EP1C4F324C6N - Cyclone FPGA 4000 LE 324-BGA 405MHz | Intel
MPN: EP1C4F324C6N ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $35.2 | $352.00 |
| 100 | $30.75 | $3,075.00 |
| 500 | $27.4 | $13,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $24.95 | $24,950.00 |
EP1C4F324C6N Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), programmable interconnects, I/O cells, and embedded memory blocks that the user programs after manufacture. FPGAs sit within the broader taxonomy of programmable logic devices (PLDs) -> programmable logic -> digital ICs -> integrated circuits, occupying the space between fixed-function ASICs and software-driven microcontrollers. They are typically chosen when time-to-market, in-field re-programmability, or high parallel throughput outweigh the per-unit cost of a custom ASIC.
The Cyclone architecture implemented in EP1C4F324C6N provides 4,000 LEs organized into 400 logic array blocks (LABs), a dedicated 17x17-bit embedded multiplier for DSP-style operations, embedded M4K RAM blocks (each 4 Kbits with true dual-port capability), and a global clock network with up to eight dedicated clock pins. The device features four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for frequency synthesis and de-skew, plus 249 general-purpose I/Os supporting LVTTL, LVCMOS, SSTL, and LVDS I/O standards — providing broad interoperability with external memories, microprocessors, and high-speed serializers.
Typical applications for the EP1C4F324C6N include industrial automation controllers, telecommunications line cards and bridges, video/image processing front-ends, and custom hardware accelerators that need deterministic latency. Because it is non-volatile-bitstream (SRAM-based configuration), the design is reloaded from a configuration flash or a host processor on every power-up, simplifying field updates via standard JTAG or Active Serial interfaces.
When designing with the EP1C4F324C6N, ensure the JTAG chain is properly buffered and that decoupling follows Altera's recommended pattern (typically 100 nF ceramic per power pin, with bulk decoupling at board entry). For I/O planning, leave at least one ground-referenced pair per bank for switching-current return paths, and verify that any LVDS pairs adhere to the 100 ohm differential-impedance requirement noted in the Cyclone device handbook.
Drop-in alternatives for EP1C4F324C6N — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EP1C4F324C6N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, RoHS Status, Speed Grade, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1C4F324C6
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$16.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C4F324C7N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$25.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C4F324C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$14.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1C4F324I7N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EP1C4F324C6N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Family | Cyclone |
| Logic Elements (LE) | 4,000 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LAB) | 400 |
| Total RAM Bits | 78,336 |
| Embedded Multipliers (17x17) | 20 |
| M4K RAM Blocks | 17 |
| Maximum User I/Os | 249 |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Global Clock Networks | 8 |
| Internal Operating Frequency | 405 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Process Technology | 130 nm |
| Package | 324-ball FBGA, 19 x 19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| Configuration Method | SRAM-based, JTAG/Active Serial |
EP1C4F324C6N 324-ball fbga, 19 x 19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP1C4F324C6N (324-ball fbga, 19 x 19 mm, 1.0 mm pitch package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EP1C4F324C6N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP1C4F324C6N is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation Controllers, Telecommunications Glue Logic, Video and Image Processing Front-Ends, Custom Hardware Accelerators, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy System Replacement and Modernization.
Industrial Automation Controllers
The EP1C4F324C6N fits industrial PLC and motion-control designs where deterministic parallel logic and moderate logic density are required. Its 249 user I/Os accommodate numerous sensor inputs, encoder feedback channels, and PWM outputs without external multiplexer ICs. The 130nm Cyclone silicon provides robust operation across the commercial 0C to 85C industrial range, and the 400 LABs plus 20 embedded 17x17 multipliers are sufficient to implement PID loops and stepper/servo control state machines in a single device. Designers appreciate the SRAM-based configuration because it allows in-field firmware updates via JTAG without removing the controller from the cabinet, reducing downtime for production-line retrofits.
Recommended
Telecommunications Glue Logic
The EP1C4F324C6N is well suited as a glue-logic and protocol-bridge device on telecom line cards where it must interface between TDM backplanes, Ethernet MACs, and custom serial interfaces. Its 78,336 RAM bits are enough to implement small FIFO buffers between asynchronous clock domains, while the two PLLs provide flexible clock synthesis from a single backplane reference. The 8 global clock networks and LVDS-capable I/Os enable direct connection to high-speed serializers without external bus converters. Compared with discrete 74-series logic, the Cyclone solution consolidates dozens of packages onto one BGA, reducing board area and improving signal integrity at multi-hundred-megahertz rates.
Recommended
Video and Image Processing Front-Ends
The EP1C4F324C6N supports video processing front-ends such as camera-link receivers, de-interlacers, and color-space converters that benefit from real-time parallel processing. Each of the 20 embedded 17x17 multipliers enables FIR-filter tap computation at video pixel rates, and the M4K RAM blocks can hold line buffers without external SRAM. With 249 user I/Os, the FPGA can accept wide parallel video buses (16-24 bits) plus synchronization signals from multiple cameras simultaneously. Designers targeting HD video at 148.5 MHz pixel clock typically pair the EP1C4 with an external DDR SDRAM for frame buffering, using the FPGA's PLL to derive the memory controller clock.
