FPGA & CPLD
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EP2C50F672C8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 672-FBGA | Intel
The Intel EP2C50F672C8 is a member of the low-cost Cyclone II FPGA family, delivering 50,528 logic elements, 594 Kbits of embedded RAM, and 450 user I/Os in a 672-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Fabricated on a 1.2 V, 90 nm CMOS process, the device integrates 4 PLLs and 16 global clock networks to support a wide range of digital logic, DSP, and embedded processing workloads at up to 402 MHz internal operation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that the designer programs after manufacture. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven processors in the silicon hierarchy, offering hardware-timed parallelism with no NRE charges and the ability to be re-programmed in the field. Cyclone II is positioned in the low-cost tier of the FPGA taxonomy, optimized for price-sensitive volume applications such as consumer video, industrial control, and telecommunications line cards. Key features of the EP2C50F672C8 include 4 Phase-Locked Loops for clock synthesis and skew management, up to 1.1 Mbits of total memory when M4K blocks are aggregated, dedicated high-speed LVDS I/O pairs, and the Quartus II design suite support that maps user RTL directly to the silicon fabric. The 672-FBGA package provides a thermal resistance (theta_JA) of roughly 11 °C/W with a 4-layer JEDEC-compliant test board, suitable for forced-air cooling at moderate toggle rates. Architecture-wise, the Cyclone II LE consists of a 4-input look-up table, a programmable register, a carry chain for fast arithmetic, and a register chain for sequential logic. The surrounding LABs group 16 LEs plus local interconnects, while row and column interconnects route signals across the die. The M4K memory blocks support single-port, dual-port, and shift-register modes, and the I/O element (IOE) provides per-pin delay chains and bus-hold. Typical applications include video and image processing pipelines, industrial motor control, software-defined radio front-ends, embedded bridges between legacy and modern buses, and digital signal processing in test & measurement instruments. The 90 nm process makes the device attractive for designs that need 32-bit Nios II soft-core processors alongside custom logic. When designing with this device, plan power distribution with a 2-layer PCB and at least 4 dedicated power/ground plane pairs; insufficient decoupling is the most common cause of Cyclone II bring-up failures. A 0.1 µF X7R capacitor within 5 mm of every VCCINT and VCCIO pin is required. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in speed-grade and package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the original Cyclone II datasheet.
EP2C50F672C8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 672-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50F672C8N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 bits of embedded RAM, and 450 user I/Os, housed in a 672-ball FineLine BGA package. Built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process with 1.2 V core operation, this device delivers up to 332 MHz DSP performance while consuming as little as 0.25 mW per logic element at typical toggle rates. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable logic device that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and embedded memory resources into a single semiconductor IC. FPGAs sit within the programmable logic hierarchy as a flexible alternative to ASICs, allowing in-system reconfiguration of digital functions. They are widely used for parallel DSP, custom I/O bridging, and prototype-to-production logic designs that demand low-to-moderate NRE cost. Key features of the EP2C50F672C8N include 86 user I/O banks for flexible voltage signalling, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) with dedicated clock outputs, embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP arithmetic, and 2 embedded DLLs (per Cyclone II family architecture). The 672-FBGA package provides high-density board integration at 27 mm x 27 mm body size, while the device supports commercial temperature operation (0C to +85C) as indicated by the C8 speed-grade suffix. Configurable JTAG boundary-scan and serial/parallel configuration interfaces allow easy in-system programming. Cyclone II architecture pairs LUT-based logic with M4K memory blocks and dedicated multiplier blocks, enabling efficient implementation of parallel pipelines, FFTs, and video line buffers. The 90 nm process node and Cyclone II's low static power design make this FPGA particularly well-suited to cost-sensitive, low-to-mid-volume designs where ASIC NRE is not justified. Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation backplanes, telecom line-card glue logic, video surveillance and image processing front-ends, low-cost software-defined radio control planes, and educational development boards. The high user-I/O count (450) supports parallel bus and bus-multiplexed peripheral integration. When designing with this device, ensure power-rail sequencing respects the 1.2 Vcore, 2.5 VPLL, and bank I/O supply requirements. Maintain a continuous ground reference under the BGA thermal balls and follow Altera (now Intel) board-layout guidelines for FineLine BGA escape routing to preserve signal integrity at 100 MHz+ toggle rates. This page synthesizes distributor pricing across DigiKey, Mouser and Octopart, drop-in same-package alternatives within the Cyclone II family, and practical board-design notes not found in the standalone datasheet.
EP2C50F672I8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 672-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP2C50F672I8 is a Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with 50,528 logic elements (LE), 4,504 Kbits of embedded memory, and 450 user I/Os, housed in a 672-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. Built on a 90 nm CMOS process with a 1.2 V core supply, the device supports internal clock rates up to 402.5 MHz and integrates 3158 Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) for high-density digital logic implementation. The part ships in industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C), denoted by the "I8" suffix, and is suitable for cost-sensitive, high-volume digital designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines the flexibility of software-configurable hardware with the performance of application-specific integrated circuits. FPGAs sit within the broader hierarchy of programmable logic devices, alongside Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and are categorized as part of the semiconductor and digital IC family. Modern FPGAs like the Cyclone II family embed hard IP blocks such as PLLs, memory controllers, and high-speed transceivers alongside programmable logic fabric, allowing designers to implement complete system-on-chip (SoC) designs without external components. Key features include 594,432 system gates, 4,504 Kbits of embedded RAM organized in M9K blocks, 150 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP workloads, four phase-locked loops (PLLs), and 86,016 bits of total embedded memory when measured in M4K-equivalent blocks. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, PCI, PCI-X, and SSTL-2/-18 I/O standards and includes configuration support via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), and Passive Serial (PS) modes. Its 90 nm low-k dielectric process provides a favorable balance of cost, density, and dynamic power consumption for mid-range digital systems. The Cyclone II architecture uses a lookup-table (LUT) based logic element with carry chains for arithmetic and dedicated routing channels for inter-block connectivity. Its adaptive logic module (ALM) granularity allows efficient mapping of both fine-grained and coarse-grained logic functions, while the embedded multipliers accelerate DSP functions such as FIR filters and FFT butterflies without consuming general-purpose logic resources. Typical applications include digital signal processing, video processing pipelines, industrial automation controllers, communications infrastructure baseband units, and ASIC prototyping. The combination of high logic density and embedded multipliers makes the EP2C50F672I8 well-suited to cost-optimized DSP, motor control, and software-defined radio subsystems. In video processing, its parallel architecture supports real-time pixel-pipeline operations at HD resolutions. When designing with this device, allocate I/O banks carefully because the 672-ball FBGA package provides only 450 usable user I/Os - the remaining balls are assigned to power, ground, configuration, and JTAG signals. Decoupling strategy must use at least one bulk capacitor per power rail and several 0.1 uF ceramics placed close to the package perimeter. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative FPGAs, and practical board-design guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing engineers with a one-stop reference for sourcing, designing, and qualifying Cyclone II designs.
