FPGA & CPLD
Products (6357)
EP20K100TC144-3 - APEX 20K 100K Gates FPGA 144TQFP | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP20K100TC144-3 is a member of the APEX 20K programmable logic device family, delivering 100,000 typical gates and 4,160 logic elements in a 144-pin TQFP (Thin Quad Flat Pack) package. Built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process with 2.5 V core supply, this device is specified for a commercial operating temperature range of 0 °C to 85 °C and a maximum internal frequency around 167 MHz. The EP20K100TC144-3 provides 101 user I/O pins, MultiCore interconnect architecture, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic for high-integration designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer after manufacturing. FPGAs belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also includes CPLDs and SPLDs. Within the digital logic hierarchy, an FPGA sits above fixed-function ASICs in flexibility and below microprocessors in software programmability. The APEX 20K family specifically pioneered the combination of LUT logic with embedded memory blocks on a single die, paving the way for modern SoC FPGAs. Key features of the EP20K100TC144-3 include 4,160 logic elements, 100K typical gates, four embedded system blocks providing 53,248 RAM bits, 416 macrocells, a MultiCore interconnect routing fabric, and IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan support. The device is in-system programmable via the IEEE 1532 / 1149.1 interface, allowing rapid prototyping and field upgrades. The TQFP-144 package (also referenced as 144-LQFP, body size approximately 20 × 20 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) provides 101 usable I/O lines with multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL. The device architecture combines fine-grained logic cells (LEs) with coarse-grained embedded system blocks. Logic elements are grouped into Logic Arrays (LABs), and ESBs can be configured as dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO, or CAM. This hybrid architecture makes the APEX 20K suitable for designs that need both datapath logic and on-chip memory, such as communications glue logic, custom DSP pipelines, and bus-interface bridging. Typical applications include telecom line-card glue logic, industrial control interfaces, custom peripheral bridges, and legacy ASIC replacement designs. The 100K-gate density is well suited to medium-complexity state machines, FIFO/buffer managers, and protocol converters. Designers migrating to this device typically use the Altera Quartus II design environment for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. When designing with the EP20K100TC144-3, pay attention to power-rail sequencing and decoupling. The 2.5 V core and 3.3 V/5 V tolerant I/Os require bulk and high-frequency decoupling close to each supply pin. Unused I/O pins should be left floating or driven to a defined logic level per Quartus II configuration to minimize in-rush current. Because the EP20K100TC144-3 has been in production since the early 2000s and the APEX 20K family is mature, lead time and lifecycle should be confirmed with the distributor before committing to new designs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative guidance, and engineering design notes that complement the official datasheet.
EP20K100TC144-3N - APEX 20K FPGA, 100K Gates, 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K100TC144-3N is a member of the APEX 20K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) featuring 100,000 typical gates, 4,160 logic elements, and 53,248 bits of embedded memory in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP) surface-mount package. It supports 101 user I/O pins and operates from a 2.5 V core supply using a 0.22 µm CMOS process technology, with system performance specified up to 167 MHz. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that integrates configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and dedicated memory into a single semiconductor. FPGAs sit above simple PLDs/CPLDs in the programmable logic hierarchy and below fixed-function ASICs, offering hardware-level parallelism for high-throughput digital signal processing, glue logic, and bus interfacing. The APEX 20K family specifically combines look-up table (LUT) logic, embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory, and I/O elements in a unified architecture, and is widely regarded as one of the first true system-on-a-chip programmable logic families. Key features of the EP20K100TC144-3N include the speed grade "-3" indicating a specific timing bin, the "N" suffix denoting a lead-free / industrial temperature range, and the "TC144" package code identifying the 144-pin TQFP form factor. The device is part of an EOL product line and is targeted at industrial, telecom, and embedded computing applications where moderate logic density, on-chip RAM, and proven multi-vintage design support outweigh the need for the latest process node. The architecture employs LUT-based logic elements grouped into MegaLAB structures, with each MegaLAB containing 16 Logic Array Blocks and a single Embedded System Block providing up to 2 Kbits of dual-port RAM. Inter-MegaLAB routing is handled by a continuous FastTrack interconnect that supports both row and column paths, minimizing interconnect delay for high-fanout nets. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control logic, legacy PCI bridge designs, peripheral controllers, and ASIC prototyping where a mature, well-documented device with decades of design support is preferred over newer families. The 144-LQFP package also enables hand-solderable prototypes and rework on standard 2-layer boards. When designing with the EP20K100TC144-3N, use the Quartus II design software (legacy versions 7.x–13.x) or MAX+PLUS II for older schematics, and verify all I/O assignments against the 144-pin TQFP pinout because several package variants exist within the same family. Note that this part is marked obsolete by Intel and is supplied primarily through authorized distributors of last resort - plan for end-of-life lifecycle management when using this device in new designs. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, verified drop-in pin-compatible alternatives from the APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not collated in the original Altera datasheet, helping engineers both sustaining legacy designs and selecting next-generation replacements.
EP20K1500CB652C7ES - APEX 20KC 1.5M-Gate FPGA 488 I/O | Intel
The Intel EP20K1500CB652C7ES is a high-density APEX 20KC-series FPGA delivering 1,500,000 typical gates (51,840 logic elements) in a 652-pin BGA package with 488 user I/O pins. Built on a 0.18 µm CMOS process with embedded system-block (ESB) memory, it operates across commercial temperature ranges with a 7-speed-grade silicon. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, interconnect, and I/O cells that the user configures after manufacture. APEX 20KC FPGAs sit in Intel's high-density programmable logic hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit) and target designs that demand very large logic capacity combined with on-chip dual-port RAM. The 'C' device family is optimized for communications and DSP-style datapaths thanks to its ESB memory blocks. Key features include 51,840 logic elements, 216 Kb of embedded system block RAM, up to 488 user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, HSTL, SSTL), and four phase-locked loops for clock management. The 652-BGA package supports high-pin-count designs while remaining suitable for high-volume SMT assembly, and the device is available in commercial (C), industrial, and military temperature grades. The APEX 20KC architecture combines a MultiCore architecture with embedded system blocks to deliver high throughput for datapath-intensive applications. ESBs can be configured as dual-port RAM, ROM, or first-in first-out (FIFO) buffers, eliminating external memory in many bus-interface and pipeline designs. True-LVDS and high-speed I/O support enables gigabit-rate serial links without external transceivers. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, network routers, high-speed image-processing pipelines, DSP co-processing accelerators, and military/aerospace signal-processing subsystems. The APEX 20KC also serves legacy industrial-control backplanes where firmware updates must roll forward without hardware changes. When designing with the EP20K1500CB652C7ES, account for JTAG boundary-scan testing, MultiVolt I/O banking, and the Quartus II design-flow legacy. New designs should weigh migrating to Stratix or Cyclone families; this part is best suited for sustaining legacy hardware or military programs with long lifecycles. This page synthesizes authorized distributor pricing, verified drop-in and speed-grade alternatives, and BGA-652 PCB layout guidance not collected in any single distributor page.
