EP20K200RC208-1N - APEX 20K 250MHz FPGA | Altera
MPN: EP20K200RC208-1N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27.5 | $27.50 |
| 10 | $25.3 | $253.00 |
| 100 | $22.8 | $2,280.00 |
| 500 | $20.2 | $10,100.00 |
| 1,000 | $18.1 | $18,100.00 |
EP20K200RC208-1N Overview
An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric is configured after manufacturing. Unlike fixed-function ASICs, FPGAs contain programmable look-up tables, routing switches, embedded memory blocks, and I/O elements that users define with an HDL. In the component hierarchy, an FPGA is a type of programmable logic device (PLD), which belongs to the larger category of integrated circuits used in digital systems. For designers, FPGAs offer field-upgradable functionality and fast prototyping while still providing high parallel processing capability.
The EP20K200RC208-1N integrates 8,320 logic elements and 106,496 bits of embedded RAM, reducing the need for external FIFOs and small memory buffers. It has 144 user I/O pins and supports system level design through Altera's Quartus and MAX+PLUS II design flows. The 250 MHz system frequency, along with the 0.22 µm process technology, gives it strong performance for high-throughput control and data path applications while operating from a low 2.5 V core voltage.
Architecturally, the APEX 20K family is based on Altera's MultiCore architecture, which combines LUT-based logic, product-term logic, and embedded memory in a single FPGA fabric. This integration lets the device implement state machines, counters, signal processing, and memory interfaces without requiring separate CPLDs or external FIFOs. The 144 I/O pins in the 208-pin RQFP can connect to processors, bus interfaces, and standard logic families, offering flexible board-level integration.
Typical applications for this FPGA include telecommunications line cards, protocol bridging, industrial motion control, medical imaging front ends, ASIC prototyping, and legacy system lifecycle extension. As an obsolete APEX-20K family member, it is also frequently used to extend the life of installed equipment when system upgrades require identical pin-out replacement.
When designing with this 2.5 V FPGA, designers must ensure the core supply is correct and that I/O banks receive their specified VCCIO voltages. The device is SRAM-based and requires configuration on every power-up, typically using an EPC2 or EPC16 configuration device. The lead-free N finish should be assembled with RoHS-compliant reflow profiles.
This page synthesizes distributor snippets, part-number cross-reference data, and practical design notes for the EP20K200RC208-1N, providing information beyond the bare manufacturer datasheet for engineers evaluating this legacy FPGA part.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200RC208-1N — 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 EP20K200RC208-1N (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Process Technology, Family, Operating Temperature, Package, Speed Grade.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K200RC208-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$78 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$35.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$79.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-2N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K200RC208-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-1N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX 20K |
| Number of Logic Elements | 8320 |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 |
| Number of User I/O | 144 |
| Number of System Gates | 200000 (200K) |
| Maximum System Frequency | 250 MHz |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um |
| Package Type | RQFP-208 (28x28 mm) |
| Package / Case Alternative Name | 208-BFQFP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | -1 |
| Lead-Free / RoHS Finish | Yes (N suffix) |
EP20K200RC208-1N 208-bfqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K200RC208-1N (208-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 EP20K200RC208-1N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K200RC208-1N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Cards, Protocol Conversion and Bus Bridging, Industrial Motion Control, Medical Imaging Front-End Processing, ASIC Prototyping, Legacy System Lifecycle Extension.
Telecommunications Line Cards
The EP20K200RC208-1N's 8,320 logic elements and 144 I/Os provide enough fabric for SONET/SDH framing, packet classification, or HDLC controllers in a 208-pin RQFP. The 250 MHz system frequency supports OC-3/OC-12 auxiliary data paths, while 106,496 RAM bits absorb FIFOs and descriptor tables without external SRAM. The 2.5 V core keeps dynamic power practical for line-card mezzanines. Place the FPGA between backplane UTOPIA or SPI-4 buses and PHY devices; the N lead-free finish simplifies RoHS assembly. Altera's EPC2 configuration device loads the bitstream on power-up and supports remote update. A typical board uses a 100 MHz reference oscillator and parallel GPIO buses; wiring the EPC2 to the FPGA's DATA0/DCLK pins is necessary. For control-plane communication, an I/O bank can connect to a host CPU.
Recommended
Protocol Conversion and Bus Bridging
FPGAs are commonly used to bridge legacy and modern buses. With 144 user I/Os, EP20K200RC208-1N can connect to 16-bit or 32-bit microprocessors, PCI-like peripherals, and UART/SPI interfaces. The 8,320 LEs implement state machines, address decoding, and FIFO counters; 106,496 RAM bits handle packet buffering. Its 250 MHz logic capacity can match most 33-66 MHz bus clock domains with ample timing margin. Because the device is SRAM-based, it must be configured at every power-up, typically from EPC2/EPC16 or a CPU via passive serial configuration. Designers should place I/O bank supply decoupling near each VCCIO pin group and confirm that both 3.3 V and 2.5 V interfaces are allowed by selecting appropriate bank voltages. This makes EP20K200RC208-1N useful in industrial retrofit products where existing PCB footprints use 208-pin QFP sockets.