EP2C50F672I8N - 50K LE Cyclone II FPGA | Altera | 672-BGA
Altera EP2C50F672I8N is a Cyclone II field-programmable gate array containing 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 bits of embedded memory, and 450 user I/O, supplied in a 672-ball FBGA package. The verified distributor description identifies 450 I/O and 50,528 logic elements, while the supplied Cyclone II family data places the architecture in a low-cost FPGA family extending density through 68,416 logic elements and embedded memory up to 1.1 Mbits. The I8N ordering information indicates the industrial temperature and speed-grade designation, but the exact supported ambient range and speed characteristics are not included in the provided extracts and therefore require datasheet verification. An FPGA, or field-programmable gate array, is a semiconductor device whose logic, interconnect, and I/O functions are configured after manufacturing. It sits between fixed-function application-specific integrated circuits and software-driven processors: a Cyclone II FPGA implements parallel digital hardware directly, providing deterministic timing and the ability to integrate interfaces, control logic, state machines, and signal-processing datapaths. It belongs to the hierarchy programmable logic device > FPGA > Cyclone II FPGA > logic semiconductor. The principal verified features are 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 embedded-memory bits, 450 I/O, CMOS technology, a 1.2 V supply voltage, and a 672-pin FBGA package. The 672-ball format supports high I/O density, while the 1.2 V core supply is consistent with the cited Cyclone II family information. Other potentially important FPGA resources, configuration interfaces, PLL count, operating temperature limits, package dimensions, and I/O standards are not stated in the supplied data and must not be inferred. EP2C50F672I8N can implement glue logic, custom bus controllers, digital acquisition control, and legacy-interface bridges where hardware parallelism is valuable. It may also support industrial control, communications equipment, test hardware, and educational or maintenance systems designed for the Cyclone II architecture. Because the part is supplied as an I8N industrial-grade ordering variant, the published family handbook and ordering information should be used to confirm temperature, speed grade, supported configuration modes, and bank-specific I/O rules before release to production. The dominant engineering trade-off is integration and density versus migration effort. A replacement must preserve the 672-ball package, pin assignment, supply requirements, configuration scheme, and timing expectations. Resource-equivalent devices in other packages or FPGA families are not drop-in alternatives even if their logic counts are similar. The verified unit price is 248.4244 USD as of 2026-09-08, but only a single quantity-one price was supplied, so the requested tier schedule cannot be derived without fabrication. This page combines exact verified EP2C50F672I8N facts, clearly identified missing parameters, distributor pricing, package-level alternative guidance, and engineering design cautions. The 470-page figure shown in the supplied data refers to the Cyclone II Device Handbook, Volume 1, rather than a verified document revision or standalone part-specific page count; engineers should use the manufacturer handbook for authoritative implementation details.
EP2C50U484C6 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50U484C6 is a Cyclone II family Field Programmable Gate Array delivering 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 bits of embedded RAM, and 294 user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (U484, 19x19 mm) surface-mount package. Built on a low-power 90 nm CMOS SRAM process, the device supports up to 500 MHz internal operation with a 1.2 V core supply, providing a high-density, cost-optimized programmable fabric for high-volume embedded, DSP, and communication designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device whose logic function is defined after manufacturing by a user-supplied bitstream stored in SRAM configuration cells. The Cyclone II family sits in the hierarchy: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. Compared with CPLDs, FPGAs offer far higher logic density and embedded memory; compared with ASICs, they offer no NRE cost and instant design iteration. The EP2C50 specifically targets the mid-density Cyclone II tier, between EP2C35 (33K LE) and EP2C70 (70K LE), making it suitable for designers who outgrow the EP2C35 but do not need the full EP2C70 fabric. Key features include 50,528 logic elements, 250 M4K embedded memory blocks (each 4 Kbit + parity, total 594 Kbit), up to 86 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP, 4 phase-locked loops, and 8 clock networks per quadrant. The device supports multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and LVDS, with 294 general-purpose I/O pins exposed through 8 I/O banks for flexible mixed-voltage interfacing. The U484 package offers 484 balls on a 1.0 mm pitch. The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core supply yield typical quiescent power below 1 W in moderate-utilization designs, while the SRAM-based configuration allows unlimited re-programmability via JTAG or Active Serial. Bitstream security is supported through configuration decryption using a 128-bit AES block (in the -C8 speed grade -C6 variant requires external configuration encryption, see datasheet). All Cyclone II devices share the Quartus II design flow, simplifying migration across the family. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video surveillance encoders, low-cost software-defined radio front-ends, and PCI-based data-acquisition cards. The 50K logic-element capacity and 86 hardware multipliers are well matched to mid-tier DSP pipelines and multi-channel baseband processing. Designers also use the EP2C50U484C6 for bridging legacy parallel buses to modern serial protocols in factory automation. A practical design note: the U484 FineLine BGA requires 1.0 mm ball pitch, which is at the limit of cost-effective 4-layer PCB fabrication using laser-drilled microvias. Plan for a 6-layer stack-up with 0.2 mm laser vias or a 4-layer ENIG board with via-in-pad if the design team is unfamiliar with BGA fan-out. Configuration mode selection (AS, PS, JTAG) is set by MSEL pins at power-up and cannot be changed without re-boarding. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in Cyclone II alternatives, and practical BGA-layout design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, giving engineers a single reference for sourcing, second-sourcing, and board-level implementation decisions.
EP2C50U484C6N - Cyclone II FPGA 50K LE | Intel FPGAs
The Intel (formerly Altera) Cyclone II EP2C50U484C6N is a low-cost, high-volume FPGA delivering 50,528 logic elements in a 484-pin Ultra FineLine BGA (UBGA) package. It is built on a 90 nm CMOS process and targets cost-sensitive applications requiring substantial programmable logic without the price of high-end FPGAs. The device operates with a core voltage of 1.2 V and supports I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL, and LVDS. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the customer after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs occupy a tier between fixed-function ASICs (high NRE cost, low per-unit cost) and microcontrollers (fixed instruction set, lower throughput). The Cyclone II family, the second-generation low-cost FPGA line from Altera/Intel, is widely deployed in industrial control, communications, video processing, and education platforms, balancing logic density, embedded multipliers, and memory blocks against unit price. The EP2C50U484C6N integrates 594,432 bits of embedded RAM distributed across M4K memory blocks and provides 250 DSP blocks for fixed- and floating-point signal processing. The 484-ball UBGA package exposes 294 user I/O pins and supports differential signaling at up to several hundred megabits per second. Clock management is handled by up to four PLLs per device, allowing flexible on-chip frequency synthesis. Cyclone II architecture combines logic array blocks (LABs) with embedded multiplier/adder primitives and a configurable interconnect, enabling high-throughput DSP and datapath designs. The 90 nm process with low-k dielectric and 1.2 V core keeps dynamic power modest, while the I/O ring can be configured per bank to interface with 3.3 V, 2.5 V, 1.8 V, 1.5 V, or 1.2 V domains in the same device. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video and image processing, software-defined radio front-ends, educational development boards, and embedded control prototypes. It is also commonly deployed as a custom bus bridge, protocol converter, or low-volume ASIC replacement in telecom and consumer devices. Designers should plan thermal dissipation by estimating switching power (estimated: P = 0.5 * V * C * f * toggle_rate * density) and provide adequate decoupling. Configuration is loaded via JTAG or Active Serial (AS) mode from a low-cost EPCS serial flash, which keeps bill-of-materials cost low for production units. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, enabling engineers to compare options and select an FPGA that fits both their performance and cost envelope.