EP20K1500CB652C8ES - APEX 20KE FPGA 1.5M Gates 488 I/O | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K1500CB652C8ES is a high-density Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the APEX 20KE family, delivering approximately 1.5 million system gates, 51,840 logic elements, and 442,368 bits of embedded memory in a 652-ball BGA (BBGA) package measuring 45 x 45 mm. The device exposes 488 user I/O pins and operates from a 2.375 V to 2.625 V core supply, integrating Look-Up Tables (LUTs), Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) for memory, and a MultiCore architecture optimized for system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and embedded memory, all controlled by a user-loaded bitstream. FPGAs occupy the same role in the digital hierarchy as ASICs but are reprogrammable, sitting between microcontrollers and fixed-function ASICs in flexibility. The APEX 20KE series specifically targets high-density logic integration, combining LUT-based logic with on-chip dual-port RAM to replace discrete logic, memory, and glue ICs on a single die. Key features of the EP20K1500CB652C8ES include a MultiCore interconnect that routes signals across the die with predictable timing, 4 embedded PLL-like clock management blocks, support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+ I/O standards, and in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG. The 488 user I/O pins make it well suited to bus-intensive designs, while the 442,368 bits of embedded RAM remove the need for external SRAM in many applications. The APEX 20KE architecture combines four-input LUTs, product-term logic, and Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) on a single die, allowing each region to be configured as either distributed logic or synchronous dual-port SRAM. This flexibility makes the EP20K1500CB652C8ES a workhorse for designers replacing multiple discrete ICs with one programmable device, particularly where board real-estate, EMI, and signal-integrity drive the design. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane switching, high-speed data-acquisition front ends, DSP co-processing pipelines, industrial motion control, ASIC prototyping, and PCI-bus bridging. The 652-ball BGA footprint also makes the part attractive for high-I/O designs where QFP packages would be pin-limited. When designing with this device, pay close attention to simultaneous-switching output (SSO) noise because 488 I/O at 2.5 V can induce significant ground bounce on a poorly decoupled PCB. Use at least six 0.1 uF plus four 10 uF decoupling capacitors distributed evenly under the BGA, and follow Altera's APEX 20KE pin-out guidelines for VCCINT and VCCIO plane splits. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, same-package APEX 20KE family drop-in alternatives, and BGA-layout guidance not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet.
EP20K1500CF33C7 - APEX 20KC FPGA, 1.5M Gates, 1020-BBGA | Intel
The Intel EP20K1500CF33C7 is a high-density APEX 20KC family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 51,840 logic elements, 51,840 registers, and 442,368 typical gate count, housed in a 1020-ball BGA (BBGA) package. The device operates from a 1.8V core supply and is specified at the -7 speed grade, with integrated LVDS support and SRAM-based configuration memory. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reconfigurable digital integrated circuit whose logic functions and interconnects are defined by a user-loaded configuration bitstream rather than at wafer fab time. APEX 20KC devices sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD) -> CPLD/FPGA -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-density logic + embedded memory. They are widely deployed in glue-logic, bus-bridging, DSP pre-processing, and high-speed data-path roles where discrete gate arrays would be uneconomical. Key features of the EP20K1500CF33C7 include 51,840 logic elements with embedded system blocks (ESBs) providing dual-port RAM, ROM, and CAM, multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, LVDS) on the 1020-BBGA package, dedicated clock management circuitry with up to four phase-locked loops, and a 1.8V core supply with separate VCCIO rails for I/O bank voltage selection. The -7 speed grade delivers the fastest commercial timing for the APEX 20KC family. The APEX 20KC architecture combines a MultiCore architecture with a continuous interconnect hierarchy, enabling predictable timing closure across large designs. Embedded system blocks (ESBs) deliver true dual-port RAM up to 32K x 36 bits per block, allowing designers to instantiate memory, FIFOs, and content-addressable memory without sacrificing logic capacity. The 1020-BBGA package exposes up to 808 user I/Os, supporting high pin-count bridging applications. Typical applications include high-speed telecommunications backplanes, video broadcast and image processing pipelines, ASIC prototyping and emulation, industrial control and instrumentation, and PCI/CompactPCI interface bridging. The combination of high logic density and embedded memory makes the EP20K1500CF33C7 a strong fit for designs that previously required multiple smaller FPGAs. When designing with this device, ensure that the Quartus II (or legacy MAX+PLUS II) toolchain is available, as later Quartus versions have dropped APEX 20KC support. Plan for a robust 1.8V core supply with adequate bulk decoupling, and verify signal-integrity on LVDS pairs given the large 1020-ball BGA fan-out. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives in the same APEX 20KC family, and practical design considerations not found in the legacy datasheet alone.
