FPGA y CPLD
Productos (6666)
EP1K50VFC484-1 - ACEX 1K FPGA, 50K Gates, 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP1K50VFC484-1 is a member of the ACEX 1K programmable logic device family, providing low-cost system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration in a single 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The device integrates 50,000 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements, and 40,960 bits of embedded array block (EAB) memory across 360 logic array blocks (LABs) with 249 user I/O pins. The "V" suffix denotes the 2.5V core voltage family with extended commercial temperature grade, while "-1" indicates the speed grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic functions. ACEX 1K devices belong to the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), specifically the SRAM-based FPGA hierarchy, which sit alongside CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) in the digital designer's toolkit. The ACEX 1K family pioneered low-cost embedded memory integration through its EAB architecture, predating modern embedded block RAM patterns. Key features of the EP1K50VFC484-1 include dual-port EAB memory with up to 16 bits wide per block, multi-voltage I/O support for 2.5V/3.3V/5.0V interfacing through dedicated bank configuration, and JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan testing. The FineLine BGA package supports high I/O density on compact PCBs, making the device suitable for pin-constrained glue logic, custom interfacing, and parallel processing subsystems. The architecture combines a fine-grained logic element fabric with coarse-grained EAB blocks for memory and specialized functions like multipliers and CAMs. Configuration is stored in SRAM cells requiring an external configuration device (typically an EPC series companion), and reconfiguration can occur in-system via JTAG or passive serial/parallel modes. Typical applications span telecommunications line cards, industrial control boards, military/aerospace embedded systems (where extended temperature operation is required), networking routers and bridges, and test equipment where the 360 LAB count provides balanced logic density for custom state machines and datapath integration. When designing with this device, ensure the configuration scheme matches the available controller interface (passive serial, passive parallel, JTAG, or active serial with EPC companion). Decoupling must include 0.1uF ceramic capacitors adjacent to every power pin, and unused I/O banks should be left at valid logic levels to avoid input hysteresis issues. Note that ACEX 1K is an older legacy family - new designs should verify long-term availability before committing. This page synthesizes distributor stock data, same-package ACEX 1K drop-in alternatives, and ACEX-family design considerations not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1K50XXB - ACEX-1K FPGA, 50K Gates, 2880 LEs | Intel
The Intel EP1K50XXB is a member of the ACEX-1K family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) built on a 0.18-micron SRAM process. The device integrates approximately 50,000 typical gates with 2,880 logic elements (LEs), 40,960 RAM bits, and a 2.5 V core supply, delivering low-cost programmable logic for high-volume glue-logic, bus-bridging, and signal-processing applications. What is an FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (LBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that can be re-programmed after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic functions. FPGAs sit hierarchically between Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) at the most efficient extreme and microcontrollers at the most flexible extreme, offering hardware-timed parallelism, deterministic latency, and rapid prototyping without mask costs. The ACEX-1K family was Intel's first SRAM-based, low-cost FPGA line, later superseded by Cyclone but still deployed in long-lifecycle industrial, telecom, and legacy computing platforms. Key features of the EP1K50XXB include 2,880 logic elements, 40,960 embedded system RAM bits, embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory functions, JTAG-based in-system programmability (ISP) via IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan, and a multi-voltage I/O interface compatible with 3.3 V, 2.5 V, and 1.8 V standards. The device supports a maximum user I/O count that varies with package and up to 80 MHz internal operation in commercial grade. The EP1K50XXB uses Intel's Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic element architecture combined with dedicated embedded array blocks for efficient on-chip memory and DSP-style functions. Each LE contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, carry-chain logic for arithmetic, and a cascade chain for wide fan-in functions, providing flexible and predictable timing closure for glue-logic and state-machine designs. Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (e.g., PCI to local bus), digital signal processing front-ends, industrial control and instrumentation, telecom line cards, legacy peripheral controllers, and ASIC prototyping platforms. The EP1K50XXB is particularly well-suited for designs migrating from discrete TTL/CMOS glue logic where deterministic timing and parallel processing outperform microcontrollers. When designing with this device, note that the ACEX-1K family is in legacy/last-time-buy status with limited authorized stock; long-term designs should validate supply continuity and consider migrating to Cyclone or MAX series for new projects. Configuration storage requires a serial configuration EEPROM or JTAG programmer because the SRAM-based fabric is volatile. This page synthesizes distributor inventory, package options, and practical migration guidance not found in the original Altera datasheet, supporting engineers maintaining legacy ACEX-1K-based designs and evaluating same-family pin-compatible alternatives.
EP1K50XXC - 50K Gate ACEX FPGA, 2880 LEs | Intel
The Intel EP1K50XXC is a member of the ACEX 1K family of SRAM-based FPGAs, integrating 50,000 typical gates and 2,880 logic elements into a single high-density programmable logic device. The device is built on a 0.18 µm CMOS process with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and a four-input look-up table (LUT) architecture, providing a balance of logic density, embedded memory, and I/O flexibility for cost-sensitive digital designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers: microcontrollers execute firmware, while FPGAs realize parallel hardware pipelines. The ACEX 1K family specifically targets glue logic, bus interfacing, and moderate-complexity state machine replacement where a small CPLD is too small but a full ASIC is uneconomical. Key features of the EP1K50XXC include 2,880 logic elements, 40 embedded array blocks (EABs) providing 40 Kbits of dual-port RAM, a maximum of 333 user I/O pins, and 5 V tolerant I/O with multi-voltage support. The device operates from a 2.5 V core supply, is in-system programmable via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface, and supports configuration via passive serial, active serial, and JTAG modes for flexible factory or field programming. The ACEX 1K architecture combines an efficient logic-element fabric with distributed embedded memory, allowing designers to implement FIFOs, look-up tables, and small register files without external SRAM. Each EAB provides 4 Kbits of memory configurable as RAM, ROM, or dual-port RAM, and the four-input LUTs deliver 16x1 memory that can be cascaded into wider or deeper structures when needed. Typical applications for the EP1K50XXC include peripheral bus bridging (PCI to local bus), glue logic for microcontroller and DSP co-processing, telecom line-card interface logic, industrial control state machines, and legacy ASIC replacement for low-to-medium volume production. The wide 5 V tolerant I/O simplifies interfacing to legacy TTL/CMOS logic without external level shifters. When designing with the EP1K50XXC, ensure that the Quartus design tool is configured for the ACEX 1K device family, as newer Quartus versions have dropped support for this older family. Plan I/O bank assignments to match voltage requirements, and use the JTAG interface for in-system programming during prototype bring-up. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, package options, and verified drop-in alternatives not consolidated on any single distributor product page, helping engineers evaluating legacy ACEX 1K designs make sourcing and second-source decisions in a single view.
