EP20K160EQC240-3N - APEX 20K 160K Gates 271 I/O FPGA | Intel
MPN: EP20K160EQC240-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $145 | $145.00 |
| 10 | $132.5 | $1,325.00 |
| 100 | $118.75 | $11,875.00 |
| 250 | $105 | $26,250.00 |
| 500 | $92.5 | $46,250.00 |
EP20K160EQC240-3N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a programmable logic device (PLD) containing configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnect, and I/O cells that engineers can customize after manufacturing. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, FPGAs sit under programmable logic -> logic ICs -> integrated circuits. The APEX 20K family specifically pioneered System-on-a-Programmable-Chip (SOPC) integration, combining look-up-table based logic with embedded memory blocks for high-density glue-logic and datapath applications.
Key features include MultiCore architecture combining fine-grain logic with embedded array blocks (EABs) for memory and arithmetic, in-system programmability via IEEE 1149.1 JTAG, multi-voltage I/O supporting 1.8V/2.5V/3.3V interfaces, and LVTTL/LVCMOS/LVDS signaling. The device supports up to 87,040 RAM bits distributed across embedded array blocks, enabling single-chip implementation of FIFOs, dual-port RAM, and DSP-like datapath functions without external memory.
The MultiCore architecture partitions each logic element into a carry-chain for arithmetic plus a register-rich LUT section, allowing efficient mapping of counters, state machines, and datapath pipelines. Built-in JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) boundary-scan and ISR (in-system reconfigurability) let engineers reprogram the device in-circuit, simplifying field upgrades and shortening prototyping cycles. The 0.22 µm CMOS process delivers the speed/power trade-off that made APEX 20K a workhorse for telecom line cards and ASIC prototyping in the early 2000s.
Typical applications include ASIC prototyping, telecommunications line-card glue logic, networking datapath pipelines, and industrial control systems. Designers select this part when they need tens of thousands of gates with embedded block memory, JTAG-based in-system upgrades, and 240-pin PQFP board compatibility.
When designing with the EP20K160EQC240-3N, plan for 1.8V core regulation with bulk decoupling near each VCCINT pin and 3.3V VCCIO rails matched to your logic interface. Use the Quartus II design environment for fitting; place series terminators on clock outputs to limit overshoot, and follow Altera's AN 117 application note for JTAG chain design.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-brand drop-in speed-grade alternatives, application context, and practical layout guidance not found in any single distributor listing, giving procurement and design engineers a one-stop reference.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K160EQC240-3N — 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 EP20K160EQC240-3N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Operating Temperature, Mounting Type, Process Technology, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K160EQC240-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$98.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K160EQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K160EQC240-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$22.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K160EQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$108.5 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K160EQC240-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$110 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EQC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$51.84 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EQC240-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$39.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K160EQC240-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX 20K |
| Logic Family | CMOS |
| System Gates | 160,000 |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 6400 |
| Embedded Memory | 87,040 bits (EAB) |
| User I/Os | 271 |
| Internal Frequency | 323 MHz |
| Propagation Delay | 1.55 ns |
| Core Voltage (VCCINT) | 1.8 V |
| I/O Voltage (VCCIO) | 3.3 V |
| Process Technology | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 85 °C |
| Package | 240-pin PQFP (Power Quad Flat Pack) |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Programmability | In-system via JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
EP20K160EQC240-3N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 10 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8V) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (3.3V) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
Typical Applications
EP20K160EQC240-3N is suitable for 6 applications: ASIC Prototyping and Emulation, Telecommunications Line-Card Glue Logic, Networking Datapath Pipeline, Industrial Control and Factory Automation, Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Military and Aerospace Avionics Retrofit.
ASIC Prototyping and Emulation
The EP20K160EQC240-3N is widely used as an ASIC prototyping vehicle because its 160,000 system gates and 6400 logic cells can map near-100K-utilization ASIC netlists into a single device, while embedded array blocks provide 87 Kbit of distributed RAM for register-file emulation. The 271 user I/Os and 240-pin PQFP package deliver enough board-level connectivity to fan out an ASIC's peripheral signals without external buffer logic. Designers targeting legacy ASIC replacement can validate firmware in silicon before committing to a mask set, cutting prototype cycles from months to weeks.
Recommended
Telecommunications Line-Card Glue Logic
In telecom line cards, the EP20K160EQC240-3N aggregates framer, mapper, and SERDES control interfaces behind a single programmable device. The 1.55 ns propagation delay and 323 MHz fMAX comfortably handle TDM bus steering and HDLC framing at OC-3 rates, while 3.3V LVTTL I/Os connect directly to legacy bus-interface ICs. With 87 Kbit embedded memory, designers can implement elastic FIFOs on-chip, eliminating an external SRAM and reducing line-card BOM cost. MultiCore architecture maps state machines and counters efficiently, freeing EABs for packet buffers.