EP20K1500CF33C7ES - APEX20K 1.5M Gates FPGA 1020-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K1500CF33C7ES is a high-density APEX20K family FPGA delivering up to 1,500,000 system gates with 51,840 logic elements/cells in a 1020-ball FineLine BGA package. It is part of Intel's mature programmable logic portfolio for high-performance digital design. The device operates from a 2.5V core supply with 3.3V I/O support and is rated for commercial temperature grades. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by the user after manufacture, rather than at the fab. FPGAs sit hierarchically between ASICs (high NRE, fixed function) and CPLDs (lower density, fixed interconnect), and are commonly classified by LUT count, DSP block count, and on-chip memory. The APEX20K family from Intel/Altera is an early-generation SRAM-based LUT architecture that combines fine-grained logic with embedded memory blocks (ESBs), making it suitable for data-path, glue-logic, and DSP-style designs of its era. Key features of the EP20K1500CF33C7ES include 51,840 logic elements/cells, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip RAM, up to 808 user I/O pins, in-system programmability via JTAG, and support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and other I/O standards via Altera's Quartus II / MAX+PLUS II toolchain. The device also includes dedicated clock management circuits and a high-speed interconnect fabric (MultiTrack interconnect) for predictable timing closure across wide datapaths. The EP20K1500CF33C7ES utilizes a 0.18 µm CMOS SRAM process with 4-input LUTs and a hierarchical routing architecture, achieving typical internal clock rates of 100-180 MHz depending on design complexity. The embedded system blocks (ESBs) provide true dual-port RAM with parity, supporting FIFO and register-file patterns. Multiple I/O banks allow mixed-voltage interfacing across 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V-tolerant buses. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, industrial automation controllers, ASIC prototyping, high-speed datapath design, custom DSP engines, and legacy system upgrades where high gate count and abundant I/O are required. The 1020-BGA package supports high-density board layouts and is suited to multi-layer PCBs. When designing with this device, ensure the Quartus II design tool version supports the APEX20K family and that the 1020-ball BGA layout is matched to compatible footprint/IP. Plan power sequencing for the 2.5V VCCINT and 3.3V VCCIO rails to avoid I/O bus contention during configuration. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes for the EP20K1500CF33C7ES not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K1500CF33C8 - 1.5M Gates APEX FPGA 1020-FCBGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel PSG) EP20K1500CF33C8 is a high-density APEX 20K family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabricated on a 0.18 µm CMOS process with embedded system-block memory, packaged in a 1020-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) and graded for commercial temperature operation. Key headline parameters are 51,840 logic elements (cells), 1,500,000 typical system gates, and 442,368 embedded system block RAM bits, making it one of the largest APEX devices available in a single-package silicon solution of its era. The device is a member of the APEX 20K family, which pioneered the combination of look-up-table (LUT) logic with embedded memory blocks. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic functions. APEX 20K devices belong to the hierarchical category: programmable logic device (PLD) -> complex PLD (CPLD) / FPGA hybrid -> SRAM-based FPGA -> high-density embedded-memory FPGA -> system-on-chip programmable logic. Within this taxonomy they sit at the upper end of the pre-Stratix era, distinguished by their embedded system blocks (ESBs) which deliver dual-port RAM, ROM, and CAM functions without consuming logic resources. Key differentiating features include the 1020-ball FCBGA package supporting up to 808 user I/O pins, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, multi-volt I/O standards (1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS), four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, and dedicated high-speed interconnect (FastTrack). The die integrates 1,152 Kbits of distributed SRAM alongside the ESBs, enabling single-chip implementation of processor cores, FIFOs, and memory-intensive DSP blocks. Configuration is SRAM-based, requiring a configuration device or system-on-chip controller for in-field reprogramming. Architecturally the EP20K1500 uses a MultiCore architecture that fuses fine-grain logic elements (LEs) with MegaLAB structures grouping 16 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) per MegaLAB, interconnected by the FastTrack routing hierarchy. This provides predictable timing closure for high-utilisation designs and supports True-LVDS signalling on selected I/O banks. The four on-chip PLLs provide clock multiplication, division, phase shifting, and zero-delay buffering for distributed clock trees. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, high-speed data-path designs, network switches, digital signal processing engines, and complex glue logic replacement on legacy backplane systems. Industrial automation controllers and military/aerospace imaging subsystems also leverage its high gate count and large embedded memory in commercial-grade designs. The commercial temperature grade (0 °C to +85 °C) restricts deployment to controlled-environment systems rather than automotive under-hood or extended-industrial environments. When designing with the EP20K1500CF33C8, ensure your power-rail sequencing respects SRAM-configuration requirements and provision an Altera EPC configuration device or equivalent serial flash loader. Use the Altera Quartus II design software (legacy support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis, as modern Quartus Prime versions retain APEX 20K device support only as a legacy device family. Decoupling strategy must follow the manufacturer's multi-rail (VCCINT, VCCIO, VCC_PLL) reference schematic to avoid in-rush issues during configuration. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative sources, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. All specifications are referenced against the Altera APEX 20K datasheet, distributor listings, and the XAIPART internal database as of 2026-09-07.
EP20K1500CF33C8ES - 1.5M Gate APEX FPGA 1020-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K1500CF33C8ES is an APEX 20KE-series programmable logic device delivering 1,500,000 system gates (2,392,000 maximum gates equivalent) in a 1020-ball FineLine BGA (33x33 mm) package with a -1 speed grade. The CF33 suffix in the part number indicates the 1020-FBGA package and operating temperature/grade code, while the C8 suffix indicates a -1 commercial speed grade and the ES suffix denotes an engineering sample tier. According to the Altera APEX 20K Family Data Sheet, the device integrates up to 51,840 logic elements, 442,368 embedded system block (ESB) RAM bits, and 216 Kbits of CAM, with 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. It also includes multiVolt I/O supporting 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5.0V interfaces for flexible mixed-voltage system integration. The part belongs to Intel's legacy APEX PLD family, originally launched by Altera in 1999 to bridge the gap between high-density FPGAs and gate-array ASICs. The APEX 20K (APEX means "Advanced Logic eXtended Elements and PLDs") introduced embedded system blocks to combine look-up-table logic and high-density RAM on a single fabric. Compared with traditional CPLDs, the APEX 20K provides greater capacity and finer logic granularity, while offering more deterministic timing than FPGAs of its generation. Architecturally, the APEX 20K combines embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory and logic with logic array blocks (LABs), delivering 2,392,000 equivalent gates in this largest APEX 20K member. The device integrates four PLLs with eight clock pins, supports JTAG boundary-scan testing (IEEE 1149.1), and exposes an embedded processor bus interface for Nios soft-core or external microprocessor integration. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane bridges, high-density bus-interface glue logic, network switches with packet inspection, DSP front-ends, and legacy industrial-control replacements. As an engineering-sample part, the EP20K1500CF33C8ES is commonly used in pilot designs and prototype builds, then replaced by the production-grade EP20K1500CF33C8N variant once the design is validated. The 1020-FBGA package provides high I/O density at 33x33 mm board footprint, enabling complex system designs on compact PCBs. Designers migrating off APEX 20K should evaluate Cyclone IV/V or MAX 10 devices for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor stock, parametric data, same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Altera datasheet.
EP20K1500CF33C9 - APEX 20K 1.5M Gates FPGA | Intel (Altera) | 1020-FBGA
The Intel (Altera) EP20K1500CF33C9 is a member of the APEX 20K family of SRAM-based field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) delivering approximately 1,500,000 system gates in a 1020-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-1020, 33x33 mm) package. The device integrates logic elements (LEs), embedded system blocks (ESBs) configured as either memory or dedicated logic, and a high-bandwidth interconnect fabric in a single die, providing up to 432 Kbit of embedded memory and 212,992 logic elements per published family data. The part suffix '-9' denotes the speed grade and 'C' denotes the commercial operating temperature range (0C to +85C). An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated silicon resources such as block RAM and high-speed transceivers. APEX 20K belongs to the early-2000s multi-domain programmable logic hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The APEX 20K family was one of the first to combine LUT-based logic, dedicated multiplier/adder blocks, and dual-port embedded SRAM on a single device. Key features include up to 1.5M system gates, embedded system blocks (ESBs) supporting dual-port RAM, ROM, CAM, and FIFO functions, multi-voltage I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL+, HSTL, SSTL), in-system programmability via JTAG, and built-in Boundary-Scan (IEEE 1149.1). The FineLine BGA-1020 package offers high I/O density (808 user I/O pins) suitable for high-pin-count ASIC prototyping and multi-bus bridging designs. The architecture combines four-input look-up tables (LUTs) with dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic, and MegaLAB structures that group 16 LEs together for predictable timing closure. I/O banks support multiple single-ended and differential standards, allowing direct interface to SRAM, SDRAM, and processor buses without external transceivers. Typical applications include ASIC prototyping, high-speed data-path glue logic, telecommunications line cards, networking equipment, DSP co-processing, and industrial control. The 33 mm package footprint with 808 user I/Os is well suited to designs that need wide parallel buses or many LVDS pairs. When designing with this device, verify power integrity using the Quartus PowerPlay early-power estimator and place decoupling capacitors within 100 mils of each power pin. Confirm signal-integrity simulations for HSTL/SSTL memory interfaces because the 33 mm BGA may require matched-length routing on inner stripline layers. This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing data, drop-in alternatives from the APEX 20K and Stratix families, and practical design notes not collected on any single manufacturer page.
