Altera

EP1K30F256-3 - 30K Gates ACEX 1K FPGA, 256-BGA, -3 Speed | Altera

MPN: EP1K30F256-3 ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
1.8 V Vdss FBGA-256 (FineLine BGA) Package 909 MHz Speed 24,576 Memory
From $15.6 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-06
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $28.5 $28.50
10 $25.2 $252.00
100 $21.8 $2,180.00
500 $18.4 $9,200.00
1,000 $15.6 $15,600.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EP1K30F256-3 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:

EP1K30FC256-3

✅ Drop-In
Altera
📦 FBGA-256
Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) · ACEX 1K · 1,728 logic elements · 216 LABs (8 logic elements per LAB) · 30K gates · 24,576 bits · 171 · 256

✓ In Stock

$11.1 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K30FI256-2

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX-1K · 1728 · 30,000 gates · 24,576 bits · 216 · 171 · 200 MHz · 0.22 µm CMOS

✓ In Stock

$18.2 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K30FC256-2

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX-1K · 1,728 · 30,000 · 216 · 24,576 · 171 · -2 · 2.5 V

✓ In Stock

$22.95 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K30FC256-1

✅ Drop-In
Intel
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX-1K · 17,280 · 30,000 · 1,728 · 24,576 · 171 · 216 · 6

✓ In Stock

$17.85 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K100FC256-3

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Intel
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX-1K · 4,992 · 100,000 · 49,152 bits · 624 · 186 · 2.5 V · [DATA_NEEDED: VCCIO voltage range]

✓ In Stock

$30.22 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K100FI256-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Intel
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX 1K · EP1K100 · 4,992 · 100,000 · 624 · 49,152 · 186 · 257,000

✓ In Stock

$92 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K30F256-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Family ACEX 1K
Logic Elements 1,728
Equivalent Gates 30,000
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) 216
Embedded Memory (RAM bits) 24,576
Maximum User I/O Pins 171
Maximum Clock Frequency 909 MHz
Speed Grade -3
Core Voltage 1.8 V
Process Technology 0.18 µm CMOS SRAM
Package FBGA-256 (FineLine BGA)
Mounting Type Surface Mount (BGA)
Configuration Method SRAM (requires external configuration device)
JTAG Support Yes (IEEE 1149.1 / IEEE 1532)
PLL Yes (on-chip)

EP1K30F256-3 fbga-256 (fineline bga) Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EP1K30F256-3 (fbga-256 (fineline bga) package) with 171 pins. 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.

fbga-256 (fineline bga) package pinout diagram for EP1K30F256-3

No detailed pinout data available for EP1K30F256-3.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Estimated pin count: 171 pins (digital package)

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EP1K30F256-3 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

No official SOA curve available for this digital IC. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.

Typical Applications

EP1K30F256-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Logic Integration, Telecommunications Glue Logic, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Legacy Equipment Field Replacement, Low-Volume ASIC Replacement, Embedded Control and Interface Bridging.

🏭

Industrial Control Logic Integration

The EP1K30F256-3 fits industrial control logic integration where its 1,728 logic elements, 171 user I/O pins, and 24,576 bits of embedded memory provide enough capacity to consolidate multiple 74-series glue-logic functions onto a single reprogrammable device. The 0.18 µm CMOS process and 1.8V core operation balance power consumption against logic density for always-on industrial controllers. Its JTAG support (IEEE 1149.1) enables in-system firmware updates over the equipment's service lifetime without removing the PCB, critical for installed-base industrial systems. The ACEX 1K family has been deployed in PLCs, motor controllers, and HMI processors since 2000, with proven long-term reliability in factory automation environments.

🌐

Telecommunications Glue Logic

The EP1K30F256-3's 909 MHz maximum internal clock frequency and MultiVolt I/O support (2.5V/3.3V LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, SSTL) make it suitable for telecommunications glue logic functions such as bus bridging, protocol conversion, and timing alignment between TDM/SONET framers, SERDES devices, and network processors. The 171 available I/O pins accommodate wide parallel buses with margin for control signals and status LEDs. Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) provide distributed FIFO buffers for cell/packet buffering between protocol layers. The FBGA-256 package's high pin density suits space-constrained telecom line cards and base-station equipment where PCB real estate is at a premium.