EP1M120B484C5 - Mercury FPGA, 120K Gates, BGA-484 | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120B484C5 is a member of the Mercury family of FPGAs, offering 120,000 system gates in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The Mercury family is built on a 0.18-micron CMOS process and integrates up to 4,800 logic elements with embedded system blocks for high-speed I/O, dual-port RAM, and clock management. According to the Altera Mercury family datasheet, the device is targeted at high-speed communications, networking, and DSP front-end designs that require fast time-to-market. What is an FPGA? A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, interconnect, and I/O resources that can be configured by the end user after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the broader category of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which includes CPLDs and older PAL/GAL devices. Within Intel's product hierarchy, the Mercury family is positioned between the APEX family and the Stratix family, optimized for high-speed LVDS and HSTL I/O with embedded multiplier support for DSP pipelines. Key specifications include 120,000 typical gates, 4,800 logic elements, 4 PLLs, and up to 303 user I/O pins. The Mercury architecture includes embedded system blocks that combine dedicated dual-port RAM, true-LVDS circuitry, and high-speed I/O capable of transferring data at 840 Mbps per channel. The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL, LVDS, and LVPECL. The Mercury family uses a continuous, hierarchical interconnect fabric driven by row and column routing resources. Logic elements contain a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains for arithmetic operations. The 0.18-micron CMOS process allows the device to operate with a core voltage of 1.8V while supporting 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, and 3.3V I/O banks through selectable reference voltages. Typical applications include high-speed serial backplane interfaces, SONET/SDH framer cards, network switch fabrics, DSP co-processing for baseband designs, and instrumentation data acquisition. The integrated LVDS channels make the EP1M120B484C5 particularly well-suited for designs requiring low-jitter differential signaling between FPGAs and external analog-to-digital converters. When designing with this device, engineers should note that the Mercury family is a legacy product line now serviced under Intel's product longevity program. Modern designs should consider Cyclone IV/V or MAX 10 for new platforms, but existing Mercury designs remain supported for long-lifecycle industrial and aerospace programs. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same Mercury family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1M120B484C6 - Mercury 120 LE FPGA 484-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1M120B484C6 is a Mercury-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the Altera ACEX 1M series, delivering 120 typical logic elements in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (BGA-484) package with commercial temperature grade. It is part of the original Mercury PLD line introduced by Altera in the early 2000s for low-cost, low-density glue-logic and bus-interface designs, offering up to 4,800 flip-flops and a maximum of 303 user I/O pins for high-pin-count applications. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and programmable I/O cells. Unlike an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA's function is defined after manufacturing by loading a user-supplied configuration bitstream into on-chip SRAM cells. FPGAs sit hierarchically above simple PLDs, below structured ASICs, and within the broader class of programmable logic devices (PLDs), which also include CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices). The Mercury device family is engineered for cost-sensitive, high-I/O bridging and interface-conversion tasks. Key features of the EP1M120B484C6 include up to 303 user I/O pins distributed across multiple I/O banks, on-chip SRAM for data buffering, JTAG-based IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan support for board-level test, and a 220°C peak reflow temperature rating compatible with lead-free surface-mount assembly. The 484-ball BGA package exposes ground and power pins on the inner rows to maintain signal integrity at the high I/O counts typical of the 1M family. The device is built on a 0.18 µm SRAM-based process with an embedded configuration memory, requiring an external configuration device or download cable to load the SRAM bitstream at every power-up. Its architecture combines lookup-table (LUT) logic with carry chains for arithmetic and cascade chains for wide fan-in functions, similar in concept to later Cyclone and MAX families but optimized for the low-density, high-I/O bridging role that defined Mercury-class designs. Typical applications include bus-interface bridging (PCI to local bus), glue-logic integration in embedded computing platforms, video and image processing front ends, telecommunications line-card interface logic, and industrial-control I/O expansion. Engineers selecting Mercury-class FPGAs typically target designs in the 600 to 4,000 logic-element range where a full Cyclone-class device would be over-spec. Design considerations for the EP1M120B484C6 include BGA PCB routing complexity for the 484-ball footprint, decoupling strategy across multiple I/O banks, and configuration-source selection (EPCS serial flash, JTAG, or microprocessor-driven PS mode). Engineers should also verify that the Quartus II design software version in use still supports Mercury devices, as newer Quartus releases have progressively dropped legacy family support. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, Mercury-family drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB-layout considerations not consolidated in the original Altera datasheet.
EP1M120B484C7 - 49,152 Logic Elements, 4800 Kbit, BGA-484 FPGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120B484C7 is a Mercury-class Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (BGA-484, FCBGA) package, targeting high-density logic, embedded memory and high-speed I/O applications. It integrates 49,152 logic elements backed by 4,800 Kbits of embedded SRAM, with 303 user I/O pins and a 1.5 V core supply. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, embedded memory blocks, DSP slices, and high-speed transceivers, all re-configurable by the end user. FPGAs occupy a unique position in the programmable logic hierarchy: above ASICs in flexibility, below microprocessors in deterministic real-time performance, and alongside CPLDs at the low-density end. They are widely used for prototyping, low-volume production, hardware acceleration, and applications requiring parallel processing. The Mercury family adds PLLs and LVDS-capable I/O, placing the EP1M120B484C7 between cost-optimized Cyclone devices and high-performance Stratix parts. The EP1M120B484C7 differentiates itself through 49,152 logic elements (typical Mercury range), 4,800 Kbits of embedded SRAM, 303 user I/O pins with multi-standard I/O support (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, LVDS), up to 12 PLLs for clock management, and a maximum user I/O count that supports wide parallel buses. The 1.5 V core, 0.13 µm process node, and embedded SRAM are organized to support high-throughput datapath designs. Architecturally, the device is built on a 0.13 µm CMOS process with SRAM-based configuration cells, allowing unlimited re-programmability in-system. Multi-voltage I/O banks support mixed 1.5 V / 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V signaling, and the embedded PLL blocks deliver low-jitter clock multiplication for serializer/deserializer and DDR memory interfaces. Typical applications include telecom line cards and baseband processing, industrial motor control and machine vision, test and measurement instrumentation with deep trace buffers, military/aerospace signal processing, and high-speed data acquisition front-ends. The 303 user I/O count is particularly attractive for parallel bus interfaces (PCI, DDR, LVDS) and for designs that need many single-ended I/O without external bus switches. When designing with this device, plan for proper decoupling (100 µF bulk + 0.1 µF per VCC pin), controlled-impedance PCB stack-up for LVDS/DDR, and thermal relief via thermal balls/balls-to-plane connection, since BGA packages dissipate heat primarily through the PCB. Configuration via JTAG or passive serial configuration device requires an EPC2 or compatible PROM for in-system programming. Use the Quartus II design software (legacy support required) for development. This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, package-same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical BGA-layout guidance not found in any single distributor listing - giving engineers a one-stop decision page for sourcing the EP1M120B484C7.
