EP20K100QC240-3 - 189 I/O APEX-20K FPGA | Altera
MPN: EP20K100QC240-3 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42.5 | $42.50 |
| 10 | $38.9 | $389.00 |
| 100 | $33.2 | $3,320.00 |
| 500 | $29.4 | $14,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $26.8 | $26,800.00 |
| 3,000 | $24.5 | $73,500.00 |
EP20K100QC240-3 Overview
An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacturing using a hardware description language and a bitstream. The FPGA sits above simple programmable logic devices (PLDs) in capacity and below structured ASICs in cost at high volume; it is the dominant product type for medium-density digital logic where time-to-market and reconfigurability matter. The EP20K100QC240-3 occupies that middle band: enough logic for bus interfaces and state machines, but not so many resources that a high-end FPGA is needed.
Key specifications for the EP20K100QC240-3 include 4,160 logic elements, 189 user I/O pins, 53,248 RAM bits, and a typical gate count of 263,000. The core supply voltage is 2.5 V, the technology process is listed as 0.22 um, and the commercial temperature range is 0 to +85 °C. The package is a 240-pin BFQFP with gull-wing surface-mount terminals, which makes PCB layout straightforward for an older high-pin-count FPGA.
Architecturally, the APEX 20K family combines LUT-based logic with embedded memory blocks. The 4,160 logic elements support combinatorial and register-intensive functions, while the 53,248 RAM bits provide on-chip FIFO or buffer storage that reduces external memory components. The 189 user I/Os allow multiple parallel buses, chip selects, and control signals to be connected directly to surrounding processors, ADCs, or bus transceivers.
Typical applications for the EP20K100QC240-3 include protocol bridging in communications equipment, industrial control logic, image/interface glue logic, and test-and-measurement data paths. Because the core runs from 2.5 V, system power design must include a clean 2.5 V rail and appropriate I/O bank supplies. This is a legacy family, so designs should verify available speed files and tool support before production.
A key design consideration is the -3 speed grade: if timing closure fails, the pin-compatible EP20K100QC240-2 or EP20K100QC240-1 can be used on the same PCB. Conversely, a design that meets timing comfortably can stay with the lower-speed -3 part. Because this is a mature device, decoupling and layout rules from the APEX 20K datasheet should be followed, including bulk capacitance on the 2.5 V core rail.
This page synthesizes distributor listings, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design guidance that complement the manufacturer datasheet. It is intended for engineers maintaining APEX 20K legacy systems or evaluating existing stocked inventory.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K100QC240-3 — 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 EP20K100QC240-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Speed Grade, Device Type, Family.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K100QC240-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$98 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-1XV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$52.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
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View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-3V
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$87.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Altera |
| FPGA Family | APEX-20K |
| Number of Logic Elements | 4160 cells |
| Total RAM Bits | 53248 bits |
| Number of User I/O | 189 |
| Typical Gate Count | 263000 gates |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 167 MHz (family rating) |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Technology Process | 0.22 um |
| Package Type | 240-BFQFP |
| Number of Pins | 240 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +85 °C (commercial) |
EP20K100QC240-3 240-bfqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K100QC240-3 (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 EP20K100QC240-3.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K100QC240-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Communications Infrastructure, Industrial Automation and PLC Logic, Video and Imaging Interface Logic, Test and Measurement Data Acquisition, Medical Monitoring Equipment, Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Spare-Part Production.
Communications Infrastructure
The EP20K100QC240-3 suits communications line cards that need moderate-density protocol glue without the cost of a larger FPGA. Its 189 user I/Os can connect multiple parallel bus segments or control signals, while 53,248 RAM bits provide small FIFOs and packet buffers. At a 2.5 V core and 167 MHz-class APEX-20K speed, it can handle framing, packet parsing, or bus arbitration; for high-speed serial links, a separate transceiver device is necessary. Typical designs use 4,160 logic elements and leave room for state machines and DMA control. Place 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors near VCC pins and keep timing margins in standard-cell interfaces. The EP20K100QC240-2 is a pin-compatible escape valve if timing closure becomes marginal.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and PLC Logic
The EP20K100QC240-3 can implement several serial interfaces, encoder decode logic, and PLC glue logic while leaving room for a soft processor interface. Its 4,160 logic elements and 189 user I/Os are well matched to industrial bus protocols where 16-bit parallel control and multiple chip selects are common. The 53,248 RAM bits can act as small data buffers between an MCU and fieldbus interface. Since it is a commercial 0 to +85 °C part, the device should be placed in a control cabinet with ventilation or forced air. For higher ambient temperatures, use an industrial-grade APEX part rather than this C-grade version. Keep the 2.5 V core rail clean and follow the manufacturer’s power sequencing guidelines.
