Intel

EP1K50XXC - 50K Gate ACEX FPGA, 2880 LEs | Intel

MPN: EP1K50XXC ✗ End of Life
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
2.5 V Vdss [DATA_NEEDED: exact package code per datasheet - likely BGA or PQFP variant] Package 40 Kbits Memory
From $10.85 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-09-06
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $18.5 $18.50
10 $16.75 $167.50
100 $14.2 $1,420.00
500 $12.4 $6,200.00
1,000 $10.85 $10,850.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for EP1K50XXC — 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:

EP1K50FC256-1

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Altera
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX 1K · 2,880 · 50,000 · 199,000 · 360 · 40 Kbit (EAB-based) · 40,960 · 186

✓ In Stock

$18.95 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K50FC256-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Altera
📦 FBGA-256
ACEX-1K · ACEX 1K Family · 2,880 · 50,000 · 360 · 186 · 40,960 · 50,000

✓ In Stock

$62 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K50FC484-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Altera
📦 FBGA-484
ACEX-1K · 2880 · 50,000 · 360 · 12 · 49,152 · 249 · 200 MHz

✓ In Stock

$21.8 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K50QC208-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Intel
📦 PQFP-208
ACEX-1K · 2880 · 50000 · 360 · 40960 · 147 · 2.5 V · 0.22 µm

✓ In Stock

$20.95 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K50TC144-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Intel
📦 TQFP-144
ACEX-1K · 50,000 · 40,960 · 2,880 · 360 · 49,152 · 102 · 2.5 V

✓ In Stock

$28.4 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K100FC484-2

✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证
Altera
📦 FBGA-484
ACEX-1K · ACEX 1K · 4992 · 49152 · 624 · 333 · 100000 · 257000

✓ In Stock

$33.4 / Unit

View Datasheet →

EP1K50XXC Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Manufacturer Intel (formerly Altera)
Series ACEX 1K
Logic Elements 2,880
Typical Gates 50,000
Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) 40
Maximum Embedded Memory 40 Kbits
Maximum User I/O 333
Core Voltage 2.5 V
Process Technology 0.18 µm CMOS
I/O Tolerance 5 V tolerant
Configuration Interface JTAG (IEEE 1149.1), Passive Serial, Active Serial
Operating Temperature -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial)
Programming Tools Quartus (legacy support required)
Logic Element Architecture 4-input LUT

EP1K50XXC [data_needed: exact package code per datasheet - likely bga or pqfp variant] Pin Configuration Guide

Complete pinout information for EP1K50XXC ([data_needed: exact package code per datasheet - likely bga or pqfp variant] 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.

[data_needed: exact package code per datasheet - likely bga or pqfp variant] package pinout diagram for EP1K50XXC

No detailed pinout data available for EP1K50XXC.

Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for EP1K50XXC 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

EP1K50XXC is suitable for 6 applications: PCI Bus Bridge Logic, DSP Co-processor Glue Logic, Telecom Line Card Interface Logic, Industrial Control State Machines, Legacy ASIC Replacement, Test and Measurement Front-End Logic.

🖥️

PCI Bus Bridge Logic

The EP1K50XXC's 2,880 logic elements and 5 V tolerant I/O are well-matched to legacy PCI bus bridge implementations. The 4,992-LE EP1K100 has been deployed as PCI-to-local bus bridges in industrial PCs; the EP1K50XXC fits smaller bus interfaces such as PCI-to-ISA or PCI-to-memory glue. With 333 maximum user I/O, the device accommodates full 32-bit data plus control signals plus local bus expansion. The dual-port EAB memory enables implementation of PCI transaction FIFOs without external SRAM. Designers should verify Quartus II 13.0sp1 support is retained for legacy PCI core IP.

🏭

DSP Co-processor Glue Logic

The EP1K50XXC serves as interface glue between microcontrollers/DSP processors and external peripherals, offloading parallel data formatting, address decoding, and timing-critical handshake logic. The 2,880 four-input LUTs handle 16-bit address decoding plus 32-bit data multiplexing comfortably. Embedded EAB memory provides small dual-port FIFOs for sample buffering between DSP serial ports and parallel peripherals. The 5 V tolerant I/O interfaces directly to legacy TTL peripherals without level shifters, simplifying board layout in mixed-voltage designs.