EP1M120B484C7A - Mercury FPGA 49K LE 484-BGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120B484C7A is a member of the Mercury family of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), delivering 49,152 logic elements (sometimes cited as 49,200) and 4,800 Kbits of embedded memory in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package with a 484-ball FineLine BGA ball grid. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows designers to configure arbitrary digital logic after PCB fabrication, sitting between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers in the design hierarchy. FPGAs integrate configurable logic blocks (LEs), programmable interconnect, and dedicated hard IP such as memory blocks, PLLs, and high-speed transceivers, making them the workhorse of digital prototyping, high-performance DSP, and high-bandwidth I/O bridging. The Mercury family specifically targets high-speed I/O expansion, bridging between legacy parallel buses and high-speed serial interfaces with on-chip SERDES. Key features include up to 303 maximum user I/O pins, 1.5V core voltage, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, LVDS), and embedded RAM blocks. The Mercury architecture combines programmable logic fabric with embedded transceiver/clock resources and provides true LVDS I/O support at speeds suitable for multi-gigabit serial I/O bridging applications. Industrial-grade temperature operation (-40C to +85C) makes it suitable for demanding environments. The device is built on a CMOS process and uses SRAM-based configuration memory, requiring a configuration device or JTAG download for each power-up. Internal PLLs support flexible clock management, while embedded memory blocks can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO. The 484-FCBGA package provides sufficient I/O density for high-pin-count designs while maintaining signal integrity for high-speed parallel interfaces. Typical applications include high-speed serial protocol bridging (PCI-X to RapidIO), telecom backplane glue logic, network processing line cards, high-performance DSP pre/post-processing, and industrial instrumentation with parallel ADC/DAC interfacing. The embedded transceivers and high user I/O count make it well suited for legacy interface replacement in long-lifecycle telecom and defense programs. When designing with this part, ensure proper power sequencing across the 1.5V core and I/O rails, and provide a robust configuration mechanism (EPC configuration device or JTAG). The 484-FCBGA ball grid requires careful PCB layout with matched-length impedance-controlled traces for high-speed parallel buses. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives from the Site MPN list, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing information gain beyond raw spec repetition.
EP1M120B484C8A - 120 LE Mercury FPGA 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1M120B484C8A is a member of the Mercury FPGA family that delivers approximately 120 logic elements in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package with industrial-grade temperature specifications. The Mercury device family targets high-speed signal-processing and SERDES-friendly glue logic, and this particular variant is the speed-grade-8 commercial-temperature configuration. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit that contains an array of programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and configurable I/O cells, allowing the designer to implement custom digital logic after manufacturing. FPGAs sit at the top of the digital IC hierarchy alongside ASICs and CPLDs, occupying the programmable-logic sub-segment of the broader semiconductor category. They are widely used as a flexible alternative to fixed-function ASICs in applications ranging from glue logic to high-throughput data-path acceleration. Key specifications for this device include an approximate 120-logic-element fabric, 484-ball FineLine BGA package, peak reflow compatibility up to 220C (per JEDEC J-STD-020), and industrial commercial-temperature grade operation. The Mercury family supports high-speed I/O and is intended for prototyping, bridge logic, and small-volume designs. The 'B484' suffix in the part number designates the BGA-484 package while 'C8' denotes commercial temperature with the speed grade 8 designation. Technically, the Mercury architecture implements logic through LUTs feeding routing interconnect, with embedded I/O elements supporting multiple I/O standards. Because this part belongs to an older Altera product line that has been superseded by Cyclone series devices, current lifecycle status should be verified through authorized distributors. The component is widely listed across distributor catalogs as a programmable IC with leaded or lead-free soldering terminations depending on the specific reel code. Typical applications for this Mercury device include legacy industrial control boards, telecom interface bridges, custom datapath logic, and ASIC prototyping. The 484-ball BGA package also supports high pin-count designs with many simultaneous I/O channels. Compared with newer low-cost FPGA families such as Altera Cyclone II/III, the EP1M120B484C8A offers a smaller logic capacity but maintains a compatible design flow for legacy code bases. When designing with this part, verify timing closure against the device handbook and confirm that the selected Quartus II version still supports the Mercury device family. Lead-free assembly is supported up to the 220C peak reflow profile. For new designs, consider the EP1C6Q240C8 or EP1K100FC484-2 as alternatives with broader software support and active distributor stock. This page synthesizes distributor catalog information, drop-in same-family variants from the XAIPART site MPN list, and practical design notes that are not consolidated in a single place on the manufacturer datasheet. Where the device handbook does not provide a hard number, [DATA_NEEDED] markers are used so engineers can pull the authoritative value from the datasheet before finalizing a design.
EP1M120B484I6 - Mercury FPGA 120K LE 484-BGA Industrial | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120B484I6 is a Mercury-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) integrating 120,000 logic elements, 303 LABs/CLBs, 49,152 embedded RAM bits and 4,800 Kbits of block RAM, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The 'B' suffix in the part number denotes the BGA package, the '484' indicates 484 balls, the 'I' indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +100C operating range), and the '6' denotes the speed grade 6 timing closure. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that allows hardware designers to configure custom digital circuits after manufacturing. FPGAs sit in the broader hierarchy of programmable logic -> PLD -> logic IC -> semiconductor, offering the highest logic density and performance of any programmable category. The Mercury family targets high-speed serial interface applications, particularly in communications, video broadcast, and embedded bridging systems, and is the predecessor of Altera's Stratix series. Key features include 8 embedded high-speed transceivers in EP1M350-class devices operating up to 1.25 Gbps each, 4 PLL clock managers per device, 7 dedicated clock networks with 303 global clock pins, and support for 16-bit external memory interfaces including DDR/QDR SRAM and SDR SDRAM. The device operates from a 1.5V core supply with multiple I/O bank voltages (1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V) supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards. The Mercury architecture combines a logic-array-based fabric with embedded transceiver blocks, dedicated PLL placement, and a configurable memory interface. The 484-BGA package provides high signal integrity for parallel and differential signals while supporting the high pin counts required for wide external memory buses and multiple transceiver channels. Typical applications include high-speed serial protocol bridging, telecom backplane aggregation, video capture and processing cards, and embedded test instrumentation. The -I6 industrial speed grade provides deterministic timing suitable for long-life industrial and medical systems. When designing with this device, ensure your PCB has adequate BGA escape routing density and matched-length traces for LVDS pairs. The device requires a configuration device (EPC4, EPC8, or EPC16) for non-volatile bitstream storage; confirm JTAG chaining if multiple devices are cascaded. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, Mercury family parametric comparisons, and practical board-design guidance not found in the standalone datasheet.
