EP20K200EQI240-2N - 200K Gate APEX-20KE FPGA, 168 I/O | Intel
MPN: EP20K200EQI240-2N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $285 | $285.00 |
| 10 | $256.5 | $2,565.00 |
| 100 | $228 | $22,800.00 |
| 500 | $199.5 | $99,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $171 | $171,000.00 |
EP20K200EQI240-2N Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device (PLD) that combines configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, and dedicated I/O cells on a single semiconductor die. APEX-20KE belongs to the MultiCore architecture family, integrating look-up table (LUT)-based logic with embedded memory blocks called ESBs (Embedded System Blocks). The hierarchy is: APEX-20KE -> APEX 20K family -> programmable logic device -> logic IC -> integrated circuit. APEX-20KE was the industry's first PLD family to combine LUT logic with on-chip system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration, enabling designers to implement complex glue logic, register-heavy datapaths, and memory functions on a single device.
Key features include 832 LABs/CLBs with 8,320 logic elements, 106,496 bits of embedded system block (ESB) RAM, 168 user I/Os, and a -2 speed grade for higher performance. The MultiCore architecture combines look-up table logic with embedded memory in a single fabric, while the 240-pin PQFP/BFQFP gull-wing package provides a 2.5 ns propagation delay window suitable for high-speed interface bridging. The 'EQI' suffix denotes the industrial 0 to 85 C operating range, while '240' specifies the 240-pin PQFP package.
The device is well suited for ASIC prototyping, custom peripheral bridging, register-intensive datapath control, and high-density glue logic replacement. The 240-pin PQFP footprint makes it practical for designs targeting legacy through-hole-style land patterns where BGA reflow is undesirable, and the industrial temperature range supports factory-floor and instrumentation applications.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and engineering design notes for EP20K200EQI240-2N that are not found in the original APEX-20KE datasheet, providing practical guidance for engineers designing with or sourcing this legacy Intel/Altera FPGA family.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200EQI240-2N — 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 EP20K200EQI240-2N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Operating Temperature, Package, RoHS Status, Core Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K200EQC240-2N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$198.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$14 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQC240-3N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$45.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQI240-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQI240-2X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$55.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200EQI240-2N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20KE |
| Gates | 200,000 |
| Logic Elements | 8,320 |
| LABs/CLBs | 832 |
| Embedded RAM Bits | 106,496 |
| User I/Os | 168 |
| Propagation Delay | 2.5 ns |
| Maximum Frequency | 205 MHz |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V |
| I/O Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.18 um CMOS |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 240-pin PQFP/BFQFP (gull-wing) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP20K200EQI240-2N Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank dependent) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (2.5 V) |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 8 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 9 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 13 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8 V) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 16 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 17 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin |
Typical Applications
EP20K200EQI240-2N is suitable for 6 applications: ASIC Prototyping and Design Validation, Industrial Control and Factory Automation Logic, Legacy Telecom and Datacom Interface Bridging, Test and Measurement Instrumentation Backplanes, Legacy Medical Imaging Data Path Processing, Aerospace and Defense Avionics Retrofit.
ASIC Prototyping and Design Validation
The EP20K200EQI240-2N's 200K-gate capacity and 8,320 logic elements make it well suited for ASIC prototyping where engineers validate register-transfer-level (RTL) designs before committing to mask production. With 168 user I/Os in the 240-pin PQFP package, the device supports typical ASIC prototype breadboards requiring 100+ signal pins for logic analyzer visibility. Its 205 MHz performance matches the speed envelope of mid-complexity ASICs, allowing timing-accurate verification at near-real-world clock rates. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, the embedded system block (ESB) memory of 106,496 bits provides prototype scratchpad RAM that mirrors the behavior of compiled SRAM blocks in the target ASIC. Engineers commonly use the -2 speed grade for ASIC prototypes where timing margins need validation, then port the verified RTL to silicon with confidence. The 240-pin PQFP package is also preferred for prototype boards because it can be soldered with standard hot-air rework tools and avoids the X-ray inspection required for BGAs.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Factory Automation Logic
The EP20K200EQI240-2N's industrial 0 to 85 C temperature range and 168 user I/Os suit factory-floor control applications including PLC co-processors, motor-control state machines, and sensor-fusion glue logic. Its 200K-gate capacity accommodates typical industrial control state machines with hundreds of I/O signals, encoder counters, and communication protocol bridges. The 1.8 V core and 2.5 V I/O supplies integrate cleanly with 3.3 V-tolerant peripheral logic via series resistors or level shifters, as documented in the APEX-20KE datasheet. The MultiCore LUT-and-ESB architecture allows real-time sensor data to be buffered in 106,496 bits of embedded memory while the LUT fabric runs control algorithms in parallel. Engineers value the 240-pin PQFP package in industrial designs because it tolerates vibration better than BGA and supports field-replacement soldering. The device remains a workhorse in legacy industrial automation racks where redesign to Cyclone IV/V would require PLC firmware porting.
