EP20K200RC208-3N - APEX 20K FPGA 200K Gates 8320 Cells 167MHz | Altera
MPN: EP20K200RC208-3N ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $65 | $65.00 |
| 10 | $58.5 | $585.00 |
| 100 | $52 | $5,200.00 |
| 500 | $45.5 | $22,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $39 | $39,000.00 |
EP20K200RC208-3N Overview
An FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a type of programmable logic device whose interconnect and logic resources are configured by the customer after manufacture using a hardware description language (HDL) and a configuration bitstream. FPGAs sit at the top of the programmable logic hierarchy - above simple PLDs, CPLDs, and structured ASICs - and are widely used to implement glue logic, custom processor peripherals, DSP pipelines, and prototype ASICs. The APEX-20K family in particular pioneered the integration of dedicated memory blocks (ESBs) with general-purpose LUT logic, allowing system-on-chip functionality before true SoC ASICs were widely available.
Key features include 144 user I/O pins, 4 dedicated inputs, a maximum operating frequency of 167 MHz, CMOS process technology at 0.22 micrometer geometry, and a 2.5V core supply with LVDS-compatible I/O capability. The 'N' suffix indicates an industrial temperature grade of 0C to +85C, while the '3' speed grade places this part in a moderate performance bin suitable for designs that do not require the highest possible internal clock rate.
From an architectural standpoint, the EP20K200RC208-3N uses Altera's MultiCore architecture, which interleaves logic array blocks (LABs), embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory, and FastTrack interconnect. This design lets the device serve both register-intensive datapath logic and high-density memory functions such as FIFOs and dual-port RAMs without external SRAM. The exposed thermal pad on the BFQFP package aids heat extraction for sustained high-utilization designs.
Typical applications include telecommunications line cards, industrial control and instrumentation, glue logic for DSP boards, custom peripheral controllers, and ASIC prototyping. Designers select this device when they need high gate density plus on-chip memory in a proven, mature silicon process with abundant Quartus II design-tool support.
When designing with the EP20K200RC208-3N, ensure the 208-pin BFQFP land pattern includes the exposed thermal pad soldered to a copper pour to meet thermal and electrical grounding requirements. Quartus II (legacy MAX+PLUS II for older designs) is the supported development environment; configuration bitstreams are loaded via the ByteBlaster or compatible JTAG programmer.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, verified drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the official APEX-20K datasheet family specification.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200RC208-3N — 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 EP20K200RC208-3N (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:
EP20K200RC208-3
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$95 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$79.67 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$78 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-1N
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-1X
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$35.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC208-3N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20K |
| Series | APEX 20K |
| Logic Elements | 8320 cells |
| System Gates | 200,000 |
| Embedded Memory | 106,496 bits |
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 167 MHz |
| User I/O Pins | 144 |
| Dedicated Inputs | 4 |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um CMOS |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| I/O Standard Support | LVDS, 1.8V APEX-20KE family |
| Package Type | 208-RQFP / BFQFP with exposed pad |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.5 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0C to +85C (industrial) |
| Propagation Delay | 3.6 ns |
| Architecture | MultiCore (LUT + product-term + embedded memory) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP20K200RC208-3N 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 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| 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 2) |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 17 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (bank 2) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 22 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 41 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 42 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 53 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 59 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (bank 7) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 64 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 75 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 76 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 87 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 93 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 100 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 110 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 113 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 127 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (bank 7) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 130 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 136 | DCLK — Configuration clock (dedicated input) |
| Pin 137 | DATA0 — Configuration data input (dedicated input) |
| Pin 138 | nCONFIG — Configuration control (dedicated input, active low) |
| Pin 139 | nSTATUS — Configuration status output (dedicated, active low) |
| Pin 140 | CONF_DONE — Configuration done output (dedicated) |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 142 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1) |
| Pin 145 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 146 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 147 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 148 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2) |
| Pin 149 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 150 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 151 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 152 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3) |