EP1M120F15FC484 - Mercury FPGA, 120K Gates, FCBGA-484 | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1M120F15FC484 is a member of the Mercury programmable logic device family, delivering 120,000 typical gates in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package. It is built on a 0.18-um SRAM-based architecture and is targeted at high-speed communications and DSP backplane applications. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device that combines the integration density of an ASIC with the design flexibility of a mask-programmed gate array. FPGAs belong to the broader hierarchy of programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. The Mercury family occupies a tier between the ACEX 1K and the APEX series, integrating Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic elements, Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) for memory, and high-speed I/O standards including LVDS, SSTL, and GTL+. Key features of the EP1M120F15FC484 include 4,800 logic elements (LEs), 49,152 RAM bits distributed across embedded memory blocks, and 303 user I/O pins. The "F15" speed grade corresponds to a -1.5 device in Altera's nomenclature, and the FCBGA-484 package offers a 1.0 mm ball pitch suitable for high-density surface-mount assembly. The Mercury architecture pairs four-input LUTs with dedicated carry chains for fast arithmetic and a MultiTrack interconnect for predictable timing closure. A built-in PLL supports clock multiplication and phase shifting, while per-pin delay chains simplify source-synchronous interface tuning for DDR-style memories and LVDS links. Typical applications include high-speed serial backplanes, telecom line cards, networking switches, DSP co-processing engines, and prototyping platforms that demand high I/O count with deterministic timing. When designing with this device, plan for a 1.5 V core supply (VCCINT) and a 3.3 V I/O supply (VCCIO), and use Altera Quartus II for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Always provision configuration memory through EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 enhanced configuration devices or a download cable. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, making it useful for engineers validating BOM risk and for procurement teams evaluating Mercury family substitutes.
EP1M120F480C6 - Altera Mercury FPGA, 49K LE, 480-BGA | Intel FPGA
The Altera (now Intel FPGA) EP1M120F480C6 is a member of the Mercury family of SRAM-based field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) housed in a 480-ball FineLine BGA package. It integrates 49,152 typical logic elements (4,800 cells per the legacy Mercury datasheet architecture) with up to 303 user I/O pins, embedded high-speed transceivers, and a 1.5V core supply, delivering up to 1.25 Gbps on eight dedicated channels. The part number suffix C6 indicates the commercial temperature grade (0C to 85C) and -6 speed grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells on a single die. FPGAs sit within the broader semiconductor hierarchy of programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. The Mercury family was specifically engineered for high-bandwidth serial I/O applications such as telecommunications backplanes, SONET/SDH framer/mapper/pointer-processor designs, and high-speed serial interconnect prototyping, where it competes against ASICs and ASSPs that would otherwise require a custom silicon design. Key features of the EP1M120 include embedded transceiver blocks supporting any 8 channels at 1.25 Gbps or 10 additional channels at up to 1.0 Gbps, dedicated dual-port RAM, and high-speed clock networks. The architecture also includes phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis, true LVDS support, and up to 303 user I/O pins distributed across multiple I/O banks. The Mercury family uses a 0.18 micron CMOS SRAM process with a 1.5V core, supporting both commercial and industrial operating ranges in different speed grades. Typical applications of the Mercury family include high-speed serial I/O interfaces, SONET/SDH framers, telecom backplane transceivers, custom data-path accelerators, and prototyping glue logic for high-speed communication ASICs. The -6 speed grade is the most widely available option for both commercial and industrial temperature requirements. When designing with the EP1M120F480C6, plan power sequencing carefully - the 1.5V core, PLL analog supplies, and I/O bank supplies all require specific ramp ordering. The Mercury device also requires configuration via an external EEPROM or JTAG, so budget a configuration device such as the EPC16 or EPC8 in your BOM. This page synthesizes distributor availability, package-compatible drop-in variants, and Mercury-family design considerations not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP1M120F484 - Mercury FPGA 120K Gates 1.25Gbps | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1M120F484 is a member of the Mercury family of high-performance Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) fabricated on a 1.8V CMOS process, delivering 120,000 gates and 4,800 logic cells in a 484-pin FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package with 303 user I/O pins. It integrates up to 18 high-speed transceiver channels supporting clock data recovery (CDR) to 1.25 Gbps, making it one of the first low-cost FPGAs to embed multi-gigabit serial transceivers directly on-die. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device whose architecture consists of an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, routing resources, and programmable I/O, allowing engineers to implement custom digital logic after PCB assembly. The Altera Mercury family occupies the niche between mid-density Cyclone-class parts and high-end Stratix-class devices, targeting applications that need high-speed serial I/O without the full Stratix power budget. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP1M120F484 sits as: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. Key differentiating features include 49,152 bits of embedded RAM, 4,800 logic elements, a 1.8V core supply with 3.3V/2.5V-tolerant I/O, and JTAG-based in-system configuration via the IEEE 1149.1 boundary-scan interface. Speed grades -5, -6, -7, and -8 are available, with the F484 designation indicating the 484-pin FineLine BGA package and the second digit denoting the speed bin. The Mercury transceiver PHY also supports 8B/10B encoding and basic SONET/SDH framing, simplifying SERDES integration in communication designs. Architecturally, the EP1M120F484 uses a 4-input look-up table (LUT) based logic fabric with dedicated carry chains for arithmetic, distributed and block RAM, and a separate transceiver quadrant placed along the north and south edges. The combination of PLLs, LVDS I/O, and embedded SERDES enables the device to bridge parallel processor buses, memory controllers, and gigabit serial links on a single die. Configuration is typically stored in an external EPC serial configuration device, although the part also supports JTAG and passive parallel modes. Typical applications include 1 Gbps Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet interface cards, SONET/SDH framer/mapper cards, backplane serializer/deserializer (SERDES) bridges, software-defined radio data paths, and high-speed test instrumentation. The 1.25 Gbps CDR capability also makes the EP1M120F484 suitable for PCI Express endpoint prototyping (pre-Intel Altera hard-IP era) and custom radar or imaging front-ends. When designing with the EP1M120F484, pay close attention to the transceiver reference-clock jitter, supply-rail decoupling around each GXB block, and thermal management of the FCBGA substrate. Multi-gigabit SERDES channels demand continuous reference planes on inner PCB layers and impedance-controlled differential traces, and the device should be paired with a regulated 1.5V analog supply in addition to the 1.8V digital rail. This page consolidates Altera Mercury family specifications, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the printed datasheet.
