EP1K50FC484-2 - 50K Gate ACEX-1K FPGA, 484-BGA | Altera
MPN: EP1K50FC484-2 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $35.28 | $35.28 |
| 10 | $32.5 | $325.00 |
| 100 | $28.4 | $2,840.00 |
| 500 | $24.1 | $12,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.8 | $21,800.00 |
EP1K50FC484-2 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit containing an array of programmable logic blocks, configurable interconnects, and I/O cells that can be reconfigured by the designer after manufacture. FPGAs occupy a position in the semiconductor hierarchy between complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), offering higher logic density than CPLDs and lower non-recurring engineering cost than ASICs. The ACEX-1K family is an older Altera architecture that pioneered embedded memory blocks (EABs) for system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration.
Key features of the EP1K50FC484-2 include 360 logic array blocks (LABs), 249 user I/Os, 12 embedded array blocks (EABs), and a maximum internal operating frequency of up to 200 MHz. The device supports in-system programmability via the IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) interface and configuration via the passive serial (PS), passive parallel synchronous (PPS), passive parallel asynchronous (PPA), and active serial (AS) modes. The -2 speed grade places this part in the mid-range of the ACEX-1K speed bins.
Architecturally, the EP1K50FC484-2 uses a CMOS SRAM-based look-up table (LUT) fabric with 4-input LUTs feeding adjacent LAB interconnect, combined with EABs that provide 4 Kbits of dual-port RAM each (true + false clocks, separate read/write addresses). Total embedded memory reaches 49,152 bits (12 EABs × 4 Kbits), configurable as RAM, ROM, or content-addressable memory. The LUT-based fabric plus EAB architecture was Altera's response to Xilinx's Virtex-era distributed + block RAM approach.
Typical applications include telecommunications glue logic, industrial control state machines, data-path transformation pipelines, low-cost ASIC prototyping, and embedded controller co-processing. The dual-port RAM and FIFO capability make the part well suited to digital signal processing front-ends, protocol conversion, and wide-data-path manipulation in communications equipment.
When designing with this device, note that ACEX-1K is a legacy 2.5 V core family manufactured on a 0.18 µm (or older) process. The 484-BGA package requires careful PCB layout for fan-out, and configuration requires an external configuration PROM (such as the EPC2 or EPC16) for active serial modes. Engineers targeting new designs should evaluate the Cyclone or MAX families instead, as ACEX-1K is no longer recommended for new projects.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, exact drop-in alternative MPNs from the same ACEX-1K family, and practical design notes that are not duplicated on the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP1K50FC484-2 — 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 EP1K50FC484-2 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Process Technology, Speed Grade, RoHS Status, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1K50FC484-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$26.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50FC484-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$26.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50FC484-1N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K100FC484-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$33.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K100FC484-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$58.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K100FI484-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$118 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50FC484-2 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | ACEX-1K |
| Logic Elements (Cells) | 2880 |
| Typical Gates | 50,000 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 360 |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 12 |
| Total Embedded RAM Bits | 49,152 |
| User I/Os | 249 |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 200 MHz |
| Core Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
| Package | 484-pin FineLine BGA (FBGA) |
| Speed Grade | -2 |
| Configuration Modes | PS, PPS, PPA, AS (via JTAG or external PROM) |
| Programming Interface | IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +70C) |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | unknown |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (BGA) |
EP1K50FC484-2 Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin A2 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin B1 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin B2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin C1 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin C2 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin D1 | VCCINT — Core supply (2.5 V) |
| Pin D2 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin AB22 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin AB23 | VCCIO — I/O supply (3.3 V or 2.5 V per bank) |
| Pin W22 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin Y22 | I/O — General-purpose user I/O |
| Pin AB1 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin AA2 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin AA3 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin AB3 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin AB4 | nCONFIG — Configuration start (active low) |
| Pin AA4 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin AA5 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete |
| Pin AB5 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin AA6 | DATA0 — Configuration data input |
Typical Applications
EP1K50FC484-2 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Glue Logic, Industrial Control State Machines, Digital Signal Processing Front-Ends, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Data-Path Transformation Pipelines, Legacy System Maintenance and Repair.
Telecommunications Glue Logic
The EP1K50FC484-2 fits telecommunications glue logic because it integrates 360 LABs of 4-input LUT fabric alongside 12 EABs providing 49,152 bits of dual-port RAM, all in one device. With 249 user I/Os and a 200 MHz internal Fmax in the -2 speed grade, it can absorb protocol-conversion, framing, and FIFO-buffering functions that would otherwise require multiple CPLDs plus external SRAM. The dual-port RAM EABs deliver independent read/write clocks and addresses, simplifying elastic buffering for telecom backplanes.
Recommended
Industrial Control State Machines
Industrial control state machines benefit from the EP1K50FC484-2 because the 360 LABs and 12 EABs deliver enough logic density for complex sequencer, encoder, and PID implementations while consuming a single 2.5 V supply rail. The 484-BGA package supports dense routing for the 249 user I/Os needed to monitor many sensors and drive actuators simultaneously. Designers should note that for new industrial designs the -2 speed grade delivers the Fmax headroom required for 100+ MHz control loops, though the obsolete lifecycle status means new projects should target Cyclone IV instead.
