EP1M120F484C7AES - Altera Mercury FPGA, 484-BGA | Intel/Altera
MPN: EP1M120F484C7AES ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $95 | $95.00 |
| 10 | $87.5 | $875.00 |
| 100 | $79.2 | $7,920.00 |
| 500 | $71.4 | $35,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $65.8 | $65,800.00 |
EP1M120F484C7AES Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and dedicated I/O cells on a single die. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, FPGAs sit alongside microcontrollers, DSPs, and ASICs as parallel-processing compute fabrics used for glue logic, hardware acceleration, prototyping, and high-speed signal processing. The Mercury family specifically targets applications that require integrated high-speed serial transceivers with embedded clock data recovery (CDR) up to 1.25 Gbps, lookup-table (LUT)-based logic, and embedded memory blocks for buffering and packet processing.
Key features of the EP1M120F484C7AES include a CMOS logic family, 303 user I/Os (among the highest in the family for this package), 4,800 memory bits, and high-speed serial transceivers with built-in CDR to 1.25 Gbps. The 484-ball FineLine BGA provides a compact 1.0 mm pitch footprint, which is well-suited to high-density PCB designs where many LVDS or LVTTL signals must escape the die. The part also supports multi-standard I/O, allowing it to interface directly with LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and other common logic families without external level translation.
Architecturally, the Mercury family uses SRAM-based configuration cells (volatile), so the device must be configured from an external PROM or flash on every power-up. Look-up tables implement combinational logic, while dedicated carry chains accelerate arithmetic operations. Embedded memory blocks (4,800 bits in this variant) can be configured as RAM, ROM, or FIFO buffers, and the integrated CDR-enabled transceivers eliminate the need for external SERDES chips in many gigabit link applications.
Typical applications include telecommunications switching and routing equipment, high-speed serial backplane interfaces, network interface cards (NICs), baseband signal processing, prototyping of ASIC designs, and industrial control systems with high I/O counts. The integrated 1.25 Gbps transceivers make it especially attractive for early-generation SONET/SDH and Gigabit Ethernet equipment.
When designing with this part, ensure proper decoupling of the 1.8 V core rail and matched-length routing for high-speed transceiver pairs. Because the configuration memory is volatile, an external configuration device (such as an Altera EPC configuration PROM) is required for stand-alone operation. Confirm JTAG access before PCB tape-out to allow boundary-scan and in-system programming.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, same-package drop-in alternatives from the Mercury family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EP1M120F484C7AES — 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 EP1M120F484C7AES (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Family, Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Integrated Transceivers.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP1M120F484C7A
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$198 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C7
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View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C6ES
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View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C6N
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View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C6M
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$99.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C6
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$198 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C5N
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View Datasheet →EP1M120F484C7AES Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | Mercury (EP1M120) |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 49,152 |
| Memory Bits | 4,800 |
| User I/O Pins | 303 |
| Total Package Pins | 484 |
| Package Type | FineLine BGA-484 (PBGA484) |
| Terminal Pitch | 1.00 mm |
| Supply Voltage (Core) | 1.8 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Integrated Transceivers | Yes, with CDR up to 1.25 Gbps |
| Configuration Method | SRAM (volatile, requires external PROM) |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP1M120F484C7AES fineline bga-484 (pbga484) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP1M120F484C7AES (fineline bga-484 (pbga484) 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 EP1M120F484C7AES.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP1M120F484C7AES is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom Backplane Multiplexer, Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Card, Industrial Motor Control Platform, ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Software Defined Radio Baseband, High-Speed Test and Measurement Instrumentation.
Telecom Backplane Multiplexer
The EP1M120F484C7AES fits telecom backplane multiplexer designs because its integrated 1.25 Gbps transceivers with CDR handle early-generation SONET/SDH OC-12/STM-4 and Gigabit Ethernet links directly, eliminating external SERDES. The 303 user I/Os in a 484-FBGA accommodate parallel backplane data buses, side-band control signals, and multiple redundant serial links simultaneously. With 49,152 logic elements the device can implement framing, scrambling, pointer processing, and alarm insertion in a single fabric. The 1.8 V core supply keeps power consumption compatible with central-office environments where thermal density is carefully managed across multiple line cards.
Recommended
Gigabit Ethernet Network Interface Card
The EP1M120F484C7AES is well matched to Gigabit Ethernet NIC designs because the integrated 1.25 Gbps CDR serial transceivers interface directly to SFP optical modules or copper SGMII PHYs without external SERDES. Its 49,152 logic elements implement MAC framing, VLAN tagging, checksum offload, and small receive FIFOs in a single device, reducing component count on the line card. The 303 user I/Os expose PCI/PCI-X host bus interfaces plus parallel LED status, EEPROM, and management interfaces simultaneously. Designers should pair the FPGA with a modern PHY and reserve 2-3 transceiver channels for fail-over redundancy.