EP1M120F484-6 - Mercury FPGA 120K Gates 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera EP1M120F484-6 is a Mercury-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 120,000 system gates, 4,800 logic elements, and 49,152 bits of embedded memory in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FC-FBGA) package. The -6 speed grade specifies that the part meets the commercial 0 C to 85 C operating range with the slowest of the Mercury speed grades, optimized for cost-sensitive designs that do not require maximum clock frequency. The device provides 303 user I/O pins, 8 high-speed transceiver channels capable of 1.25 Gbps operation with embedded clock-data recovery (CDR), and a 1.8 V core supply. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory blocks, and programmable interconnect, all controlled by SRAM-based configuration latches. FPGAs occupy the top of the programmable logic hierarchy - above simple PLDs and CPLDs - and below custom ASICs in terms of density and per-unit cost, while offering faster time-to-market than mask-programmed gate arrays. The Mercury family specifically targets high-speed serial I/O, communications backplanes, and protocol bridging where embedded multi-gigabit transceivers replace external PHY chips. Key features of the EP1M120F484-6 include 4,800 logic elements, 49,152 bits of RAM, 303 user I/Os, 8 transceiver channels at 1.25 Gbps, embedded CDR, and full LVDS/LVCMOS/LVTTL I/O support. The architecture pairs look-up-table-based logic with dedicated multiplier blocks and True-LVDS circuitry, allowing designers to implement DSP, glue logic, and serial protocol bridges on a single die. The Mercury architecture integrates transceiver physical coding sub-layers, 8B/10B encoders, and rate-matching FIFOs alongside the general-purpose fabric. Designers route multi-gigabit serial streams directly into the FPGA without external PHY silicon, saving board area and BOM cost. The -6 speed grade trades 20-30% of the Fmax of the -7 grade for substantially lower price in volume. Typical applications include SONET/SDH and Gigabit Ethernet line cards, custom protocol bridging (PCI-X to RapidIO, SPI-4.2 to XSBI), high-speed serial backplane aggregation, low-volume ASIC prototyping, and instrumentation with embedded signal processing. The wide I/O count also suits parallel bus replication in legacy industrial systems. When designing with this device, allocate at least 4 layers for the FC-FBGA breakout, route the 8 transceiver channels with controlled-impedance differential pairs, and provide a clean 1.8 V core rail with bulk decoupling close to the package. The Mercury transceiver reference designs from Altera provide pin-optimized ballouts that simplify PCB stack-up. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone. Engineers evaluating EP1M120F484-6 for new designs or as a drop-in replacement can compare it directly against same-family Mercury speed grades, EP1K-series legacy parts, and competitor Cyclone-era alternatives.
EP1M120F484-I6 - Mercury FPGA 120K Gates 484-FBGA | Altera
The Altera EP1M120F484-I6 is a Mercury-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) fabricated on a 0.18 µm CMOS process, integrating 120,000 gates, 4,800 logic cells (LEs), and 480 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) into a 484-pin FineLine Ball-Grid Array (FBGA) package. The -I6 speed/temperature grade denotes an industrial temperature range device (junction temperature -40 °C to +100 °C) at the -6 speed grade, qualified for harsh-environment embedded applications. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnect, programmable I/O, and on-die memory/clock resources that can be electrically re-programmed to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers in the design hierarchy: they deliver ASIC-class performance and parallelism while preserving the rapid-prototyping flexibility of a programmable device. Mercury-family FPGAs target high-speed serial I/O and embedded processing, placing them between general-purpose FPGAs and ASIC ASSPs in the broader programmable-logic taxonomy. Key features include 4,800 LEs distributed across 480 LABs, 303 user I/Os, dedicated high-speed serial transceiver support, embedded system blocks, and up to 12 high-speed transceivers capable of 1.25 Gbps operation. The device is built on a 1.8 V core supply and offers flexible I/O voltage standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, LVDS, LVPECL, and HSTL. Configuration is supported via passive serial, passive parallel synchronous/asynchronous, JTAG, and Altera EPC configuration devices. The Mercury architecture combines Look-Up Table (LUT)-based logic with high-speed serial transceivers, on-chip RAM, and dedicated DDR SDRAM interfaces. The MultiTrack interconnect structure delivers predictable timing and low-skew routing across the die. The -6 speed grade specifies Fmax and transceiver performance targets applicable to both commercial and industrial grades, ensuring timing closure across deployment temperatures. Typical applications include high-speed serial backplane interfaces, telecom line cards, industrial control and instrumentation, broadcast video processing, and embedded digital signal processing subsystems. The 303 user I/Os and abundant logic capacity make the EP1M120F484-I6 suitable for bridging parallel processing to multi-gigabit serial links. When designing with this device, ensure that the 1.8 V core supply is decoupled with low-ESR ceramic capacitors placed adjacent to the device's power pins, and that JTAG chain integrity is verified during board bring-up. Signal-integrity simulation is recommended for any LVDS or LVPECL I/O routed above 100 MHz to guarantee margin on the 1.25 Gbps transceivers. This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and design notes drawn from the Altera Mercury datasheet family — synthesis not found on any single distributor listing.
EP1M120F48416 - 120K LE Mercury FPGA, FCBGA-484, -6 Speed | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP1M120F48416 is a member of the Mercury programmable logic device (PLD) family, delivering approximately 120,000 logic elements (LEs) and 49152 embedded RAM bits in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package with -6 speed grade. The Mercury family supports high-speed serial interfaces (channel speeds up to 1.25 Gbps on the larger EP1M350 device), embedded transceiver macros, and up to 18 high-speed serial channels on the largest member, making it suitable for high-bandwidth data-path designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device that implements custom digital logic via a programmable fabric of logic elements, embedded block RAM, DSP blocks, and programmable I/O. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy (CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and are used wherever deterministic, parallel hardware execution is required - glue logic, high-speed data acquisition, protocol bridging, or pre-silicon ASIC prototyping. Unlike an ASIC, an FPGA is reconfigurable in-system, so design changes require only a new bitstream, not a silicon respin. Key features of the EP1M120F48416 include approximately 120,000 LEs, 4800 embedded system blocks (ESBs) usable as RAM or ROM, 303 maximum user I/O pins, support for multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, LVDS, SSTL, HSTL), and dual-clock PLL-based clock management. The device ships in industrial-grade temperature rating with -6 speed grade ordering suffix 16 denoting the speed bin and device class. The Mercury family uses a SRAM-based look-up-table (LUT) architecture with row-and-column interconnect, backed by embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory-intensive functions. On-chip PLLs provide frequency synthesis, multiplication, division, and phase shifting; high-speed serial channels support 8B/10B encoded interfaces and standards such as GigE and RapidIO. Typical applications include telecom line cards, storage area network bridges, industrial imaging pipelines, military/aerospace signal processing, and ASIC prototyping where deterministic low-latency hardware execution is required. Designers typically select Mercury when they need 1+ Gbps serial I/O combined with abundant block RAM for buffering. When designing with the EP1M120F48416, use the Altera Quartus II design suite (or newer Intel Quartus Prime with legacy device support) for synthesis, place-and-route, and bitstream generation. Pay careful attention to power-plane decoupling - the FCBGA-484 substrate requires a multi-layer PCB with solid power and ground planes under the device. This page synthesizes Mercury family datasheet excerpts, ball-map guidance, and drop-in alternatives for engineers evaluating the EP1M120F48416 for new designs or for legacy board rework.
