EP20K200CQ208C9 - APEX-20KC FPGA 200K Gates | Intel
MPN: EP20K200CQ208C9 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $49.28 | $49.28 |
| 10 | $47 | $470.00 |
| 100 | $45 | $4,500.00 |
| 500 | $42.5 | $21,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $40 | $40,000.00 |
EP20K200CQ208C9 Overview
An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks, embedded memory, and configurable interconnect that can be programmed after manufacturing to implement custom digital logic. The EP20K200CQ208C9 belongs to the APEX-20KC family, which sits within the broad programmable logic hierarchy that includes CPLDs, FPGAs, and system-level integration devices used for board-level digital functions.
Key features from the verified web data include a 0.15um process technology, a core supply voltage range of 1.71V to 1.89V, 106,496 total RAM bits, and 8,320 logic cells. The 208-pin PQFP/BFQFP package provides a large pin count for I/O-intensive designs, while the 250 MHz family rating allows fast state machines, datapath processing, and bus-interface logic. The C9 suffix indicates the specific ordering and speed-grade option, and the device is described as a CMOS loadable PLD with roughly 2 ns internal signal delay.
Architecturally, APEX-20KC devices are SRAM-based FPGAs. They combine look-up-table logic with embedded RAM and high-speed routing resources, enabling designers to implement FIFOs, protocol controllers, and custom logic without many external glue parts. Because they are SRAM-based, EP20K200CQ208C9 devices need a configuration bitstream loaded after every power-up, normally via an Altera configuration device or download cable, before the I/O pins become active.
Typical application fields include telecom line cards, network routers, industrial digital control, and test instrumentation, where the medium-density logic cells, 106,496 bits of embedded RAM, and 1.8V core help balance performance and power. The device is well suited to replace multiple discrete logic devices on a single board, reducing part count and easing board revision.
Design consideration: verify that your configuration source can handle a 1.8V APEX-20KC device in the 208-pin PQFP package, and place adequate decoupling capacitors across the power and ground pins because the core can switch large transient currents. Signal integrity of the PQFP leads is also a board-layout concern at high output drive settings.
This page synthesizes distributor stock references, market pricing, pin-compatible family alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the raw information found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200CQ208C9 — 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 EP20K200CQ208C9 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Core Supply Voltage, Process Technology, Family, Maximum Internal Frequency, System Gates.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K200CQ208C8N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$27.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200CQ208C8
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200CQ208C8ES
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$142 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200CQ208C7ES
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$20.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200CQ208C9N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K200CQ208C9 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20KC |
| Total Gates | 200K typical |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 8320 |
| Maximum Internal Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Technology | 0.15 um CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8V |
| Voltage - Supply Range | 1.71V ~ 1.89V |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 |
| Package / Case | 208-BFQFP |
| Supplier Device Package | 208-PQFP (28x28) |
| Number of Pins | 208 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Device Type | LOADABLE PLD, CMOS |
| Internal Propagation Delay | 2 ns |
| Core Architecture | SRAM-based FPGA |
EP20K200CQ208C9 208-pqfp (28x28) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K200CQ208C9 (208-pqfp (28x28) 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 EP20K200CQ208C9.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K200CQ208C9 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecom and Networking Line Cards, Industrial Automation and Motion Control, Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment, Broadcast Video Processing, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Aerospace and Avionics Data Acquisition.
Telecom and Networking Line Cards
Telecom and networking line cards require medium-density programmable logic to bridge multiple bus standards, perform frame parsing, and implement state machines. The EP20K200CQ208C9 provides 8,320 logic cells and 106,496 RAM bits, enough for small FIFOs, descriptor queues, and protocol controllers, while its 208-pin PQFP package routes conveniently on line-card PCBs. Its 1.71V to 1.89V core reduces switching power in dense rack environments. In a typical design, the FPGA sits between the backplane bus and an ASIC or PHY, running at 250 MHz-class internal clocks for protocol processing. Because the device is SRAM-based, a configuration device such as the EPC2 family must be included to load the bitstream at every power-up. The main performance consideration is that the older 0.15um I/Os may not support sub-1V HSTL levels; verify I/O standard compatibility with the intended PHY.
Recommended
Industrial Automation and Motion Control
Industrial automation controllers often combine real-time servo interfacing, programmable limit switches, and high-speed counter logic in one system. The EP20K200CQ208C9 can implement the custom logic that coordinates multiple encoder channels, safety interlocks, and vision-system triggers without using many discrete 74-series parts. Its 8320 logic cells and 106,496 RAM bits allow designers to create small look-up tables and state machines for deterministic motion profiles. The 1.8V core keeps heat dissipation manageable in sealed industrial enclosures, while the 208-pin PQFP package provides enough I/O to connect to optocoupler input boards, H-bridge driver outputs, and field-bus transceivers. As an SRAM-based FPGA, it needs a configuration device or a host controller to load its firmware on every cold start.
Recommended
Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Equipment
Medical imaging systems require high-speed digital preprocessing of sensor data, often using FPGAs to reduce latency and integrate proprietary algorithms. The EP20K200CQ208C9 can serve in ultrasound front-end processing, X-ray detector data concentration, or portable diagnostic instrumentation where 200K gates and 8,320 logic cells provide adequate capacity for filtering, histogram computation, and system sequencing. The embedded 106,496 RAM bits can store line buffers or small coefficient tables without external SRAM. Its 1.8V supply reduces power consumption in battery-operated or fanless medical equipment. Because medical designs must follow stringent verification and lifecycle requirements, using a non-production engineering-sample variant such as C8ES is not recommended, and designers should confirm long-term availability before selecting this obsolete device for a new medical product.