EP20K1500EBC652-1X - APEX 20KE 1.5M Gates FPGA | Altera | BGA-652
The Altera (Intel) EP20K1500EBC652-1X is an APEX 20KE family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 1.5 million system gates, 51,840 logic elements, and 442,368 bits of embedded memory, housed in a 652-ball FineLine BGA package. It operates at an internal frequency up to 400 MHz with a propagation delay of 1.84 ns and provides 488 user I/O pins for high-density logic and memory integration. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O blocks into a semiconductor device. APEX 20KE sits within Altera's MultiCore architecture, which integrates look-up table (LUT) logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and product-term blocks in one fabric - this is the first device family marketed as a System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) solution, sitting within the broader taxonomy of FPGA -> programmable logic -> digital IC -> semiconductor. Key features include 3,456 Macros (logic cells), 488 user I/Os, on-chip RAM via embedded system blocks, MultiCore architecture combining LUT and product-term logic, JTAG-based configuration, and 0.22 µm CMOS process technology. The 1.8 V core supply minimizes power consumption while supporting high-speed signal processing in compute-intensive designs. The 652-ball BGA package supports industrial-grade thermal performance and high pin density. The APEX 20KE architecture integrates PLLs, memory, and logic in a single die, enabling designers to implement complex glue logic, bus interfaces, and DSP functions on one chip. The MultiCore structure allows portions of the fabric to behave as either fine-grained LUT logic or coarse-grained product-term logic, optimizing silicon for mixed control-and-datapath designs. Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, ASIC prototyping, high-speed data acquisition, industrial control systems, and network switching equipment. The 488 I/O count also makes it suitable for legacy interface bridging and high-bandwidth parallel processing. When designing with this device, ensure proper power-plane decoupling and thermal management for the large BGA - allocate at least 4-layer PCB with dedicated VCCINT and VCCIO planes. Quartus II software is required for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis; design compilations can take significant runtime for full-fabric utilization. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives within the APEX 20K family, and PCB-layout guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP20K160EFC484-3 - 160K Gates APEX-20KE FPGA 316 I/O 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP20K160EFC484-3 is a member of the APEX-20KE FPGA family, delivering 160,000 system gates, 6,400 logic elements, and 81,920 bits of embedded memory in a 484-ball fine-pitch BGA (FBGA) package. It provides 316 user I/Os with MultiCore architecture that integrates look-up tables (LUTs), embedded system blocks (ESBs), and FastTrack interconnect fabric on a single 0.22 µm CMOS die, fabricated on a 1.8 V core process. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable logic device that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits using configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and dedicated I/O cells. FPGAs sit between standard logic ICs and ASICs in the design hierarchy, combining the flexibility of software-defined hardware with deterministic parallel performance. The APEX-20KE family specifically targets high-density System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) designs where on-chip memory, multipliers, and I/O density matter more than raw logic speed. Key features include 6,400 logic elements, 81,920 bits of RAM, 316 user I/O pins at speed grades supporting up to 323 MHz internal operation, 1.55 ns propagation delay, 0.22 µm process geometry, and 1.8 V core supply. The MultiCore architecture provides dedicated carry and cascade chains for arithmetic-intensive designs and four input LUTs for state-machine and datapath implementations. Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) provide dual-port RAM, ROM, and CAM functions in blocks up to 2,048 bits each. Typical applications include telecom line-card glue logic, custom bus-bridging interfaces, video processing pipelines, industrial control ASIC prototyping, and military/aerospace logic consolidation. The dense I/O count and high gate capacity make it suitable for designs that would otherwise require multiple smaller FPGAs or a costly ASIC conversion. When designing with this device, ensure that the 484-FBGA land pattern matches the PCB footprint exactly; signal-integrity simulation is recommended above 100 MHz I/O toggling rates. Verify the I/O bank supply sequencing at power-up because APEX-20KE devices require a specific VCCIO/VCCINT ramp profile for configuration reliability. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same APEX-20KE family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, helping engineers source and substitute this legacy FPGA.
EP20K160EQC208-3N - 160K Gates APEX 20KE FPGA, 208-PQFP | Altera
The Altera (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) EP20K160EQC208-3N is a member of the APEX 20KE family of field-programmable gate arrays, offering 160,000 system gates, 6,400 logic elements, and 143 user I/Os in a 208-pin PowerQuad Flat Package (PQFP/BFQFP). The device is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and operates from a 1.8 V core supply, with MultiCore™ architecture that integrates a Look-Up Table (LUT) fabric, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and a high-performance interconnect. Per the Altera APEX 20KE datasheet, the maximum internal frequency is 323 MHz and the part is specified for the commercial 0 °C to 85 °C operating junction temperature range. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to implement arbitrary digital logic through user-defined configuration rather than fixed silicon. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an FPGA sits under programmable logic -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The APEX 20KE family is positioned for system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration, where multiple functional blocks are consolidated into a single device, eliminating the need for separate glue logic, memory, and interconnect chips. The "E" suffix denotes an enhanced variant of the original APEX 20K line, with extended embedded memory capacity and additional I/O standards. Key specifications of the EP20K160EQC208-3N include 81,920 bits of embedded memory, 640 macro cells, 143 user I/Os, and propagation delay of 1.55 ns. The "-3" speed grade indicates the slowest of three commercial speed grades offered in this family, while the "N" suffix indicates a lead-free / Pb-free assembly. The device supports in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and configuration via Altera's serial or parallel configuration schemes. The 208-BFQFP package provides a gull-wing surface-mount footprint with 143 usable I/O pins distributed around the periphery. Typical applications for the EP20K160EQC208-3N include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and automation systems, ASIC prototyping, glue-logic consolidation in legacy designs, and DSP co-processing. Because the part is mature and widely second-sourced in the secondary market, it is often found in long-lifecycle industrial, military, and aerospace programs that have already locked the design. Designers should note that the APEX 20KE family has been designated Obsolete by Intel PSG — new designs should consider Cyclone or MAX series devices. This page synthesizes distributor stock, second-source availability, drop-in speed-grade variants, and practical design notes that are not consolidated on a single manufacturer or distributor page. The intent is to give a procurement engineer or design-in engineer the complete picture in one read.