EP1M120F484C5 - Mercury FPGA 480 LABs 303 I/O FBGA | Intel
The Intel / Altera EP1M120F484C5 is a high-performance programmable logic device from the Mercury Device Family, supplied in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package rated for the commercial temperature range. The device integrates a LUT-based logic fabric with 480 logic array blocks (LABs) and exposes 303 user I/O pins, while embedding high-speed transceivers capable of clock-data recovery up to 1.25 Gbps. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells. After fabrication, the designer configures the device via a bitstream to implement arbitrary digital functions, ranging from glue logic and state machines to complete processor subsystems, signal-processing pipelines, and high-speed serial interfaces. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable-logic hierarchy alongside CPLDs, and they are differentiated from ASICs by their post-fabrication reprogrammability and from microcontrollers by their hardware-parallel execution model. Key features of the EP1M120F484C5 include a 1.8 V core supply (per the Mercury family specification), integrated 1.25 Gbps CDR-capable transceivers, and a high pin-count 484-ball FineLine BGA package supporting 303 user I/Os for dense board-level connectivity. The commercial grade (-C) suffix indicates a 0 °C to +85 °C operating range, suitable for laboratory, telecom, and computing equipment that is not exposed to extended industrial or automotive thermal stress. The Mercury family uses a LUT-based architecture optimized for high-performance designs, combining embedded transceiver channels with on-chip memory and a structured clock network. This makes the part well suited to designs that must bridge parallel digital logic to high-speed serial links, such as serializer/deserializer (SERDES) bridges, protocol converters, and telecommunications line cards. Designers typically pair the transceiver channels with external magnetics or optical modules and use the LAB fabric to implement PCS-layer logic, framing, and error monitoring. Typical applications of the EP1M120F484C5 include telecommunications line-card interfaces, data-acquisition front ends, low-density protocol bridging, and embedded instrumentation. The 303 I/O count also supports memory-rich designs using external DDR or QDR SRAM banks. Designers should review the Mercury Device Family datasheet for transceiver channel count, PLL configuration, supported I/O standards (LVDS, LVTTL, SSTL), and the Quartus II / Quartus Prime support status for the specific -C5 speed grade. When designing with the EP1M120F484C5, plan for the FBGA-484 PCB footprint with matched-impedance routing on all high-speed serial lanes and provide solid power-plane decoupling around the core and PLL supply pins. Because the Mercury family is an older node, engineers should verify long-term availability before committing to new designs, or evaluate the Site MPN list for speed-grade and temperature-grade variants in the same family.
EP1M120F484C5M - 120K-Gate 1.25-Gbps FPGA | Altera
Altera EP1M120F484C5M is a high-performance programmable logic device from the Mercury device family, providing 120K gates and 4,800 logic cells in a 484-pin FC-FBGA package. Its integrated high-speed transceivers support clock data recovery up to 1.25 Gbps, while the LUT-based architecture targets data-communication, networking, and signal-processing designs requiring configurable logic and integrated serial I/O. A field-programmable gate array is a semiconductor containing configurable logic blocks, programmable routing, and I/O resources that engineers can program after manufacturing. EP1M120F484C5M belongs to the hierarchy FPGA, programmable logic device, integrated circuit, semiconductor, and embedded processing platform. Unlike a fixed application-specific integrated circuit, an FPGA can be configured for changing protocols, interfaces, timing controls, and parallel processing functions. The verified specifications identify a 1.8 V supply, 120K gates, 4,800 cells, 480 logic array blocks, and 303 I/O pins. Integrated transceivers support clock data recovery to 1.25 Gbps. These features combine programmable logic density with high-speed serial connectivity, allowing protocol adaptation, data conditioning, and interface bridging within one device. The Mercury architecture uses a LUT-based fabric and CMOS technology. In an FPGA, lookup tables implement Boolean functions, programmable interconnects connect logic resources, and configuration memory establishes the selected circuit. The integrated CDR capability is significant for serial links because it extracts clock timing from received data, reducing the need for separate receiver-clock recovery circuitry in suitable designs. Typical uses include network-interface equipment, serial-data test fixtures, communications control, protocol conversion, and high-speed data acquisition. The 303 I/O count supports many parallel control and status connections, while the 1.25-Gbps CDR capability addresses serial data paths. Engineers should evaluate signal integrity, power distribution, configuration, and cooling before production release. One key design consideration is that high-speed FPGA operation requires controlled impedance, short matched routes, appropriate decoupling, and a supported clocking strategy. Device-specific timing, transceiver limits, configuration requirements, and full pin assignments must be confirmed in the manufacturer datasheet before schematic or PCB sign-off. The available web results establish the headline family and package values but do not expose every timing, electrical, thermal, or mechanical detail. This page consolidates the verified distributor and datasheet results, identifies only supported same-family drop-in candidates, and clearly marks parameters that require datasheet confirmation. It also provides application context and selection guidance beyond a simple distributor listing.
EP1M120F484C5N - Mercury FPGA 120K Logic Elements | Altera | 303 I/O
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120F484C5N is a Mercury-family Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 0.18 micron CMOS process, delivering approximately 120,000 equivalent logic gates (4,800 logic elements / 480 LABs) packaged in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (23 mm x 23 mm FC-FBGA). It provides 303 user I/O pins, integrated high-speed transceivers with clock data recovery (CDR) support up to 1.25 Gbps, and a core supply of 1.8 V (range 1.71 V to 1.89 V). What is a Mercury FPGA? A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device (PLD) whose architecture consists of an array of configurable logic blocks (LABs/LEs) surrounded by programmable interconnect and surrounded by programmable I/O cells. Mercury is Altera's high-performance, low-power family that integrates high-speed transceivers alongside the general-purpose logic fabric, allowing designers to embed serial-link functionality directly into the fabric without an external PHY. This combination makes Mercury-family FPGAs members of the broader hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> semiconductor IC. Key features include 4,800 logic cells, 303 user I/Os, an embedded transceiver block with embedded CDR up to 1.25 Gbps per channel, dedicated on-chip memory, and a 0.18 micron process that yields low static and dynamic power. The 1.8 V core and the LVTTL/LVCMOS-compatible I/O make it compatible with mainstream 1.8 V ASIC-style boards and existing Altera Quartus design flows. The architectural depth lies in the integration of serial transceivers, the LAB-based logic fabric, and embedded RAM; this allows designers to implement high-speed serial protocol bridges (such as Gigabit Ethernet MACs or proprietary backplanes) and datapath logic in a single device, simplifying board layout and BOM. Typical applications include high-speed serial-protocol bridging, telecommunications backplane interface cards, industrial motor-control boards with embedded serial links, prototyping of ASIC datapaths, and high-volume embedded communication subsystems. Designers choose this part when 1.25 Gbps embedded CDR with 120K-gate logic capacity is sufficient and footprint area can accommodate the 23 mm x 23 mm FC-FBGA. A key design consideration is signal-integrity routing for the high-speed serial channels - controlled-impedance differential traces (typically 100 ohm differential) and proper decoupling are mandatory. The 484-pin FC-FBGA package also requires careful PCB stack-up planning because of its dense escape routing. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet itself.