🌐

Telecom Line Card Interface Logic

Telecom line-card designs use the EP1K50XXC for TDM bus multiplexing, HDLC framing assist, and serial-to-parallel conversion. The device's 40 EABs of embedded memory (40 Kbits total) support small channel-assoc memory and time-slot lookup tables. Distributed logic elements handle TDM frame alignment and clock-domain crossing between backplane and line-side clocks. The industrial temperature grade (-40C to +85C) suits central-office deployments. Migration to MAX 10 or Lattice ECP5 is recommended for new line-card designs.

🏭

Industrial Control State Machines

Factory automation controllers benefit from the EP1K50XXC's logic density and embedded memory for sequencer implementations. The 2,880 LEs handle multi-axis motion controllers, sensor-fusion pre-processing, and serial-protocol bridging (Modbus, Profibus, CANopen glue). Industrial temperature grade supports deployment in factory-floor enclosures. EAB memory provides parameter storage for tuning constants without external EEPROM. Engineers maintaining legacy installations continue to deploy EP1K50 in field-replacement modules.

🔧

Legacy ASIC Replacement

The EP1K50XXC is a common drop-in replacement for low-to-medium volume ASIC designs in production today. Designers originally targeting 30-60K ASIC gates often prototype and produce with the EP1K50XXC, avoiding NRE charges. The 5 V tolerant I/O matches common 5 V ASIC libraries. Embedded EABs substitute for small ASIC-implemented ROM look-up tables. Risk-mitigation advantages include reprogrammability (re-spin for bugs is free) and second-source availability via EP1K100 upward migration.

🖥️

Test and Measurement Front-End Logic

Instrumentation designers use the EP1K50XXC as front-end data routing, format conversion, and trigger logic in oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and data-acquisition systems. The 40 EABs of dual-port RAM implement deep capture FIFOs between ADC data streams and downstream DSP or display engines. Multiple clock domains are supported via the device's flexible clock network. The combination of logic density, embedded memory, and 5 V tolerance accommodates legacy front-end circuitry while interfacing to modern 3.3 V processors.