Recommended
Digital Signal Processing Front-Ends
DSP front-end applications leverage the EP1K50FC484-2's 49,152 bits of dual-port embedded RAM for sample buffering, coefficient storage, and small FFT twiddle-factor ROMs. Each of the 12 EABs can be configured as true dual-port RAM or ROM, enabling concurrent sample ingest and coefficient lookup in FIR and FFT pipelines. The 200 MHz Fmax in the -2 speed grade supports moderate sample-rate processing, though engineers should validate the internal multiplier capability via Altera's MegaWizard library when designing multiply-accumulate stages.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
For ASIC prototyping, the EP1K50FC484-2 offers 50,000 typical gates plus 49 Kbits of embedded RAM in a single 484-BGA device, supporting 70-80 percent of mid-complexity ASIC designs in prototype form. The 249 user I/Os and JTAG-based configuration allow real-time in-system reprogramming for iterative bring-up. Designers commonly gang multiple EP1K50 devices for larger ASIC emulation, and the -2 speed grade provides enough timing margin to validate the ASIC's critical paths at full system clock.
Recommended
Data-Path Transformation Pipelines
Data-path transformation pipelines, including byte-alignment, endian conversion, CRC generation, and protocol multiplexing, map cleanly onto the EP1K50FC484-2's LAB fabric with 2,880 logic elements. The 200 MHz internal Fmax in the -2 grade supports multi-gigabit data-path designs when paired with LVDS-capable I/O. The 12 EABs can hold transformation lookup tables and small FIFOs, allowing single-chip implementations that would otherwise need an external LUT PROM plus a CPLD.
Recommended
Legacy System Maintenance and Repair
The EP1K50FC484-2 is primarily used today for legacy system maintenance where existing ACEX-1K-based designs must be repaired, replicated, or expanded. Because the device is obsolete and the original Altera configuration software (MAX+PLUS II / Quartus II) is no longer actively distributed, replacement designs should be migrated to Cyclone IV or Cyclone 10 LP. For field-repair of in-service equipment, the EP1K50FC484-2N (Pb-free) and EP1K50FC484-1 (slower speed grade) serve as the most readily-sourced drop-in equivalents.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP1K50FC484-2 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1K50FC484-2N | EP1K50FC484-1 | EP1K50FC484-1N | EP1K100FC484-2 | EP1K100FC484-2N | EP1K100FI484-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | 484-pin FineLine BGA | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same | 484-pin FineLine BGA - same |
| Typical Gates | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 (+100%) | 100,000 (+100%) | 100,000 (+100%) |
| Logic Elements | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 4,992 | 4,992 | 4,992 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 49,152 | 49,152 | 49,152 | 49,152 | 98,304 (+100%) | 98,304 (+100%) | 98,304 (+100%) |
| User I/Os | 249 | 249 | 249 | 249 | 333 | 333 | 333 |
| Speed Grade | -2 (mid) | -2 (mid) | -1 (slow) | -1 (slow) | -2 (mid) | -2 (mid) | -2 (mid) |
| Operating Temperature | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
| Pb-Free / RoHS | unknown | Yes (N suffix = Pb-free) | unknown | Yes (N suffix = Pb-free) | unknown | Yes (N suffix = Pb-free) | unknown |
Key Differentiators
- Identical die with Pb-free terminal finish for RoHS assembly (vs EP1K50FC484-2N)
- Same package footprint with doubled logic capacity for upgrade headroom (vs EP1K100FC484-2)
- Industrial temperature range in same package for harsh-environment deployment (vs EP1K100FI484-2)
Design Notes
The EP1K50FC484-2 requires a clean 2.5 V core supply (VCCINT) plus a separate VCCIO rail per I/O bank (typically 3.3 V or 2.5 V). Per the ACEX-1K datasheet, designers should place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to every VCCINT/VCCIO/GND ball pair, and bulk-decoupling with at least one 33 µF tantalum capacitor per supply island. Add a power-on reset supervisor to hold nCONFIG low until VCCINT stabilizes above 2.0 V, otherwise the configuration state machine may enter an undefined state.
Estimated: at maximum toggling activity (all 2,880 LEs switching at 100 MHz), the EP1K50FC484-2 may dissipate approximately 1.5-2.5 W from VCCINT alone, depending on output loading. The 484-FBGA package has a typical theta_JA around 18-22 C/W with proper PCB thermal vias under the package. Provide at least a 4-layer PCB with a continuous ground plane and a thermal via array directly beneath the BGA center balls to keep junction temperature below +85 C in commercial-grade applications.
The 484-pin FineLine BGA uses a 1.00 mm ball pitch with a 22 x 22 array (depopulated to 484 balls). Use at least 4-layer PCB with 0.20 mm (8 mil) laser-drilled microvias and 0.40 mm (16 mil) pad-to-pad design rules. Route all differential pairs and clock signals on the top layer with impedance-controlled traces (50 ohm single-ended, 100 ohm differential), and fan out the BGA using dog-bone or via-in-pad patterns per your assembly house's capability. Maintain 50 ohm characteristic impedance to avoid signal-integrity violations on LVDS or high-speed CMOS I/O.
Do not assume the EP1K50FC484-2 supports 5 V-tolerant I/O - VCCIO must be set to 3.3 V or 2.5 V per bank, never 5 V. Confusing the -2 speed grade with the -1 or -3 can lead to timing violations: always check the Altera ACEX-1K datasheet timing tables for the actual speed bin. Configuration via JTAG requires both VCCINT and VCCIO to be present; missing either rail can leave the device in an unconfigured state with all I/O pins tri-stated and pulled weakly. When migrating from a MAX+PLUS II project, recompile in Quartus II v13.1 or earlier - newer Quartus versions do not support ACEX-1K.
Compliance Information
Verified Web Data does not include explicit RoHS or REACH compliance statements for the EP1K50FC484-2. The 'N' suffix on the EP1K50FC484-2N typically denotes Pb-free finish (per Altera convention) but is not explicitly confirmed in the provided data. AEC-Q100 is not applicable to FPGAs. All compliance fields marked unknown should be verified against the manufacturer declaration before use in regulated applications.