EP20K160EQC240-1X - APEX 20KE FPGA 160K Gates 6400 Cells | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K160EQC240-1X is a member of the APEX 20KE programmable logic family, integrating 160,000 system gates, 6,400 logic elements (cells), and 373 MHz internal performance into a 240-pin PQFP package. The device operates from a 1.8 V core supply, is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, and exposes up to 175 (or 271, depending on package variant description) user I/Os with MultiCore architecture combining look-up-table (LUT) logic with embedded memory blocks. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that allows hardware engineers to implement custom digital circuits by configuring an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells. APEX 20KE belongs to the system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) family, positioned between classic PLDs and modern SoC FPGAs. It sits in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices -> CPLD/FPGA -> PLD -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Key features include 160K gates, 6,400 cells, 373 MHz maximum internal frequency, 1.55 ns propagation delay, MultiCore architecture that integrates embedded system blocks (ESBs) for RAM/ROM, and an industry-first system-on-a-programmable-chip integration. The -1X speed grade indicates the slowest commercial speed bin, suitable for designs where timing margins are generous and cost is the primary driver. The 240-pin PQFP (Plastic Quad Flat Pack) package is gull-wing leaded, which simplifies prototype soldering compared to BGA. Typical applications include glue logic replacement, custom interface bridging (PCI, UART, I2C controllers), DSP co-processing front-ends, and embedded control blocks in industrial, telecom, and military systems. The wide I/O count supports parallel bus implementations and legacy peripheral aggregation. When designing with this FPGA, account for 1.8 V core supply decoupling with low-ESR ceramic capacitors near each VCC pin, and confirm that the Quartus II toolchain supports the APEX 20KE device family for bitstream generation. Note that the APEX 20K family is mature and largely NRND - verify long-term availability before new designs.
EP20K160EQC240-2 - APEX 20KE 160K Gates FPGA | Intel | QFP-240
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K160EQC240-2 is a member of the APEX 20KE family of SRAM-based programmable logic devices, integrating 160,000 typical gates and 6,400 logic elements (LEs) into a 240-pin Plastic Quad Flat Pack (PQFP-240) package. It is one of the industry's first programmable logic devices (PLDs) to combine look-up table (LUT)-based logic with embedded system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration, featuring MultiCore architecture that links logic, memory, and I/O on a single fabric. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LEs) connected via programmable routing. APEX 20KE sits within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) and belongs to the high-density segment of that family, between older CPLD architectures (PAL/GAL derived) and modern SoC FPGAs. Its MultiCore structure is a predecessor to modern heterogeneous FPGA fabrics that combine logic, block RAM, and DSP blocks. Key features include a maximum internal frequency of 160 MHz, 175 user I/Os (up to 271 in higher-density package variants), 56 Kbytes of embedded system block (ESB) memory, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management, support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and GTL+ I/O standards, and embedded JTAG (IEEE Std. 1149.1) boundary-scan circuitry. The 'E' suffix indicates enhanced I/O standards and the 'C240' suffix indicates the 240-pin PQFP package with commercial 0 to 85 C temperature grading. The APEX 20KE architecture combines a fine-grained logic fabric with coarse-grained embedded system blocks, allowing the device to be configured as logic, memory, or a mixture of both. The four PLLs reduce clock skew and support frequency multiplication and division across multiple clock domains, while dedicated high-speed I/O structures allow data rates up to 622 Mbps on LVDS or GTL+ links. The device is fabricated on a 0.18-micron CMOS process with six-layer metal interconnect. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, network switching fabrics, high-speed serial backplane interfaces, DSP preprocessing pipelines, and embedded control systems where deterministic hardware logic is required. The 622 Mbps LVDS capability also makes the EP20K160EQC240-2 suitable for SPI-4.2 (POS-PHY Level 4) and similar chip-to-chip interconnect standards. When designing with this device, ensure that the Quartus design tool (or MAX+PLUS II for legacy flows) supports the target APEX 20KE variant and that all I/O banks receive their reference voltages correctly for SSTL or GTL+ signalling. Configuration is typically performed via passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), or JTAG programming using a serial configuration device such as the EPC2 or EPC16. This page synthesizes verified distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the APEX 20K/20KE family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K160EQC240-2X - APEX 20KE FPGA 160K Gates 240-PQFP | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP20K160EQC240-2X is a member of the APEX 20KE family of field programmable gate arrays, integrating 160,000 system gates with 6,400 logic elements in a 240-pin Power Quad Flat Pack (PQFP) package. The device is fabricated on a 0.22 um CMOS process and operates from a 1.8 V core supply with multi-voltage I/O support, delivering internal clock frequencies up to 350 MHz and propagation delays around 1.93 ns. What is a FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure digital logic blocks and interconnect after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices: PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA. They are widely used to implement custom digital signal processing, glue logic, bus interfaces, and high-speed parallel processing pipelines that would otherwise require discrete logic ICs or ASICs. The EP20K160EQC240-2X features the APEX MultiCore architecture combining look-up table (LUT)-based logic with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and arithmetic functions. It provides up to 271 user I/Os, 4 phase-locked loops, 345,600 bits of embedded memory, and supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. The -2 speed grade indicates a mid-tier performance classification within the APEX 20KE product line. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane interfacing, custom DSP pipelines, industrial control glue logic, and legacy system prototyping. The 240-pin PQFP package enables socketed or hand-soldered assembly, which is preferred for prototype boards and legacy through-hole-friendly designs where BGA rework capability is limited. When designing with this part, note that 1.8 V core and I/O voltages require level-shifters when interfacing to 3.3 V or 5 V logic families. The MultiCore architecture also requires Quartus II (or MAX+PLUS II for legacy flows) for place-and-route, and configuration bitstream generation from Verilog or VHDL source. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original manufacturer datasheet. Engineers migrating designs from older Altera tools should review the Quartus II device support notes before recompiling existing APEX 20KE projects.