EP2C50U484C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50U484C7 is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 90 nm low-k process, delivering 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 bits of embedded RAM, and 294 user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (U484 / 484-FBGA) package. Speed grade 7 places it in the commercial temperature tier with a core voltage of 1.2 V, making it a cost-optimized programmable logic device for high-volume embedded and industrial designs. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic function is defined after manufacturing by the end user. Within the broader taxonomy of digital semiconductors, an FPGA sits alongside ASICs, microcontrollers, and CPLDs; the Cyclone II family specifically targets low-power, high-volume logic integration rather than maximum performance, distinguishing it from the high-end Stratix families. The Cyclone II architecture combines 4-input look-up tables (4-LUTs), embedded memory blocks (M4K), embedded 18x18 multipliers, and a flexible I/O ring supporting LVDS, PCI, and various single-ended standards. Key features of the EP2C50U484C7 include 50,528 logic elements (approximately equivalent to ~50K ASIC gates), 4,488 Kbits (594,432 bits) of embedded RAM in M4K blocks, 172 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers for DSP operations, four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis, and 294 user I/O pins distributed across eight I/O banks. The device supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial, Passive Serial, and Fast Passive Parallel modes, and includes built-in CRC and scrambling for configuration bitstream protection. The Cyclone II architecture was engineered to balance logic density, DSP throughput, and static power. Embedded multipliers eliminate the need for soft DSP cores in many applications, while the PLL-based clock tree supports low-skew distribution across all eight I/O banks. Compared with the earlier Cyclone I family, Cyclone II roughly doubled logic capacity and added true hardware multipliers. Typical applications for the EP2C50U484C7 include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, telecommunications interface cards, and embedded display controllers. The 50K logic element density is well matched to designs that would otherwise require a small ASIC or a CPLD-plus-microcontroller combination. When designing with this device, ensure your Quartus II (or Intel Quartus Prime) tool flow supports the Cyclone II device family and that the 484-FBGA PCB footprint matches Intel's package guidelines for BGA escape routing and decoupling. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-family alternatives, and practical design considerations for engineers who already have EP2C50U484C7 in their BOM and need a concise, decision-ready reference.
EP2C50U484C7N - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50U484C7N is a Cyclone II series Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 50K logic elements in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (UBGA-484) package, with 594,432 system gates and 50,528 flip-flops. The "C7" speed grade indicates a 7 ns pin-to-pin logic delay at commercial temperature range, with -7 speed-grade internal performance supporting up to approximately 260 MHz logic operation. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reconfigurable semiconductor device that combines programmable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and I/O blocks on a single die. Within the broader taxonomy, the Cyclone II family belongs to the low-cost FPGA category -> FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> digital logic IC -> semiconductor. Cyclone II devices are built on a 90-nm low-k dielectric CMOS process and target high-volume, cost-sensitive applications that previously required ASIC implementation. They integrate embedded 18x18 multipliers, M4K RAM blocks, and PLL clock management, providing DSP and memory functions alongside general-purpose logic. Key features include 50,528 logic elements (the headline metric reported in the part number "EP2C50"), 594,432 maximum system gates, 234 Kbits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), 86 embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP applications, 4 Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) for clock synthesis, and 294 user I/O pins supporting multiple I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL. Architecturally, the Cyclone II FPGA employs an SRAM-based configuration cell that requires a configuration device or JTAG loading at power-up. The Logic Array Blocks (LABs) contain 16 Logic Elements (LEs) each, with each LE including a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and carry chain logic for arithmetic operations. The MultiTrack interconnect architecture minimizes routing congestion for typical designs while preserving timing predictability. Typical applications include digital signal processing (DSP) front-ends, motor control and industrial automation controllers, video processing and image preprocessing pipelines, communications infrastructure line cards, low-cost prototyping and ASIC emulation platforms, and embedded control systems. The 484-FBGA package supports high I/O count designs while maintaining a compact PCB footprint suitable for production volumes. Designers should plan for JTAG-based configuration or use of an Altera/Intel serial configuration device (EPCS) since Cyclone II SRAM cells are volatile. PCB layout must respect the 1.0 mm ball pitch and use microvia technology or careful fanout routing to escape the inner balls. Decoupling capacitors should be placed as close as possible to each power pin pair with separate VCCINT and VCCIO planes recommended. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a decision-ready summary for procurement and engineering teams evaluating the Cyclone II family.
EP2C50U484C8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel | Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50U484C8 is a Cyclone II series Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) featuring 50,528 logic elements (LE), 594,432 bits of embedded RAM, and 294 user I/O pins, all housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (UBGA-484) package. The 'U484' suffix denotes the UBGA-484 package, the 'C8' speed grade denotes the 8 ns commercial speed bin, and the 'C' denotes the 0 °C to 85 °C commercial operating temperature range. Built on a 90 nm low-k CMOS process, the Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications that previously could not justify FPGA silicon. What is an FPGA? An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose digital logic function is defined by the customer after manufacture, rather than at the foundry. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLD) and offer higher density than their CPLD cousins. Cyclone II FPGAs in particular deliver a balanced cost-per-LE, embedded memory blocks, embedded multipliers, and general-purpose I/O in a single chip, making them workhorses for ASIC prototyping, video/display bridging, motor control, and low-cost DSP. Key features of the EP2C50U484C8 include 50,528 logic elements distributed across 3,158 logic array blocks (LABs), 594,432 RAM bits arranged in M4K memory blocks, 86 embedded 18 × 18 multipliers for DSP operations, four phase-locked loops (PLLs), and 294 single-ended (or 132 differential) user I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards. The device supports configuration via JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Active Parallel (AP), and Passive Serial (PS) modes, and ships in a lead-free 484-ball UBGA package measuring 19 × 19 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch. Architecturally, the Cyclone II device uses a four-input look-up table (LUT) as its basic logic element, supplemented by dedicated multiplier blocks that operate independently of the LUT fabric to deliver DSP throughput up to 250 MHz. Four PLLs provide clock synthesis, multiplication, division, and phase shifting for up to 16 clock domains per device. The 90 nm process node keeps core power consumption low relative to earlier-generation FPGAs. Typical applications for the EP2C50U484C8 include industrial machine vision and video processing, motor and motion control, low-cost digital signal processing, ASIC prototyping, protocol bridging (PCI/PCI-X/PCIe soft cores), and educational/hobby platforms where Quartus II design flows are well-supported by community tooling. Design consideration: the 484-ball UBGA package requires careful PCB layout with microvia or via-in-pad technology on standard 4-layer boards; plan your stack-up and via design up front, since the part cannot be hand-reworked. Use Quartus II 13.0sp1 or Web Edition as your synthesis and place-and-route environment. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone — a real advantage over the bare Cyclone II datasheet or a single distributor listing.