Recommended
Networking Datapath Pipeline
The EP20K160EQC240-3N accelerates routing and switching pipelines where combinational paths and embedded memory must run at line rate. The MultiCore LUT-and-carry architecture maps CRC engines, header parsers, and lookup-table pipelines efficiently, while 87 Kbit of EAB RAM holds route tables or packet descriptors without external memory contention. 271 user I/Os provide headroom for multiple Gigabit Ethernet MAC interfaces and PCI bridges. Designers targeting 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps aggregate throughput typically achieve >70% utilization on this device.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation
In factory-automation controllers, the EP20K160EQC240-3N provides deterministic combinational logic for motor-control loops, encoder decoding, and safety interlocks. The 0 °C to 85 °C commercial temperature range covers most cabinet environments, and 240-pin PQFP is mechanically robust for industrial through-hole-compatible assembly. JTAG-based in-system reconfigurability lets field engineers update control firmware without board swap, while 3.3V I/Os interface directly to industrial sensor busses. Embedded array blocks host PID loop tables and motion profiles.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Instrumentation
The EP20K160EQC240-3N is found in legacy ATE and bench-instrument designs where 160K-gate density and 271 I/Os let one FPGA replace multiple discrete logic devices. Pattern generators, timing sequencers, and protocol analyzers all fit comfortably inside the MultiCore fabric, while embedded RAM holds capture buffers. In-system JTAG programming supports field firmware upgrades for new test standards. Designers maintaining installed instrument bases rely on the EP20K160EQC240-3N as a long-life, field-replaceable part with known good parametric performance.
Recommended
Military and Aerospace Avionics Retrofit
Although the EP20K160EQC240-3N is rated only for the commercial 0 °C to 85 °C range, many legacy avionics platforms use it in environmentally sealed enclosures where the device remains within spec. Its high logic density supports multiple MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 channels alongside display-driving state machines. The 240-pin PQFP is hermetically sealed at the board level, and JTAG programming allows field firmware updates for new mission profiles. Designers of long-life aerospace programs maintain EP20K160EQC240-3N stock as a qualified, known-good component.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K160EQC240-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K160EQC240-3 | EP20K160EQC240-2N | EP20K160EQC240-2X | EP20K100EQC240-3N | EP20K100EQC240-2X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 240-pin PQFP | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same | 240-pin PQFP - same |
| System Gates | 160,000 | 160,000 | 160,000 | 160,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 |
| Logic Elements | 6400 | 6400 | 6400 | 6400 | 4160 | 4160 |
| Speed Grade | -3N | -3 (no N suffix, SnPb) | -2N (slower) | -2X (slower, industrial) | -3N | -2X (slower) |
| Propagation Delay | 1.55 ns | 1.55 ns | ~1.95 ns (slower bin) | ~1.95 ns (slower bin) | 1.55 ns | ~1.95 ns (slower bin) |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND | NRND |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty 1, as of 2026-09-07) | $145.00 | ~$140 | ~$120 | ~$135 | ~$95 | ~$85 |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density APEX 20K member in the 240-pin PQFP package family (vs EP20K100EQC240-3N)
- Fastest speed grade (-3N) in the 240-pin PQFP APEX 20K family (vs EP20K160EQC240-2N)
- Lead-free (N-suffix) package finish for RoHS compliance (vs EP20K160EQC240-3)
Design Notes
The EP20K160EQC240-3N requires a clean 1.8V core supply (VCCINT) with peak current demand of approximately 1.5A during configuration and high-utilization operation. Use a low-dropout regulator such as the LT1764A-1.8 placed within 25 mm of the VCCINT pins, and pair each VCCINT pin with a 0.1 µF ceramic plus 10 µF tantalum bulk capacitor. VCCIO pins must be tied to 3.3V through a ferrite bead if separate analog and digital 3.3V rails are used. Decoupling placement follows the Altera APEX 20K family reference design in AN 117.
The 240-pin PQFP uses 0.5 mm pitch gull-wing leads; route signals on 0.2 mm trace-and-space rules with power pours on inner layers for VCCINT and VCCIO. Place a continuous ground plane on layer 2 directly under the device to provide a low-impedance return path for the 271 high-speed I/Os. Series termination resistors (33 Ω) on clock outputs and DDR-style interfaces minimize overshoot. JTAG chain signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) should be length-matched and routed away from switching signals to avoid programming glitches.
Estimated: configuration can fail if nCONFIG is not held low until VCCINT and VCCIO reach 90% of nominal. Avoid driving JTAG pins from external devices during in-system programming - isolate with a buffer to prevent contention. Do not exceed the maximum I/O current of 24 mA per pin or 8 mA for backplane-protected banks. When migrating from -3N to -2N speed grade, expect approximately 25% longer propagation delay and verify timing closure in Quartus II timing analysis before committing to production.
Estimated junction temperature: at full 160K-gate utilization with all 271 I/Os switching simultaneously at 100 MHz, internal dissipation is roughly 1.5W. The 240-pin PQFP has θJA of approximately 25 °C/W in still air on a 4-layer FR-4 board, resulting in a junction-to-ambient rise of about 38 °C above ambient. At 70 °C ambient, the die reaches ~108 °C, well below the 150 °C absolute maximum. Forced-air cooling is not required for typical configurations but is recommended when ambient exceeds 70 °C.
Compliance Information
The "N" suffix on the part number indicates lead-free (Pb-free) matte-tin finish per Intel/Altera ordering information. RoHS compliance for the full device is not confirmed in the verified web data - consult the manufacturer's declaration of conformity for definitive RoHS/REACH status. AEC-Q100 is not applicable (commercial-grade FPGAs are not automotive-qualified). Halogen-free status is not specified in the verified data.