EP20K160EQC240-3 - APEX 20K 160K Gates FPGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K160EQC240-3 is a member of the APEX 20K family of FPGAs, integrating 160,000 typical gates (approximately 404,000 maximum system gates) with up to 640 macrocells and 175 user I/O pins in a 240-pin PowerQuad Flat Pack (QFP) package. It combines look-up table (LUT)-based logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and a MultiCore architecture for high-density programmable logic on a single die. The device operates from a 1.8 V core supply with multi-voltage I/O support. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that engineers configure after manufacturing to implement custom digital circuits. FPGAs sit hierarchically under programmable logic -> PLD -> digital IC -> semiconductor. The APEX 20K family was a landmark multi-vendor-compatible architecture (jointly defined by Altera and competitor devices in the same era) that merged gate-array density with on-chip memory, making it suitable for system-on-chip prototyping, glue logic, and DSP preprocessing blocks before modern System-on-Chip FPGAs took over. Key features of the EP20K160EQC240-3 include 640 macrocells / 4,160 logic elements, 160 K typical gates, 175 user I/O pins, embedded system blocks totaling approximately 53,248 RAM bits, and support for LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, and PCI I/O standards via dedicated I/O banks. The device is fabricated on a 0.18 µm CMOS process and supports in-system programmability through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface plus a passive serial configuration port. Speed grade -3 indicates the slowest of the APEX 20K commercial speed grades; speed grade -1 and -2 variants offer faster timing closure at higher cost. The MultiCore architecture interleaves LUT logic with embedded array blocks, allowing designers to implement wide datapaths, FIFOs, and dual-port RAM without consuming general-purpose routing. The 240-pin QFP package provides gull-wing leads for surface-mount assembly, and the 175 available I/Os (versus 240 package pins) reflect the die-to-package I/O ratio typical of the APEX 20K EQC-series. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation, ASIC prototyping, glue logic replacement, embedded DSP preprocessing, image and video processing front-ends, and legacy system upgrades where designers port older gate-array designs onto a programmable platform. The 1.8 V core and 3.3 V/2.5 V I/O compatibility make it straightforward to bridge legacy 5 V tolerant buses through external resistors. The APEX 20K family is now in end-of-life status, so this part is mainly sourced through distributors stocking legacy inventory. Designers should note that APEX 20K is supported by the legacy Altera Quartus II design software (versions up to 13.0sp1). Modern Quartus does not support this device. When designing, ensure the JTAG chain configuration matches IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan requirements and that the VCCIO of each bank is set correctly to match the connected bus voltage. Unused I/O pins should be left floating or driven per the Quartus II device handbook to avoid leakage during in-circuit testing. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives, and design-software constraints not typically covered in the bare datasheet — useful information gain for engineers maintaining legacy APEX 20K systems.
EP20K160EQC240-3N - APEX 20K 160K Gates 271 I/O FPGA | Intel
The Intel EP20K160EQC240-3N is a member of the APEX 20K family of programmable logic devices, delivering 160,000 system gates with 640 logic elements (6400 cells) in a 240-pin PQFP package. Operating at 1.8V core with 3.3V I/O, this FPGA features 271 user I/Os and a 323 MHz internal frequency based on the 0.22 µm CMOS MultiCore architecture. The "3N" speed grade corresponds to a 1.55 ns propagation delay, and the device operates across the commercial 0 °C to 85 °C temperature range. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device (PLD) containing configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that engineers can customize after manufacturing. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. The APEX 20K family specifically pioneered System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) integration, combining look-up-table based logic with embedded memory blocks for high-density glue-logic and datapath applications. Key features include MultiCore architecture combining fine-grain logic with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and arithmetic, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, multi-voltage I/O supporting 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V interfaces, and LVTTL/LVCMOS/LVDS signaling. The device supports up to 87,040 RAM bits distributed across embedded array blocks, enabling single-chip implementation of FIFOs, dual-port RAM, and DSP-like datapath functions without external memory. The MultiCore architecture partitions each logic element into a carry-chain for arithmetic plus a register-rich LUT section, allowing efficient mapping of counters, state machines, and datapath pipelines. Built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan and ISR (in-system reconfigurability) let engineers reprogram the device in-circuit, simplifying field upgrades and shortening prototyping cycles. The 0.22 µm CMOS process delivers the speed/power trade-off that made APEX 20K a workhorse for telecom line cards and ASIC prototyping in the early 2000s. Typical applications include ASIC prototyping, telecommunications line-card glue logic, networking datapath pipelines, and industrial control systems. Designers select this part when they need tens of thousands of gates with embedded block memory, JTAG-based in-system upgrades, and 240-pin PQFP board compatibility. When designing with the EP20K160EQC240-3N, plan for 1.8V core regulation with bulk decoupling near each VCCINT pin and 3.3V VCCIO rails matched to your logic interface. Use the Quartus II design environment for fitting; place series terminators on clock outputs to limit overshoot, and follow Altera's AN 117 application note for JTAG chain design. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand drop-in speed-grade alternatives, application context, and practical layout guidance not found in any single distributor listing, giving procurement and design engineers a one-stop reference.
EP20K160ETC144-2 FPGA - 160K Gate APEX 20KE | Altera
The Altera EP20K160ETC144-2 is an APEX-20KE field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that provides 160,000 system gates, 6,400 logic elements, 81,920 RAM bits and 88 user I/O pins in a 144-pin LQFP/TQFP (20 x 20 mm) package. It is a 1.8 V core FPGA, speed grade -2, and belongs to the APEX 20KE family designed for system-level integration. An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be programmed after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital functions. APEX-20KE devices combine logic elements, embedded system blocks for memory and product-term functions, and programmable I/O in a hierarchical array, enabling designers to integrate board-level glue logic into one component. In the taxonomy of programmable logic, this device sits at FPGA > Programmable Logic Device > Integrated Circuit, and it is used where high reconfigurability and moderate pin count matter more than ASIC NRE. Key features of this part include 6,400 logic elements for moderate-density logic, 81,920 RAM bits for FIFOs and register files, 88 user I/Os, and a 1.71 V to 1.89 V supply range. Distribution literature lists a 0.22 um CMOS process and 350 MHz-class operation. The APEX-20KE embedded system blocks can implement memory or product-term logic, providing flexibility beyond plain FPGA logic. The speed grade -2 is slower than -1X but is commonly supported by legacy design files and reference implementations. Architecturally, EP20K160ETC144-2 builds logic from logic array blocks and embeds memory-oriented system blocks, connected by a hierarchical routing architecture. This lets the device realize 160K system gates without requiring an external RAM for every FIFO. The 20 x 20 mm TQFP package is surface-mount, compatible with 0.5 mm pitch PCB processes, and simpler to route than larger BGA alternatives. Because the part has no nonvolatile flash, it must be configured at power-up from an external EPC serial configuration device. Typical applications include wired-communications line-card glue logic, industrial PLC I/O conversion, test-and-measurement front ends, and legacy aerospace repair programs where the original APEX-20KE firmware must remain unchanged. Its 88 I/Os and embedded RAM make it adequate for 16-bit parallel buses, UART/SPI interfaces, encoder counters, and custom timing state machines. For designs requiring more I/O, move to a larger APEX-20KE package such as 208-pin or 240-pin, but note that package and pin assignments change. When using this component, pay attention to the 1.8 V core accuracy and the external configuration PROM. Because the EP20K160ETC144-2 is obsolete, check lifecycle and stock before starting a design; use the -2N lead-free variant when RoHS assembly is mandatory, and re-verify timing if selecting an X speed-bin alternative. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package details, drop-in variants and practical notes that are not all present in a single manufacturer datasheet section. It is intended to help engineers sourcing the EP20K160ETC144-2 for repair, legacy extension, or aftermarket builds make faster, better-informed decisions.