Recommended
Custom Hardware Accelerators
The EP1C4F324C6N enables custom hardware accelerators for compute-bound algorithms like cryptography, compression, and DSP filtering that are too slow in software. Its 400 LABs and 20 hardware multipliers deliver predictable throughput, offloading the host processor and reducing system latency. For embedded Linux platforms, the FPGA appears as a memory-mapped peripheral over a parallel bus or PCIe-like interface, with the host CPU offloading bulk data movement. Compared with a software implementation on an ARM Cortex-A9, the EP1C4 hardware accelerator can deliver 10-100x speedup on parallelizable kernels, at the cost of higher per-unit silicon price.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP1C4F324C6N is a strong choice for test-and-measurement instruments such as logic analyzers, pattern generators, and protocol exercisers that require high I/O count and deterministic timing. The 249 user I/Os are sufficient for parallel stimulus/response buses, while the 8 global clock networks allow multi-domain timing alignment critical for source-synchronous interfaces. The Cyclone architecture supports LVDS inputs and outputs, enabling direct connection to high-speed ADCs and DACs used in mixed-signal test gear. Engineers value the JTAG-based configuration because it simplifies lab reconfiguration during bring-up, allowing design iterations without removing the FPGA from the test fixture.
Recommended
Legacy System Replacement and Modernization
The EP1C4F324C6N is commonly used as a form-fit-function replacement for end-of-life ASICs and obsolete programmable logic in industrial, military, and aerospace systems. Its SRAM-based configuration and JTAG programming interface simplify migration from masked ROM to reconfigurable logic, allowing design teams to add features and fix bugs without board rework. Because the Cyclone family has been in production for over two decades, the EP1C4F324C6N is supported by Intel's mature-product supply channel, making it suitable for long-lifecycle programs requiring 10-15 years of parts availability. Designers typically pair the EP1C4 with a configuration flash and watchdog supervisor to meet production reliability requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP1C4F324C6N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1C4F324C6 | EP1C4F324C7N | EP1C4F324C8N | EP1C4F324I7N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel (formerly Altera) |
| Package | 324-ball FBGA, 19x19mm, 1.0mm pitch | 324-ball FBGA — same | 324-ball FBGA — same | 324-ball FBGA — same | 324-ball FBGA — same |
| Logic Elements | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| RAM Bits | 78,336 | 78,336 | 78,336 | 78,336 | 78,336 |
| User I/Os | 249 | 249 | 249 | 249 | 249 |
| Speed Grade | C6 (-6) | C6 (-6) | C7 (-7) | C8 (-8) — fastest | I7 — industrial temperature, speed grade 7 |
| Internal Max Frequency | 320 MHz (C6) / 405 MHz (C6 high-performance path) | 320 MHz | 405 MHz | 405 MHz (over-clocked) | 405 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0C to 85C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to 100C) |
| Core Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V | 1.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lowest-cost Cyclone speed grade in the 324-ball FBGA package (vs EP1C4F324C7N)
- Wide commercial temperature range suitable for most industrial environments (vs EP1C4F324I7N)
- Same Cyclone silicon as all C-speed-grade variants (vs EP1C4F324C8N)
Design Notes
Estimated: a fully utilized EP1C4F324C6N at typical 60-80% toggle rate dissipates approximately 1.5-2.5 W from the 1.5 V core. Provide at least four 100 nF 0402 ceramic decoupling capacitors per VCCINT pin plus a 470 uF bulk capacitor near the FPGA. The VCCAUX and VCCIO rails require separate filtering. Use Intel's PowerPlay early-power-estimator spreadsheet for design-specific dissipation before final layout.
The 324-ball FBGA with 1.0mm pitch requires HDI PCB fabrication with micro-via stack-ups (typically 4-6 layer, 0.8mm finished thickness). Match differential-pair impedance to 100 ohms ±10% for LVDS and 50 ohms ±10% for single-ended I/O. Follow Intel's Cyclone hardware-design guidelines for trace length matching within a pair and across LVDS channels.
Cyclone FPGAs are SRAM-based and lose their configuration at every power-down. Always include a configuration flash (EPCS4 or EPCQ4) on the board to auto-load the bitstream at power-on. Without this, the FPGA remains unconfigured and I/O pins stay in tri-state. Also, verify that all unused I/O pins are set to 'input tri-stated with weak pull-up' in the Quartus II pin planner to avoid contention.
Compliance Information
Lead-free and RoHS compliant per Intel/Altera ordering-code convention. The 'N' suffix in the part number indicates lead-free terminal finish. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable — this is a commercial-grade programmable logic device. For automotive applications, contact Intel for AEC-Q100 qualified Cyclone IV E variants.
