EP20K100FC144-2X - APEX-20K FPGA 4160 LE 93 I/O 144-LQFP | Intel
MPN: EP20K100FC144-2X β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $65 | $65.00 |
| 10 | $58.5 | $585.00 |
| 100 | $52 | $5,200.00 |
| 500 | $47.5 | $23,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $42 | $42,000.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K100FC144-2X β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K100FC144-2
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View Datasheet βEP20K100FC144-1X
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View Datasheet βEP20K100FC144-1
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View Datasheet βEP20K100EFC144-1
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View Datasheet βEP20K100ETC144-2N
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View Datasheet βEP20K100ETC144-1X
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View Datasheet βEP20K100FC144-2X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20K |
| Logic Elements | 4,160 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 416 |
| Total RAM Bits | 53,248 |
| Number of I/O | 93 |
| Core Voltage | 2.5 V |
| I/O Voltage | 3.3 V / 5 V tolerant |
| Speed Grade | -2 |
| Package | 144-LQFP (FC) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 3 |
| Architecture | LUT-based with embedded array blocks |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
EP20K100FC144-2X Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 6 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 8 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 16 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 17 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 18 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 19 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 20 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 21 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 22 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 23 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 24 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 25 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 26 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 27 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 28 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 29 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 30 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 31 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 32 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 33 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 34 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 35 | VCCIO1 β I/O bank 1 supply voltage |
| Pin 36 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 37 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 38 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 39 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 40 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 41 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 42 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 43 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 44 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 45 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 46 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 47 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 48 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 49 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 50 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 51 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 52 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 53 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 54 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 55 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 56 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 57 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 58 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 59 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 60 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 61 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 62 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 63 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 64 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 65 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 66 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 67 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 68 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 69 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 70 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 71 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 72 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 73 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 74 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 75 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 76 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 77 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 78 | VCCIO2 β I/O bank 2 supply voltage |
| Pin 79 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 80 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 81 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 82 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 83 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 84 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 85 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 86 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 87 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 88 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 89 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 90 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 91 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 92 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 93 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 94 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 95 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 96 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 97 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 98 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 99 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 100 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 101 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 102 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 103 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 104 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 105 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 106 | VCCINT β Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 107 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 108 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 109 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 110 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 111 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 112 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 113 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 114 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 115 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 116 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 117 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 118 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 119 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 120 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 121 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 122 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 123 | VCCIO3 β I/O bank 3 supply voltage |
| Pin 124 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 125 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 126 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 127 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 128 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 129 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 130 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 131 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 132 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 133 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 134 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 135 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 136 | VCCIO4 β I/O bank 4 supply voltage |
| Pin 137 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 138 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 139 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 140 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 141 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 142 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 143 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 144 | I/O β User I/O pin (bank 4) |
Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics
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
EP20K100FC144-2X is suitable for 7 applications: Telecommunications Line Card Interface Bridging, Industrial Machine Vision Pre-Processing Pipeline, ASIC Prototyping and Verification Platform, Embedded System Glue Logic and Custom I/O Expansion, Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Low-Volume DSP and Communication Pipeline, Aerospace and Defense Legacy Avionics Interface.
Telecommunications Line Card Interface Bridging
The EP20K100FC144-2X is well-suited to telecommunications line card interface bridging, where it can implement bus converters, framer interfaces, and protocol adaptation glue logic. With 4,160 logic elements and 53,248 bits of embedded RAM, the device comfortably fits TDM bus multiplexers, HDLC controllers, and serial-to-parallel converters used between line interface units (LIUs) and network processors. The 93 user I/O pins support multiple I/O standards (3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS, 5V tolerant) needed to bridge legacy 5V interface logic to 3.3V NPUs, eliminating external level shifters. Designers typically allocate roughly 50-70% of the LEs to interface logic and use the remaining capacity for status/control registers and watchdog timers. The APEX-20K family MultiCore interconnect provides deterministic routing delays, which is critical when bridging telecom clock domains at T1/E1 (1.544/2.048 MHz) or higher rates.
