EP1K50TQ144-1 - ACEX 1K FPGA 50K Gates 144-TQFP | Intel (Altera)
MPN: EP1K50TQ144-1 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.2 | $342.00 |
| 100 | $28.9 | $2,890.00 |
| 500 | $22.4 | $11,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.75 | $18,750.00 |
EP1K50TQ144-1 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by a user-supplied configuration bitstream rather than at the foundry. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy (PLD -> CPLD -> FPGA -> SoC FPGA) and are used to implement custom digital logic, glue logic, state machines, DSP pipelines, and full processor subsystems after PCB fabrication. The ACEX 1K family was Altera's low-cost, 2.5 V entry in the early-2000s FPGA market, targeting glue-logic, communications, and industrial-control applications where ASIC NRE was not justified.
Key features of the EP1K50TQ144-1 include 102 maximum user I/O pins, 40,960 typical gates, 2,880 logic elements (LEs), 360 Logic Array Blocks (LABs), embedded dual-port RAM blocks (EABs) totaling 40 Kbits, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) and the Altera EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 enhanced configuration devices, multiVolt I/O supporting 2.5 V / 3.3 V interfaces, and LVTTL/LVCMOS/LVDS/LVDS-compatible signaling. The device operates from a 0 °C to +70 °C commercial temperature range (commercial grade for the -1 speed bin at TQFP-144).
Architecturally, the ACEX 1K combines a continuous interconnect network with embedded array blocks (EABs) that implement memory and complex logic functions. Each LE contains a 4-input LUT, a programmable register, and dedicated carry and cascade chains, while each EAB provides up to 4 Kbits of dual-port RAM or ROM. The 0.22 µm process and 2.5 V core reduce power relative to 5 V PLDs of the same era, and the JTAG-based ISP enables board-level reconfiguration without removing the part.
Typical applications include low-cost glue logic, communications protocol bridges, industrial control, display controllers, and legacy system refresh where a pin-compatible second-source is required. The TQFP-144 footprint supports hand-soldering and rework, useful for prototypes and low-volume production.
When designing with this device, mind the 2.5 V VCCINT supply — a separate VCCIO bank is needed for 3.3 V interfaces, and configuration must use an Altera EPC-series device or a microprocessor-driven passive-serial scheme. The part is mature/legacy; consult Intel's product lifecycle notices for current status before committing new designs.
This page synthesizes drop-in TQFP-144 alternates from the ACEX 1K family, current distributor pricing, and practical design notes not found in the original datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP1K50TQ144-1 — 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 EP1K50TQ144-1 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1K50TC144-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50TC144-1N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50TI144-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50TI144-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50TC144-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$28.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1K50TQ144-1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | ACEX 1K |
| Logic Elements | 2,880 |
| Typical Gates | 50,000 |
| Maximum User I/O | 102 |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 360 |
| Embedded Array Blocks (EABs) | 40 Kbits (dual-port RAM) |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm SRAM |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 2.5 V |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 2.5 V / 3.3 V (multiVolt) |
| Internal Operating Frequency | up to 250 MHz |
| Speed Grade | -1 (standard) |
| Package | TQFP-144 |
| Configuration Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) + EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 + passive serial |
| In-System Programmability | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
EP1K50TQ144-1 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 5 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 19 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 24 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 30 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 34 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 40 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 44 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 50 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 54 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 60 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 64 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 70 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 74 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 80 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 84 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 90 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 94 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 100 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 104 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 107 | nCONFIG — Configuration start (active low) |
| Pin 108 | nSTATUS — Configuration status (active low) |
| Pin 109 | CONF_DONE — Configuration complete |
| Pin 110 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 111 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select |
| Pin 112 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select |
| Pin 113 | nCE — Chip enable (active low) |
| Pin 114 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 115 | DCLK — Configuration clock input |
| Pin 116 | DATA0 — Configuration data input (bit 0) |
| Pin 117 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 118 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 119 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 120 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 121 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 125 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 131 | VCCINT — Core supply 2.5 V |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 135 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 141 | VCCIO — I/O supply 2.5 V / 3.3 V |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O (bank dependent) |
Typical Applications
EP1K50TQ144-1 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Glue Logic Replacement, Industrial Control and Motor Drive Interface, Communications Protocol Bridging, Display Controller and Video Timing, Test and Measurement Front-End, Legacy System Refresh and Form-Fit Replacement.
Legacy Glue Logic Replacement
The EP1K50TQ144-1 fits legacy glue-logic replacement boards because its 2,880 logic elements, 102 user I/Os, and TQFP-144 footprint were designed into many late-1990s/early-2000s industrial and communications designs. Its 50,000-gate capacity comfortably handles bus bridges, address decoding, FIFO control, and asynchronous interface adaptation that previously required several discrete 74-series TTL/MSI parts. Compared with discrete logic, the EP1K50TQ144-1 collapses 5-15 chips into one FPGA, reduces board area, and allows post-build bug fixes via JTAG reconfiguration. Power is supplied at 2.5 V VCCINT with a separate VCCIO bank for 3.3 V interfaces thanks to multiVolt I/O. Programming is via Altera Quartus II 5.0/6.0 with EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 configuration devices or passive-serial from a microcontroller.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Motor Drive Interface
The EP1K50TQ144-1 is well-suited for industrial control cards driving stepper/servo motors because its 102 user I/Os accept LVTTL/LVCMOS encoder feedback, end-of-travel switches, and PWM control signals from upstream MCUs. The 40-Kbit embedded dual-port RAM (distributed across 10 EABs) holds PID coefficients, motion profiles, and encoder counters without external SRAM. MultiVolt I/O allows 5 V-tolerant input interfacing through a 3.3 V VCCIO bank with proper clamping. The device operates on a 0-70 °C window, which covers most factory-floor enclosures, and the TQFP-144 package is hand-solderable for prototype rework. Note that the EP1K50TI144-1 industrial-grade sibling should be selected for harsher -40 °C to +85 °C environments.