EP2C50U484C8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LE, 484-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C50U484C8N is a member of the Cyclone II family of low-cost, high-volume Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) fabricated on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, delivered in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (UBGA-484) package. The device integrates 50,528 logic elements, 594,432 bits of embedded RAM organized in M4K blocks, and 294 user I/O pins with 8 input/output banks, providing a balanced logic/memory/IO density for high-volume digital designs. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and embedded memory and multiplier blocks that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between general-purpose microcontrollers and ASICs: they offer higher performance and parallelism than MCUs, but lower per-unit cost and shorter time-to-market than full-custom ASICs for low-to-medium volumes. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive applications such as consumer, communications, industrial, and automotive driver assistance. Key features of the EP2C50U484C8N include up to 86 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 4 PLLs, support for external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, SDR SDRAM, and QDRII SRAM, and configuration via passive serial, active serial, or JTAG. The -C8 speed grade specifies a commercial temperature range (0C to +85C) with the mid-tier timing closure, and the 'N' suffix denotes lead-free / RoHS-compliant packaging. Architecture-wise, Cyclone II uses 4-input look-up tables (LUT4) per logic element with associated carry and register chains, delivering predictable timing and high logic utilization. The 90 nm process keeps static and dynamic power low versus the previous Cyclone generation, while the embedded M4K memory blocks can be configured in widths from x1 to x36 and depths up to 4 Kbits, supporting true dual-port, simple dual-port, and single-port RAM plus FIFO and shift-register modes. Typical applications include video processing pipelines, industrial control and machine vision, motor control, protocol bridging (UART/SPI/I2C to Ethernet or PCIe soft IP), telecom line cards, and educational / development boards. Designers migrating from ASICs or larger FPGAs frequently select this device for cost-down on proven designs. When designing with this device, pay close attention to power estimation using the Intel PowerPlay Early Power Estimator before final pin assignment, and reserve dedicated clock pins and PLL reference inputs for low-jitter clocking. The 484-FBGA package requires controlled-impedance PCB design with microvia or via-in-pad capability for reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, package-compatible drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving engineers a single source for sourcing and selection decisions.
EP2C50U484I8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 50K LEs, 484-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP2C50U484I8 is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 90 nm process node, delivering 50,528 logic elements (LEs), 594,432 bits of embedded RAM, and 294 user I/O pins in a 484-ball FineLine BGA package. The device operates from a 1.2 V core supply with separate VCCIO banks supporting 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V I/O standards, and features embedded 18x18 multipliers for DSP-style datapaths. The Cyclone II family targets low-cost, high-volume applications and remains one of the most widely deployed Altera FPGA architectures since its 2004 introduction. The 'U' device suffix denotes an unlead-free (non-Pb-free) finish variant, the 'I8' speed grade defines -40 °C to +100 °C industrial operating temperature and the fastest timing closure, and the 484-UBGA package is a 23x23 mm FineLine BGA optimized for high I/O count designs. Unlike modern Cyclone IV/V/10 devices with transceivers and hard memory controllers, the Cyclone II relies on soft logic plus 4 PLLs and 16 global clock networks. This combination - moderate LE count, large RAM, embedded multipliers, and industrial-grade speed - makes the EP2C50U484I8 a strong fit for legacy industrial control, video processing, and communication backplane systems where long-term availability and known-good toolchains (Quartus II 13.0sp1 and earlier) are mandatory. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, design pitfalls, and pinout details not consolidated on any single distributor or manufacturer page. For a complete parametric comparison against same-family Cyclone II variants and pin-compatible Lattice/Xilinx equivalents in the 484-BGA footprint, see the comparison_table, alternatives, and selection_guide sections below.
EP2C50U484I8N - 50K LE Cyclone II FPGA, 484-FBGA | Altera (Intel)
The Altera (Intel) EP2C50U484I8N is a 50,528-logic-element member of the Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array family, housed in a 484-ball FineLine BGA (UBGA-484) package and fabricated on a 90 nm TSMC low-k CMOS process. The device integrates 50,528 logic elements, 294 user I/Os, 594,432 bits of embedded RAM organized across M4K blocks, and 86 embedded 18x18 hardware multipliers for DSP workloads, with a core voltage of 1.15 V to 1.25 V and commercial-grade temperature range of -40C to +85C. The 'I8' speed grade and 'N' lead-free package designation confirm industrial temperature compliance. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device whose logic architecture, interconnect, and I/O behavior can be redefined after manufacture by loading a user bitstream into on-chip SRAM configuration memory. Within the broader taxonomy, the EP2C50 belongs to the low-cost, high-volume programmable logic class - sitting below high-performance Stratix devices and above fixed-function ASICs in the cost/flexibility trade-off. Cyclone II specifically targets cost-sensitive, high-volume applications where designers need hundreds of thousands of system gates, embedded multipliers, and external memory interfaces without the premium of transceivers or high-speed SERDES. Key features include 4 PLLs for clock management, support for external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, and QDRII SRAM, 16 global clock networks, and a configuration scheme supporting passive serial, active serial, and JTAG programming. The 484-FBGA package provides a compact 19 mm x 19 mm footprint with 1.0 mm ball pitch, suitable for cost-constrained multilayer PCBs in volume production. The Cyclone II architecture combines adaptive logic modules (ALMs) with a predictable routing fabric, allowing Quartus II synthesis to deliver consistent timing closure. Embedded M4K RAM blocks support single- and dual-port operation up to 250 MHz, while the 18x18 multipliers enable DSP pipelines such as FFTs, FIR filters, and video processing without external DSP chips. Typical applications span industrial motor control, video surveillance, automotive infotainment pre-processing, low-cost software-defined radio front-ends, and educational/prototyping platforms where large logic capacity and abundant multipliers are needed at minimal unit cost. When designing with this device, carefully review the I/O bank supply rules in the Cyclone II handbook - mixing 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V interfaces requires proper VREF and bank voltage planning, and the 484-FBGA land pattern demands PCB fabrication with microvia or via-in-pad capability for reliable assembly. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in package alternatives, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5AF256A7N - Cyclone II FPGA, 4608 LE, 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5AF256A7N is a low-cost Cyclone II field-programmable gate array (FPGA) featuring 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits, and 158 user I/Os, housed in a 256-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. It is fabricated on a 90nm process node with a 1.2V core supply and supports operation up to 402.58 MHz internal logic, making it a workhorse for cost-sensitive digital designs. The "A7N" suffix indicates an automotive temperature grade (AEC-Q100 qualified), industrial operating range, and lead-free package. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be reconfigured by the customer after manufacture to implement arbitrary digital logic. FPGAs belong to the programmable logic device (PLD) hierarchy, sitting alongside CPLDs and structured ASICs as flexible logic alternatives to fixed-function ASICs. Cyclone II FPGAs target high-volume, cost-sensitive applications where designers need hardware parallelism without the NRE cost of an ASIC. They integrate logic, embedded multipliers (18x18), embedded memory blocks (M4K RAM), and PLL clock management on a single die, enabling complete digital systems on one chip. Key features of the EP2C5AF256A7N include 4,608 logic elements organized into 288 logic array blocks (LABs), 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers, 26 M4K RAM blocks providing 119,808 RAM bits, two PLLs, and 158 maximum user I/Os. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and PCI I/O standards, plus 66 MHz 32-bit PCI compliance. Configuration is handled through Altera's serial or parallel configuration schemes using JTAG or active/passive serial modes. Typical applications span industrial motor control, automotive infotainment and driver-assistance subsystems, video processing pipelines, software-defined radio front-ends, embedded control, and digital signal processing pre-processing. The Cyclone II architecture is supported by the Quartus II design software (legacy) and remains popular for legacy maintenance and cost-driven new designs in mature product lines. Designers should plan thermal dissipation carefully - the FBGA package requires proper PCB thermal via arrays under the exposed pad. For automotive applications, the AEC-Q100 qualification enables deployment in cabin electronics, instrument clusters, and body controllers. JTAG programming via the Altera USB-Blaster or compatible download cable is required for in-system configuration. Consider migrating to Cyclone IV E (EP4CE6) for new designs where supply longevity matters.
