EP20K100QC240-1XV - APEX 20K 100K-Gate FPGA, 240-PQFP | Intel / Altera
MPN: EP20K100QC240-1XV ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $71.2 | $712.00 |
| 100 | $64.95 | $6,495.00 |
| 500 | $58.4 | $29,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $52.1 | $52,100.00 |
EP20K100QC240-1XV Overview
A Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor integrated circuit that can be electrically programmed to implement any digital logic function. Within the broader hierarchy, the EP20K100QC240-1XV sits as a PLD > FPGA > SRAM-based reprogrammable FPGA > fine-grained LUT architecture device. APEX 20K extends the classic LUT-plus-product-term hybrid approach pioneered by Altera, allowing register-intensive datapaths, finite-state machines, and moderate-density memory blocks to coexist on one chip without external glue logic. The MultiCore architecture integrates LUT logic for register-intensive functions, product-term logic for wide combinatorial decode, and embedded system blocks (ESBs) for on-chip RAM or ROM.
Key features of the EP20K100QC240-1XV include a propagation delay of approximately 2.5 ns and an internal core frequency of up to 250 MHz. The device includes 4 phase-locked loops (PLLs) for clock management and skew control, supports in-system programming via JTAG, and provides configurable I/O standards. The 240-pin PQFP body measures 32 mm x 32 mm with a 0.5 mm lead pitch and gull-wing terminations suitable for surface mounting. Industrial temperature variants (suffix-less) span 0C to +85C.
The APEX 20K family was the industry's first PLD family to integrate SOPC capability, blurring the line between traditional FPGAs and system-on-chip solutions. By embedding dedicated arithmetic blocks, memory, and PLLs alongside general-purpose logic, the EP20K100 enables designers to consolidate what previously required a CPLD plus a separate SRAM plus clock buffers onto a single chip, reducing board area, BOM count, and design complexity.
Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and factory automation backplanes, DSP pre/post-processing front-ends, PCI bus bridges, and custom peripheral controllers for embedded systems. The 240-pin PQFP footprint suits legacy through-hole-style reflow profiles, making this part a drop-in solution when modern BGA-only successors cannot be retrofitted onto an existing PCB.
When designing with this part, ensure the configuration device (EPC or enhanced) is sized for the bitstream and that JTAG chain integrity is preserved across multiple EP20K devices. Note that the -1XV suffix denotes the extended-temperature / speed-grade 1 variant; verify tpd and fMAX against the timing model in the Altera APEX 20K datasheet before board bring-up.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, lifecycle status, package-level drop-in alternatives from the APEX 20K family, and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet - offering information gain beyond the original Altera documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K100QC240-1XV — 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 EP20K100QC240-1XV (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Device Type, Operating Temperature, Series, Total RAM Bits.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K100QC240-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$98 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-2X
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K100QC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$24.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EQC240-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$39.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EQC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$51.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-1XV Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX 20K |
| Device Family | APEX 20K (MultiCore architecture) |
| System Gates | 100,000 gates |
| Logic Elements (Cells) | 4,160 |
| Embedded Memory | 53,248 bits |
| User I/Os | 189 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 4 |
| PLLs | 4 |
| Core Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 2.5 V nominal (2.375 V to 2.625 V) |
| I/O Supply Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V / 5 V tolerant |
| Propagation Delay (tpd) | 2.5 ns |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Package | 240-pin PQFP (32 x 32 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (gull-wing leads) |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +85C (commercial) / -40C to +85C (industrial variant) |
| Configuration Interface | JTAG / serial (EPC configuration device) |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (legacy PQFP, non-LEAD-FREE process) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete / last-time-buy per Altera PCN |
EP20K100QC240-1XV 240-pin pqfp (32 x 32 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K100QC240-1XV (240-pin pqfp (32 x 32 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) 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 EP20K100QC240-1XV.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K100QC240-1XV is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Card Interface, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, DSP Pre/Post-Processing Front-End, PCI Bus Bridge and Embedded Controller, Legacy Avionics and Military Backplane, Custom Peripheral Controller for Embedded Systems.
Telecommunications Line Card Interface
The EP20K100QC240-1XV fits telecom line-card interface applications because its 189 user I/Os and 100,000 system gates provide sufficient capacity to bridge T1/E1 framers, HDLC controllers, and bus arbitration glue logic on a single die. With 4 PLLs on-chip, the part generates multiple clock domains needed to interface legacy 1.544 MHz TDM buses with 19.44 MHz backplane clocks. Its 240-pin PQFP with 5V-tolerant I/O enables direct connection to classic bus transceivers (e.g., SN74LVTH245) without level shifters. The 53,248 bits of embedded memory handle per-channel FIFO buffering for several T1/E1 streams without external SRAM. Source: Altera APEX 20K datasheet typical application block diagram.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
The EP20K100QC240-1XV is well suited for industrial PLC backplanes and factory automation controllers where 5V-tolerant I/Os simplify interfacing to 24V opto-isolated inputs via external resistor dividers. The 100K-gate capacity accommodates multiple PID loops, motion-control state machines, and EtherCAT/Modbus protocol stacks in one device. Its 240-pin PQFP package tolerates the wider lead pitch required by conformal-coated industrial PCBs (cleaner solder joints than fine-pitch BGA in dirty environments). The 4 PLLs enable synchronization to encoder feedback and to the factory backplane clock. Per Altera APEX 20K reference designs, similar parts power PLC chassis from major automation vendors.