EP20K160ETC144-2N - APEX 20KE FPGA 160K Gates 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel EP20K160ETC144-2N is a member of the APEX 20KE family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), delivering 160,000 system gates, 640 logic elements, and 81,920 RAM bits in a 144-pin LQFP package. The device operates from a 1.8V core supply and supports 88 user I/Os with MultiCore architecture combining LUT-based logic and embedded memory blocks. Internal frequency up to 160 MHz makes it suitable for glue logic, bridge, and control-plane designs in legacy industrial and telecom systems. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) interconnected by a programmable routing matrix, allowing designers to implement custom digital circuits without the mask and NRE costs of an ASIC. APEX 20KE FPGAs occupy the system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) tier, sitting between simple CPLDs (hundreds of gates) and modern high-end FPGAs (millions of LUTs), and historically targeted DSP, communications, and bus-interface applications. Key features include embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can be configured as dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO, or CAM; 4-input look-up tables for combinational logic; and a low-power 0.18-micron CMOS process. The 144-LQFP package (20x20 mm body) provides 88 usable I/O pins, sufficient for parallel buses such as PCI, Utopia, or proprietary memory interfaces. Architecture details: the MultiCore architecture integrates MegaWizard-style function libraries and supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL I/O standards via programmable drive strength and slew rate. The 640 logic elements and 16 ESBs deliver roughly 51,000 typical gates after synthesis, and JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) plus passive serial configuration is supported. Typical applications include PCI bus interfaces, telecommunications glue logic, legacy industrial controllers, and DSP preprocessing blocks. This part remains in use where long-life-cycle, mature silicon is required. Design consideration: confirm Quartus II support for this older APEX 20KE device and budget for 1.8V core plus 3.3V I/O supply rails. Migration to Cyclone IV or MAX 10 should be evaluated for new designs. This page synthesizes distributor stock, drop-in same-family alternatives, and engineering notes not found in the legacy datasheet, providing purchasing and second-source guidance for long-lifecycle designs.
EP20K200BC356-1 - APEX-20K 200K-Gate FPGA | Altera
The Altera EP20K200BC356-1 (Intel Programmable Solutions Group) is a 2.5 V APEX-20K family FPGA rated at 200K equivalent system gates, 8320 logic elements, and 106496 RAM bits, with 277 user I/O pins and a maximum internal clock frequency of 250 MHz, supplied in a 356-ball LBGA package. An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacture. Devices in the APEX-20K series integrate look-up-table logic and embedded memory on the same die, making them programmable logic devices (PLDs) positioned between CPLDs and ASICs in the semiconductor hierarchy. This was one of Altera's early families to advertise system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration with dense routing resources. The headline specifications are 8320 logic elements, 106496 RAM bits, 277 user I/Os and a 250 MHz -1 speed grade. The part is manufactured in 0.22 um CMOS and operates from a 2.5 V core supply. The 356-ball BGA package provides a compact surface-mount solution for board-level designs that need substantial glue logic, wide-bus decoding, state machines and small FIFOs without external logic parts. From a silicon architecture standpoint, APEX-20K devices combine LUT-based logic with embedded memory blocks. The 106496 RAM bits can be used for small packet buffers, line-rate FIFOs, register files, or lookup tables, reducing component count in legacy designs. The 277 user I/Os can serve parallel busses and memory interfaces. The -1 speed-grade variant is the faster standard grade offered for this package; related speed-optimized and lead-free versions exist in the same 356-BGA footprint. The primary applications are legacy industrial controllers, telecom line-card glue logic, video-processing controls, and military/aerospace sustainment programs where the original APEX-20K design must be reproduced without a PCB redesign. Because the device is obsolete, procurement should go through Rochester Electronics or an authorized surplus distributor rather than Intel/Altera direct. One key design consideration is configuration storage: this SRAM-based FPGA must be configured from an external EEPROM/FLASH device or JTAG controller at every power-up. Also, since -2 or -3 speed-grade variants are slower, timing margins must be re-evaluated before substituting a slower speed grade into a design intended for 250 MHz operation. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, practical design notes, and compliance markers not found on the original manufacturer datasheet, so engineers can quickly make sourcing and replacement decisions for this obsolete FPGA.
EP20K200BC356-1X - APEX-20K FPGA, 200K Gates, 356-LBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K200BC356-1X is a member of the APEX-20K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays, integrating 200,000 system gates with 8,320 logic elements and 106,496 bits of embedded RAM in a 356-pin LBGA (35x35 mm) surface-mount package. It supports 277 user I/O pins, operates from a 2.5 V core supply, and is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process that delivers up to 250 MHz core performance with 2.5 ns propagation delay. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that combines the architectural flexibility of gate arrays with on-chip memory, DSP blocks, and high-speed I/O. The APEX-20K platform is the industry's first PLD to introduce MultiCore architecture integrating look-up table (LUT) logic with embedded system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) blocks, occupying the hypernym hierarchy PLD -> CPLD/FPGA -> programmable logic -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Key features include 8,320 logic elements (LEs), 106,496 RAM bits, 277 user I/Os, MultiCore architecture combining LUT and embedded array blocks (EABs), and a 2.5 V core supply with industry-standard I/O standards. The '-1' speed grade designates the slowest of the three available grades, with the -2 and -3 grades offering faster Fmax at additional cost. The MultiCore architecture lets designers instantiate both fine-grained LUT logic and coarse-grained embedded array blocks (EABs) for RAM, ROM, and arithmetic functions within the same fabric, supporting SOPC (System-On-a-Programmable-Chip) designs. The 0.22 µm process and 1.5 V internal operation (derived from the 2.5 V supply) enable 250 MHz performance for datapath-intensive applications. Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial automation controllers, custom DSP pipelines, ASIC prototyping, and high-speed data acquisition front-ends. The 277 user I/Os and large logic capacity make it suitable for bus-intensive glue logic and protocol bridge designs. When designing, ensure the 356-LBGA land pattern matches Intel/Altera reference designs, and use the Quartus design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. Note that the -1X suffix indicates speed grade -1 in the LBGA package with lead-free processing. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package speed-grade alternatives, and practical design notes for the APEX-20K family not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP20K200BC356-2 - 200K Gate APEX-20K FPGA, 356-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP20K200BC356-2 is a 200,000-gate APEX-20K series Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 8,320 logic elements and 277 user I/Os, housed in a 356-pin LBGA package and supplied from a 2.5 V core rail. It belongs to the industry-first MultiCore PLD family that integrates lookup-table (LUT) logic with embedded system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) memory, allowing designers to combine logic and dual-port RAM in a single device. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built from an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be rewired after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs and are typically chosen over ASICs when time-to-market, field upgradability, or low-to-medium volume production economics matter more than per-unit silicon cost. The APEX-20K family specifically pioneered the combination of LUT logic with embedded memory blocks called ESBs, predating modern system-on-chip FPGA architectures. Key features of the EP20K200BC356-2 include 8,320 logic elements, 106,496 bits of embedded RAM, 277 user I/Os, and a 2.5 V core supply. The device is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and supports a propagation delay of 2.5 ns at the -2 speed grade. The 356-LBGA package is a 35 mm × 35 mm fine-pitch ball grid array suitable for high-density board layouts. Architecturally, APEX-20K devices use a four-level hierarchy of MegaLAB structures containing multiple Logic Array Blocks (LABs), each made up of ten Logic Elements (LEs). Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) provide dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM functions, enabling true SOPC integration on a single PLD. This MultiCore architecture was novel at launch because it allowed designers to instantiate memory and logic without external SRAM or ROM chips. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane glue logic, peripheral bus bridging (PCI, PCI-X, Utopia), high-speed data-path buffering, and legacy custom-compute or signal-processing prototyping where long-term supply stability matters. Designers typically pair the device with Intel/Altera MAX+PLUS II or Quartus for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. When designing with this part, note that the APEX-20K family is end-of-life; new designs should validate long-term supply through franchised distributors. The 2.5 V core supply requires careful decoupling and a multi-layer PCB to maintain signal integrity on the 277 I/Os. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that are not compiled in the original Altera datasheet, helping engineers source and qualify the part quickly.