Recommended
Industrial Machine Vision Pre-Processing Pipeline
In machine vision pipelines, the EP20K100FC144-2X can host pre-processing stages such as Bayer demosaicing, histogram equalization, and threshold-based segmentation before handing off pixel data to a downstream processor. The 53,248 bits of embedded RAM (organized in EABs) are well-matched to line buffers for typical VGA (640x480) and SVGA (800x600) sensor streams, while the 4,160 logic elements implement pixel-pipeline arithmetic. The 93 I/O pins support parallel camera interface (8/10/12-bit data bus) plus control signals (VSYNC, HSYNC, PIXCLK) and external memory handshakes. The 144-LQFP package is hand-solderable, which simplifies prototype builds for industrial integrators building small-batch inspection systems. The APEX-20K device is typically clocked at 33-66 MHz in such pipelines, well within the speed grade -2 capability.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Verification Platform
The EP20K100FC144-2X is frequently used as an ASIC prototyping vehicle for designs targeting gate counts in the 30k-80k gate range. The 4,160 logic elements, combined with abundant EAB-based RAM and 93 user I/O pins, allow engineers to map RTL designs into real silicon before committing to an ASIC tape-out, reducing risk on first-pass designs. The Quartus II design flow supports incremental compilation and LogicLock regions, enabling IP block isolation between team members. The 144-LQFP package provides enough I/O for ASIC verification pads including JTAG, GPIO banks, and memory bus signals. Speed grade -2 supports reasonable Fmax targets (typically 60-100 MHz internal performance for moderately pipelined designs) for functional verification before ASIC sign-off.
Recommended
Embedded System Glue Logic and Custom I/O Expansion
The EP20K100FC144-2X is widely deployed as glue logic between microprocessors/microcontrollers and peripheral devices, especially where custom I/O timing or protocol conversion is needed. Typical uses include SPI-to-parallel bus expansion, PWM generation, quadrature encoder decoding, and custom interrupt controllers. The 93 user I/O pins allow the device to replace multiple 74-series logic packages with a single programmable part, simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM cost. The 53,248 bits of embedded RAM support FIFOs, lookup tables, and small scratchpad memories used to buffer data between mismatched bus speeds. The 144-LQFP (FC) surface-mount package is straightforward to assemble using standard reflow profiles.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In legacy test and measurement instruments, the EP20K100FC144-2X implements custom waveform generation, signal conditioning sequencers, and parallel data acquisition paths. The 4,160 logic elements handle state machines and timing generators, while the embedded RAM stores calibration tables, sine lookup tables, and pattern buffers. The 93 I/O pins interface to ADCs, DACs, display drivers, and front-panel keypads without external bus expander chips. The device's deterministic MultiCore interconnect ensures repeatable timing critical for accurate measurement. Speed grade -2 comfortably drives 16-bit parallel ADC interfaces at 10-50 MSPS, sufficient for many bench-top instrument designs.
Recommended
Low-Volume DSP and Communication Pipeline
The EP20K100FC144-2X can implement low-volume, low-cost DSP and communication pipeline stages such as FIR filters, FFT pre-processors, and convolutional encoders where dedicated DSP chips are too expensive or unavailable. The 4,160 logic elements can implement moderate-tap FIR filters (16-32 taps) or small FFT engines (32-64 points) using the EABs for coefficient storage. The 93 I/O pins support parallel data paths to analog front-end ADCs and DACs. Speed grade -2 supports 50-80 MHz operation for real-time narrowband DSP. While not a replacement for high-end DSP or modern FPGA SoCs, this part remains a viable option for legacy audio processing, narrowband modem, or simple radar pre-processing applications.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Legacy Avionics Interface
