EP20K100QI240-2N - 100K Gate APEX 20K FPGA | Altera
MPN: EP20K100QI240-2N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
EP20K100QI240-2N Overview
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be configured after manufacturing, placing it along the programmable logic device hierarchy of FPGA -> programmable logic device -> integrated circuit. The EP20K100 uses Altera's MultiCore architecture, which combines look-up table (LUT) logic, product-term logic, and embedded memory in a single device. That integration allows designers to implement register-intensive datapaths, wide combinational functions, and on-chip memory in one programmable component.
Key verified features include the APEX 20K architecture, 4,160 logic elements, 100K system gates, 53,248 embedded RAM bits, 189 user I/Os, a 2.5 V nominal core supply, and a -2 speed grade. The -N suffix in this ordering code identifies the lead-free package variant used for RoHS-directed assembly. The PQFP-240 package has a 32 mm square body, 0.5 mm terminal pitch, and gull-wing terminals, allowing conventional fine-pitch surface-mount assembly.
The device is manufactured on a 0.22 um CMOS process, with VCCINT specified at 2.5 V nominal and a verified operating range of 2.375 V to 2.625 V. According to distributor and datasheet data, the 240-pin package provides 189 user I/O and 4 dedicated inputs. This combination of logic density, memory bits, and package size makes the EP20K100QI240-2N suitable for moderate-complexity digital systems that need reprogrammable logic without migrating to a BGA package.
Typical applications include communications line cards, industrial control boards, digital video equipment, and high-performance test instruments. The industrial temperature ordering option and lead-free finish make it attractive for rugged systems that must be assembled on lead-free production lines. The on-chip embedded memory reduces the need for external FIFO or SRAM components in many designs.
When designing with this device, remember that the configuration SRAM is volatile. An external Altera configuration device such as EPC2 or EPC16, or a JTAG configuration host, is required to load the FPGA at power-up. Use adequate 0.1 uF and 1 uF decoupling capacitors near VCCINT pins and distribute the 2.5 V rail on a solid power plane to maintain reliable operation across the operating range.
This page synthesizes verified distributor snippets, datasheet document references, same-family drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance that is not repeated in the original APEX 20K datasheet, providing an information-gain resource for engineers evaluating obsolete APEX 20K inventory or replacement options.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K100QI240-2N — 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 EP20K100QI240-2N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Device Type, Propagation Delay, Speed Grade, Total RAM Bits, Core Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K100QI240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$47.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-2
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Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-3N
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Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-3
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$24.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QC240-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$98 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100QI240-2N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Family | APEX 20K |
| Device Type | FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) |
| Total System Gates | 100K |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 4160 |
| Embedded RAM Bits (max) | 53248 |
| Number of User I/Os | 189 |
| Number of Dedicated Inputs | 4 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V nominal (2.375 V to 2.625 V) |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Maximum Internal Clock Frequency | 200 MHz |
| Package Code | FQFP |
| Package Form | 240-Pin PQFP, fine-pitch flatpack, square |
| Package Body Size | 32 mm x 32 mm (Length 32 mm) |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Terminal Form | Gull wing |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Grade | Industrial (I suffix) |
EP20K100QI240-2N 32 mm x 32 mm (length 32 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K100QI240-2N (32 mm x 32 mm (length 32 mm) 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 EP20K100QI240-2N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K100QI240-2N is suitable for 6 applications: Communications Line Card Framing, Industrial Process Control, Digital Video and Broadcast Equipment, Medical Imaging Front-End Interface, High-Performance Test and Measurement, Embedded Network Processing and Security Appliance.
Communications Line Card Framing
The EP20K100QI240-2N fits communications line card applications where protocol framing, small packet buffers, and parallel bus interfaces must be implemented in programmable logic. Its 100K system gates and 4,160 logic elements can absorb glue logic for multiple PHY devices, while the 53,248 embedded RAM bits provide small FIFO or elastic-store memory close to the data path. The 189 user I/Os in the PQFP-240 package allow connection to multiple octal bus transceivers and a system bus without needing a high-density BGA. The 200 MHz internal performance supports moderate line-rate processing, and the industrial temperature option suits central-office equipment installed in uncontrolled cabinets. An external configuration device such as the Altera EPC2 or EPC16 loads the FPGA at power-up, and a 2.5 V core supply keeps power dissipation manageable in a forced-air environment.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
Industrial process controllers need programmable logic that can handle parallel sensor interfaces, motor-control state machines, and safety interlock logic with deterministic timing. The EP20K100QI240-2N is a strong fit because the I suffix indicates industrial temperature capability, and the 2.5 V core with 0.22 um technology provides an established, mature power envelope for factory-floor boards. The PQFP-240 footprint is easier to inspect and rework than a BGA, which is an advantage for maintenance and low-volume industrial products. Its 189 user I/Os can connect to optocouplers, differential line receivers, and external ADCs/DACs. The embedded memory can implement small lookup tables or state-history buffers, reducing external component count. Designers should still verify the exact operating temperature range from the APEX 20K datasheet and use robust power-supply decoupling for 2.5 V.