Recommended
Industrial Motion Control
Industrial drives and PLCs need deterministic parallel logic for encoder decoding, PWM generation, and real-time alarm handling. The EP20K200RC208-1N supplies 8,320 logic elements at 250 MHz, giving enough performance for multi-axis pulse-train generation and quadrature decode state machines. Embedded RAM is useful for small motion-profile look-up tables. The 144 I/Os allow direct connection to optocoupler inputs, differential line drivers, and external SRAM interfaces. The 2.5 V core reduces heat in sealed cabinets, but I/O banks must be matched to the motor-drive interface voltage. For motor-drive boards using a 209-pin QFP socket, the lead-free N version meets RoHS requirements. EPC2 configuration storage keeps the boot time below typical PLC power-up tolerances, and boundary-scan JTAG supports in-field diagnostics.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Front-End Processing
Medical imaging systems often need low-latency FPGA preprocessing to filter sensor data before a DSP or CPU performs reconstruction. The EP20K200RC208-1N can implement digital filters, correlated double sampling, and line-buffer structures using its 8,320 LEs and 106,496 RAM bits. The 250 MHz clock enables real-time pixel processing for moderate-resolution ultrasound or optical coherence tomography channels. The device's wide I/O count connects to CCD/CMOS sensor arrays and interleaved ADCs. Because medical equipment is typically RoHS-compliant, the N suffix is beneficial. Designers should provide a clean split between the 2.5 V core plane and analog sensing planes. Since APEX 20K devices are obsolete, this part is best used in field upgrades or legacy imaging systems where existing FPGA footprints cannot be redesigned.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping
The EP20K200RC208-1N is well suited to ASIC prototyping of digital control logic and bus fabrics. Its 8,320 logic elements can model many medium-size RTL blocks before synthesis into a custom chip. The 144 I/O pins connect to external SRAM, prototype headers, and host processors, allowing real-time validation. The 106,496 RAM bits emulate register files and small memories that would be implemented as SRAM in the ASIC. Engineers use the same HDL for FPGA mapping and ASIC synthesis, reducing bring-up surprises. Because the part is lead-free, it fits standard lab prototypes using RoHS-compliant solder. The 250 MHz speed is generous for most prototype targets at 50-100 MHz. For ASIC prototype boards, the EPC2 configuration device provides a simple JTAG/serial download path and can be reprogrammed rapidly during verification.
Recommended
Legacy System Lifecycle Extension
Many installed systems contain APEX 20K devices that are now obsolete. The EP20K200RC208-1N is frequently used for lifecycle extension because its drop-in family variants let service organizations repair boards with an identical package and pinout. The 208-pin RQFP package is compatible with existing sockets or can be soldered onto the original PCB land pattern. The 2.5 V core and lead-free finish allow RoHS-compliant rework lines to replace older PbSn devices. Engineers supporting legacy boards can reuse original Altera programming files and configuration bitstreams without changing HDL. The biggest concern is supply chain sustainability, so pairing the FPGA with a verified EPC2 configuration device in the same procurement lot is recommended. This application prioritizes form-fit-function compatibility and avoids expensive board redesigns in avionics, transportation, military, and industrial systems where qualification costs are high.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200RC208-1N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200RC208-1 | EP20K200RC208-1X | EP20K200RC208-2 | EP20K200RC208-2N | EP20K200RC208-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | RQFP-208 (28x28 mm) | RQFP-208 (same) | RQFP-208 (same) | RQFP-208 (same) | RQFP-208 (same) | RQFP-208 (same) |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -1 | -1X | -2 | -2 | -3 |
| Logic Elements | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 | 8320 |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 | 106496 | 106496 | 106496 | 106496 | 106496 |
| User I/O Count | 144 | 144 | 144 | 144 | 144 | 144 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
Key Differentiators
- Lead-free N version of the standard EP20K200RC208-1 (vs EP20K200RC208-1)
- Fastest commonly available -1 speed grade in the same RQFP-208 footprint (vs EP20K200RC208-3)
- Pin-for-pin compatibility with the APEX 20K RC208 family (vs Intel Cyclone IV (non-drop-in modern alternative))
Design Notes
The EP20K200RC208-1N uses a 2.5 V core supply, and power sequencing with the I/O supply is important for SRAM-based FPGAs. Estimated: if a design uses 100% of logic elements at 250 MHz, dynamic power can be in the range of hundreds of milliwatts to several watts depending on toggle rates. Place at least one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor close to each VCC/VCCIO pin and provide a bulk 10 uF capacitor per package side. Confirm the core voltage with a low-noise 2.5 V regulator and monitor it under load. If the design uses large I/O banks at 3.3 V, the bank supply should ramp simultaneously or after the core supply to avoid output contention.
The 208-pin RQFP is a 28x28 mm quad flat pack with a 0.5 mm pitch. The PCB land pattern must match Altera's RQFP-208 footprint. Route signals from the inner pins using vias placed as close as possible to the pad without violating manufacturing rules. Use the NC or unused pins as through-board via escapes. Provide a solid ground plane beneath the FPGA and a separate 2.5 V plane for the core supply. Since this is an obsolete lead-free N package, the board finish should be ENIG or OSP to maintain RoHS compliance; reflow profile is based on the Pb-free alloy. Thermal vias under the exposed pad are optional unless the given package shows an exposed pad.
Do not confuse the N suffix with speed grade or temperature grade. EP20K200RC208-1N is a -1 speed grade, lead-free part, while EP20K200RC208-1 is the tin-lead equivalent. Because the device is SRAM-based, it is blank at power-up and requires a configuration device. Make sure the EPC2/EPC16 is attached to the dedicated configuration pins and that nCONFIG is held low until supply rails are valid. APEX 20K devices are obsolete, so verify exact availability and thermal/mechanical datasheet notes before committing to a solder rework. For long-term production, consider Intel's recommended Cyclone IV family despite the need for board redesign.
Compliance Information
The N suffix in Altera part numbers indicates lead-free (Pb-free) finish, so RoHS compliance and lead_free are marked yes. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-mineral statements are not included in the supplied distributor data.