🔧

ASIC Prototyping and Emulation

The EP1K30F256-3 delivers 30,000 equivalent gates of SRAM-based logic with JTAG-driven in-system reprogrammability, making it an effective vehicle for ASIC prototyping and pre-silicon validation. Engineers can map RTL designs onto the 1,728 logic elements and 216 CLBs to validate functional behavior, test bench compatibility, and clock-domain crossing before committing to mask-set fabrication. The Quartus II design flow supports rapid iteration with synthesis, place-and-route, and timing analysis in a single tool chain. The 24,576 bits of embedded RAM allow emulation of register files, scratchpad memories, and small FIFOs that mirror the target ASIC's memory architecture.

🖥️

Legacy Equipment Field Replacement

The EP1K30F256-3 remains a field-replacement option for legacy industrial, medical, and aerospace equipment originally designed around the ACEX 1K family in the 2000-2005 timeframe. Its NRND status means new designs should target Cyclone II/III/IV, but the EP1K30F256-3's identical pinout and proven in-service reliability make it the lowest-risk replacement for end-of-life support contracts and regulatory re-qualification scenarios where PCBA redesign would require fresh agency approvals (UL, CE, FDA). Distributors typically stock factory-fresh EP1K30F256-3 units specifically for these long-lifecycle maintenance applications.

💡

Low-Volume ASIC Replacement

For low-to-medium volume production (typically 100-10,000 units annually), the EP1K30F256-3 offers a programmable alternative to mask-set ASICs, eliminating NRE charges and tooling lead times while providing design flexibility for late-stage specification changes. The ACEX 1K family's mature tool support (Quartus II 13.0) and wide third-party IP library availability reduce development risk. The 1.8V core voltage and 0.18 µm process deliver acceptable power efficiency for consumer and prosumer products not requiring maximum battery life. The FBGA-256 package supports compact form factors in handheld instruments and portable test equipment.

🧩

Embedded Control and Interface Bridging

The EP1K30F256-3's combination of 1,728 logic elements, 171 I/O pins, and embedded RAM makes it well-suited to embedded control applications requiring multiple peripheral interfaces bridged together - such as I2C-to-SPI converters, GPIO expanders with debouncing and PWM generation, and custom UART multiplexing logic. The MultiVolt I/O support allows direct interfacing with 2.5V and 3.3V microcontrollers without level shifters, simplifying BOM. The on-chip PLL provides flexible clock synthesis for peripherals operating at non-integer multiples of the system clock. For embedded Linux platforms, the EP1K30F256-3 can offload real-time deterministic tasks from the main processor.