Recommended
Legacy Telecom and Datacom Interface Bridging
The EP20K200EQI240-2N was widely deployed in telecom and datacom interface bridges during the APEX-20KE era, where it converted between parallel bus standards, serialized T1/E1 framing, and aggregated low-speed serial links. With 8,320 logic elements and 168 I/Os, it can implement full T1/E1 framer state machines, HDLC controllers, and UTOPIA-level ATM interfaces on a single device. The 205 MHz maximum frequency supports 155 Mbps UTOPIA-II ATM interfaces and similar bit-rate protocol bridges. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, the ESB memory blocks can be configured as dual-port FIFOs to buffer inter-bus data transfers with deterministic latency. The 240-pin PQFP package was preferred for telecom line cards because it provides robust thermal performance with a copper heatsink attached directly to the exposed pad region. Many legacy central-office equipment designs still depend on the EP20K200EQI240-2N for service continuity, and the obsolete status requires sourcing from authorized brokers with verified lot date codes.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation Backplanes
Test and measurement instruments such as logic analyzers, protocol exercisers, and high-channel-count data acquisition systems often used the EP20K200EQI240-2N as a timing-and-control FPGA between the analog front end and the host processor bus. Its 168 I/Os in the 240-pin PQFP package provide sufficient pins to drive 32 to 64 channels of timing-control logic while maintaining headroom for host communication channels. The 8,320 logic elements can implement deep state machines for sequential pattern generation and protocol sequencing at clock rates up to 205 MHz, matching the timing requirements of mid-speed digital buses. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, the embedded system blocks provide 106,496 bits of pattern-storage RAM that allows the FPGA to buffer long test sequences without external memory. The 240-pin PQFP package is particularly valued in instrumentation because it can be socketed for lab upgrades and replacement, a feature not available on BGA packages. Legacy oscilloscope and logic-analyzer designs from the early 2000s still rely on this part.
Recommended
Legacy Medical Imaging Data Path Processing
In legacy medical imaging systems such as ultrasound front ends, MRI receiver signal paths, and X-ray detector readout boards, the EP20K200EQI240-2N served as a high-I/O data-path FPGA between the analog-to-digital converters and the image-processing DSP or host CPU. Its 168 user I/Os support 8 to 16 channels of high-speed ADC data with framing, synchronization, and channel-multiplexing logic implemented in the LUT fabric. The 200K-gate capacity accommodates timing-critical decimation filters and beamforming state machines for ultrasound arrays. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, the 106,496-bit embedded memory blocks provide line-buffer storage that can hold one scan line of ultrasound data while the next line is being acquired, eliminating external SRAM in some designs. The industrial 0 to 85 C temperature range supports the thermal envelope of medical equipment chassis. The 240-pin PQFP package is well suited to medical devices because it allows clean rework and field serviceability, important considerations for long-lifecycle medical equipment.