Recommended
Communications Protocol Bridging
Communications protocol bridges — UART-to-SPI, I2C-to-parallel, HDLC framing, and custom serializer/deserializer — are a natural fit for the EP1K50TQ144-1 because 2,880 LEs are sufficient for state-machine-driven protocol engines running at 50-100 MHz. The 360 LABs and embedded dual-port RAM allow separate TX and RX FIFOs in a single device. The TQFP-144 footprint supports 102 user I/Os, enough to drive multiple parallel buses plus a management serial interface. The part is commonly paired with a PHY such as an RS-485 transceiver or 10/100 Ethernet MAC. Programming through JTAG and EPC-series configuration devices allows field upgrades as protocols evolve.
Recommended
Display Controller and Video Timing
Display timing generation and simple LCD controller logic are well within the EP1K50TQ144-1's capability: the 250 MHz internal operating frequency supports standard VGA (25 MHz pixel) and low-resolution LVDS panel interfaces, and the 40-Kbit embedded RAM can buffer 1-2 scanlines of color data without external SRAM. With 102 user I/Os the FPGA can drive 18/24-bit RGB buses plus HSYNC/VSYNC/DE and a parallel host interface. MultiVolt I/O banks allow direct 3.3 V connection to modern TFT drivers. For LVDS panels, the EP1K50 has dedicated LVDS outputs in the TQFP-144 package, simplifying PCB layout. Pair with an EPC4 configuration device for instant-on boot.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Front-End
Test and measurement front-ends benefit from the EP1K50TQ144-1 because its 250 MHz internal operating frequency and 102 I/Os let a single device implement pattern generation, response capture, and trigger logic for digital boundary-scan or custom ATE applications. The 4-input LUT-based fabric plus dedicated carry chains enables efficient binary counters and CRCs used in BER testing. Embedded dual-port RAM stores stimulus patterns and captured responses without external memory. JTAG-based in-system programmability makes pattern re-loading trivial. The TQFP-144 footprint supports hand rework in lab prototypes, and the part is widely available from secondary distributors.
Recommended
Legacy System Refresh and Form-Fit Replacement
The EP1K50TQ144-1 is commonly specified for legacy system refresh projects where the original board layout, BOM, and firmware were certified around the Altera ACEX 1K part. Keeping the same TQFP-144 footprint allows drop-in replacement on existing PCBs without respinning layout, and the identical -1 speed bin preserves timing margins. This is especially important in regulated industries (medical, aerospace, defense) where re-certification cost dominates. The part is also a useful emulation target for bit-accurate software models. New designs should migrate to Cyclone IV/10 equivalents; legacy designs continue to be supported by the EPC configuration device family and existing Quartus II 5.0/6.0 software.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP1K50TQ144-1 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1K50TC144-1 | EP1K50TC144-1N | EP1K50TI144-1 | EP1K50TC144-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFP-144 | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) | TQFP-144 (same) |
| Brand | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) | Intel (Altera) |
| Logic Elements | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 | 2,880 |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -1 | -1 | -1 | -2 (slower, ~20% timing penalty) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| User I/O Count | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| Lead-Free (RoHS) | Process dependent (legacy) | Process dependent | Yes (lead-free suffix) | Process dependent | Process dependent |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete (as of 2026-09-07) | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Drop-in TQFP-144 commercial-temperature sibling (vs EP1K50TC144-1)
- Industrial temperature grade option in same footprint (vs EP1K50TI144-1)
- Mature, second-source friendly ACEX 1K family (vs Cyclone IV EP4CE6 (modern active part))
Design Notes
The EP1K50TQ144-1 requires a clean 2.5 V supply for VCCINT (core) and a separate 2.5 V or 3.3 V supply for VCCIO (I/O banks). Estimated: at 250 MHz with all 2,880 LEs toggling at typical 20-30% activity, the core draws roughly 200-400 mA DC; decoupling with 0.1 µF X7R + 10 µF bulk at each VCCINT pin plus a ferrite bead is recommended. Power sequencing should ensure VCCINT ramps before VCCIO, or latch-up may occur on the I/O buffers. Use a TI TPS7A4533 or equivalent LDO for VCCINT and TPS7A3033 for VCCIO.
The TQFP-144 package has 0.5 mm pitch leads on four sides — place a continuous GND ring on the top layer under the device and stitch vias every 5 mm around the perimeter to suppress ground bounce. Estimated: keep all I/O traces shorter than 50 mm to avoid transmission-line effects above 100 MHz; route 3.3 V and 2.5 V signals in separate VCCIO banks with the LVDS pairs length-matched within 2 mm. Connect the exposed pad (if present) to GND for thermal relief.
Do not connect the EP1K50TQ144-1 directly to 5 V logic without a series resistor or level shifter — the absolute-maximum VCCIO is 3.6 V (legacy datasheet section 7) and exceeding it destroys the I/O. Configuration must complete before user I/O becomes active; if the EPC4/EPC8/EPC16 fails to drive CONF_DONE high within the spec time, the device will remain tri-stated and the board will appear 'dead'. Always recheck MSEL0/MSEL1 strap values to match the desired configuration mode (AS, PS, JTAG).
Compliance Information
Compliance status for the EP1K50TQ144-1 is process-dependent and not explicitly stated in the legacy ACEX 1K datasheet; lead-free 'N' suffix variants (e.g., EP1K50TC144-1N) are more likely to be RoHS-compliant. AEC-Q100 is not applicable — this is a commercial/industrial FPGA. Conflict-minerals status not declared in retrieved web data.