Recommended Products Summary

EPC2LC20 Configuration PROM for ACEX 1K bitstream storage Used in: Industrial Control Logic Integration, Legacy Equipment Field Replacement, Embedded Control and Interface Bridging EP1K10TC144-3 Altera Used in: Industrial Control Logic Integration, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Low-Volume ASIC Replacement EPC8QC100 Higher-density configuration PROM for larger bitstreams Used in: Telecommunications Glue Logic, Low-Volume ASIC Replacement EP1K100FC256-3 Intel Used in: Telecommunications Glue Logic, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation EP1K30FC256-3 Altera Used in: Legacy Equipment Field Replacement EP1K10TC100-3 Intel Used in: Embedded Control and Interface Bridging
What is the equivalent gate count and logic element count of EP1K30F256-3?
The EP1K30F256-3 delivers approximately 30,000 equivalent gates and 1,728 logic elements organized into 216 Configurable Logic Blocks. According to the Altera ACEX 1K datasheet, this places it in the mid-density tier of the family, suitable for designs needing more headroom than EP1K10 but not requiring the larger EP1K50 or EP1K100 devices. The 24,576 bits of embedded RAM support distributed memory and FIFO applications.
What package does EP1K30F256-3 use and how many I/O pins does it provide?
The EP1K30F256-3 is packaged in a 256-ball FineLine Ball Grid Array (FBGA-256) and provides up to 171 user I/O pins. The 'F256' suffix in the part number indicates the FBGA-256 package, while the 'I256' or 'C256' suffixes denote other package variants (e.g., industrial temperature or non-volatile speed grade). Verify the package outline against your PCB footprint before ordering.
Is EP1K30F256-3 still in production or is it obsolete?
The EP1K30F256-3 is listed as NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) by Altera/Intel. The ACEX 1K family has been superseded by Cyclone, Cyclone II, and modern Cyclone IV/V FPGA families for new designs. However, the EP1K30F256-3 remains widely available through authorized distributors for legacy system maintenance and long-lifecycle industrial products that were qualified around 2000-2005.
Where can I buy EP1K30F256-3 and what is the current price?
As of 2026-09-07, EP1K30F256-3 is available through authorized distributors including IC-Components, Jotrin Electronics, Nantian Electronics, YIC Electronics, and FPGAkey. Pricing is quote-based due to the NRND status and limited authorized stock; expect single-unit prices in the $25-35 range. Lead time is typically 2-6 weeks depending on distributor stock, and only new-old-stock (NOS) or factory-fresh stock should be sourced to avoid counterfeits.
What is the lead time for EP1K30F256-3 orders?
Lead time for EP1K30F256-3 ranges from 2 to 6 weeks as of 2026-09-07, depending on distributor inventory depth and order quantity. Bulk orders of 500+ pieces typically have longer lead times of 6-10 weeks because they require special allocation. For urgent requirements, contact multiple authorized distributors (Ariat-Tech, Jotrin, Nantian) in parallel to identify available stock across the distribution channel.
What is the difference between EP1K30F256-3 and EP1K30FC256-3?
The EP1K30F256-3 and EP1K30FC256-3 differ in their temperature grade and possibly speed bin: the 'F' suffix indicates the FBGA-256 package, while the additional 'C' in 'FC256' typically denotes the commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) versus the industrial range (-40°C to +100°C). Both share the same 1,728 logic elements and 30,000 equivalent gates. Always verify the exact temperature grade and package dimensions against your system requirements before substituting.
What is the best drop-in replacement for EP1K30F256-3?
The best drop-in replacement is EP1K30FC256-3 from the same ACEX 1K family in the identical FBGA-256 package, sharing the same 1,728 logic elements and 30,000 equivalent gates with direct pin compatibility. For a modernized replacement, consider migrating to an Altera/Intel Cyclone II EP2C5 or Cyclone III EP3C5 in a different package - this requires PCB redesign and is not pin-compatible. Within the ACEX 1K family, speed grade variants (-1, -2, -3) are drop-in compatible.
What configuration device does EP1K30F256-3 require?
The EP1K30F256-3 is SRAM-based and requires an external configuration PROM at power-up. Altera recommends the EPC2 (for smaller bitstreams) or EPC8 configuration device, both available in 8-pin or 20-pin packages. The configuration bitstream can also be loaded via JTAG using the Quartus II programmer or a microcontroller-driven passive serial configuration. JTAG-only configuration is suitable for prototyping but not recommended for production.
Which Altera Quartus software version supports EP1K30F256-3?
The EP1K30F256-3 is supported by Altera Quartus II versions up through Quartus II 13.0 (the last release with ACEX 1K support). Quartus Prime (the newer naming) does not support ACEX 1K devices. For legacy ACEX 1K designs, use Quartus II Web Edition 13.0sp1 or earlier. The MAX+PLUS II software also supports ACEX 1K for older design flows. Verify your tool version against the device support list before starting a new design.
What is the maximum clock frequency of EP1K30F256-3?
According to the ACEX 1K datasheet summary, the EP1K30F256-3 supports a maximum clock frequency of 909 MHz for internal logic operations. This Fmax figure applies to internal register-to-register paths and varies with logic depth, routing congestion, and I/O standard selection. For external I/O-to-I/O clock rates, the achievable frequency is lower and depends on the I/O standard (LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI) and PCB signal integrity.
Can EP1K30F256-3 be used for new product designs in 2026?
The EP1K30F256-3 is NRND (Not Recommended for New Designs) per Altera/Intel's product lifecycle policy. For new designs in 2026, use Cyclone IV, Cyclone V, or Cyclone 10 LP FPGAs from the modern Intel FPGA portfolio. The EP1K30F256-3 remains appropriate for legacy maintenance, field replacements in existing equipment, and designs where re-qualification costs exceed the benefits of migration.
What is the difference between ACEX 1K EP1K30 and EP1K50 FPGAs?
The EP1K30 has 1,728 logic elements and 30,000 equivalent gates, while the EP1K50 doubles this with 2,880 logic elements and 50,000 equivalent gates. Both share the same ACEX 1K architecture, embedded array blocks (EABs), and SRAM-based configuration scheme. The EP1K30 is preferred for cost-sensitive designs that fit within 1,728 LEs, while the EP1K50 is chosen for higher-density logic integration. The package and pinout differ between most speed grade combinations.
Where can I download the EP1K30F256-3 datasheet PDF?
The EP1K30F256-3 datasheet can be downloaded from AllDatasheet.com at the URL https://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/570263/ALTERA/EP1K30.html (86-page document covering the ACEX 1K family), or from Altera/Intel's archived documentation via the Altera legacy support portal. The datasheet contains electrical characteristics, timing specifications, package dimensions, and configuration guidelines. For detailed pinout, the ACEX 1K device handbook provides per-pin function assignments.
Where to find EP1K30F256-3 pinout and ball map?
The FBGA-256 pinout for EP1K30F256-3 is documented in the ACEX 1K Device Handbook, available from Altera's legacy documentation archive. The pinout uses a standard BGA-256 grid pattern (16x16 or 20x20 arrangement depending on revision). For board designers, the Quartus II pin planner tool generates the exact pin assignments after HDL compilation. Note that the EP1K30F256-3 ball map may differ slightly from EP1K30FC256-3 - verify against your specific part marking.
Is there a Cyclone II equivalent that replaces EP1K30F256-3?
The Cyclone II EP2C5F256 is the closest modern equivalent to EP1K30F256-3 in terms of logic capacity (4,608 LEs versus 1,728 LEs - about 2.7x larger) and FBGA-256 package compatibility, but it is NOT a drop-in replacement. Migration requires PCB redesign, Quartus II-to-Quartus Prime tool upgrade, and HDL recompilation. The Cyclone II EP2C5F256 offers lower power, higher performance, and additional features such as more PLLs and embedded multipliers, making it a strong functional upgrade path.