| Pin 153 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 154 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 155 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 156 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 157 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4) |
| Pin 158 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 159 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 160 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 161 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5) |
| Pin 162 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 163 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 164 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 165 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 166 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6) |
| Pin 167 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 168 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 169 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 170 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7) |
| Pin 171 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 172 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 173 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 174 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8) |
| Pin 175 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 176 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 177 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 178 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 179 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 180 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 181 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 182 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 183 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage (bank 4) |
| Pin 184 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 185 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 186 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 187 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 188 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 189 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 190 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 191 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 192 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 193 | DEV_CLRn — Device-wide clear (dedicated input, active low) |
| Pin 194 | DEV_OE — Device-wide output enable (dedicated input) |
| Pin 195 | MSEL0 — Configuration mode select 0 (dedicated input) |
| Pin 196 | MSEL1 — Configuration mode select 1 (dedicated input) |
| Pin 197 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 198 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 199 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
| Pin 200 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 4, lower) |
| Pin 201 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 5, lower) |
| Pin 202 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 6, lower) |
| Pin 203 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 7, lower) |
| Pin 204 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 8, lower) |
| Pin 205 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (2.5V) |
| Pin 206 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 1, lower) |
| Pin 207 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 2, lower) |
| Pin 208 | I/O — User I/O pin (bank 3, lower) |
Typical Applications
EP20K200RC208-3N is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Line Card Interface, Industrial Control and Automation, DSP Co-Processor and Custom Peripheral, ASIC Prototyping Platform, PCI Bus Interface and Bridge Card, Custom Memory Controller and Buffer Board.
Telecommunications Line Card Interface
The EP20K200RC208-3N's 200K system gates and 144 user I/O pins make it well-suited for telecom line-card glue logic where multiple serial protocols, framing controllers, and backplane interfaces must coexist on one board. Its MultiCore architecture integrates look-up table logic for state machines alongside embedded system blocks that hold framing buffers and lookup tables, eliminating external SRAM in many designs. The 167 MHz maximum frequency supports OC-3 / STM-1 class line rates after deserialization. Designers typically implement UTOPIA, POS-PHY, or custom LVDS backplane bridges in this device, taking advantage of its LVDS I/O capability for noise-immune board-to-board signaling. The exposed pad on the 208-RQFP package aids thermal dissipation in sealed line-card enclosures with limited airflow.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Automation
For industrial PLC and motion-control boards, the EP20K200RC208-3N provides the gate density needed to implement multiple encoder counters, PWM generators, and fieldbus protocol controllers in a single chip. Its industrial 0C to +85C temperature grade suits factory-floor environments, while the 144 I/O pins accommodate dozens of opto-isolated digital inputs and relay-driver outputs. The embedded memory blocks serve as dual-port RAMs for commutation tables and trajectory buffers, allowing precise multi-axis motion control without external memory. The device's mature Quartus II toolchain also simplifies IEC 61131-3 style function block implementation and SIL-rated safety logic on the same die.
Recommended
DSP Co-Processor and Custom Peripheral
The EP20K200RC208-3N is frequently paired with a host DSP or microprocessor as a high-density co-processor for custom datapath acceleration. With 8320 logic elements and 106 Kbits of embedded memory, the FPGA can implement custom FFT pipelines, Viterbi decoders, or proprietary codec accelerators that offload the host processor. Its 167 MHz fabric supports sample rates up to ~80 MSPS in pipelined designs, while the 144 I/O pins expose wide parallel data buses to the host CPU. Designers often use the device as a bridge between a TI TMS320 DSP and a high-speed ADC/DAC, leveraging the LVDS I/O for jitter-resistant clock distribution.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping Platform
ASIC design teams historically used the EP20K200RC208-3N as a verification vehicle for gate-level netlists targeting 200K-gate ASICs. Its MultiCore architecture closely approximates ASIC standard-cell behavior, including embedded memory blocks that map cleanly to compiled SRAMs. The 208-RQFP package is breadboard-friendly, allowing rapid bring-up of prototype boards in the same form factor as the eventual ASIC. The Quartus II design flow supports industry-standard Verilog and VHDL synthesis with timing-driven place and route, giving designers confidence that silicon behavior will match FPGA emulation.
