EPF8636ALC84-3 - 6K-Gate FLEX 8000 FPGA, 84-PLCC | Intel
MPN: EPF8636ALC84-3 β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $26.2 | $262.00 |
| 100 | $23.4 | $2,340.00 |
| 500 | $20.95 | $10,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.75 | $18,750.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EPF8636ALC84-3 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:
EPF8636ALC84-4
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$24.3 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8636ALC84-5
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EPF8282ALC84-3
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8452ALC84-3
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8636ALC84-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 8000 |
| Usable Gates | 6,000 |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 504 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 63 |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 6 (2,048 bits each, 12,288 total RAM bits) |
| User I/Os | 68 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.42 Β΅m CMOS, 5-metal |
| Core Supply Voltage | 5.0 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V or 5.0 V (selectable per bank) |
| Configuration Method | SRAM, in-circuit reconfigurable via external EPC or host |
| Package | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC (84-LCC, J-Lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (J-Lead, also socketable) |
| Speed Grade | -3 (fastest) |
EPF8636ALC84-3 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β User I/O pin (function defined by user design) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage bank 1 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 6 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 9 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 11 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 14 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | VCC β Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 16 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 17 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 21 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 22 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 23 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 24 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 25 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 26 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage bank 2 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 27 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 28 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 29 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 30 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 31 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 32 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 33 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 34 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 35 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 36 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 37 | VCC β Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 38 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 39 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 40 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 41 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 42 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 43 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 44 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active-low reset) |
| Pin 45 | MSEL0 β Configuration mode select bit 0 |
| Pin 46 | MSEL1 β Configuration mode select bit 1 |
| Pin 47 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (open-drain, active-low) |
| Pin 48 | CONF_DONE β Configuration complete (open-drain, active-high) |
| Pin 49 | DCLK β Configuration clock input |
| Pin 50 | DATA0 β Configuration data input (serial) |
| Pin 51 | VCC β Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 52 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 53 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 54 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 55 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 56 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 57 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 58 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 59 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 60 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 61 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 62 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 63 | VCCIO β I/O supply voltage bank 3 (3.3 V or 5.0 V) |
| Pin 64 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 65 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 66 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 67 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 68 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 69 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 70 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 71 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 72 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 73 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 74 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 75 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 76 | VCC β Core 5.0 V supply |
| Pin 77 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 78 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 79 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 80 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 81 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 82 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 83 | I/O β User I/O pin |
| Pin 84 | I/O β User I/O pin |
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
EPF8636ALC84-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Control Glue Logic, Legacy Peripheral Bus Bridging (ISA / VME), Aerospace & Defense Legacy Sustainment, Test & Measurement Front-End Logic, Telecommunications Channel Aggregation, Retrocomputing & Emulation Platforms.
Industrial Control Glue Logic
The EPF8636ALC84-3 fits industrial control glue-logic applications because its 504 logic cells and 68 user I/Os provide ample headroom for consolidating multiple 74-series TTL functions into a single reconfigurable device. Its 5.0 V core and 3.3 V/5.0 V VCCIO banks allow direct interfacing to legacy 5 V PLC backplanes and modern 3.3 V sensor front-ends on the same die, eliminating level shifters. The 84-pin PLCC package is socketable, simplifying field replacement in factory-floor controllers. In-circuit reconfigurability allows firmware updates without powering down the line - critical for 24/7 manufacturing. Designers should note the SRAM-based configuration requires a companion EPC PROM for non-volatile storage.
Recommended
Legacy Peripheral Bus Bridging (ISA / VME)
The EPF8636ALC84-3 is widely deployed as a bus-bridge FPGA between legacy ISA or VME peripheral buses and modern processor interfaces, because its 6,000 usable gates and 68 I/Os are sufficient to implement multi-master bus arbiters, address decoding, and DMA controllers in a single chip. The 125 MHz maximum internal frequency comfortably handles ISA bus timing (8 MHz) and even VME transceivers (up to 40 MB/s). Mixed VCCIO banks (3.3 V for the processor side, 5.0 V for the legacy bus side) eliminate external level translation. Its SRAM-based fabric means bridge firmware can be revised in-system to fix protocol bugs without respinning the PCB.
Recommended
Aerospace & Defense Legacy Sustainment
The EPF8636ALC84-3 remains in active aerospace and defense sustainment programs because the 84-pin PLCC package is form-fit-function compatible with fielded avionics designs, avoiding costly PCB re-qualification under DO-254. Its 6,000-gate capacity is sufficient for flight-control interface consolidation, MIL-STD-1553 bus monitoring, and weapons-store interface logic. The commercial-grade plastic PLCC is qualified via per-lot screening by system integrators for use in non-flight-critical LRUs. Engineers planning new designs should evaluate MAX 10 (Intel) or Microsemi IGLOO2 equivalents, but for legacy sustainment the EPF8636ALC84-3 is the only pin-compatible option.