Recommended
Digital Video and Broadcast Equipment
The EP20K100QI240-2N can serve as a programmable bridge in digital video and broadcast equipment for standards conversion, format detection, and pixel clock generation. With 200 MHz class operation and 4,160 logic elements, it can process parallel video data streams at common pixel rates and manage sync timing without an external CPLD. The 53,248 embedded RAM bits are useful for line buffers or small FIFOs that realign pixel data between video sources. The 189 I/O count supports multiple BT.656 or SMPTE parallel interfaces, while the PQFP-240 package keeps PCB routing manageable for broadcast boards. Because video equipment often operates for long lifecycles, the industrial temperature ordering option and lead-free N finish are beneficial. Configuration data can be stored in an EPC2 or EPC16 and loaded automatically when power is applied.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Front-End Interface
Medical imaging front-end boards often require FPGA logic to collect parallel ADC samples, implement simple digital filtering, and provide a deterministic interface to a DSP or host processor. The EP20K100QI240-2N provides 100K gates and 189 I/Os in a PQFP that can be routed on a controlled-impedance multilayer PCB. Its 4,160 logic elements can implement serial-to-parallel conversion, address decode, and readout state machines, while the embedded RAM acts as a small data buffer between the ADC and host. The N suffix lead-free construction and industrial temperature grade are useful for medical equipment that must follow RoHS requirements and operate in hospital environments with varying thermal loads. The 2.5 V core reduces switching noise relative to higher-voltage programmable logic, and the mature APEX 20K architecture simplifies legacy design migration.
Recommended
High-Performance Test and Measurement
In test and measurement instruments, the EP20K100QI240-2N can handle pattern generation, trigger logic, and data acquisition sequencing. Its 200 MHz internal performance supports high-speed state machines that react to external triggers, while the 53,248 embedded RAM bits provide capture buffers for short bursts of digitized data. The 189 user I/Os allow parallel connection to ADCs, DACs, comparator banks, and front-panel LEDs or switches. The PQFP-240 package is suitable for benchtop instruments where field rework and probing are common. The industrial temperature grade ensures stable operation in crowded racks or near power supplies. Engineers can use JTAG to reconfigure the FPGA during development and an EPC2/EPC16 for standalone boot. Because the device is obsolete, designers should confirm sufficient stock before committing to a long production run.
Recommended
Embedded Network Processing and Security Appliance
The EP20K100QI240-2N is useful in network appliances that require programmable parsing, packet classification, or simple lookaside processing before packets reach a CPU. With 100K gates and 4,160 logic elements, it can implement parallel comparison engines for header field matching and update counters for basic telemetry. The embedded RAM can hold small rule tables or descriptor queues, reducing external SRAM requirements. The 189 I/Os in PQFP-240 are enough to interface multiple Ethernet MAC devices or a local bus to a network processor. The device's 200 MHz speed supports line-rate parsing on legacy 10/100 Ethernet links, while the industrial temperature grade supports small networking equipment installed in non-air-conditioned spaces. Use an EPC2 or EPC16 configuration device to autonomously load the bitstream at power-up.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K100QI240-2N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K100QC240-2 | EP20K100QC240-3N | EP20K100QI240-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PQFP-240 | PQFP-240 - same footprint | PQFP-240 - same footprint | PQFP-240 - same footprint |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| FPGA Family | APEX 20K | APEX 20K | APEX 20K | APEX 20K |
| System Gates | 100K | 100K | 100K | 100K |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 | 4160 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 | 53248 |
| User I/Os | 189 | 189 | 189 | 189 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V (2.375 V to 2.625 V) | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Speed Grade / Max Frequency | -2 / 200 MHz | -2 / 200 MHz | -3 / 167 MHz | -2 / 200 MHz |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (I suffix) | Commercial (C suffix) | Commercial (C suffix) | Industrial (I suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature ordering grade (vs EP20K100QC240-2)
- Lead-free N-suffix package option (vs EP20K100QI240-2)
- Balanced logic, memory, and I/O in a reworkable PQFP (vs EP20K100QC240-3N)
Design Notes
The EP20K100QI240-2N requires a 2.5 V nominal core supply with a verified range of 2.375 V to 2.625 V. Use a dedicated low-noise regulator for VCCINT and place 0.1 uF ceramic capacitors close to each core-supply pin, plus larger bulk capacitance at the board level. Estimated: for a mature 0.22 um FPGA, the core current can be substantial under high-toggle-rate designs, but no ICCINT value was present in the verified data, so characterize power with the actual configuration. Avoid feeding I/O banks from the core regulator unless the I/O voltage matches 2.5 V and the regulator has enough current capability.
The PQFP-240 package has 0.5 mm terminal pitch and a 32 mm square body. Fine-pitch gull-wing leads require accurate solder paste deposition and inspectable solder joints. A verified related PQFP listing shows MSL 3 and a 220C peak reflow temperature; the EP20K100QI240-2N lead-free finish may need a higher reflow profile, so always follow the manufacturer's moisture and reflow guidance from the specific datasheet. Provide a solder mask opening and silkscreen orientation marker at pin 1 to prevent assembly errors.
Because APEX 20K FPGAs have volatile SRAM configuration, a board without an external configuration device or JTAG host will not retain logic after power-off. Use an Altera EPC2 or EPC16 configuration PROM configured in passive serial mode, or drive JTAG from a host processor. Also verify that any replacement part keeps the same core voltage: the -N lead-free suffix is not a functional difference, but an APEX 20KE 'E' variant with a different core supply may not be a drop-in for this 2.5 V original family.
No thermal resistance figure for the PQFP-240 EP20K100 package appears in the verified data, so the designer should estimate junction temperature using the device power from a power analysis. Estimated: for a 2.5 V FPGA with hundreds of I/O toggling, use a conservative approach and add airflow over the 32 mm PQFP body. The industrial temperature grade of the -QI240-2N still requires the junction temperature to remain within the absolute maximum specified in the APEX 20K datasheet; prototype thermal measurement is recommended for enclosed industrial equipment.
Compliance Information
The -N suffix in Altera ordering commonly indicates a lead-free package, but the verified web data does not include an explicit RoHS or REACH certificate for EP20K100QI240-2N. The MSL/reflow data from the related EP20K100QI240 listing suggests Sn-Pb or lead-free profiles may exist; confirm with the manufacturer datasheet or distributor compliance documentation before legal/regulatory use.
