EP20K200RC240-2X - APEX-20K FPGA 8320 LE | Altera
MPN: EP20K200RC240-2X ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $300.45 | $300.45 |
| 10 | $285.43 | $2,854.30 |
| 100 | $270.41 | $27,041.00 |
| 500 | $255.38 | $127,690.00 |
| 1,000 | $240.36 | $240,360.00 |
EP20K200RC240-2X Overview
An FPGA is a semiconductor device containing programmable logic blocks and programmable interconnect, allowing designers to configure the silicon for a specific digital function after manufacturing. In the hierarchy of programmable logic, an FPGA sits between CPLDs and ASICs: it provides more logic capacity than a CPLD and enables rapid design changes without the non-recurring engineering cost of a custom ASIC. The APEX-20K architecture was designed for system-on-a-programmable-chip integration, placing FPGA-like LUT logic, CPLD-like product-term logic, and embedded memory on one device.
Key features of the EP20K200RC240-2X include 8320 logic elements, 174 user I/Os, 106496 bits of embedded RAM, and a 240-BFQFP RQFP package. According to FPGAkey part summary data, this device is built on a 0.22 micron process, operates with a 2.5 V core supply, and is rated with a 200 MHz maximum clock frequency. The 200K typical gate count and MultiCore architecture make it suitable for medium-density digital designs that benefit from both look-up-table logic and product-term logic.
The APEX-20K MultiCore architecture integrates LUT-based logic for register-intensive functions, product-term logic for high-speed combinatorial functions, and embedded memory for FIFOs, dual-port RAM, and ROM. This flexibility allows communication systems and DSP pipelines to consolidate multiple PLDs or discrete memories into one FPGA. The 2.5 V core distinguishes this device from the later APEX-20KE family, which operates at 1.8 V and requires a different power delivery design.
Typical applications include communication line cards, network infrastructure interfaces, DSP preprocessing, protocol bridging, and test equipment. The 174 I/O pins allow parallel buses and control signals to be connected directly to backplanes, ASICs, microprocessors, or other FPGAs. The embedded memory supports packet buffering and small FIFOs without external SRAM.
When designing with this device, verify that the board supplies a clean 2.5 V VCCINT rail. Do not use EP20K200E-family devices as direct drop-ins for an existing 2.5 V design unless the PCB is also changed to supply 1.8 V. Because the part is obsolete for new designs, confirm device availability and lifetime support with the supplier before committing to a production release.
This page synthesizes distributor listings, package and family context, practical substitution guidance, and design notes that go beyond the basic manufacturer datasheet. It is intended for engineers maintaining legacy APEX-20K systems, evaluating surplus stock, or looking for a pin-compatible RC240 speed-grade replacement.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K200RC240-2X — 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 EP20K200RC240-2X (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Speed Grade, Maximum Internal Frequency, System Gates, Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K200RC240-1X
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K200RC240-1
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$65 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC240-2
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K200RC240-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$49.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC240-3N
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$52 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K200RC240-2X Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | APEX-20K |
| Device Type | Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 8320 |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 |
| Number of User I/Os | 174 |
| Package | 240-BFQFP (RQFP) exposed pad |
| Number of Terminals | 240 |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Maximum Clock Frequency | 200 MHz |
| Process Technology | 0.22 um |
| Typical Gates | 200 K |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
EP20K200RC240-2X square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K200RC240-2X (square 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 EP20K200RC240-2X.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K200RC240-2X is suitable for 6 applications: Communication Line Card, Network Switch and Router Control Plane, DSP Parallel Processing Front End, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Industrial Controller Bridge, Digital Backplane Protocol Adapter.
Communication Line Card
The EP20K200RC240-2X fits communication line cards because its 174 user I/Os can connect directly to multiple backplane parallel buses, status LEDs, and control signals, while its 8,320 logic elements implement framing, HDLC, or simple packet-processing state machines. The 106,496 RAM bits can buffer small frames or hold look-up tables for address translation. In this role, the FPGA sits between the physical-layer interface and the host processor, performing protocol adaptation without burdening the CPU. The 240-BFQFP package is suitable for compact line-card PCBs where a large BGA would be more difficult to route. However, because the device is legacy and operates at 2.5 V, new line-card designs should prefer a modern transceiver-equipped FPGA. For repair or upgrade of existing telecom equipment, the RC240 speed-grade variants provide a drop-in service path.
Recommended
Network Switch and Router Control Plane
In network switches and routers, the EP20K200RC240-2X can serve as a control-plane bridge between the management CPU, PHY devices, and forwarding ASICs. Its 8,320 logic elements are enough for register-based configuration logic, interrupt controllers, MII/GMII bus translation, and simple packet filters. The 174 I/O pins permit multiple independent bus interfaces with different voltage banks, reducing the need for external level shifters. The embedded memory can hold small forwarding or classification tables. Because the part lacks high-speed serial transceivers, it is not suitable for modern 10GbE/25GbE data paths. For legacy network equipment maintenance, the 2.5 V APEX-20K family is a reasonable control-plane FPGA; for new deployments, a Cyclone or Arria FPGA would offer greater integration and lower power.