Recommended
Test & Measurement Front-End Logic
The EPF8636ALC84-3 suits test-and-measurement front-end logic because its 6 EABs (12,288 bits of distributed RAM) can implement deep pattern-matching FIFOs, capture buffers, and timing generators without external memory. The 68 user I/Os support direct connection to multi-channel ADC/DAC front-ends, while the 125 MHz internal fabric enables 100 MHz sample-rate pattern generation. Its in-circuit reconfigurability allows engineers to swap test patterns per UUT without disassembling the test fixture. The 84-pin J-lead PLCC is socketable, simplifying calibration access in production ATE racks.
Recommended
Telecommunications Channel Aggregation
The EPF8636ALC84-3 is used in telecommunications channel-aggregation equipment because its 504-cell fabric can implement E1/T1 framer glue logic, HDLC controllers, and timeslot crossbar switches in a single chip - replacing multiple discrete ASICs from the 1990s era. The mixed VCCIO banks (3.3 V and 5.0 V) allow direct connection to T1 line interface units (LIUs) operating at 5.0 V and to modern microprocessors at 3.3 V. Its in-system reconfigurability enables protocol upgrades (e.g., from T1 to fractional T1) via remote firmware download - matching the field-service model of telecom carriers.
Recommended
Retrocomputing & Emulation Platforms
The EPF8636ALC84-3 fits retrocomputing and vintage hardware emulation projects because its FLEX 8000 architecture is well-documented and supported by legacy Quartus II software, making it a popular target for FPGA-based re-implementations of classic arcade, workstation, and game-console logic. The 84-pin PLCC is breadboard-friendly with through-hole socket adapters, enabling hobbyists to integrate it into retro motherboards. Its 6,000 gates are sufficient for 8-bit CPU cores (e.g., Z80, 6502) and modest peripheral sets. The SRAM-based fabric allows bitstream reload from SD card via microcontroller for cartridge-style emulation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF8636ALC84-3 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF8636ALC84-4 | EPF8636ALC84-5 | EPF8282ALC84-3 | EPF8452ALC84-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same | 84-pin J-Lead PLCC - same |
| Usable Gates | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 | 2,000 (-67%) | 4,000 (-33%) |
| Logic Cells | 504 | 504 | 504 | 208 (-59%) | 336 (-33%) |
| User I/Os | 68 | 68 | 68 | 52 (-24%) | 64 (-6%) |
| Speed Grade | -3 (fastest) | -4 (slower) | -5 (slowest) | -3 | -3 |
| Core Voltage | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Family | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 | FLEX 8000 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density FLEX 8000 in 84-pin PLCC (vs EPF8452ALC84-3)
- Fastest speed grade available in 84-pin PLCC (vs EPF8636ALC84-4)
- More I/Os than smaller FLEX 8000 siblings (vs EPF8282ALC84-3)
Design Notes
The EPF8636ALC84-3 requires a clean 5.0 V Β±5% supply on the VCC pins (pins 15, 37, 51, 76) with a recommended 100 Β΅F bulk + 0.1 Β΅F ceramic decoupling per VCC pin. The VCCIO pins are independently selectable at 3.3 V or 5.0 V and must be tied even if the corresponding I/O bank is unused. Estimated: core current at 125 MHz with 100% toggle is approximately 200-300 mA; derate by 30% for typical designs. Do not power VCC without also powering VCCIO - this can cause output drive contention during configuration.
SRAM-based configuration is volatile - the EPF8636ALC84-3 loses its design at every power-down and requires a companion EPC1/EPC2 configuration PROM, JTAG programmer, or microcontroller to load the bitstream at power-up. Without a configuration source, all I/O pins float to tri-state at power-up, which can cause bus contention in mixed designs. Estimated configuration time for a full 6K-gate design is approximately 30 ms via serial EPC. Use nCONFIG to delay configuration or to trigger reconfiguration in-system.
Estimated: at 5.0 V VCC and 125 MHz with 100% I/O toggle, the EPF8636ALC84-3 dissipates approximately 1.0-1.5 W. The 84-pin J-lead PLCC has theta_JA of approximately 35 Β°C/W (per Altera package thermal data), yielding a junction temperature rise of 35-53 Β°C above ambient. For commercial grade (0-70 Β°C), no heatsink is required. For industrial applications with high ambient temperatures, ensure at least 0.5 inΒ² of ground-plane copper under the PLCC footprint to improve thermal spreading.
The 84-pin J-lead PLCC has 1.27 mm pin pitch and is socketable - use a quality PLCC84 socket (e.g., 3M or Aries) for prototype designs to allow easy FPGA swaps during development. For production, direct solder to the PCB is acceptable; follow J-lead soldering profile with peak temperature 220 Β°C for 30 seconds. Place the configuration EPC PROM within 50 mm of the EPF8636ALC84-3 DCLK/DATA0 pins to minimize signal skew, and route DCLK as a short, impedance-controlled trace.
Compliance Information
Original FLEX 8000 family predates RoHS directive; specific date-code compliance must be verified with the distributor. AEC-Q100 not applicable (commercial/industrial FPGAs only). All compliance fields marked unknown because the provided web data does not contain date-code-specific material declarations.
