EPF8636ALI84-4 - FLEX 8000 FPGA 6K Gates 504 Cells | Intel / Altera
MPN: EPF8636ALI84-4 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28.5 | $28.50 |
| 10 | $24.75 | $247.50 |
| 100 | $21.2 | $2,120.00 |
| 500 | $18.5 | $9,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.1 | $16,100.00 |
Drop-in alternatives for EPF8636ALI84-4 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 βEPF8636ALC84-3
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$18.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8636ALC84-4N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$7.5 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8452ALI84-4
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8282ALI84-4
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$8.2 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPF8636ALI84-4 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | FLEX 8000 |
| Usable Gates | 6,000 |
| Logic Elements (Cells) | 504 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 63 |
| User I/Os | 68 |
| Maximum Toggle Frequency | 125 MHz |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.42 Β΅m CMOS SRAM |
| Package Type | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (Commercial) |
| Configuration Method | Serial or Parallel EPROM, JTAG ICR |
| MultiVolt I/O (this package) | No (5 V only for 84-pin PLCC) |
| Configuration Devices Supported | EPC1, EPC1064, EPC1213, EPC1441 |
EPF8636ALI84-4 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O β User I/O pin (dual-purpose: user I/O or DATA0 during configuration) |
| Pin 2 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 3 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 4 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 5 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 6 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 7 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 8 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 9 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 10 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 11 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 12 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 13 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 14 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 15 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 16 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 17 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 18 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 19 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 20 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 21 | VCC β 5 V core supply |
| Pin 22 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 23 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 24 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 25 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 26 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 27 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 28 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 29 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 30 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 31 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 32 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 33 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 34 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 35 | nCONFIG β Configuration control (active low) |
| Pin 36 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 37 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 38 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 39 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 40 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 41 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 42 | VCC β 5 V core supply |
| Pin 43 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 44 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 45 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 46 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 47 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 48 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 49 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 50 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 51 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 52 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 53 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 54 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 55 | TDI β JTAG Test Data In |
| Pin 56 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 57 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 58 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 59 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 60 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 61 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 62 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 63 | VCC β 5 V core supply |
| Pin 64 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 65 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 66 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 67 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 68 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 69 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 70 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 71 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 72 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 73 | GND β Ground |
| Pin 74 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 75 | TDO β JTAG Test Data Out |
| Pin 76 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 77 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 78 | TMS β JTAG Test Mode Select |
| Pin 79 | TCK β JTAG Test Clock |
| Pin 80 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 81 | nSTATUS β Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 82 | I/O β User I/O |
| Pin 83 | CONF_DONE β Configuration done |
| Pin 84 | I/O β User I/O |
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
EPF8636ALI84-4 is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Control Logic (Glue Logic Replacement), Legacy Telecommunications Equipment, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Educational and Development Platforms, Aerospace and Defense Legacy Avionics, Medical Imaging and Monitoring Systems (Legacy), Automotive Test Bench (Non-Production).
Industrial Control Logic (Glue Logic Replacement)
The EPF8636ALI84-4 is well suited to legacy industrial control boards that previously used 74-series TTL or 4000-series CMOS glue logic. With 504 cells and 68 I/Os, it can absorb dozens of discrete gates into a single IC, shrinking board area and improving noise immunity on 5 V industrial rails. The 125 MHz fMAX handles machine-control state machines and motor-drive interlocks. Industrial temperature rating (-40 Β°C to +85 Β°C) suits factory-floor cabinets. Design the PCB with bulk 10 Β΅F + 0.1 Β΅F decoupling on every VCC pair, and use MAX+PLUS II or Quartus II for synthesis.
Recommended
Legacy Telecommunications Equipment
The EPF8636ALI84-4 is widely deployed in older telecom infrastructure (T1/E1 framers, line-interface units, switching fabrics) where FLEX 8000 was the workhorse of the late 1990s. Its 504 cells and 68 I/Os accommodate bus-format converters, FIFO controllers, and timing-recovery state machines at 125 MHz fMAX. The 5 V core and JTAG in-circuit reconfigurability simplify field firmware updates. For long-life telecom spares, source EPF8636ALC84-4 commercial-grade inventory. Pair with an Altera EPC1064 configuration EPROM for non-volatile boot on cold-start.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Test equipment manufacturers adopted FLEX 8000 in the 1990s to implement custom timing generators, trigger sequencers, and protocol-decoder state machines. The EPF8636ALI84-4's 504 cells are enough to handle multi-channel pulse-train synthesis with 125 MHz internal toggle rates, while 68 user I/Os drive front-panel BNCs and backplane buses. The 84-pin PLCC J-lead package is socketed for in-field replacement. Engineers can keep the MAX+PLUS II design flow for legacy equipment or migrate new designs to MAX 10 / Cyclone IV. Decouple aggressively because long ribbon-cable I/O traces inject noise.
