EP20K100CQ240C7 - APEX-20K FPGA, 100K Gates, 240-Pin QFP | Altera
MPN: EP20K100CQ240C7 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $145 | $145.00 |
| 10 | $132 | $1,320.00 |
| 100 | $118 | $11,800.00 |
| 500 | $105 | $52,500.00 |
| 1,000 | $92 | $92,000.00 |
EP20K100CQ240C7 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) within the broader semiconductor category. FPGAs sit hierarchically as: FPGA -> programmable logic device (PLD) -> logic IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor. APEX-20K devices specifically pioneered the combination of look-up table (LUT)-based logic with embedded memory blocks (ESBs) and embedded multipliers, enabling single-chip implementations of datapath and control functions that were previously partitioned between separate logic and memory chips.
Key features of the APEX-20K family include embedded system blocks (ESBs) that can implement dual-port RAM, ROM, FIFO, or CAM; four phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock multiplication and deskew; support for multiple I/O standards including LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, and GTL; and a MultiVolt I/O interface allowing core and I/O banks to operate at independent voltages. The architecture combines fine-grain logic elements with coarse-grain ESBs, giving designers flexibility to balance logic density and on-chip memory.
Typical applications for the EP20K100CQ240C7 include telecommunications switching and channel cards, network interface and protocol bridging logic, DSP co-processing acceleration, video and image processing front-ends, industrial control and machine-vision interfaces, and high-performance glue logic for memory-mapped bus architectures. The 100K-gate density and 240-pin package make it well-suited to mid-complexity designs that exceed the capacity of smaller CPLDs but do not justify migrating to higher-cost, higher-density FPGAs.
When designing with this part, engineers should verify Quartus/MAX+PLUS II tool support, confirm that legacy configuration bitstreams remain available, and account for the device's mature (NRND/EOL) status by validating long-term supply. The 240-pin BFQFP footprint simplifies hand-soldering and inspection, but requires careful thermal management and decoupling for high-toggle-rate outputs.
This page consolidates distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible variants, and practical design notes that go beyond the manufacturer datasheet to help engineers evaluate lifecycle risk, replacement options, and PCB-level integration.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K100CQ240C7 — 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 EP20K100CQ240C7 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Speed Grade, Family, Operating Temperature, Package Type, Series.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K100CQ240C8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$26.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100CQ240C9
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$99.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200CQ240C7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$42.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EI240-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K100BC356C7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K100CQ240C7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20K |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| System Gates | 100,000 |
| Logic Elements | 53,248 |
| Embedded Memory Bits | 4,160 |
| Maximum User I/O Pins | 189 |
| Package Type | 240-BFQFP |
| Speed Grade | C7 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) |
| I/O Standards Supported | LVTTL, LVCMOS, PCI, GTL (per family datasheet) |
| Number of PLLs | 4 (per APEX-20K family datasheet) |
| Embedded System Blocks (ESBs) | Yes (per APEX-20K family) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
| Lead-Free | unknown |
| Programming Tool | Altera Quartus / MAX+PLUS II (per family) |
EP20K100CQ240C7 240-bfqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K100CQ240C7 (240-bfqfp 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 EP20K100CQ240C7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K100CQ240C7 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Channel Cards, DSP Co-Processor / Acceleration, Video and Image Processing Front-End, Industrial Machine-Vision Interface, Network Interface and Protocol Bridging Logic, High-Performance Glue Logic for Memory-Mapped Buses.
Telecommunications Channel Cards
The EP20K100CQ240C7 is well-suited for telecommunications channel cards and line-interface designs where mid-density glue logic and protocol bridging are required. With 100,000 system gates and 53,248 logic elements, the device can implement TDM framers, HDLC controllers, and ATM segmentation-and-reassembly blocks. The four on-chip PLLs enable multiple clock domains for T1/E1, STS-1, and PCM highway synchronization, while the 4,160 bits of embedded memory serve as elastic stores and small FIFOs between time slots. The 240-pin BFQFP package provides 189 user I/O pins, sufficient for 8-bit parallel buses, JTAG, and multiple serial links. Engineers should plan for industrial-grade power sequencing and validate against legacy MAX+PLUS II timing constraints.
Recommended
DSP Co-Processor / Acceleration
The EP20K100CQ240C7 functions as a programmable DSP co-processor for designs requiring custom datapath or filter structures beyond what fixed DSP chips can deliver. Its 53,248 logic elements allow implementations of FIR filters, FFT butterflies, and Reed-Solomon codecs with parallelism unattainable in sequential processors. The embedded system blocks (ESBs) configurable as dual-port RAM store coefficient tables, while the four PLLs derive multiple sample-rate clocks from a common reference. The 240-pin BFQFP provides ample I/O for parallel data buses and DMA handshaking. Designers should budget FPGA logic utilization carefully, typically capping at 70% to leave headroom for routing.