Recommended
Industrial Motor Control Platform
The EP1M120F484C7AES suits industrial motor control platforms where 303 user I/Os accept encoder feedback, hall-sensor inputs, PWM outputs, and fieldbus interfaces (Profibus, CANopen) on a single device. Its 49,152 logic elements implement multi-axis field-oriented control (FOC) loops, space-vector PWM, and current-loop PI controllers with deterministic latency. The 484-FBGA package at 1.00 mm pitch enables compact controller boards where the FPGA sits beside a power-stage IGBT module. Note the commercial 0 C to +85 C temperature range is acceptable for cabinet-mounted drives but not for under-the-hood automotive traction.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EP1M120F484C7AES is widely used in ASIC prototyping and design emulation because 49,152 logic elements provide sufficient capacity for sub-blocks of mid-complexity ASICs while the 303 I/Os enable chip-to-chip interconnect to companion FPGAs. Designers can partition a target ASIC across multiple Mercury devices and use the JTAG chain to load and verify RTL in real time. The 1.25 Gbps transceivers also emulate high-speed SerDes interfaces on the prototype board. SRAM-based configuration allows rapid design iteration - just re-load the bitstream via JTAG in seconds.
Recommended
Software Defined Radio Baseband
The EP1M120F484C7AES targets early-generation software defined radio (SDR) baseband processing where the 1.25 Gbps transceivers accept digitized IF or RF samples from a companion ADC and the 49,152 logic elements implement digital down-conversion, channelization, and modulation/demodulation in programmable hardware. The 4,800 memory bits provide small sample buffers and coefficient storage for FIR filters. The 303 user I/Os expose parallel data paths to host DSPs or PowerPC processors used in legacy basestation designs. Modern SDR designs have moved to larger devices, but Mercury remains a viable low-cost option for narrowband links.
Recommended
High-Speed Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP1M120F484C7AES is a strong fit for high-speed test and measurement instruments (logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, BERT testers) because the 303 user I/Os accept hundreds of parallel probe channels at LVTTL/LVCMOS levels and the 1.25 Gbps transceivers capture serialized data lanes from modern DUTs. The 49,152 logic elements implement trigger sequencers, pattern matchers, and timing measurement blocks without external ASICs. SRAM-based configuration lets lab engineers load new measurement personalities in seconds. Designers should isolate the analog probe front-end from FPGA switching noise using proper ground partitioning and shielded probe cables.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP1M120F484C7AES — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP1M120F484C7A | EP1M120F484C7 | EP1M120F484C6ES | EP1M120F484C5N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) | Altera (Intel) |
| Package | BGA-484 (PBGA484) | BGA-484 (PBGA484) | BGA-484 (PBGA484) | BGA-484 (PBGA484) | BGA-484 (PBGA484) |
| Logic Elements | 49,152 | 49,152 | 49,152 | 49,152 | 49,152 |
| Memory Bits | 4,800 | 4,800 | 4,800 | 4,800 | 4,800 |
| User I/Os | 303 | 303 | 303 | 303 | 303 |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Speed Grade | C7 (fastest) | C7 | C7 | C6 | C5 |
| Transceivers | Up to 1.25 Gbps CDR | Up to 1.25 Gbps CDR | Up to 1.25 Gbps CDR | Up to 1.25 Gbps CDR | Up to 1.25 Gbps CDR |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest density Mercury device in 484-FBGA (vs EP1K100FC484-3 (ACEX 1K family))
- Integrated 1.25 Gbps CDR transceivers (vs EP1K50FC484-3 (ACEX 1K family))
- C7 speed grade is the fastest Mercury speed bin (vs EP1M120F484C6ES (C6 speed grade))
Design Notes
The EP1M120F484C7AES requires a clean 1.8 V core rail capable of delivering 1.5-2 A peak during configuration. Place 10 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF ceramic decoupling caps within 5 mm of every VCC/GND ball pair. The PLL analog supply (VCCA_PLL) must be filtered with a ferrite bead and 10 uF + 0.1 uF network. Power-up sequencing: VCCIO must not exceed VCCINT by more than 0.7 V to avoid latch-up; if sequencing is impossible, add a Schottky clamp diode.
The 484-ball FineLine BGA at 1.00 mm pitch demands 4-6 layer PCB with 0.5 oz copper on outer layers for escape routing. Use 0.20 mm laser-drilled microvias or 0.30 mm dog-bone fan-out. Maintain 50 ohm controlled impedance on all high-speed transceiver pairs, with intra-pair length matching of 150 mil or better. Provide a continuous ground plane directly under the BGA for return-path integrity; split planes cause severe crosstalk on the parallel I/O banks.
Configuration memory is SRAM-based and volatile - the FPGA loses its bitstream on every power-cycle. A non-volatile configuration source (Altera EPC configuration PROM, or flash via JTAG) is mandatory for stand-alone operation. Do not assume the device boots 'empty' - undefined I/O behavior during the configuration interval can damage downstream drivers if pull-ups or bus-keeper resistors are not installed.
Each high-speed transceiver pair must be routed as a 100 ohm differential pair with intra-pair skew below 5 mil. Keep at least 4x the dielectric thickness between adjacent pairs to minimize crosstalk below -40 dB. AC-coupling capacitors (0.01 uF) are required at the transmitter output because the Mercury CDR receivers are DC-biased internally. Place these caps within 500 mil of the BGA ball.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH compliance status not specified in the verified web data; the 'ES' suffix on Mercury parts typically indicates lead-free / Pb-free finish, but explicit compliance certificates were not returned. AEC-Q100 is not applicable because the Mercury family is not qualified for automotive.