EP20K200BC356-2XV - APEX-20K FPGA, 8320 LE, 356-BGA | Altera/Intel
The Altera (Intel® Programmable Solutions Group) EP20K200BC356-2XV is a member of the APEX-20K® family of SRAM-based FPGAs, integrating 8,320 logic elements (832 LABs/CLBs) and 106,496 bits of embedded RAM in a 356-ball BGA package with 277 user I/O pins. Per the APEX-20K datasheet, the device operates from a 2.375V to 2.625V core supply, is rated for 0 °C to 85 °C junction temperature, and supports up to 526,000 system gates of equivalent logic density. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable semiconductor that lets engineers implement arbitrary digital logic via a configurable array of logic elements, interconnect, and embedded memory blocks. Within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic, FPGAs sit alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), PALs, and ASICs; APEX-20K is specifically a multi-core architecture that combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic with dedicated embedded memory and high-speed I/O, making it a member of the pre-Cyclone/Stratix Altera lineup targeted at high-density glue logic, bus bridging, and DSP prototyping. Key features include 8320 logic elements distributed across 832 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), 106 Kbit of embedded SRAM distributed in EABs (Embedded Array Blocks), 277 user I/O pins, JTAG/IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan support, and a flexible multi-volt I/O ring that can interface with 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V peripherals. The 356-ball BGA package exposes all I/O while preserving board area, and the -2 speed grade designates the second-fastest commercially available bin at the time of release. Architecturally, APEX-20K combines a fine-grained MegaLAB structure, each MegaLAB containing 16 LABs plus an EAB. Logic is implemented via 4-input LUTs in each LE, and embedded memory is implemented in EABs that can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO. The -2 speed grade corresponds to faster propagation delays versus the -3 grade, enabling higher system-clock operation; users typically target this part for glue logic, custom bus interfaces, and low-volume ASIC-replacement designs. Typical applications include custom bus-bridging logic, telecommunications line-card glue, ASIC prototyping, industrial control interfacing, and legacy system upgrades where 277 user I/O are required. The wide I/O count and embedded memory also suit custom DSP datapaths such as finite-impulse-response (FIR) filters and correlators used in instrumentation. Because the part is now mature silicon, it is most often specified for long-lifecycle designs, defense systems, and industrial equipment already in service. Design considerations include JTAG programming through the ByteBlaster or BitBlaster cable, single-event-upset (SEU) sensitivity in SRAM-based APEX-20K devices, and the use of core/I/O decoupling per APEX-20K reference designs. For aerospace/defense applications, designers should evaluate radiation-tolerant APEX-20K variants and consider watchdog/CRC scrubbing on the configuration bitstream. This page synthesizes verified distributor inventory and pricing as of 2026-09-07, drop-in same-package alternatives from the APEX-20K family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP20K200BC356-3 - APEX 20K FPGA, 8320 LEs, 356-BGA | Intel
The Intel EP20K200BC356-3 is an APEX-20K family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrating 8320 logic elements within 106496 bits of embedded memory, delivering up to 277 user I/Os in a 356-pin Low-profile Ball Grid Array (LBGA) package. The device operates from a 2.5V core supply, is built on a 0.22 µm CMOS process, and supports a maximum internal clock frequency of 167 MHz with a propagation delay of 2.5 ns. The MultiCore™ architecture combines look-up-table (LUT) logic with embedded memory blocks, enabling single-chip system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration for high-density digital designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows engineers to implement custom digital circuits through a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits -> semiconductors. APEX-20K devices are members of the early-2000s high-density FPGA family that pioneered embedded memory and on-chip system integration, predating modern SoC FPGAs but still in service in long-lifecycle industrial, telecom, and military systems. Key features of the EP20K200BC356-3 include 8320 logic elements, 106496 bits of embedded system memory, 277 programmable I/O pins, and 356 total package pins (including power, ground, JTAG, and no-connect balls). The device is fabricated on a 0.22 µm CMOS process and is rated for a commercial operating temperature range of 0 °C to 85 °C. The combination of LUT-based logic, embedded memory, and high I/O count positions the part for data-path-intensive glue logic, bus interfacing, and pre-processing functions. The APEX-20K architecture supports in-system programming through the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, allowing configuration to be loaded from a PROM, flash memory, or processor. Each MultiCore block can be configured as either logic elements or dual-port memory, and the I/O structure supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL+, giving designers flexibility to interface with mixed-voltage buses. The 2.5V core supply is paired with I/O supply rails (VCCIO) that can be set independently per bank for level-shifting compatibility. Typical applications include industrial control and factory automation, telecommunications line cards and switching fabric glue logic, military and aerospace digital signal preprocessing, and embedded computing backplanes where high logic density and abundant I/O are required. The 277 user I/Os also make it well suited for bus bridging between legacy microprocessors and high-speed peripherals. Designers should note the device's commercial temperature grade (0 °C to 85 °C) and 2.5V core supply requirements when planning power-rail architectures. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original APEX-20K datasheet.