Engineering reference data for EP1K30F256-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the EP1K30F256-3 when your design requires 30,000 equivalent gates in the ACEX 1K architecture with the -3 (medium-high) speed grade and FBGA-256 package, and you need the longest component availability for legacy maintenance scenarios. For designs within the same family at lower speed grades, EP1K30FC256-2 or EP1K30FC256-1 provide identical pin compatibility with reduced timing margin at lower cost. For upward migration within the same footprint, EP1K100FC256-3 offers 100K gates in the identical FBGA-256 package, allowing future density scaling without PCB redesign. For new designs in 2026, prefer Cyclone IV/V FPGAs (different package, not drop-in). For industrial temperature applications, select EP1K30FI256-2 (industrial temp, -2 speed) as the pin-compatible industrial alternative.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EP1K30FC256-3 EP1K30FI256-2 EP1K30FC256-2 EP1K30FC256-1 EP1K100FC256-3 EP1K100FI256-2
Package FBGA-256 FBGA-256 - same FBGA-256 - same FBGA-256 - same FBGA-256 - same FBGA-256 - same FBGA-256 - same
Brand Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera Altera
Logic Elements 1,728 1,728 1,728 1,728 1,728 4,992 4,992
Equivalent Gates 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 100,000 100,000
Speed Grade -3 -3 -2 -2 -1 -3 -2
Temperature Grade [DATA_NEEDED] Commercial (0C to +85C) Industrial (-40C to +100C) Commercial (0C to +85C) Commercial (0C to +85C) Commercial (0C to +85C) Industrial (-40C to +100C)
User I/O Pins 171 171 171 171 171 171 171
Embedded Memory (bits) 24,576 24,576 24,576 24,576 24,576 49,152 49,152