Recommended
PCI Bus Interface and Bridge Card
The EP20K200RC208-3N was a popular choice for PCI and PCI-X bridge cards in the early 2000s, where its 144 I/O pins easily accommodate the 32-bit/64-bit PCI bus plus local-side memory and peripheral interfaces. The device's 167 MHz fabric comfortably meets the 66 MHz PCI-X specification with margin, while embedded memory blocks implement target/initiator FIFOs without external SRAM. Designers can implement custom DMA engines, scatter-gather controllers, and interrupt handling logic alongside the PCI core. The exposed thermal pad on the BFQFP package supports reliable operation in densely populated PCI backplane slots.
Recommended
Custom Memory Controller and Buffer Board
Memory-intensive designs such as DDR SDRAM controllers, large FIFO buffers, and protocol-specific queue managers benefit from the EP20K200RC208-3N's 106,496 bits of embedded memory combined with its LUT-rich logic. The device can implement multi-port memory controllers with concurrent read/write ports, while the 144 I/O pins support wide external data buses to supplementary SRAM or SDRAM. Its 167 MHz fabric enables DDR-266 class memory interfaces when properly timed in Quartus II, and the exposed pad on the BFQFP package aids thermal dissipation during sustained high-throughput operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200RC208-3N — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200RC208-3 | EP20K200RC208-2 | EP20K200RC208-1 | EP20K200RC208-1N | EP20K200RC208-1X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-RQFP / BFQFP (0.5mm pitch, exposed pad) | 208-RQFP - same | 208-RQFP - same | 208-RQFP - same | 208-RQFP - same | 208-RQFP - same |
| Brand | Altera (now Intel) | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| System Gates | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 |
| Logic Elements | 8320 cells | 8320 cells | 8320 cells | 8320 cells | 8320 cells | 8320 cells |
| Embedded Memory | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits | 106,496 bits |
| Speed Grade | -3 | -3 | -2 (slower) | -1 (slowest) | -1 (slowest) | -1 (slowest) |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (0C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (0C to +85C) | Industrial (0C to +85C), lead-free |
| Maximum Frequency | 167 MHz | 167 MHz | ~150 MHz (estimated, slower grade) | ~130 MHz (estimated, slowest grade) | ~130 MHz (estimated) | ~130 MHz (estimated) |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest speed grade available in 208-RQFP package (vs EP20K200RC208-2)
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs EP20K200RC208-3)
- Highest density APEX-20K in 208-RQFP with full 144 I/O (vs EP20K100RC208 series)
Design Notes
The EP20K200RC208-3N's 208-RQFP / BFQFP package exposes a thermal pad on the underside of the die that MUST be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB. Without this thermal path, junction temperature can exceed 125C under sustained high-utilization designs, especially when many I/O banks toggle simultaneously at 167 MHz. Recommended: at least 1 square inch of 2 oz copper connected to the exposed pad, with thermal vias to inner ground planes.
Provide separate decoupling for VCCINT (2.5V core) and VCCIO (per-bank I/O supply). Use one 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor per VCC pin placed within 3 mm of the package lead, plus bulk 10-100 uF tantalum or polymer capacitors on each supply rail. Estimated core current at full 167 MHz utilization can reach 500 mA; budget your regulator accordingly. Add a ferrite bead between analog and digital grounds if mixed-signal I/O banks are used.
Configure the FPGA in JTAG mode (MSEL pins strapped appropriately) for production boards to allow in-system reprogramming via the ByteBlaster or USB-Blaster cable. Place JTAG header within 50 mm of the device to keep signal integrity. Route all configuration signals (DCLK, DATA0, nCONFIG, nSTATUS, CONF_DONE) away from fast-switching I/O to avoid noise-induced configuration errors. Always include a 1k pull-up on nCONFIG and a 1k pull-up on nSTATUS per Altera reference design.
The EP20K200RC208-3N is NOT pin-compatible with the APEX-20KE variant EP20K200EQC208-3N despite the similar package - core voltage differs (2.5V vs 1.8V) and pinout assignments may vary. Verify pinout against the official datasheet before PCB rework. Also note: Quartus II version compatibility - older Quartus II Web Edition releases support APEX-20K; ensure you have a Quartus II subscription license or use a legacy version that retains APEX support.
Compliance Information
Original APEX-20K family pre-dates widespread RoHS adoption. Lead-free variants are designated by the 'X' suffix (e.g. EP20K200RC208-1X). Request RoHS/REACH declaration from supplier for specific date code. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this family targets commercial/industrial, not automotive.
