACEX 1K datasheet - giving engineers a single reference for sourcing and migration decisions.
EP1K50QI208-2N - ACEX-1K FPGA 2880 LE 208PQFP | Intel
The Intel EP1K50QI208-2N is a 2.5 V ACEX-1K field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that provides 2,880 logic elements, 50,000 typical logic gates and 147 user I/O signals in a 208-pin plastic quad flat pack (BFQFP/PQFP-208). The -2 speed grade and N lead-free suffix define this ordering code. An FPGA is a configurable integrated circuit whose logic blocks and interconnects can be reprogrammed after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. The ACEX-1K family belongs to Altera's cost-optimized programmable-logic product line, now supported by Intel, and is positioned between the smaller ACEX-1K / FLEX families and larger APEX devices. Within the hierarchy, an FPGA is a type of programmable logic device (PLD), which is itself an integrated circuit used mainly for digital systems such as control, protocol handling, and signal preprocessing. Headline features include 2,880 logic elements organized in 360 LABs, 40,960 bits of embedded memory, a 2.5 V core, 0.22 um process technology, and a maximum internal clock frequency near 200 MHz. The 147 user I/O pins permit parallel buses and multi-protocol interfaces. The N suffix indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant finish, while the I in the ordering code denotes industrial temperature screening for wider environmental tolerance. Architecturally, ACEX-1K devices combine LUT-based logic elements with FastTrack continuous row and column interconnect, a dedicated carry chain, and embedded memory blocks. The configuration bitstream is volatile and must be loaded at every power-up from a configuration device or host, making the FPGA flexible but requiring an external PROM or microcontroller. The 2.5 V supply lowers power compared with earlier 3.3 V/5 V PLDs, and the 208-pin QFP is solderable in conventional reflow processes. Because it offers moderate density and high I/O count, the EP1K50QI208-2N is well suited to legacy industrial control boards, communication bridging, measurement instruments, and ASIC-to-FPGA replacements. The 40 Kbit memory handles small FIFOs; 2,880 LEs implement 8- and 16-bit state machines and datapaths. The industrial grade supports deployments in unventilated cabinets or mild outdoor enclosures when combined with proper thermal design. Designers should give attention to power distribution: decouple every VCC and VCCIO pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor and place a bulk capacitor on the printed-circuit board near the FPGA. Since ACEX-1K is SRAM-based, include an EPC1/EPC2 configuration source or download path, and verify JTAG instructions. Follow all I/O voltage rules because the core is 2.5 V while I/O banks may be powered from different supplies. This page adds the information-gain summary you will not find in one datasheet: distributor availability outlook, estimated volume pricing as of 2026-09-07, a set of pin-compatible ACEX-1K Q208 drop-in alternatives, and practical design checks for legacy FPGA bring-up. You should still consult the official ACEX-1K datasheet for pinouts, timing, and absolute maximum ratings.
EP1K50TC144-1 - ACEX-1K 50K-Gate FPGA, 144-LQFP | Altera
The Altera (now Intel) EP1K50TC144-1 is an ACEX-1K family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 2.5 V CMOS process, providing approximately 50,000 system gates with 2,880 logic elements (cells) and 40,960 bits of embedded RAM in a 144-pin LQFP (also referred to as TQFP) surface-mount package. It is specified for commercial-grade operating conditions with a maximum internal clock frequency around 250 MHz, and supports 102 user I/O pins routed through 360 logic array blocks (LABs). The device combines a look-up table (LUT) based logic fabric with dual-port embedded array blocks (EABs) that can implement RAM, ROM, or specialized megafunctions such as multipliers and FIFOs. What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array is a programmable logic device (PLD) that lets designers configure arbitrary digital logic through a bitstream rather than committing to a fixed silicon mask. FPGAs occupy the tier between simple programmable logic (CPLDs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), trading per-unit cost for very low NRE, fast time-to-market, and in-system reprogrammability. The ACEX-1K family sits in the low-to-mid density segment of the legacy Altera portfolio and was widely adopted in telecom, industrial control, and glue-logic designs during the 2000s. Key features of the EP1K50TC144-1 include an enhanced embedded array structure for high-efficiency memory and DSP-style megafunctions, dual-port EABs supporting simultaneous read/write, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan test support, in-system programmability via the Altera MAX+PLUS II or Quartus development tools, and 5-V tolerant I/O with 2.5 V core operation. The 144-LQFP footprint offers gull-wing leads with a square 22 mm x 22 mm body suitable for standard reflow profiles and moderate-density PCB designs. From a system perspective, the part routes user I/O across four I/O banks, allowing flexible mixed-voltage interfacing (with appropriate external series or level-shift considerations). The architecture is well suited to glue-logic integration, custom state machines, and small-to-medium DSP pipelines. Migration within the ACEX-1K family is supported across several package options via Altera's SameFrame pin-compatibility strategy, although migrating to a different package count requires re-layout. Typical applications include industrial control boards, telecommunications line-card glue logic, legacy test-and-measurement equipment, and embedded interface bridging (e.g., custom bus controllers). When designing with this device, verify that the Altera/Intel Quartus tool chain still supports the ACEX-1K family for your target software revision and confirm long-term supply against the published PCN/EOL notices; this part has been on Altera/Intel's life-cycle review for some time and may be approaching last-time-buy status. Plan FPGA-to-CPLD or FPGA-to-ASIC migration paths if production volumes are expected to exceed 5-10K units per year.
EP1K50TC144-1N - ACEX 1K FPGA, 50K Gates, 144-TQFP | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1K50TC144-1N is a member of the ACEX 1K family of 2.5V field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) providing low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration. Housed in a 144-pin TQFP surface-mount package, it integrates 2,880 logic elements distributed across 360 logic array blocks (LABs), delivers up to 199,000 equivalent gates, and includes 40,960 bits of embedded dual-port RAM. The device operates from a 2.375V to 2.625V supply (typical 2.5V) and supports 102 user I/O pins. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that combines the architectural density of a gate array with user-configurable interconnect and logic. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> logic arrays -> programmable semiconductors. The ACEX 1K family was engineered specifically for high-volume, cost-sensitive applications and combines embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and specialized megafunctions with a logic array fabric optimized for general-purpose logic. This dual structure distinguishes ACEX 1K from pure CPLDs and from later Cyclone families. Key features include a maximum operating frequency of 180 MHz, built-in IEEE 1149.1-compliant JTAG boundary-scan test (BST) circuitry, PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.2 compliance for 5.0V operation in the -1 speed grade, an enhanced embedded array for implementing megafunctions, and dual-port RAM support. The CMOS process and 2.5V core reduce power consumption relative to 5V and 3.3V predecessors while preserving adequate speed for glue logic, bus interface, and moderate-complexity DSP tasks. Typical applications span low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip designs, PCI bus bridges, communications infrastructure glue logic, industrial control and instrumentation, video/image processing front-ends, and DSP coprocessor interfacing. Designers leverage the embedded array blocks to instantiate memory, multipliers, and other megafunctions without consuming general logic resources, which preserves logic element count for state machines and datapath control. When designing with this device, allocate I/O banks carefully because the 2.5V core requires careful level-shifting to interface with 3.3V and 5V peripherals. The TQFP-144 footprint supports hand-soldering and prototype rework but is not the highest-density option in the ACEX 1K line; designers targeting smaller board area should evaluate QFP-208 or BGA packages. Programming is supported by the legacy MAX+PLUS II toolchain as well as selected Quartus versions.