Recommended
DSP Parallel Processing Front End
The EP20K200RC240-2X can preprocess parallel digital data before delivery to a DSP or microprocessor. Its LUT-based logic is well suited for multiplier-free filtering, address generation, sample-rate decimation, and FIFO buffering. The 106,496 RAM bits support dual-clock FIFOs used in asynchronous sample buffering. The 174 I/O pins make it easy to connect to an external ADC/DAC bus and a DSP host port simultaneously. The 200 MHz maximum clock rating, from the FPGAkey summary, is adequate for moderate-speed DSP pipelines. Designers should note that APEX-20K devices do not contain dedicated DSP multiplier blocks, so complex multiplications are implemented in programmable logic and consume LEs. For multiplication-intensive DSP, a modern FPGA with dedicated DSP blocks is a better choice.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In bench instruments and data-acquisition systems, the EP20K200RC240-2X can implement pattern generators, digital compare logic, trigger circuits, and waveform routing. The 174 I/O pins allow connection to a wide parallel measurement bus, front-panel display, and host controller in one device. Its 8,320 LEs can absorb custom timing sequences that would otherwise require multiple CPLDs. The 106,496 RAM bits provide small acquisition buffers and lookup correction tables. Because the part is a 2.5 V legacy FPGA, a legacy instrument repair team can maintain a proven firmware image without a software migration. For new instrument generations, a modern FPGA with LVDS, DDR interfaces, and lower static power would provide better measurement performance and simpler heat management.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Bridge
The EP20K200RC240-2X can act as an industrial controller bridge by connecting a microcontroller or soft-core processor to field-bus interface chips, optocouplers, and peripheral devices. Its 174 I/Os can implement parallel address/data buses, chip selects, and handshaking logic. The 2.5 V core plus board-provided I/O supplies allows banked I/O connection to 3.3 V and 2.5 V peripherals when level-shifting requirements are carefully planned. The product-term logic in the MultiCore architecture is useful for glueless address decoding. For industrial temperature ranges, verify that the exact order code supports the required grade because the retrieved data labels temperature grade only as 'OTHER'. If the equipment must operate beyond commercial temperature limits, request a specific temperature-graded part from the supplier.
Recommended
Digital Backplane Protocol Adapter
The EP20K200RC240-2X is suitable for digital backplane protocol adapters where 174 I/Os are used to bridge parallel backplane buses, control sidebands, and alarm outputs. Its 8,320 LEs can implement bus parity, address decode, watchdog logic, and status registers. The embedded RAM can provide small mailbox or command queues between backplane cards. The large QFP package is easy to route on multilayer backplane cards and does not require expensive BGA socketing. However, the lack of built-in high-speed transceivers limits direct connection to modern serial backplanes, so an external SERDES or companion PHY is required. For legacy CompactPCI, VME, or proprietary parallel backplane equipment, the RC240 package remains a practical drop-in repair solution.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K200RC240-2X — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K200RC240-1X | EP20K200RC240-1 | EP20K200RC240-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 240-BFQFP (RQFP) exposed pad | 240-BFQFP (RQFP) - same | 240-BFQFP (RQFP) - same | 240-BFQFP (RQFP) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Logic Elements | 8320 | 8320 (same die family) | 8320 (same die family) | 8320 (same die family) |
| Total RAM Bits | 106496 | 106496 (same die family) | 106496 (same die family) | 106496 (same die family) |
| User I/O Count | 174 | 174 (same package) | 174 (same package) | 174 (same package) |
| Core Supply Voltage | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
| Speed Grade Designation | -2X | -1X | -1 | -2 |
Key Differentiators
- Maintains legacy 2.5 V APEX-20K power architecture (vs EP20K200EQC240-2X)
- Pin-compatible with multiple RC240 speed grades (vs EP20K200RC240-3)
- Availability through authorized aftermarket distributors (vs EP20K200RC240-1X)
Design Notes
The EP20K200RC240-2X is a 2.5 V core APEX-20K FPGA. Provide a clean 2.5 V VCCINT supply and separate 3.3 V or 2.5 V VCCIO supplies according to the chosen I/O standard. Place high-frequency decoupling capacitors, typically 0.1 uF ceramic, close to every power pin on the 240-pin QFP body. For legacy boards, do not assume an APEX-20KE 1.8 V FPGA can be soldered onto the same power plane without changing VCCINT and possibly VCCIO levels.
Because this 240-BFQFP package has an exposed pad, the PCB should include a copper landing pad and thermal vias to a ground or thermal plane. The exposed pad helps remove heat from the FPGA die during operation; leaving it unconnected can cause excessive junction temperature in dense logic designs. Exact thermal resistance values were not retrieved, so use the Altera APEX-20K thermal model to estimate theta_JA for your board stack-up. For low-airflow enclosures, add a small heatsink or improve local airflow to maintain reliable junction temperature.
The most common replacement pitfall for EP20K200RC240-2X is using an EP20K200E-family FPGA. The E-family APEX-20KE devices operate from a 1.8 V core and use different power connections even if the package outline is visually similar. Always verify the exact order code, core voltage, and configuration file before placing a replacement FPGA on a legacy board. Also confirm whether the order code requires a lead-free or tin-lead soldering process, because older non-N suffix parts may not be RoHS-compliant.
Compliance Information
RoHS/lead-free status was not confirmed from the retrieved distributor snippets. Altera legacy devices often use an N suffix to indicate lead-free finish; EP20K200RC240-2X does not include that suffix. Verify with the supplier's certificate of compliance before using in RoHS-required production.