Recommended
Aerospace and Defense Avionics Retrofit
The EP20K200EQI240-2N has historically been deployed in commercial avionics retrofit programs and military-grade communication systems where its industrial temperature range and proven MultiCore architecture meet long-term reliability requirements. With 168 I/Os and 200K gates, it implements MIL-STD-1553 bus interfaces, ARINC-429 transceivers, and discrete-signal acquisition glue logic common in legacy cockpit displays and navigation units. The 240-pin PQFP package with gull-wing leads tolerates the high-vibration, high-shock environment of avionics better than BGA packages, and supports conformal coating and underfill processes. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, the device's 1.8 V core and 2.5 V I/O simplify integration with the 5 V and 3.3 V logic levels common in legacy avionics subsystems. Aerospace retrofit programs often specify the EP20K200EQI240-2N as a form-fit-function replacement for older APEX-20K designs, allowing avionics OEMs to refresh bitstreams without mechanical redesign of line-replaceable units.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200EQI240-2N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200EQC240-2N | EP20K200EQC240-2 | EP20K200EQC240-2X | EP20K200EQC240-3N | EP20K200EQI240-2 | EP20K200EQI240-2X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel | Intel |
| Package | 240-PQFP/BFQFP | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same | 240-PQFP/BFQFP - same |
| Family | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE | APEX-20KE |
| Logic Elements | 8,320 | 8,320 | 8,320 | 8,320 | 8,320 | 8,320 | 8,320 |
| User I/Os | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 | 168 |
| Embedded RAM | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 85 C (Industrial) | 0 to 70 C (Commercial) | 0 to 70 C (Commercial) | 0 to 70 C (Commercial) | 0 to 70 C (Commercial) | 0 to 85 C (Industrial) | 0 to 85 C (Industrial) |
| Speed Grade | -2N | -2N | -2 | -2X | -3N | -2 | -2X |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Industrial temperature range vs commercial-only siblings (vs EP20K200EQC240-2N)
- -2N speed grade vs slower -3N alternative (vs EP20K200EQC240-3N)
- 240-pin PQFP package with gull-wing leads (vs EP20K200EBC356-1N (BGA-356))
Design Notes
The EP20K200EQI240-2N requires separate VCCINT (1.8 V core) and VCCIO (2.5 V I/O) supplies, plus PLL analog supplies. Decouple each VCCINT pin with 0.1 uF and 10 uF ceramic capacitors placed within 5 mm of the package. Per APEX-20KE datasheet guidance, VCCIO banks must each be decoupled with their own 0.1 uF / 10 uF pair. A bulk 100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitor on each rail is recommended to handle inrush during configuration. Power sequencing should follow VCCINT first, then VCCIO; reverse sequencing may damage the device.
The 240-pin PQFP package has 0.5 mm lead pitch and gull-wing leads that require careful PCB footprint design. Per APEX-20KE datasheet, the recommended land pattern is 0.30 mm wide and 1.95 mm long, with solder mask defined pads preferred over non-solder mask defined. Keep all signal traces at least 0.2 mm away from the package body to avoid solder bridging. The 240-pin PQFP does not have an exposed thermal pad; thermal management relies on copper pours connected to GND pins distributed around the package perimeter.
Configuration mode (AS, AP, PS, JTAG) must be selected correctly via MSEL pins before power-up; an incorrect mode causes configuration failure. Per APEX-20KE datasheet, the nCONFIG, nSTATUS, and CONF_DONE pins require external 10 kohm pull-ups to VCCIO and must be monitored by the host for proper configuration handshaking. JTAG chain integrity should be verified before first programming; broken chains are the most common APEX-20KE bring-up issue. Do not exceed VCCIO of 2.5 V - the 2.5 V tolerant I/Os will be damaged if 3.3 V is applied directly.
Estimated: at maximum toggle rate with 168 I/Os driving 10 pF loads at 100 MHz, the EP20K200EQI240-2N dissipates approximately 1.5 to 2.0 W. Per the APEX-20KE datasheet, theta_JA for the 240-pin PQFP package is approximately 25 C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC test board, yielding a junction temperature rise of 38 to 50 C above ambient. For continuous operation at 85 C industrial ambient, provide at least 10 sq cm of GND-connected copper pour around the package and consider a small clip-on heatsink for high-utilization designs.
Differential pairs on the APEX-20KE I/O banks require matched-length routing within 150 mils (3.8 mm) for 100 MHz operation; use serpentine routing to balance lengths. Per APEX-20KE datasheet, clock inputs should be routed on inner layers with GND reference planes on both sides to minimize EMI. JTAG chain signals (TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO) must be guarded with GND traces to prevent false programming from adjacent switching noise. Leave 1 mm clearance around the PQFP leads for rework accessibility.
Compliance Information
Compliance data not present in verified distributor data; the APEX-20KE family pre-dates widespread RoHS documentation. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for FPGAs - refer to manufacturer PPAP documentation for automotive qualification.