EP2C5AF256I8N - 4,608 LEs Cyclone II FPGA, 158 I/O, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5AF256I8N is a low-cost Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array built on a 90 nm process, delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits, and 158 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA) package. The device operates at a 1.2 V core supply and supports maximum toggle performance up to 402.5 MHz, making it a workhorse for cost-sensitive volume FPGA applications. Industrial-grade temperature range (-40 °C to +85 °C) is indicated by the 'I8' speed-grade suffix, with N denoting lead-free / RoHS compliance. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, multipliers/DSP blocks, and programmable I/O, all stitched together by a programmable interconnect fabric. FPGAs belong to the broader class of programmable logic devices (PLDs) within the digital IC hierarchy (programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit). Unlike ASICs, FPGAs ship uncommitted and are configured in the field via a hardware description language (HDL) bitstream. Cyclone II sits in the low-power, low-cost segment of Intel's FPGA lineup, ideal when deterministic parallel logic, on-chip RAM, and DSP throughput are needed without the cost of a high-end transceiver-rich device. Key features include 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers supporting up to ~25 GMACS DSP throughput, 4 PLLs for clock management, 117 Kbits of M4K block RAM organized as 4,608 bits per block, and True-LVDS differential I/O support on every I/O bank. The 90 nm process and 1.2 V core keep dynamic power low versus older 130 nm Cyclone parts, while JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and active serial configuration interfaces support standard in-system programming flows. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, motor control, video processing pipelines, industrial communication protocol bridges (UART/SPI/I2C to Ethernet), and low-cost video/imaging capture. The 256-FBGA footprint (17 mm body) balances I/O density with PCB manufacturability and is well supported by Quartus II design tools. As one of Intel's most widely adopted low-cost FPGAs, the EP2C5A remains a preferred choice for legacy designs and cost-down re-spins where the EP4C or Cyclone V families are unnecessary. Design considerations: choose the EP2C5A when logic density under 5K LEs and DSP throughput under ~30 GMACS suffices; step up to Cyclone IV E (EP4CE) for higher RAM/multiplier counts or to Cyclone V for transceivers. Plan configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG) early because the 256-FBGA pinout differs across modes. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5AT144A7N - Cyclone II FPGA 4.6K LEs 89 I/O 144-LQFP | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5AT144A7N is a low-cost Cyclone II family Field Programmable Gate Array delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM, and 89 user I/O pins in a 144-pin LQFP (TQFP) package. Fabricated on a 90 nm low-k process with a 1.2 V core, the device is targeted at cost-sensitive high-volume applications such as automotive, industrial control, and consumer electronics. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device that lets designers implement custom digital logic, memory, and DSP functions after PCB fabrication. FPGAs sit in the programmable-logic hierarchy between rigid ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and software-driven microcontrollers: ASICs offer the highest density and efficiency but cannot be modified post-tapeout, while microcontrollers execute code from a fixed core. FPGAs therefore fill the gap for prototyping, low-volume production, and designs requiring parallel hardware acceleration. Key features include 4,608 logic elements arranged in a fine-grained architecture, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), up to 13 embedded multipliers (18x18), and 2 PLLs for clock management. The Cyclone II device family supports common I/O standards including LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and SSTL, and provides flexible configuration via JTAG, passive serial, or Altera enhanced configuration devices. 89 user I/Os accommodate a wide range of peripheral and bus interfaces without external transceivers. The EP2C5A variant is qualified to the AEC-Q100 automotive standard and operates across the -40C to +125C automotive temperature range, distinguishing it from the EP2C5 commercial-temperature parts. The 90 nm CMOS process with 1.2 V core delivers a favorable performance-per-watt ratio, and the 144-LQFP package enables low-cost PCB assembly on conventional SMT lines. Internal signal integrity is preserved through a dedicated clock network and structured routing architecture. Typical applications include automotive infotainment systems, body electronics, industrial control and monitoring, low-cost video processing, consumer device display controllers, and digital signal processing front-ends. Developers pair the Cyclone II with tools like the Altera/Intel Quartus II design suite for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. When designing with this device, reserve at least 4 configuration pins, ensure the JTAG chain is properly terminated, and follow Altera's recommended decoupling scheme (typically one 0.1 uF and one 10 uF cap per power rail). Automotive deployments should consult the AN 539 application note for EMI/EMC mitigation in AEC-Q100 environments. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q100 automotive-grade details, drop-in alternative FPGAs, and practical design guidance not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5F256C6 - Cyclone II FPGA, 4,608 LEs, 158 I/O | Intel
The Intel EP2C5F256C6 is a member of the Cyclone II family of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) fabricated on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM, and 158 user I/O in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package with commercial 0°C to 85°C temperature grade. The Cyclone II architecture pairs look-up-table (LUT)-based logic with embedded M4K memory blocks (total of 26 blocks, each 4,096 bits) and dedicated 18×18 hardware multipliers (13 total) so that common DSP, glue-logic and control-plane tasks can be implemented without external multipliers or SRAM. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that contains an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells. Architecturally FPGAs sit below custom ASICs in NRE cost and time-to-market but above microcontrollers in raw parallelism, making them a preferred choice for prototyping, low-volume production, and high-throughput data-path designs. Cyclone II specifically targets cost-sensitive applications by stripping out transceivers and dedicated hard IP cores (no embedded processors, no high-speed SERDES), trading absolute performance for very low unit cost and Quartus II design-flow compatibility. Key device-level features include 4,608 logic elements arranged as 4-input LUTs, 119,808 bits of user-accessible RAM (typically partitioned into 26 M4K blocks of 4 kbit each), two embedded PLL blocks for clock multiplication and phase shifting, and 158 user I/O supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and differential I/O standards. The package is a 256-pin FineLine BGA (1.0 mm pitch), with the die designated 'F256' and the speed grade 'C6'. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), and JTAG modes. Typical applications include video processing bridges, industrial motor control and encoder interfaces, low-cost communications line cards, prototype ASIC emulation, USB / video / image consumer peripherals, and glue-logic consolidation on multi-board systems. The combination of 13 hardware multipliers and 26 M4K blocks is well-matched to FIR filters, PID control loops and small FFT pipelines. When designing with this device, plan for a Quartus II design flow and verify the 0°C to 85°C commercial temperature window against your end-product environment; if industrial -40°C to 100°C operation is required, use the 'I' grade variant instead. The 1.0 mm BGA pitch also demands PCB fabrication with microvia or HDI stack-up to escape the inner balls cleanly. This page combines manufacturer specifications, current distributor stock and pricing tiers, and drop-in compatible alternative FPGAs in the same 256-ball BGA - information not assembled in any single source including the official Cyclone II datasheet.