Recommended
Broadcast Video Processing
Broadcast video equipment often needs custom logic to perform format conversion, frame synchronization, and pixel multiplexing at moderate data rates. The EP20K200CQ208C9 can be used downstream of a video decoder or ASIC to buffer scan lines and perform simple image-processing functions such as vertical blanking insertion or synchronization-word replacement. With 8320 logic cells and 106,496 RAM bits, it supports line-length FIFOs and control state machines for standard-definition or early high-definition signals. The 208-pin PQFP package is useful when board area is constrained and an FPGA must connect to multiple video data buses, I2C control ports, and sync signals. Designers must account for the device's configuration time because the FPGA will not produce valid video output until its bitstream is loaded.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench instruments such as logic analyzers, signal generators, and protocol analyzers use programmable logic to implement fast trigger circuits, acquisition buffers, and custom counter/timer blocks. The EP20K200CQ208C9 is suitable for these roles because it combines 8320 logic cells and 106,496 embedded RAM bits in a 208-pin surface-mount package. Its 1.8V core reduces power in benchtop instruments, and the 250 MHz family maximum internal frequency supports high-speed timing and measurement logic. In a typical measurement front end, the FPGA receives digitized data from an ADC, aligns it into memory, and generates trigger flags. Engineers should include an external configuration controller, because the instrument must be ready immediately after power-on and cannot wait for manual FPGA programming in production.
Recommended
Aerospace and Avionics Data Acquisition
Aerospace data acquisition systems frequently need medium-density FPGA logic to collect multiple sensor streams, format ARINC or MIL-STD-1553 messages, and handle bus arbitration. The EP20K200CQ208C9 provides 8,320 logic cells and 106,496 RAM bits for small FIFOs and interface logic, while the 208-pin PQFP package permits connections to many transceiver and ADC components on a single board. Its 1.71V to 1.89V core range and 1.8V nominal supply help reduce power in thermal-strained avionics enclosures. However, designers must check environmental qualification because commercial APEX-20KC devices are generally not qualified for high-reliability aerospace use; an industrial or military-grade variant, if available, should be selected. The SRAM-based architecture also requires a reliable configuration controller for power-up in safety-critical systems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200CQ208C9 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200CQ208C8N | EP20K200CQ208C8 | EP20K200CQ208C8ES | EP20K200CQ208C7ES | EP20K200CQ208C9N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-PQFP (28x28) | 208-PQFP (28x28) - same | 208-PQFP (28x28) - same | 208-PQFP (28x28) - same | 208-PQFP (28x28) - same | 208-PQFP (28x28) - same |
| Brand | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera | Intel / Altera |
| APEX-20KC Family | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 | 106496 (same family) | 106496 (same family) | 106496 (same family) | 106496 (same family) | 106496 (same family) |
| Logic Cells | 8320 | 8320 (same family) | 8320 (same family) | 8320 (same family) | 8320 (same family) | 8320 (same family) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.8V (1.71V - 1.89V) | 1.8V (same family) | 1.8V (same family) | 1.8V (same family) | 1.8V (same family) | 1.8V (same family) |
| Speed / Ordering Suffix | C9 | C8N | C8 | C8ES | C7ES | C9N |
| N-Suffix / Lead-Free Variant | No N suffix | Yes (N suffix) | No N suffix | No N suffix / ES | No N suffix / ES | Yes (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- C9 ordering code with verified 250 MHz family listing (vs EP20K200CQ208C8N)
- Production commercial ordering code rather than engineering sample (vs EP20K200CQ208C8ES)
- Non-N finishing for legacy production lines (vs EP20K200CQ208C9N)
Design Notes
The EP20K200CQ208C9 requires a clean 1.8V core supply within the valid 1.71V to 1.89V range. Because this is a 0.15um FPGA, core current can change rapidly during configuration and clock switching, so place one 0.1uF ceramic capacitor on each power pin and add several 10uF bulk capacitors near the package power pins. Verify the recommended power-supply decoupling and ground connection in the APEX-20KC datasheet. For legacy boards that originally used 2.5V or 3.3V devices, a dedicated 1.8V regulator is mandatory and should be sequenced according to the recommended power-up order.
The 208-pin PQFP/BFQFP package has fine-pitch leads and no exposed thermal pad. Use a footprint exactly matching the supplier device package drawing and provide a solid ground plane under the device. Fan out the leads using short, equal-length traces for high-speed I/O; avoid 90-degree corners and minimize vias on clock paths. Since the device has many I/O pins, plan the schematic pin assignments before layout so that internal FPGA routing can meet timing without excessive PCB trace lengths. A test point on each 1.8V power pin is useful for validating supply noise.
The most common failure in legacy APEX-20K designs is missing configuration circuitry. Since the EP20K200CQ208C9 is SRAM-based, it forgets its logic whenever power is removed. Always include a configuration device, such as an EPC2 or EPCS device, or connect a host controller that can write the bitstream after power-up. Also verify that I/O banks are supplied with the appropriate VCCIO voltage before the FPGA completes configuration; otherwise I/O pins may not drive the correct logic levels at startup. Engineering-sample variants like C8ES should not be used in production.
Compliance Information
Verified web data does not provide RoHS/REACH certification for this legacy part. N-suffix variants are commonly associated with lead-free/RoHS finishing but should be verified with the supplier.