Recommended
Video and Imaging Interface Logic
The EP20K100QC240-3 is suitable for video capture boards that need image interface timing, line buffers, and pixel-format conversion. Its 189 I/Os can connect to CMOS image sensors, ADC outputs, and memory buses in parallel. The embedded 53,248 bits allow small line FIFOs, reducing external SRAM for standard-resolution video paths. At 167 MHz-class operation, the device can handle common pixel clocks with careful I/O timing. Using a higher -1XV speed grade may improve timing margins on high-resolution sensor interfaces. Because the FPGA is configured at power-up, an external configuration device or host processor must load the bitstream after the 2.5 V core rail is stable. This architecture gives production flexibility if video timing standards change.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Data Acquisition
The EP20K100QC240-3 provides enough logic to build acquisition control, trigger logic, and FIFO management around high-speed ADCs. Its 189 user I/Os can handle multiple 8-bit or 16-bit converter buses and digital trigger inputs. With 53,248 RAM bits, designers can implement acquisition buffers or histogram memories on-chip, reducing external components. The commercial temperature range covers benchtop test equipment well. The 2.5 V core supply is typical of mature FPGA families and should be locally regulated from the instrument’s main rail. For timing-critical acquisition channels, selecting a faster speed-grade variant such as EP20K100QC240-2 may improve setup margin. Use synchronous design practices and avoid combinational feedback to make best use of the LUT-based architecture.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Equipment
In medical monitoring equipment, the EP20K100QC240-3 can perform sensor data routing, alarm logic, and display interface control in one programmable device. Its 4,160 logic elements are sufficient for finite state machines and microcontroller glue logic, while 53,248 RAM bits provide small data buffers. The 189 user I/Os can connect to multiple ADCs, DACs, UARTs, and LCD parallel interfaces. Because the device is commercial temperature grade 0 to +85 °C, it is best suited for indoor patient-monitoring devices rather than extreme automotive environments. Medical designs should pay careful attention to the 2.5 V power rail and EMI filtering. The N lead-free alternative may be required for RoHS-compliant medical products; verify the solder finish and qualification status with your compliance team.
Recommended
Legacy Equipment Maintenance and Spare-Part Production
Many installed systems still use APEX 20K FPGAs for bus conversion and control logic. The EP20K100QC240-3 allows OEMs to reproduce or repair legacy boards without a full redesign because it is drop-in compatible with other EP20K100QC240 speed grades. The 189 I/Os and 4,160 logic elements match the functionality of earlier programmable-logic sockets from the same family. For RoHS transitions or lead-free assembly, EP20K100QC240-3N is an identical-footprint substitute with the same -3 speed grade. When creating replacement inventory, use the original configuration bitstream and verify timing over the -3 speed grade limits. Because the device is no longer a mainstream new-design FPGA, procurement should confirm stock availability before planning large production runs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K100QC240-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K100QC240-2 | EP20K100QC240-1 | EP20K100QC240-1XV | EP20K100QC240-3N | EP20K100QC240-3V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP | 240-BFQFP |
| Logic Elements | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 |
| User I/O Count | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V (verify marking) |
| Speed Grade | -3 | -2 | -1 | -1XV | -3 | -3V (cross-ref) |
| Temperature Grade | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial | 0 °C to +85 °C commercial |
| Pb-free / RoHS Indicator | Not stated (no N suffix) | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Pb-free (N suffix) | Not stated |
Key Differentiators
- Lower-speed -3 grade provides a cost-optimized drop-in for designs that meet timing at modest clock rates (vs EP20K100QC240-2)
- Non-N suffix supports legacy tin-lead assembly and rework flows (vs EP20K100QC240-3N)
- Commercial 0 to +85 °C range is the mainstream, lower-cost choice for indoor equipment (vs EP20K100QC240-1XV)
Design Notes
The EP20K100QC240-3 core operates from a 2.5 V rail while I/O bank supplies may be different. Isolate the 2.5 V rail from I/O power and provide adequate decoupling near each VCC pin. Estimated: for a 4,160-logic-element APEX 20K design, typical core current can be several hundred mA depending on utilization and clock activity; place at least one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per power pin and a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the board. The fetched data does not include the exact Icc table, so measure current during prototype bring-up.
The package is a 240-pin BFQFP with commercial temperature rating 0 to +85 °C. The fetched distributor data does not provide junction-to-ambient thermal resistance, so use conservative airflow in high-utilization designs. Keep the FPGA away from hot components and provide a low-resistance thermal path through the PCB. If the device operates near the upper ambient limit, reduce logic toggle rates or add forced air. In bench or rack equipment, orient the board so the QFP body receives airflow. For extended reliability, measure the package case temperature during design validation.
Do not assume a non-N legacy APEX 20K part is RoHS-compliant; if the BOM requires Pb-free assembly, choose the EP20K100QC240-3N variant. Always verify the 2.5 V core supply before configuration and never connect VCC pins to a 3.3 V rail. Because the APEX 20K family is older, use the matching Quartus II software generation for bitstream generation and keep the original configuration file backed up. JTAG chain integrity should be verified before programming to avoid corruption in legacy manufacturing lines.
Compliance Information
Fetched distributor snippets did not state RoHS/REACH status for EP20K100QC240-3. The N-suffix variant EP20K100QC240-3N is generally lead-free/RoHS-oriented; non-N versions should be verified against the manufacturer datasheet before claiming compliance.