EP2C5F256C6N - 4,608 LEs Cyclone II FPGA 256-FBGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5F256C6N is a low-cost Cyclone II FPGA with 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM (M4K blocks), 158 user I/Os, and 2 PLLs, packaged in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA). Built on a 90 nm process, it operates at a core voltage of 1.2 V and supports commercial temperature ranges, providing a cost-optimized programmable-logic platform for high-volume designs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, and dedicated hardened blocks such as block RAM, multipliers, and PLLs. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) under digital logic ICs, enabling parallel hardware execution that microcontrollers and DSPs cannot match. Cyclone II was Altera's second-generation low-cost family, extending FPGA density up to 68,416 LEs in the family ceiling while keeping unit cost low enough for consumer and industrial volume. Key features of the EP2C5F256C6N include 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 embedded RAM bits (M4K) organized into 26 blocks of 4,608 bits each, two general-purpose PLLs, 158 maximum user I/Os, and a 1.2 V core supply with hot-socketing support. The 256-pin FineLine BGA package measures 17 mm × 17 mm with a 1.0 mm ball pitch, balancing board routability against compact PCB area. Architecturally, Cyclone II uses a 90 nm CMOS process, an SRAM-based configuration cell (volatile, requiring a configuration flash or EPCS device at boot), and embedded M4K memory blocks supporting true dual-port and single-port modes at up to 250 MHz. The device is configured via JTAG or Active Serial using the EPCS series configuration devices. Performance typically reaches 150 MHz internal logic operation, with internal multipliers absent on this density (Cyclone II multipliers start on the EP2C20 and larger). Typical applications include industrial motor control and factory automation, video processing and image-pipeline front ends, consumer electronics requiring custom glue logic, telecommunications line-card glue logic, educational FPGA development boards, and low-cost prototyping platforms. Designers choose the EP2C5F256C6N when they need a low-density, low-cost FPGA with enough I/O to interface to memory buses and parallel peripherals. When designing with this FPGA, plan the configuration memory (an EPCS1/EPCS4 serial flash is recommended) and verify the I/O bank voltage compatibility (LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, HSTL on most banks). The 1.2 V core requires a stable regulator; consider decoupling bulk and ceramic caps within 100 mils of each VCC/VCCINT ball per Altera's cyclone II handbook layout guide. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-package Cyclone II alternatives, and practical Quartus II configuration notes that the manufacturer datasheet alone does not surface.
EP2C5F256C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 4.6K LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (Altera) EP2C5F256C7 is a low-cost, low-power Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits, and 158 user I/O in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package at speed grade 7 and commercial temperature grade (0C to 85C). Built on a 90nm TSMC process, it operates from a 1.15 V to 1.25 V core supply and includes 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers and two PLLs for clock management. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnects, and programmable I/O that engineers can reconfigure after manufacture to implement custom digital logic, glue logic, or full processor cores. FPGAs sit in the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> FPGAs -> low-cost SRAM-based FPGAs -> Cyclone II family, and they are widely used as flexible alternatives to ASICs and microcontrollers for parallel processing, high-speed interfacing, and digital signal processing. Key features of the EP2C5F256C7 include 4,608 logic elements organized into 288 logic array blocks (LABs), 119,808 bits of embedded SRAM distributed across M4K memory blocks, 158 maximum user I/O pins supporting LVDS, LVTTL, PCI, and other single-ended and differential I/O standards, and 13 dedicated 18x18 hardware multipliers that deliver up to approximately 35 GMACs of DSP throughput at 250 MHz. Two PLLs provide zero-delay clock buffering, frequency synthesis, and phase shifting for system clock trees. The architecture is built around 4-input look-up tables (LUTs) feeding into per-LAB carry chains and register chains, with MultiTrack interconnect minimizing routing congestion. The 90nm process keeps typical static current around 35 mA and dynamic power scales with toggle rate, allowing designers to take advantage of Cyclone II's power-aware compiler to gate unused logic and reduce dissipation. Typical applications include industrial motor control and PLC interface boards, video processing pipelines, automotive infotainment prototyping, low-cost software-defined radio front-end signal conditioning, and education/DSP development kits. The 158 I/O also make it a strong fit for parallel bus bridging between legacy microcontrollers and high-speed peripherals. When designing with this part, allocate at least 8 layers in the PCB stack-up for the 256-FBGA breakout, follow Altera's recommended decoupling scheme (100 nF plus 10 uF bulk at each VCCINT/VCCIO region), and use the Quartus II design software for synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, verified same-brand drop-in alternatives from the Cyclone II family, and practical design notes not aggregated in any single manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5F256C7N - Cyclone II FPGA 4,608 LEs 158 I/O FBGA-256 | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5F256C7N is a low-cost Cyclone II Field-Programmable Gate Array delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM, and 158 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package at commercial 0C to +85C temperature grade with -7 speed grade. Built on a 90 nm low-k dielectric CMOS process, the device integrates 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers and a PLL clock network for low-cost DSP and glue-logic applications. A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device built around an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that designers can reconfigure after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital logic, DSP pipelines, or glue logic. FPGAs occupy a tier in the programmable-logic hierarchy between CPLDs (smaller, non-volatile, deterministic timing) and ASICs (largest, lowest unit cost, fixed function); the Cyclone II family specifically targets the low-cost edge of that hierarchy, competing with mid-range microcontrollers and ASSPs on price while delivering hardware-level parallelism. Key features of the EP2C5F256C7N include 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits (organized as M4K memory blocks), up to 158 user I/O pins, two PLLs supporting 16 global clock networks, and JTAG-based configuration via the standard Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), and JTAG modes. The 90 nm process delivers low static and dynamic power, and the device supports hot-socketing and PCI Express hard IP PIPE compatibility for endpoint applications. The Cyclone II architecture uses 4-input look-up tables (LUT4) per logic element, true dual-port M4K memory blocks, and dedicated multiplier blocks capable of 18x18 signed multiplication. The PLL macro supports clock multiplication, division, phase shift, and external feedback for precise system-level clock management. The 256-ball FBGA package provides 158 usable I/O across 8 I/O banks, allowing flexible voltage and clock domain partitioning. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, low-cost DSP front-ends, I/O expansion and protocol bridging, consumer display controllers, and educational/hobbyist development. The combination of low unit cost, mature Quartus II toolchain support, and 158 I/O makes the EP2C5F256C7N a common choice for legacy and cost-sensitive designs. When designing with this device, plan for a 1.2V core supply plus one or more bank I/O supplies (1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V). Decoupling must include 0.1 uF and bulk capacitors on every VCC pin, and JTAG chain length must be analyzed if multiple devices are configured in series. Configuration data should be stored in a serial configuration device (EPCS) for standalone boot. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family and cross-brand drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5F256C8 - Cyclone II FPGA 4,608 LEs 256-BGA | Intel / Altera