Recommended
DSP Pre/Post-Processing Front-End
In DSP pre/post-processing, the EP20K100QC240-1XV acts as a glue layer between a host DSP (e.g., TI TMS320C6x) and analog front-end converters, providing data formatting, decimation filtering, and DMA-style FIFO buffering. With 53,248 bits of embedded memory, it can hold several FIR filter coefficient sets on-chip, eliminating external coefficient SRAM. The 189 user I/Os connect to parallel ADC/DAC buses, while the 250 MHz internal frequency supports data rates well above the typical 100 MSPS converter rate. Source: Altera APEX 20K application note AN117 on DSP interface design.
Recommended
PCI Bus Bridge and Embedded Controller
The EP20K100QC240-1XV is widely used as a custom PCI bridge in embedded systems because the 100K-gate capacity supports the full 32-bit/33 MHz PCI target + initiator state machine plus DMA engines and register interfaces. Its 5V-tolerant I/Os match the classic PCI signaling environment (3.3V or 5V keyed). The 4 PLLs generate the 33 MHz PCI clock and any auxiliary sample clocks. The 240-pin PQFP is sufficient for the 49-pin PCI bus plus all auxiliary side-band signals. Reference: Altera AN266 PCI reference design for APEX 20K.
Recommended
Legacy Avionics and Military Backplane
The EP20K100QC240-1XV's 240-pin PQFP with gull-wing leads and operating temperature range down to -40C (industrial variant) makes it suitable for legacy avionics backplanes where through-hole-style PQFP packages survive thermal cycling and vibration better than BGA. With 100K gates, the part implements ARINC 429 / MIL-STD-1553 channel controllers, discrete I/O aggregation, and maintenance interfaces. Obsolescence status means defense programs are already designing around it, but it remains in long-lifecycle sustainment programs. Source: defense electronics procurement databases and Altera APEX 20K military-grade datasheet supplement.
Recommended
Custom Peripheral Controller for Embedded Systems
For embedded-system peripheral aggregation, the EP20K100QC240-1XV bridges legacy microcontroller buses (8051, 68k) to modern peripherals such as USB 2.0 controllers, LCD panels, and SD card interfaces. The 189 user I/Os accommodate many parallel peripheral buses simultaneously, and the 4 PLLs derive pixel clocks (e.g., 33 MHz for QVGA LCD), USB clocks (48 MHz), and the host CPU clock from a single crystal. The 240-pin PQFP allows easy rework compared to BGA, valuable in low-volume embedded products.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K100QC240-1XV — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K100QC240-1 | EP20K100QC240-2X | EP20K100QC240-3 | EP20K100EQC240-2X | EP20K100EQC240-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-pin PQFP | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same |
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Family | APEX 20K | APEX 20K | APEX 20K | APEX 20K | APEX 20KE (enhanced) | APEX 20KE (enhanced) |
| Logic Elements | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 | 4,160 |
| Embedded Memory (bits) | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 | 53,248 |
| User I/Os | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Speed Grade | 1 (fastest) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 (20KE, ~30% faster) | 3 (20KE) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest available speed grade within the EP20K100 family in 240-pin PQFP (vs EP20K100QC240-3)
- Enhanced APEX 20KE process offers higher performance for the same 240-pin PQFP footprint (vs EP20K100EQC240-2X)
- PQFP-240 footprint allows rework and inspection impossible with BGA-only modern successors (vs Cyclone IV EP4CE40 (BGA-only))
Design Notes
Estimated: At 250 MHz internal clock with all 189 I/Os toggling and 100K-gate utilization near 80%, ICCINT (2.5V core) draws approximately 300-500 mA per the APEX 20K datasheet DC characteristics. Total core power is therefore about 0.75W to 1.25W. Add I/O bank supply current for VCCIO (3.3V or 5V tolerant) at roughly 10-30 mA per bank. Decouple each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic plus a 10 uF bulk cap placed within 5 mm. Use a 4-layer PCB with a dedicated ground plane for noise-sensitive analog/mixed-signal designs.
The EP20K100QC240-1XV is SRAM-based and volatile - it loses configuration at every power-down. A companion configuration device (EPC2, EPC8, or EPC16) is mandatory unless JTAG-only master mode is acceptable. Estimated: A 100K-gate bitstream occupies about 1.3 Mbits, so EPC2 (2 Mbit) is the minimum. Do not assume JTAG programming in production - it requires a JTAG cable and host software each time. Also note that the APEX 20K configuration scheme is NOT compatible with newer Cyclone/MAX configuration schemes.
Estimated: PQFP-240 has a theta_JA of approximately 25-30 C/W in still air on a 4-layer 1oz PCB. At 1W total dissipation, junction rises about 25-30C above ambient. Within the commercial 0C-85C range, ambient up to 55C is safe. For industrial -40C to 85C operation, ensure ambient stays below 55C or attach a small clip-on heatsink. Avoid placing the PQFP next to a high-power device (e.g., DC-DC converter) without thermal isolation. Always validate with a thermocouple on the package top in worst-case operating conditions.
Place the configuration device (EPCx) within 5 mm of the EP20K100QC240-1XV's DATA0/DCLK/nCONFIG/nSTATUS pins to avoid signal-integrity issues on the configuration bus. Route JTAG (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) in a daisy-chain if multiple FPGAs share the bus, with 4.7 kohm pull-ups on TCK/TMS/TDI to VCCIO. The 240-pin PQFP at 0.5 mm pitch has generous trace-routing space - use 0.15 mm traces with 0.15 mm clearance on outer layers; inner layers can carry power/ground. Reference: Altera AN42 APEX 20K Hardware Design Guidelines.
Compliance Information
Standard XV-suffixed Altera APEX 20K parts use SnPb lead-bearing PQFP terminations (non-RoHS). Some 'N' suffix variants may be lead-free - verify per part. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. REACH compliance not stated in legacy Altera material declarations.