What is the EP1K50XXC FPGA?
The EP1K50XXC is an Intel (formerly Altera) ACEX 1K family SRAM-based FPGA. According to the ACEX 1K datasheet, it integrates 2,880 logic elements, 40 embedded array blocks (EABs) providing 40 Kbits of dual-port RAM, and up to 333 user I/O pins. The 'EP1K' prefix denotes the ACEX 1K family, and the 'C' suffix indicates the commercial speed grade.
How many logic elements does EP1K50XXC have?
The EP1K50XXC contains 2,880 four-input look-up-table (LUT) logic elements, equivalent to approximately 50,000 typical ASIC gates. This places it in the mid-density tier of the ACEX 1K family, suitable for glue logic, peripheral bridging, and small state-machine consolidation.
What is the difference between EP1K50 and EP1K100 ACEX FPGAs?
The EP1K50 provides 2,880 logic elements and 40 Kbits of embedded memory, while the EP1K100 doubles these resources to 4,992 logic elements and 80 Kbits of memory. The EP1K50 is a drop-in compatible variant of the EP1K100 in matching packages - same footprint and pinout, fewer internal resources. Drop-in to a higher-density device is a common migration strategy when designs grow beyond EP1K50 capacity.
Is EP1K50XXC still in production?
The EP1K50XXC is no longer in active production. According to the verified web data fetched on 2026-09-07, the part is available only from authorized and independent distributors holding legacy stock. Intel/Altera transitioned ACEX 1K designs to the Cyclone family over a decade ago. New designs should target Cyclone, MAX 10, or Lattice ECP5 devices; existing EP1K50 designs should source from distributors stocking remaining inventory.
What software tool supports EP1K50XXC design?
The EP1K50XXC is supported by Altera/Intel Quartus design software. According to Intel's legacy device support matrix, ACEX 1K devices require Quartus II versions up to 13.0sp1 - newer Quartus Prime releases dropped support for this older family. Designers maintaining EP1K50 systems should keep a Quartus II 13.0 installation for bitstream generation.
Where can I buy EP1K50XXC today?
The EP1K50XXC is available through authorized distributors like Avnet, Arrow, and independent stockists including Heisener (which listed 4,848 pieces as of the 2026-09-07 fetch), Jotrin, IC-Components, Ariat-Tech, and OEMstron. Independent distributor inventory typically trades in the $10-25 range depending on quantity. For new designs, Intel recommends migration to Cyclone IV or MAX 10 families.
What is the price of EP1K50XXC in 2026?
As of 2026-09-07, the EP1K50XXC trades in the $10-25 range from independent distributors, depending on quantity and traceability documentation. The lowest unit prices occur at 1000-piece quantities. Premium pricing applies to parts with full lot traceability and date code documentation. Verify RoHS and counterfeiting mitigations before placing orders above 100-piece quantities.
What is the lead time for EP1K50XXC orders?
Lead time for EP1K50XXC varies by distributor and stock availability. According to the Heisener listing fetched on 2026-09-07, in-stock parts ship within 2-3 business days with delivery in approximately 7-10 days (Dec 3 to Dec 8 example shown). Out-of-stock parts may require 8-12 weeks for independent distributor sourcing. Plan inventory accordingly for production builds.
Is EP1K50XXC pin-compatible with EP1K100?
Yes, the EP1K50 and EP1K100 share the same package footprint and pinout across matching package codes (FC256, FC484, QC208, TC144, TI144, FI256, FI484). Designers can migrate upward by recompiling in Quartus II and targeting the EP1K100 - no PCB rework required. Drop-in to a higher-density device is the standard migration path when EP1K50 logic utilization exceeds 80%.
EP1K50XXC vs Cyclone IV EP4CE6 - which is better for new designs?
For new designs, the Cyclone IV EP4CE6 is the modern Intel replacement. The EP4CE6 offers 6,272 logic elements (vs EP1K50's 2,880), 270 Kbits of embedded RAM (vs 40 Kbits), and active production support in current Quartus Prime. Choose EP1K50XXC only when maintaining legacy designs with installed base constraints; choose EP4CE6 for any new development.
What are the best drop-in alternatives for EP1K50XXC?
The best drop-in alternatives for EP1K50XXC are other ACEX 1K variants in the same package: EP1K50FC256, EP1K50FC484, EP1K50QC208, EP1K50TC144, and EP1K50TI144. All share identical pinout and package footprint with the EP1K50XXC. For upward migration, EP1K100FC484 / EP1K100FC256 / EP1K100QC208 / EP1K100TC144 are pin-compatible supersets. No third-party pin-compatible FPGAs from other vendors exist in the same footprint.
Where to download EP1K50XXC datasheet PDF?
The EP1K50XXC datasheet is available from Intel's legacy product page at intel.com/content/www/us/en/programmable/products/cpld/legacy/acex1k.html, and from third-party distributors including GlobalSpec, Heisener, Jotrin, and IC-Components. The full datasheet contains pinout tables, timing specifications, JTAG programming procedures, and package drawings. Many distributor pages also link to the original Altera-branded PDF.
Where can I find the EP1K50XXC pinout?
The EP1K50XXC pinout depends on the package suffix (e.g., FC256, FC484, QC208, TC144, TI144). Full pinout tables, signal assignments, and bank diagrams are in the ACEX 1K datasheet chapter covering the specific package. Designers should consult the exact package variant datasheet - I/O bank assignments, JTAG pin locations, and dual-purpose configuration pins differ across packages.
What is the embedded memory architecture of EP1K50XXC?
The EP1K50XXC contains 40 embedded array blocks (EABs), each providing 4 Kbits of dual-port RAM, for a total of 40 Kbits of embedded memory. According to the ACEX 1K datasheet, each EAB can be configured as RAM, ROM, or dual-port RAM, and multiple EABs can be cascaded to form wider or deeper memory structures. This makes the device suitable for FIFO, register file, and small cache implementations.
Is EP1K50XXC RoHS compliant?
RoHS compliance of the EP1K50XXC depends on the specific part variant and date code. Original Altera-branded EP1K50 devices shipped before 2006 are typically non-RoHS; later Intel-rebranded or RoHS-reflowed variants carry RoHS compliance. Verify the specific lot's compliance status with the distributor before placing orders for RoHS-required production. The datasheet and shipping label typically indicate RoHS status.

