EP20K200EQC240-3N - APEX 20KE FPGA 8,320 LE | Altera
MPN: EP20K200EQC240-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $63.8 | $63.80 |
| 10 | $57.42 | $574.20 |
| 100 | $52.17 | $5,217.00 |
| 500 | $48.03 | $24,015.00 |
| 1,000 | $45.25 | $45,250.00 |
EP20K200EQC240-3N Overview
A field-programmable gate array is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric, routing, I/O assignments and memory contents can be configured after manufacturing. The APEX-20KE family sits between an FPGA and a CPLD: it combines look-up-table logic with embedded system blocks and product-term macrocells, making it useful for moderately complex logic, memory, and controllers on one programmable device.
The EP20K200EQC240-3N contains 8,320 logic elements and 106,496 bits of embedded RAM, supports 168 user I/Os in the 240-BQFP package, and is specified for a 1.71 V to 1.89 V core supply on a 0.22 um CMOS process. The commercial temperature range is 0 to 85 C. As a -3 speed grade part, it is slower than -2 and -1 variants in the same family but remains pin-compatible with those faster alternatives.
Because the APEX-20KE is SRAM-based, the EP20K200EQC240-3N must be configured at power-up from an external configuration device or through a download cable. The 168 user I/Os, embedded RAM and 200,000 gate equivalent density allow it to absorb legacy ASIC/CPLD logic, bus interfaces, small FIFOs and control state machines on a single board.
Typical applications include telecom line cards, video/imaging modules, industrial control logic and test/measurement instruments built during the 2000s. The 240-pin PQFP footprint with gull-wing leads is suitable for conventional surface-mount assembly and can be inspected without x-ray.
When maintaining a legacy board with this FPGA, preserve the exact configuration file and match the selected EP20K200E variant to the already-programmed configuration PROM. In new designs, choose a current Intel/Cyclone or other vendor FPGA instead of APEX-20KE.
This page adds the drop-in cross-reference information, legacy sourcing channels, package notes, and practical design guidance that are not always obvious from distributor listing snippets.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200EQC240-3N — 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 EP20K200EQC240-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, Package / Case.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K200EQC240-3
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K200EQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$198.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-1N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$138 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-1X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KE |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 8320 |
| Number of Gates | 200000 |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 bits |
| Number of User I/Os | 168 |
| Voltage - Supply | 1.71V ~ 1.89V |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8 V nominal |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 189 MHz common -3 speed listing |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 85 C |
| Package / Case | 240-BQFP |
| Supplier Device Package | 240-PQFP (32x32) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Technology | CMOS |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um |
| Configuration Type | SRAM-based, external configuration required |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / legacy distribution via Rochester Electronics |
| RoHS Status | Unknown; N suffix often indicates Pb-free finish but not confirmed in verified snippets |
EP20K200EQC240-3N 240-pqfp (32x32) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K200EQC240-3N (240-pqfp (32x32) 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 EP20K200EQC240-3N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K200EQC240-3N is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control and PLC I/O, Telecommunications Line Card / Legacy Networking, Video and Image Processing Front End, Data Acquisition and Interface Bridging, Aerospace and Defense Legacy System Repair, Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Legacy Industrial Control and PLC I/O
The EP20K200EQC240-3N suits legacy industrial controllers that were designed around APEX-20KE logic. Its 168 user I/O pins can connect to parallel backplanes, opto-isolator banks, encoder counters, and legacy peripheral chips, while 8,320 logic elements implement state machines, decode logic, and timing generators in a single programmable device. The 0 to 85 C operating range fits indoor control cabinets, and the 1.71-1.89 V core is supplied by a conventional 1.8 V regulator; no high-current motor-drive switching appears on this rail. Because the APEX-20KE is SRAM-based, each board must include an EPC-series configuration PROM that loads the design at power-up. For repairs, the replacement FPGA must be programmed with the same configuration data or contain a POF that matches the existing PROM content; using a faster -2N drop-in, on the same 240-BQFP footprint, can preserve compatibility if timing differences are reviewed.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line Card / Legacy Networking
Line cards from the early 2000s used the EP20K200EQC240-3N for channel mapping, framer logic, FIFO buffering, and backplane signaling. Its 8,320 logic elements provide enough gates for a few TDM/Ethernet control engines, while 106,496 RAM bits can implement small packet buffers or rate-matching FIFOs without external SRAM. The 168 I/Os are suitable for connection to parallel system buses, PHYs, and line-interface modules. The -3 speed grade handles moderate clock rates around 189 MHz in typical APEX-20KE designs. Since the family is now obsolete, the primary use is repairing or extending the life of existing telecom equipment. When replacing a failed FPGA, reuse the original configuration PROM or re-program the replacement device with a verified POF; speed-grade differences should be checked against the recovered timing constraints.
Recommended
Video and Image Processing Front End
Video and image-processing boards built around APEX-20KE used the EP20K200EQC240-3N for pixel-format conversion, small line buffers, timing generation, and sensor interface logic. The 106,496 RAM bits can hold scan-line delays or small image windows, while 8,320 LEs implement arithmetic, color-space conversion, or simple filtering logic. The 168 user I/Os are enough to connect to CMOS/CCD imaging sensors, high-speed ADCs, SRAM, and display controllers. Commercial temperature operation covers lab and industrial imaging applications. Because the FPGA is volatile, a configuration device must download the image at power-up. For legacy imaging systems still in production or service, the -3N part can be replaced by -2N or -1N devices on the same PCB footprint if the image-processing datapath needs higher performance; verify the full bitstream and reset sequencing.