The Intel / Altera EP2C5F256C8 is a low-cost Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) built on a 90 nm process, delivering 4,608 logic elements (LEs), 119,808 RAM bits, and 158 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package. Operating at a core voltage of 1.2 V with a maximum clock rate of approximately 320 MHz, it targets cost-sensitive, high-volume digital logic designs that need programmable glue logic, parallel processing, and modest DSP throughput. An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), embedded memory, I/O cells, and routing interconnects that engineers can program after manufacture using a hardware description language (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy between fixed-function ASICs (high NRE, low unit cost at volume) and microcontrollers (sequential, software-driven). The Cyclone II series specifically targets the low-cost end of the FPGA market, replacing discrete logic ICs and offering more flexibility than CPLDs at price points that approach mid-range microcontrollers. Key features of the EP2C5F256C8 include 4,608 LEs, 119,808 embedded RAM bits organized into M4K memory blocks, 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers for moderate DSP workloads, and four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL-2, and SSTL-18 I/O standards with hot-socketing capability, enabling safe insertion into a powered backplane. Configuration can be loaded from a passive serial (PS) flash, JTAG, or Altera EPCS configuration device. Architecture-wise, the Cyclone II family uses a 90 nm low-k dielectric process and an SRAM-based configuration cell (volatile configuration that must be loaded at every power-up). Logic elements contain a 4-input look-up table (LUT), a programmable register, a carry chain for fast arithmetic, and a dedicated register chain. The MultiTrack interconnect fabric delivers predictable timing closure, and the LAB (Logic Array Block) groups 16 LEs for efficient local routing. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing pipelines, low-end software-defined radio (SDR) front ends, education and development kits, communications bridge logic, and consumer electronics glue logic. The 158 user I/O count also makes it suitable for legacy parallel-bus interfacing in factory automation equipment. When designing with the EP2C5F256C8, ensure the Quartus II design tool targets a 'C8' speed grade device and select the FBGA-256 package option. Power supply decoupling requires multiple 0.1 µF and 10 µF ceramic capacitors near each VCCINT and VCCIO pin. The configuration scheme (AS, PS, JTAG) must be selected via MSEL pins at board reset. This page synthesizes Intel / Altera datasheet specs, distributor stock and pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives from the Cyclone II family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
EP2C5F256C8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 4.6K LEs, 158 I/O | Altera / Intel
The Altera (now Intel) EP2C5F256C8N is a Cyclone II family Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) delivering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded RAM, and 158 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package. It is fabricated on a 1.2 V core, 90 nm low-k process and is speed grade -8 (commercial). A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) in the broader semiconductor integrated circuit hierarchy (FPGA -> programmable logic -> logic IC -> integrated circuit). FPGAs differ from fixed-function ASICs because their logic fabric, routing, and I/O behavior are configured by the user after manufacture via a hardware description language (HDL) bitstream. The Cyclone II family targets cost-sensitive, low-power applications such as digital signal processing bridging, I/O expansion, and glue-logic replacement. Key features include 4,608 LEs arranged in 288 logic array blocks (LABs), 119,808 bits (approximately 14.6 Kbytes) of M4K embedded memory blocks, 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers, two PLLs for clock management, and 158 maximum user I/O pins. The device supports LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS I/O standards with hot-socket insertion capability, enabling robust board-level design. The Cyclone II architecture pairs a four-input look-up table (LUT) LE with efficient carry chains for arithmetic, dedicated memory blocks for FIFO and buffer use, and DSP blocks for multiply-accumulate operations. Configuration is stored in SRAM and loaded from a serial or parallel flash via Altera/Intel Quartus design software, supporting JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) and passive serial modes. Typical applications include industrial motor control, video processing bridges, communication protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C, PCIe endpoint soft IP), low-cost DSP front-ends, and embedded display controllers. The 256-ball FineLine BGA also supports designs migrating from legacy Altera Cyclone and Cyclone II designs where pin-compatible higher-density variants are required. When designing with this device, ensure the 1.2 V core rail is decoupled with multiple low-ESR capacitors close to the package and that the JTAG chain is accessible for in-system programming. Heat dissipation is modest due to the 90 nm process, but designers should still respect the JEDEC JESD51 thermal recommendations. This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible pin-compatible alternatives from the same Cyclone II family, and practical design considerations not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
EP2C5F256I8 - Cyclone II FPGA, 4,608 Logic Elements, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5F256I8 is a member of the low-cost Cyclone® II FPGA family, offering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 RAM bits, and 158 user I/O pins in a 256-ball FineLine BGA (FBGA-256) package. Built on a 1.2V core, 90nm CMOS process, the device targets high-volume, cost-sensitive applications including industrial control, video processing, and communications infrastructure. The 'I8' speed grade denotes an industrial-temperature, 8 ns pin-to-pin delay timing bin suitable for -40 °C to +100 °C operation. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor IC whose digital logic function is defined by a customer-supplied configuration bitstream rather than by mask-level fabrication. The FPGA hierarchy is: FPGA → programmable logic device → logic IC → integrated circuit → semiconductor. FPGAs sit between fixed-function ASICs and software-programmable processors, combining hardware parallelism with design-time reconfigurability. Cyclone II specifically is positioned as the low-power, low-cost node below Altera's mid-range Stratix II, replacing the original Cyclone (Cyclone I) family with roughly three times the density. Key features include 4,608 logic elements organized into 288 configurable logic blocks (CLBs), 250 kbit of embedded RAM in the form of M4K blocks (totaling 119,808 RAM bits), up to 158 maximum user I/O pins, embedded 18×18 multipliers for DSP, and a 4-phase PLL clock network per device. Configuration is supported via active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), fast passive parallel (FPP), or JTAG modes, allowing flexible boot from EPCS configuration memories. The 'I8' bin keeps maximum core clock and I/O toggle rates adequate for general-purpose glue logic and basic DSP. The Cyclone II architecture uses a 4-input LUT-based logic element with embedded carry chains and a shared arithmetic mode, plus dedicated hardware multipliers and M4K memory blocks that can be configured as true dual-port, simple dual-port, or single-port RAM/ROM with parity/byte-enable support. Up to four PLLs per device provide clock synthesis, multiplication, division, and phase shifting, which simplifies board-level clock tree design and reduces external oscillator count. Typical applications include industrial machine vision and motor control, low-cost video bridging and display controllers, USB/Ethernet protocol bridging, education/development kits, and ASIC prototyping for mid-complexity designs. The wide Quartus II toolchain support (now continued in Intel Quartus Prime) makes it suitable for both legacy maintenance and new low-volume designs requiring field-upgradable logic. When designing with the EP2C5F256I8, plan power sequencing: 1.2V VCCINT must ramp before or simultaneously with 2.5V/3.3V VCCIO to avoid I/O latch-up, and the JTAG chain should be isolated if unused. For high-speed DDR or LVDS interfaces, follow Altera's recommended decoupling (100 nF + 10 µF per bank) and matched-length routing to the dedicated DQS pins documented in the Cyclone II Device Handbook. This page combines distributor pricing, parametric data from the manufacturer datasheet, and curated drop-in alternatives to give engineers a single reference for both new designs and lifecycle extension of legacy Cyclone II boards.