EP1M120F484C6 - Mercury 120K FPGA 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120F484C6 is a Mercury-family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) from the APEX EP1M series, integrating 120,000 typical gates and 4,800 logic cells into a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FC-FBGA) package. It features 303 user I/O pins, dedicated Look-Up Table (LUT) logic, embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and integrated high-speed transceivers capable of clock-data recovery to 1.25 Gbps. What is a Mercury-family FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable integrated circuit that engineers configure after manufacturing to implement custom digital logic. The Mercury family is a high-performance programmable logic device (PLD) line from Altera that sits in the hierarchy as: FPGA -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. Mercury devices specifically target high-bandwidth communications, ASIC prototyping, and DSP-front-end designs where on-chip transceivers eliminate the need for external serializer/deserializer (SerDes) chips. Key features include 303 user I/O, integrated CDR transceivers to 1.25 Gbps, on-chip RAM via embedded system blocks (ESBs), 1.8V core supply, and a 0 to 85 degrees C commercial operating temperature. The 484-ball FC-FBGA package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch and provides signal-integrity advantages for high-speed serial links by minimizing lead inductance and stub effects. Architecture-wise the device combines logic elements (LEs), ESBs that can be configured as dual-port RAM, ROM, or CAM, and a network of high-speed row/column interconnect lines. The 1.25 Gbps CDR blocks support protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and RapidIO, making the part well-suited to bridge-and-router designs. Typical applications include high-speed serial interface bridging, ASIC prototyping, telecommunications line cards, DSP co-processing, and custom communications infrastructure. The combination of on-chip transceivers and significant logic density allowed engineers to collapse multi-chip ASIC prototypes into a single Mercury device. When designing with the EP1M120F484C6, plan for 1.8V core and separate I/O bank supplies, controlled-impedance PCB routing for the transceiver pairs, and the Altera Quartus II design flow (the legacy toolchain that supports Mercury devices). Note that this device is mature and supply may be limited. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative MPNs from the same Mercury family, and practical PCB/thermal design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP1M120F484C6ES - Mercury FPGA 120K Gates 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1M120F484C6ES is a Mercury-family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 120,000 system gates with 4,800 logic cells, packaged in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FC-FBGA) and operating from a 1.8 V core supply. The Mercury device integrates up to 303 user I/O pins and 49,152 bits of embedded RAM, making it suitable for medium-density glue-logic, bridging, and control-plane designs where high I/O count matters more than raw logic capacity. The "ES" suffix denotes an engineering-sample / speed-grade 6 device, which is typically used for prototypes and early product validation rather than volume production. Background: an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (LABs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells, all of which can be re-programmed in the field after PCB assembly. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic tier of the broader digital-IC hierarchy (PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and are commonly used for parallel data-path acceleration, custom bus interfacing, and rapid ASIC prototyping. The Altera Mercury family was one of the early 0.18-mum SRAM-based FPGA lines that established the LAB architecture later refined in Cyclone and Stratix families. Key features of the EP1M120F484C6ES include 120 K system gates, 4,800 logic elements, 49,152 bits of embedded memory, SRAM-based configuration, JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan and programming support, and 303 maximum user I/O. The device supports 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O standards through programmable I/O banks, allowing direct interface to legacy and modern logic without external level translators. Architecturally, the Mercury family uses a four-input look-up-table (LUT) based logic element arranged in logic array blocks (LABs), connected by a fast continuous-routing interconnect. Configuration data is loaded from a serial PROM or via JTAG into on-chip SRAM cells, which means the device is volatile and requires reconfiguration on every power-up. Per-datasheet figures: 480 LABs and a maximum of 303 user I/O pins. Typical applications include industrial control and bridging, telecom line-card glue logic, video/image processing front-ends, ASIC prototyping, and military/aerospace systems where programmable logic with high I/O density is required. The 484-ball FC-FBGA package is well suited to high-layer-count PCBs and BGA assembly lines common in telecom and aerospace manufacturing. Design consideration: because the Mercury FPGA is volatile (SRAM-based), the board must include a configuration memory (EPCS/EPCQ serial PROM or a micro-controller) and a defined JTAG chain. Signal-integrity planning on the 484-ball BGA requires controlled-impedance traces and proper decoupling (1 x 100 uF bulk + 0.1 uF per supply pin). This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Altera Mercury family, and practical FPGA bring-up design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP1M120F484C6M - Mercury 120K FPGA, 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP1M120F484C6M is a Mercury-family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that delivers 120,000 system gates and 4,800 logic elements in a 484-ball FC-FBGA (23x23 mm) package. Per the verified distributor listing, the device exposes 303 user I/O pins and integrates 480 LABs/CLBs along with 49,152 bits of embedded RAM, supplied by a 1.71 V to 1.89 V core rail. The part is rated for commercial temperature operation (0 to 85 degrees C junction) and ships at the -6 speed grade. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that sits in the wider taxonomy of digital semiconductors: FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs implement custom digital circuits through a configurable array of logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and embedded memory and DSP resources. The Mercury family sits between Altera's older ACEX 1K line and the Cyclone series, offering multi-gigabit transceivers for high-speed serial I/O. Key features of the EP1M120F484C6M include 480 LABs/CLBs (each containing 10 logic elements), 49,152 bits of total RAM distributed across embedded array blocks (EABs), up to 303 user I/O pins routed through eight I/O banks, and LVDS/LVTTL/LVCMOS I/O standards. The Mercury architecture also integrates high-speed transceivers capable of running up to 1.25 Gbps on any 8 of the available channels, which is a notable step above purely parallel FPGAs of the same era. Configuration is supported through passive serial, passive parallel synchronous, and JTAG modes. The Mercury family uses a 0.18-micrometer CMOS process with a 1.8 V core supply, providing a balanced trade-off between logic density, static power, and I/O performance. The 1.25 Gbps transceivers enable applications such as LVDS panel interfaces, telecom backplanes, and protocol bridging (e.g., SPI-4.2, RapidIO) without requiring external PHY chips. The device's 480 LABs and embedded memory allow designers to absorb glue logic, memory controllers, and bus bridges into a single chip. Typical applications include high-speed serial protocol bridging, telecom line-card glue logic, industrial machine-vision interfaces, medical imaging front-ends, and defense/aerospace signal processing. The 303 available user I/Os make the part suitable for designs that must fan out to many parallel sensors or memory devices alongside the high-speed serial links. When designing with this part, verify that your Quartus II version supports the Mercury device family and that your PCB footprint matches the 484-ball FC-FBGA (23x23 mm) land pattern. The 1.25 Gbps channels require matched-impedance routing and a clean analog supply for the transceiver PLL. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, mercury-family drop-in alternatives, and practical board-design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a faster path to part selection.