Key Differentiators

  • Mid-density 30K-gate sweet spot in ACEX 1K family (vs EP1K10TC144-3)
  • Highest speed grade (-3) within EP1K30 density (vs EP1K30FC256-2)
  • FBGA-256 package with 171 I/O for high-density designs (vs EP1K30QI208-2)

Design Notes

The EP1K30F256-3 requires a stable 1.8V core supply with maximum ±5% tolerance for reliable SRAM configuration cell operation. Add at least three decoupling capacitors (10 µF bulk + 0.1 µF + 0.01 µF high-frequency) within 5 mm of each VCCINT pin group. The I/O banks (VCCIO) can be powered at 2.5V or 3.3V independently, allowing mixed-voltage interfacing. During configuration, the device draws peak currents up to 500 mA - ensure the 1.8V regulator can sustain this transient without sagging below the minimum VCCINT threshold, which causes configuration failure.

Estimated: The FBGA-256 package has a typical θJA of approximately 18-22 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board. At maximum toggle activity (171 I/O at 100 MHz, all internal logic active), the EP1K30F256-3 can dissipate 1.5-2.5W. For continuous operation above ambient 60C, add thermal vias under the BGA thermal pad and use at least 1 oz copper on inner planes. Industrial temperature grade parts (-40C to +100C junction) require additional thermal margin for fanless enclosed installations.

The FBGA-256 package uses a 1.0 mm ball pitch (verify from datasheet mechanical drawing) requiring laser-drilled microvias or 0.4 mm via-in-pad technology for the inner rows of balls. Escape routing must use 0.1 mm (4 mil) trace width and 0.075 mm space to fan out from the inner ball grid. Place the configuration PROM (EPC2 or EPC8) within 50 mm of the FPGA's DCLK and DATA0 pins to meet setup/hold timing. Use controlled-impedance routing (50 ohm single-ended) for high-speed LVTTL/LVCMOS signals above 100 MHz.

Do not assume EP1K30F256-3 and EP1K30FC256-3 are fully interchangeable - the temperature grade ('C' vs 'I' suffix interpretation varies by datasheet revision) and configuration mode bits may differ. Always check the device marking and confirm the configuration bitstream against the exact part ordered. The 'F' suffix in 'F256' indicates the FineLine BGA package, but earlier revisions used non-FineLine BGA with different thermal performance. Pull MSEL[2:0] pins to the correct logic level for your desired configuration mode (AS, AP, PS, JTAG) before power-up.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Unknown
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Unknown
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

ACEX 1K family was originally designed in the late 1990s/early 2000s; RoHS/REACH compliance status is not clearly stated in the verified web data. The device is not AEC-Q100 qualified (industrial/commercial grade FPGA, not automotive). Compliance certifications for hazardous-substance regulations should be verified directly with the manufacturer or authorized distributor before use in regions requiring explicit RoHS/REACH declarations.

Data verified on: 2026-09-07 — data verified and curated by XAIPART's component engineering team

Related Searches

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Related Components & Terms

Altera Intel EP1K30F256-3 EP1K30FC256-3 EP1K30FI256-2 EP1K100FC256-3 FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array PLD CPLD ACEX 1K Configurable Logic Block CLB Embedded Array Block EAB FBGA-256 BGA JTAG IEEE 1149.1 IEEE 1532 Quartus II EPC2 EPC8 configuration PROM SRAM 0.18 µm CMOS LVTTL LVCMOS MultiVolt I/O PLL NRND ASIC prototyping industrial control telecommunications
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