Recommended
Data Acquisition and Interface Bridging
In data acquisition systems, the EP20K200EQC240-3N can bridge parallel instruments, ADC/DAC converters, SRAM, and host buses. The 168 I/Os allow a full 16-bit or 32-bit data path plus address and control signals, and the 8,320 logic elements can implement FIFO state machines, trigger logic, and simple protocol controllers. The embedded RAM provides double-buffering or data packing functions that reduce external memory parts. The 1.8 V core supply keeps dynamic power manageable for desktop and rack-mounted instruments. Legacy acquisition boards may require exact replacement parts because the FPGA configuration is tied to the rest of the analog front end. Use the same -3N speed grade unless timing analysis on the recovered design shows insufficient margin; only then migrate to a faster -2N variant with identical 240-BQFP footprint and re-verify sampling clocks.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Legacy System Repair
Long-life aerospace and defense systems sometimes require exact FPGA replacements rather than redesign. The EP20K200EQC240-3N is a Rochester-managed legacy APEX-20KE device that can be sourced for repair of fielded avionics, radar, or communication modules. Its 200,000-gate density, 8,320 logic elements, and 168 I/Os are sufficient for many military data-processing and interface functions designed in the 2000s. Commercial temperature 0 to 85 C may not cover all military environments, so verify the system-level thermal design and use the correct speed grade from the original BOM. Because the FPGA is SRAM-based, the configuration source must be intact; otherwise the replacement cannot operate. Confirm RoHS/lead-finish requirements for high-reliability assembly and check the obsolescence strategy before committing to a large repair lot.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers from the APEX-20KE era often used the EP20K200EQC240-3N for trigger logic, pattern generators, and data formatting. The FPGA's 106,496 RAM bits can store small acquisition buffers or lookup tables, while 8,320 logic elements implement the flexible state machines needed for instrument operation. The 168 user I/Os connect to ADC front ends, front-panel controls, display drivers, and host bridge chips. The 240-pin BQFP package gives a moderately dense but inspectable board layout. For instrument refurbishment, replacing the -3N part with the exact speed grade is safest because trigger timing and sample clocks may be sensitive to propagation differences. If the faster -2N or -1N variant is used instead, run full automated calibration and self-test routines to confirm timing closure.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200EQC240-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200EQC240-3 | EP20K200EQC240-2N | EP20K200EQC240-2 | EP20K200EQC240-1N | EP20K200EQC240-1 | EP20K200EQC240-1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP | 240-BQFP |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Series | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE |
| Voltage - Supply | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V | 1.71V ~ 1.89V |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits | 106496 bits |
| Number of User I/Os | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 |
| Speed Grade | -3 | -3 | -2 | -2 | -1 | -1 | -1X |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C | 0 to 85 C |
Key Differentiators
- 240-BQFP speed-grade family is drop-in swappable (vs EP20K200EQC240-2N)
- N suffix supports lead-free assembly expectations (vs EP20K200EQC240-3)
- Legacy availability through Rochester Electronics (vs EP20K200EQC240-1X)
Design Notes
Do not select the EP20K200EQC240-3N for new designs because APEX-20KE is an obsolete legacy family now supplied by Rochester Electronics. Before layout or repair, confirm that enough devices are available for the whole production or maintenance run. Also remember that the device is SRAM-based: the board must still contain a configuration PROM or download path. If a legacy board is being repaired, recover the exact configuration file from the PROM or programming database before installing a replacement FPGA.
The EP20K200EQC240-3N core supply is 1.71 V to 1.89 V nominal 1.8 V. Place low-ESR 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors close to every core supply pin and group several 10 uF bulk capacitors around the FPGA. If the board provides separate VCCIO rails, keep them clean and establish the correct sequencing according to the APEX-20KE power-up requirement from the full datasheet. Do not drive core pins from a 2.5 V or 3.3 V rail. Legacy FPGAs may have different I/O voltage behavior than modern devices, so review the complete power-tree before changing regulators.
The legacy 240-pin PQFP/BQFP package is surface mount with gull-wing leads. The exact thermal resistance for the 240-BQFP package was not supplied in the verified data, so use the board-level thermal model from Altera/Intel's APEX-20KE documentation when estimating case and junction temperature. For moderate-density designs, provide a solid ground plane under the package and adequate copper for each power net. Because this is an older 0.22 um CMOS FPGA, power dissipation depends on I/O loading, internal toggle rate, and configured resources; measure the actual supply current on a prototype before finalizing heatsink or airflow decisions.
Compliance Information
The N suffix in Altera ordering usually suggests Pb-free finish, but the verified web snippets did not explicitly state RoHS/REACH compliance, AEC qualification, or conflict-mineral status. Confirm compliance documentation with Rochester Electronics or Intel/Altera before high-reliability or RoHS-restricted assembly.