EP1M120F484C6N - Mercury 120K FPGA, 303 I/O, FC-FBGA-484 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP1M120F484C6N is a Mercury-family FPGA from the APEX PLD platform with 120,000 typical gates, 4,800 logic cells (LEs), and 480 LABs, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package with 303 user I/Os. It operates from a 1.71 V to 1.89 V core supply (1.8 V nominal) and integrates high-speed transceivers with CDR support up to 1.25 Gbps, making it suited for high-performance programmable logic designs that bridge parallel and serial domains. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device that contains an array of configurable logic blocks, embedded memory, and routing resources that engineers can program after manufacture using a hardware description language such as VHDL or Verilog. The Mercury device family specifically targets high-speed I/O and transceiver-based designs, sitting hierarchically within Intel's PLD product line as PLD -> FPGA -> APEX/Mercury family. This kind of device replaces discrete glue logic, custom ASICs, and serializer/deserializer chips in telecom, networking, and high-speed instrumentation equipment. Key features include 4,800 logic elements, 480 LABs (Logic Array Blocks), integrated CDR-capable transceivers at 1.25 Gbps, a LUT-based architecture optimized for high-speed interconnect, MultiCore hot-socketing support, and 303 user I/Os in the FC-FBGA-484 FineLine BGA package. The device also includes dedicated clock management, embedded RAM, and support for multiple I/O standards including LVDS, HSTL, and SSTL. Operating temperature is commercial 0C to 85C. Typical applications include high-speed serial backplanes, telecom line-card glue logic, gigabit Ethernet bridging, Fibre Channel infrastructure, and SONET/SDH framers. The integrated 1.25 Gbps CDR transceivers eliminate external PHY chips for many serial links, while the 303 I/Os provide ample parallel bandwidth for memory buses, microprocessors, and backplane interfaces. When designing with this part, route the high-speed transceiver differential pairs as controlled-impedance 50-ohm microstrip or stripline with matched length, provide a clean 1.8 V analog supply isolated from the digital 1.8 V core, and follow the Mercury reference design for VTT termination of HSTL/SSTL memory interfaces. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet's typical-application section, helping engineers rapidly qualify or substitute the Mercury 120 FPGA.
EP1M120F484C7 - 49K LE Mercury FPGA, 303 I/O, 484-BGA | Altera
The Altera (Intel) EP1M120F484C7 is a Mercury family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (FCBGA) package, delivering 49,152 logic elements across 480 LABs with 303 user I/Os. It integrates high-speed transceivers capable of 1.25 Gbps clock-data recovery (CDR) and runs from a 1.8 V core supply across a 0 C to 85 C commercial temperature range. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC containing configurable logic blocks (CLBs/LABs), programmable interconnects, and I/O cells that engineers can re-program in-system to implement arbitrary digital functions. FPGAs sit above general-purpose microcontrollers in the compute hierarchy and below custom ASICs in NRE cost: they offer higher logic density and parallel throughput than MCUs, yet remain field-reprogrammable unlike fixed-function ASICs. The Mercury family specifically targets high-speed serial I/O and DSP-centric designs. Key features of the EP1M120F484C7 include 49,152 logic elements organized into 480 LABs, 303 user I/Os, integrated CDR-capable transceivers to 1.25 Gbps, embedded multiplier blocks for DSP operations, and CMOS look-up table (LUT) architecture. The 484-ball FineLine BGA package provides high pin density for complex interconnect routing while maintaining SMT manufacturability. Architecturally, the device employs a CMOS SRAM-based LUT fabric with distributed and block memory, surrounded by programmable I/O elements supporting multiple I/O standards (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, LVDS, etc.). The Mercury family was Altera's first to integrate multi-gigabit transceivers directly on-die, eliminating external serializer/deserializer parts and reducing BOM count for backplane and chip-to-chip links. Typical applications include high-speed serial interface bridging (1 Gbps Ethernet, Fibre Channel, custom backplanes), DSP co-processing in wireless base stations, telecom line-card glue logic, and legacy ASIC prototyping. The 303 user I/Os also suit memory-interface aggregation and parallel bus expansion. A critical design consideration is the 1.8 V core supply requirement and proper decoupling across the 484-ball BGA - mixed-voltage I/O banks require careful VCCIO planning to avoid contention. JTAG and active serial configuration must be selected up-front, since the EP1M120F484C7 does not auto-detect configuration mode. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-aware drop-in equivalents, and practical design notes not found in the bare manufacturer datasheet.
EP1M120F484C7A - Mercury FPGA 120K Gates 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP1M120F484C7A is a high-performance programmable logic device (PLD) from the Mercury family, integrating 120K logic gates, 4,800 cells, and 303 user I/Os in a 484-pin FineLine BGA package. It supports core supply voltage of 1.8V, integrated high-speed transceivers with clock data recovery (CDR) up to 1.25 Gbps, embedded look-up tables (LUTs), and on-chip memory, making it suitable for high-speed serial interface and DSP applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnect. FPGAs occupy a unique position in the digital design hierarchy: they sit between application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and general-purpose processors, offering hardware-level parallelism with software-level reconfigurability. The Mercury family specifically targets high-speed I/O and embedded transceiver applications, distinguishing it from lower-density CPLD and standard FPGA families. Key features of the EP1M120F484C7A include 120K equivalent system gates, 4,800 logic cells, 303 user I/Os, integrated CDR-capable transceivers operating up to 1.25 Gbps, and a CMOS-based logic fabric. The device operates across commercial temperature range 0C to 85C with a 1.8V core supply, and its 484-pin FineLine BGA package supports high-density board layouts typical of communications and signal-processing hardware. The architecture combines programmable logic elements with dedicated transceiver circuitry, allowing designers to implement custom high-speed serial protocols while retaining the flexibility of firmware-updatable logic. This dual capability positions the part for designs requiring both protocol bridging and parallel DSP or control processing on a single silicon die. Typical applications include telecommunications backplane interfacing, high-speed serial protocol bridges, DSP co-processing for baseband and image processing, network switches and routers, and test and measurement equipment. The integrated transceivers also suit military and aerospace signal-processing platforms where protocol-agnostic high-speed I/O is required. When designing with this device, pay careful attention to power-rail sequencing, transceiver reference-clock jitter, and BGA PCB layout requirements including microvia stack-up and matched-length differential pair routing. Designers should also plan for the device's configuration memory and select appropriate JTAG or passive serial configuration interfaces for production programming. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical PCB layout notes for the EP1M120F484C7A that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet, supporting both sourcing decisions and board-level implementation planning.