EP2C5F256I8N - Cyclone II FPGA, 4,608 LEs, 256-FBGA | Intel
The Intel (formerly Altera) EP2C5F256I8N is a Cyclone II Field Programmable Gate Array housed in a 256-ball FineLine BGA package, offering 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 bits of embedded memory, and 158 maximum user I/O pins. Built on a 90 nm low-power process, the Cyclone II family extends the original Cyclone architecture with up to 68,416 LEs, embedded multipliers, and up to 1.1 Mbit of RAM while retaining a cost-optimized positioning. The 'I8' suffix indicates the industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) and an 8 ns pin-to-pin timing, and the 'N' suffix indicates lead-free / Pb-free termination. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable semiconductor device containing an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable routing, and dedicated hard-IP such as block RAM, PLLs, and (in modern families) transceivers. FPGAs sit between discrete logic ICs (74-series glue logic) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs): unlike discrete logic, they integrate thousands to millions of gates onto one die, and unlike ASICs they are reprogrammable, allowing iterative development and late-stage design changes. FPGAs are widely used for glue logic, custom interfacing, DSP pipelines, prototyping of ASIC designs, and high-speed I/O expansion. Key features of the EP2C5F256I8N include 4,608 LEs, 13 embedded 18x18 multipliers, two PLLs, 158 user I/O pins distributed across eight I/O banks, and 119,808 bits of M4K block RAM organized as 4-Kbit blocks. The device supports LVDS, LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and HSTL I/O standards, and supports external memory interfaces including DDR, DDR2, SDR, and QDR SRAM. Configuration is handled through active serial (AS), passive serial (PS), JTAG, or Fast Passive Parallel (FPP) modes. The 256-ball 1.0 mm pitch FBGA package is JEDEC-compliant and supports lead-free reflow. Architecture details: the Cyclone II logic element (LE) is built around a 4-input look-up table (LUT) with a programmable register, supporting both arithmetic and carry-chain modes for efficient adder and counter implementation. The 90 nm process node allows the EP2C5 to deliver this logic capacity at sub-watt static power while supporting clock management through dedicated PLL blocks with up to four output clocks each. Configuration bitstream is stored in external serial flash and loaded into SRAM configuration cells at power-up. Typical applications include digital signal processing front-ends, motor control and industrial automation, video processing and display controllers, communications protocol bridging (UART, SPI, I2C, PCIe soft IP), and ASIC prototyping. The combination of low cost, embedded multipliers, and DDR memory interfaces makes Cyclone II especially attractive for cost-sensitive, volume-production designs. When designing with this device, plan I/O bank assignments carefully because VCCIO must be supplied per bank and mixed-voltage standards require careful reference voltage selection. Use Quartus II design software (versions 13.0 SP1 and earlier, or the ModelSim-Intel starter edition) for synthesis and place-and-route; modern Quartus Prime does not include Cyclone II support. Configuration storage (EPCS serial flash) is mandatory at production.
EP2C5Q208C7 - Cyclone II FPGA, 142 I/O, 208QFP | Intel
The Intel EP2C5Q208C7 is a Cyclone II field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with 4,608 logic elements, 119,808 total RAM bits, and 142 user I/O pins, supplied in a 208-pin BFQFP (plastic quad flat pack, square body) package. It is designed for low-cost, high-volume logic applications and operates from a 1.2 V core supply with a commercial temperature range of 0°C to +85°C. An FPGA is a programmable logic device whose internal logic blocks, routing resources, and I/O behavior are configured after manufacturing. Unlike a fixed-function ASIC or a sequential microcontroller, an FPGA lets engineers implement parallel datapaths, custom interfaces, and state machines in hardware. FPGAs fit in the programmable logic device segment of the semiconductor hierarchy and are commonly used when a design needs field reconfigurability, parallel processing, or a large number of fast I/O signals without committing to custom silicon. According to the DigiKey product listing, the EP2C5Q208C7 is categorized as a Cyclone II FPGA IC with 142 user I/O, 119,808 RAM bits, and 4,608 logic elements in a 208-BFQFP package. The core supply voltage is 1.2 V, and the logic family is CMOS. The 208-pin plastic quad flat pack provides a gull-wing, surface-mount footprint that is more convenient for prototype assembly and rework than a fine-pitch BGA, while still supporting a substantial number of parallel board-level signals. Cyclone II was Altera's low-cost 90 nm CMOS FPGA family, designed to balance density, I/O count, and unit price for industrial and consumer systems. The device uses SRAM-based configuration, which means it must be loaded from an external configuration source at power-up. The 4,608 logic elements in this part are suitable for moderate-size control logic, bus bridging, sensor preprocessing, video timing, and other functions that fit comfortably in a small FPGA without requiring external logic ICs. The EP2C5Q208C7 is used in applications such as industrial motor-control signal processing, fieldbus protocol bridging, test and measurement data acquisition, low-cost display timing, audio effects, and custom I/O expansion. The 142 user I/O pins allow designers to connect multiple parallel ADCs, DACs, memory buses, or general-purpose transceivers. The commercial temperature version covers typical indoor equipment from 0°C to +85°C, and the low-cost QFP body makes board assembly straightforward with standard reflow processes. A key design consideration is that this is a 1.2 V core FPGA, so the board must provide a clean 1.2 V rail with sufficient decoupling and current capability. The configuration source must also be selected early in the design because Cyclone II is volatile and must be configured from a serial configuration device, a host processor, or a JTAG download cable after every power-up. This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-family drop-in variants, and practical design notes not found in a single datasheet listing, helping engineers compare procurement options and select the correct Cyclone II QFP-208 variant for their project.