Recommended
Educational and Development Platforms
Universities and training labs use the EPF8636ALI84-4 to teach programmable logic concepts because the FLEX 8000 architecture is well-documented in textbooks and the MAX+PLUS II toolchain is freely available. The 504-cell device supports laboratory projects such as 8-bit RISC CPUs, VGA controllers, and UART cores. 68 user I/Os connect to breadboards and breakout boards. The 84-pin PLCC socket simplifies replacement when students burn out pins. Pair the FPGA with EPC1441 configuration ROM to demonstrate power-up bitstream loading.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Legacy Avionics
Older avionics subsystems and military fielded equipment still use FLEX 8000 FPGAs including EPF8636ALI84-4 for navigation, sensor interface, and display-driver logic. The industrial temperature grade handles cockpit temperature swings; the 5 V core and CMOS SRAM configuration simplify cold-temperature startups. 68 user I/Os multiplex ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and discrete I/O channels. Because the FLEX 8000 family is obsolete, sustainment programs rely on factory stock and authorized aftermarket brokers. Plan obsolescence migration to radiation-tolerant RTAX-S or modern Microsemi/Intel devices.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Monitoring Systems (Legacy)
Medical imaging OEMs in the late 1990s adopted FLEX 8000 for ultrasound beamformers and patient-monitor front-ends. The EPF8636ALI84-4's 504 cells handle channel-multiplexing logic while 68 user I/Os connect to ADC/DAC front-ends. The 5 V core and 125 MHz fMAX enable real-time beam steering and ECG DSP. Industrial temperature rating covers clinical environments. For new medical designs, migrate to MAX 10 (IEC 61508 capable) or Cyclone IV (lower power). Existing fleet sustainment programs should source EPF8636ALC84-4 commercial-grade stock.
Recommended
Automotive Test Bench (Non-Production)
While the EPF8636ALI84-4 is not AEC-Q100 qualified for in-vehicle deployment, automotive tier-1 suppliers use it on lab test benches and HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) rigs that simulate CAN, LIN, and FlexRay bus traffic. 504 cells emulate ECU logic, and 68 user I/Os drive bench instrumentation. Industrial temperature grade supports engine-compartment simulators. For production ECUs, migrate to Cyclone IV or MAX 10 with automotive qualification. Decouple aggressively because HIL rigs inject high-current transients near the FPGA.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPF8636ALI84-4 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPF8636ALC84-4 | EPF8636ALC84-3 | EPF8636ALC84-4N | EPF8452ALI84-4 | EPF8282ALI84-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Package | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) - same | 84-Pin PLCC (J-Lead) - same |
| Logic Cells | 504 | 504 | 504 | 504 | 452 (-10.3%) | 282 (-44.0%) |
| User I/Os | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Speed Grade | -4 (fastest) | -4 (same) | -3 (slightly slower) | -4 (same) | -4 (same) | -4 (same) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (Commercial) | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (Commercial) | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (Commercial) | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) | -40 Β°C to +85 Β°C (Industrial) |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V | 5 V |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] | Yes (lead-free N suffix) | [DATA_NEEDED] | [DATA_NEEDED] |
| Maximum Toggle Frequency | 125 MHz | 125 MHz | ~110 MHz (slower speed grade) | 125 MHz | 125 MHz | 125 MHz |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature grade in a J-lead PLCC package (vs EPF8636ALC84-4)
- Full 504-cell density in the FLEX 8000 family at -4 speed grade (vs EPF8452ALI84-4)
- Higher density than EPF8282ALI84-4 with same package (vs EPF8282ALI84-4)
- Drop-in same-family compatibility preserves MAX+PLUS II design flow (vs MAX 10 (10M02/10M04))
Design Notes
Estimated: At 5 V supply and typical industrial switching activity (~50% toggle rate), the EPF8636ALI84-4 draws approximately 100 mA to 300 mA. Place a 10 Β΅F tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at each PLCC VCC pin pair (pins 21, 42, 63) and pair with 0.1 Β΅F ceramics in parallel for high-frequency decoupling. The 84-pin PLCC has three VCC pins and three GND pins β all must be connected for stable operation. Add a ferrite bead on the incoming 5 V rail to suppress switching-noise injection.
Use a through-hole PLCC socket (e.g. 84-pin J-lead machined-pin socket) to allow in-field replacement β the part is obsolete and field-swap frequency will increase over the product lifecycle. Keep all configuration traces (nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE, DATA, DCLK) under 50 mm and route them away from high-current switching nodes. The JTAG chain (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be guarded by ground traces to prevent false bitstream loads during in-circuit test.
The 84-pin PLCC package of the EPF8636A is NOT MultiVolt I/O capable β only 5 V I/O operation is supported. Forcing 3.3 V I/O on this package can damage the input structures. If 3.3 V I/O is required, choose the EPF8820A or EPF81188A in TQFP/QFP packages instead. Also note that configuration must complete within the FLEX 8000 spec or the device holds nSTATUS low β add a 10 kΞ© pull-up on nSTATUS and 10 kΞ© pull-up on nCONFIG per the datasheet recommendations.
Place the EPC1 / EPC1064 / EPC1213 / EPC1441 configuration EPROM within 25 mm of the FPGA. Use series 33 Ξ© termination on DCLK if the configuration trace exceeds 50 mm. For JTAG boundary-scan, ensure the JTAG chain is well-terminated β series 22 Ξ© at the FPGA pin and a 10 kΞ© pull-up on TMS/TCK. Keep the configuration clock below 10 MHz to meet the FLEX 8000 tcfgsu / tcfgco timing constraints. Decoupling capacitors must sit within 2 mm of their respective VCC/GND pin pair.
Estimated: The 0.42 Β΅m CMOS FLEX 8000 architecture at typical industrial toggle rates produces modest self-heating β junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for the 84-pin PLCC is approximately 35β45 Β°C/W. At 1.5 W dissipation, junction rise is roughly 50β70 Β°C above ambient; well within industrial-grade limits. However, at elevated ambient (above +60 Β°C) or high static power (unused LABs disabled), verify with a thermal probe. Forced-air cooling is rarely required but improve PCB copper pours under the PLCC to spread heat.
Compliance Information
Compliance status not present in Verified Web Data; set to 'unknown' per Data Authenticity Rule 2. The -N suffix variant (EPF8636ALC84-4N) is lead-free per FLEX 8000 ordering nomenclature. The base EPF8636ALI84-4 was originally released before RoHS mandates; check distributor datasheets for the specific date/lot code to confirm compliance.