Recommended
Video and Image Processing Front-End
In video and image-processing front-ends, the EP20K100CQ240C7 performs pixel-rate preprocessing such as color-space conversion, deinterlacing, and scaling. Its high pin count supports ITU-R BT.656, Camera Link, or LVDS video buses, while the embedded memory blocks act as line buffers and look-up tables for gamma curves. The four PLLs synthesize pixel clocks from incoming video timing references, eliminating external clock generators. The 240-pin BFQFP footprint is suitable for motherboards with mature surface-mount assembly lines. Designers targeting progressive-scan rates above 1080p60 should consider the EP20K200 or higher-density variants.
Recommended
Industrial Machine-Vision Interface
The EP20K100CQ240C7 is appropriate for industrial machine-vision interfaces connecting CCD/CMOS cameras to PC-based frame grabbers or DSP processors. Its 189 user I/O pins accommodate Camera Link LVDS pairs, pixel-data buses, and trigger signals, while the embedded memory serves as line buffers between camera acquisition and downstream processing. The commercial temperature grade (0C to +85C) suits most factory-floor enclosures. The 240-pin BFQFP simplifies hand-prototyping and rework, which remains valuable for low-volume industrial OEMs. Engineers should validate long-term supply given the obsolete status.
Recommended
Network Interface and Protocol Bridging Logic
For network interface cards and protocol-bridging applications, the EP20K100CQ240C7 implements MAC sublayers, frame buffers, and protocol conversion between legacy and modern bus architectures. Its 4,160 bits of embedded memory serve as small packet FIFOs, while the 53,248 logic elements encode state machines for 802.3, HDLC, or proprietary framing. The 240-pin BFQFP package exposes enough I/O for 32-bit data buses plus control and sideband signals. The four PLLs independently clock MAC, PHY, and host-bus domains, eliminating external clock dividers.
Recommended
High-Performance Glue Logic for Memory-Mapped Buses
The EP20K100CQ240C7 excels as high-performance glue logic replacing discrete ASICs on memory-mapped bus architectures such as PCI, VME, or proprietary backplanes. Its 189 user I/O pins multiplex address and data buses, while the embedded PLLs align bus clocks and generate local strobes. The 53,248 logic elements implement address decoding, wait-state generation, and interrupt controllers. The 240-pin BFQFP supports legacy designs requiring large pin-count surface-mount assembly. Designers should verify that speed grade C7 meets bus timing and consider faster-grade equivalents if timing margins are tight.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K100CQ240C7 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K100CQ240C8 | EP20K100CQ240C9 | EP20K200CQ240C7 | EP20K100EI240-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| System Gates | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 | 100,000 |
| Logic Elements | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | 106,496 | 53,248 |
| Speed Grade | C7 | C8 (slower) | C9 (slowest) | C7 | -2 industrial |
| Max User I/O | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | 0C to +85C | -40C to +85C (industrial) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest speed grade in the EP20K100 CQ240 family (vs EP20K100CQ240C8)
- Right-sized density for mid-complexity designs (vs EP20K200CQ240C7)
- Commercial temperature window suits indoor equipment (vs EP20K100EI240-2)
Design Notes
The 240-pin BFQFP package has 0.5 mm typical pitch and requires a multi-layer PCB with continuous ground plane under the device to control simultaneous-switching noise (SSN). Place at least 4 decoupling capacitors (0.1 uF, 1 uF, 10 uF, and 100 uF bulk) within 5 mm of the supply pins, distributed evenly around the package perimeter. Engineer review: estimated based on APEX-20K family general layout guidelines; consult family datasheet for exact decoupling recommendations.
APEX-20K devices are sensitive to I/O pin toggle rates and output edge rates; excessive simultaneous switching can cause ground bounce exceeding 800 mV. Stagger critical-clock outputs on opposite sides of the package and use series termination (22-33 ohm) on high-speed outputs. Engineer review: estimated parameter based on APEX-20K family datasheet SSN analysis; verify with signal-integrity simulation for your specific layout.
The APEX-20K family uses a 1.8 V core with multiple I/O bank voltages. Confusing the core and I/O bank supplies during PCB layout will destroy the device. Confirm supply-rail routing against the family datasheet pinout, not the 240-pin BFQFP mechanical drawing, and verify each VCCINT and VCCIO rail with a multimeter before applying power. Engineer review: this is a critical design-time pitfall per family datasheet, not a derived estimate.
Configure the JTAG chain carefully - APEX-20K devices have a single JTAG TAP that can interfere with boundary-scan if TCK frequencies exceed 33 MHz. Use a JTAG buffer or splitter if multiple devices share the chain, and ensure TRST is pulled low through 1 kohm during normal operation. Engineer review: guideline based on APEX-20K family IEEE 1149.1 implementation note.
Compliance Information
Compliance status for the obsolete APEX-20K family is not explicitly confirmed in current distributor listings; specific reel/date code verification is required. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial FPGA, not automotive).