The EP20K100FC144-2X is used in legacy aerospace and defense avionics interfaces such as MIL-STD-1553 bridges, ARINC 429 line drivers, and discrete I/O expansion for flight control computers. The 93 user I/O pins and robust 144-LQFP package support the high pin counts required by parallel avionics buses. APEX-20K devices have extensive flight heritage from programs designed in the early 2000s, and the long-term availability through distributors supports multi-decade maintenance cycles for deployed platforms. Engineers maintaining such systems should note that sourcing is increasingly broker-dependent, and any new avionics design should consider radiation-tolerant alternatives or modern Cyclone IV parts qualified to relevant DO-254 levels.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K100FC144-2X β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K100FC144-2 | EP20K100FC144-1X | EP20K100FC144-1 | EP20K100EFC144-1 | EP20K100ETC144-2N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-LQFP (FC) | 144-LQFP (FC) - same | 144-LQFP (FC) - same | 144-LQFP (FC) - same | 144-LQFP (FC) - same | 144-LQFP (TC) - footprint variant |
| Brand | Intel (formerly Altera) | Intel - same | Intel - same | Intel - same | Intel - same | Intel - same |
| Family | APEX-20K (F variant) | APEX-20K (F variant) - same | APEX-20K (F variant) - same | APEX-20K (F variant) - same | APEX-20KE (E variant) - different | APEX-20KE (E variant) - different |
| Speed Grade | -2 | -2 (same) | -1X (slower) | -1 (slower) | -1 (slower) | -2N (similar) |
| Logic Elements | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 |
| Total RAM Bits | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | [DATA_NEEDED: enhanced RAM size] | [DATA_NEEDED: enhanced RAM size] |
| Number of I/O | 93 | 93 | 93 | 93 | 93 | [DATA_NEEDED] |
| Bitstream Compatibility | Reference base | Compatible (same F variant) | Compatible (same F variant) | Compatible (same F variant) | NOT compatible (E variant) | NOT compatible (E variant) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
Key Differentiators
- Highest available speed grade in the 144-LQFP (FC) APEX-20K family (vs EP20K100FC144-1X)
- Pin-compatible with F-variant APEX-20K family, bitstream compatible with same speed grade (vs EP20K100EFC144-1)
- Legacy industrial/avionics proven supply chain via brokers (vs EP1SGX40GF1020C7)
Design Notes
The EP20K100FC144-2X requires a 2.5V core supply (VCCINT) and separate VCCIO supplies for each I/O bank. Use a low-impedance regulator (LDO or buck converter with output filter) to supply VCCINT, with bulk decoupling of at least 22uF plus 0.1uF ceramic capacitors at every VCCINT pin. Each VCCIO pin (there are typically 4 per bank) requires a 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed within 5mm of the pin. Power-on sequencing is not strictly required but recommended: bring VCCINT up first, then VCCIO. Decoupling capacitance for the entire package should total at least 100uF across VCCINT and VCCIO rails.
The 144-LQFP (FC) package has 0.5mm pitch leads requiring careful PCB layout for manufacturability. Use NSMD (non-solder mask defined) pads with a pad length of 1.5-2.0mm and width of 0.30mm for reliable soldering. Route all signals on inner layers, and dedicate at least one solid ground plane directly under the package. Keep high-speed I/O traces short (<50mm) and impedance-controlled to 50 ohms for LVTTL or 100 ohms differential for LVDS. Place JTAG header (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) within 75mm of the device to ensure signal integrity for programming. Thermal relief: although 144-LQFP has moderate thermal performance, place thermal vias under the exposed die pad area if present, and ensure ground plane provides adequate heat spreading.
Common pitfalls when designing with the EP20K100FC144-2X: (1) Using modern Quartus Prime instead of legacy Quartus II 13.0sp1 or earlier - the APEX-20K family is not supported in current Quartus releases; (2) Confusing the 'F' (non-enhanced) variant with the 'E' (enhanced APEX-20KE) variant - bitstreams are not interchangeable even though packages are pin-compatible; (3) Assuming production-stock availability - this is a legacy NRND part sourced from brokers; (4) Skipping JTAG programming header - in-system programming is essential for field updates; (5) Not verifying speed grade for timing closure - the '-2X' is faster than '-1X' / '-1' and may be required for designs near Fmax limits; (6) Mixing VCCIO voltages across banks without proper I/O standard constraints - each bank can have an independent VCCIO level but I/O standards must be compatible with that bank voltage.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH/lead-free status not verified in provided web sources. APEX-20K family is legacy hardware from the Altera era (pre-Intel acquisition); the part was originally non-RoHS by default but later revisions may have RoHS-compliant variants. Verify compliance with the manufacturer or distributor documentation before use in RoHS-restricted regions.