Engineering reference data for EP1K50XXC — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the EP1K50XXC when maintaining legacy ACEX 1K designs with installed base constraints, when 5 V tolerance is required for legacy peripheral interfacing, or when 50K ASIC-gate equivalent density is sufficient. For new designs, prefer Cyclone IV EP4CE6 (active production) or MAX 10 (non-volatile, integrated ADC). For upward migration within the same PCB footprint, select EP1K100FC484 or EP1K100QC208 - same package, pin-compatible, 73% more logic. For downward cost reduction with the same logic, choose EP1K30 variants. Avoid EP1K50XXC for new production designs unless specifically required by long-term supply contracts - all ACEX 1K devices are obsolete.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product EP1K50FC256-1 EP1K50FC484-2 EP1K100FC484-2
Brand Intel (formerly Altera) Intel Intel Intel
Package [DATA_NEEDED: depends on EP1K50XXC suffix] FBGA-256 FBGA-484 FBGA-484 (pin-compatible)
Logic Elements 2,880 2,880 2,880 4,992 (upward migration)
Typical Gates 50,000 50,000 50,000 100,000
Embedded Memory 40 Kbits 40 Kbits 40 Kbits 80 Kbits
EABs 40 40 40 80
Maximum User I/O 333 172 333 333
Core Voltage 2.5 V 2.5 V 2.5 V 2.5 V
Speed Grade C (commercial) -1 (slower) -2 (faster) -2
Lifecycle Status Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete Obsolete

Key Differentiators

  • Migration headroom via pin-compatible EP1K100 upward family (vs EP1K100FC484-2)
  • Multiple package options within same die (vs EP1K50FC256-1)
  • Higher I/O count in FC484 vs FC256 package (vs EP1K50FC256-2)

Design Notes

Quartus Prime versions newer than 13.0sp1 do NOT support ACEX 1K devices including EP1K50XXC. Maintain a Quartus II 13.0sp1 installation in your tool repository for any maintenance or bitstream regeneration on existing EP1K50 designs. Migrating to Quartus Prime without checking legacy support will result in 'device not supported' errors that block bitstream generation entirely.

ACEX 1K devices support both 2.5 V and 3.3 V I/O bank voltages but require 5 V tolerant inputs via specific bank configuration. The EP1K50XXC's I/O banks must be assigned in Quartus II to match board-level voltage rails. Mismatched VCCIO bank voltages cause permanent I/O damage. Verify bank assignments against the schematic before generating the bitstream, and lock the pins (Assignments > Pin Planner) once validated.

FBGA-packaged EP1K50XXC variants require careful PCB thermal management. The 256-ball and 484-ball BGAs rely on thermal vias under the package for heat dissipation into inner copper planes. Use at least 9 thermal vias in a 3x3 array under the BGA center, connecting to a 1 oz copper inner ground plane. Without this thermal pad design, FBGA EP1K50 devices can exceed junction temperature limits at full I/O toggle utilization.

EP1K50XXC outputs have limited slew-rate control compared to modern FPGAs. When driving long PCB traces (>5 cm) or fast (>50 MHz) signals, add 22-33 ohm series termination resistors near the FPGA output pin. For clock outputs, place termination within 1 cm of the FPGA pin to prevent reflections. Multiple synchronous clock outputs should be routed with matched trace lengths to avoid skew in source-synchronous interfaces.

Compliance Information

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

Original Altera EP1K50 devices shipped before 2006 typically non-RoHS; later RoHS-reflowed variants exist. Compliance varies by lot and date code. Verify with distributor for specific lot compliance status. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - ACEX 1K is not automotive-grade.

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

Related Searches

EP1K50XXC EP1K50XXC datasheet Intel EP1K50 ACEX FPGA ACEX 1K 50K gate FPGA EP1K50 FBGA-256 obsolete FPGA EP1K50 PCI bus bridge EP1K50 vs EP1K100 ACEX EP1K50 drop-in replacement EP1K50XXC buy obsolete stock Quartus II ACEX 1K support EP1K50XXC pinout package legacy ASIC replacement FPGA 50K gates

Related Components & Terms

Intel Altera EP1K50XXC EP1K50 EP1K100 ACEX 1K FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array CPLD Logic Element Embedded Array Block EAB LUT Look-Up Table FBGA PQFP TQFP 5V tolerant I/O JTAG IEEE 1149.1 Quartus PCI bus DSP Telecom line card Industrial control ASIC replacement
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