EP20K30EQC208-1 - APEX 20KE FPGA 1.8V 208-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EP20K30EQC208-1 β End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $56.18 | $56.18 |
| 10 | $50 | $500.00 |
| 100 | $44.3 | $4,430.00 |
| 500 | $39.75 | $19,875.00 |
| 1,000 | $34.9 | $34,900.00 |
EP20K30EQC208-1 Overview
An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose logic fabric can be reprogrammed after manufacturing to implement arbitrary digital hardware. Unlike fixed-function ASICs or simple CPLDs, designers configure LUTs, flip-flops, routing resources, and I/O pins to create processors, controllers, protocol engines, or signal interfaces. The EP20K30EQC208-1 is a representative 30K-gate-class FPGA; within a system hierarchy it functions as a programmable logic device, programmable gate array, or system-on-programmable-chip building block, often sitting between microprocessor glue logic and complex custom logic. Understanding this category is important for legacy system repair, reverse-engineering, and replacement decisions, because APEX 20KE devices belong to the early low-voltage 1.8-V FPGA generation that led to later Altera/Intel families.
Key features include the -1 speed grade, the fastest timing option for this APEX 20KE 208-pin part, 24,576 embedded RAM bits for FIFOs or small buffers, and 125 configurable user I/O pins. The MultiCore architecture is notable because it integrates LUT-based FPGA logic with product-term logic normally found in CPLDs, allowing efficient state machines and decode logic without consuming extra logic cells. According to the published specification snapshot, the device uses 0.22-um CMOS technology and a 1.8-V core supply, which is lower than earlier 2.5-V/3.3-V programmable logic families and helps reduce dynamic power in legacy systems.
At the architectural level, the 30K-gate capacity in Altera APEX terminology corresponds to approximately 1,200 logic elements. The 208-pin package gives designers enough I/O for moderate bus interfaces, memory control, and expansion. The APEX-20KE family also supports JTAG-based configuration and can be used with Altera configuration devices. Exact LAB, EAB, PLL, and clock-management block counts were not included in the verified source snippets, so engineers should consult the full APEX 20KE family datasheet for detailed architecture guidance before beginning a design.
Typical applications include industrial control I/O, legacy bus bridging, video/imaging processing, telecommunication line-card logic, and obsolete-board repair. This FPGA is often chosen when no modern pin-compatible device exists and the original APEX 20KE logic implementation must be preserved. With its 24,576 RAM bits and 125 I/O pins, it is suited to moderately sized data interfaces, custom state machines, and capture/control logic in installed equipment.
When designing with this device, conservatively account for the 1.8-V core supply and multiple I/O supply rails. Place decoupling capacitors near every core and I/O supply pin, and respect the thermally enhanced BFQFP package height information given in the Altera Device Package Information Data Sheet. Because the part is no longer high-volume production, verify the date code, lead finish, and available stock before finalizing a BOM.
This page synthesizes verified distributor listings, package and family comparisons, and practical legacy-system guidance that are not consolidated in the Altera datasheet, helping engineers quickly validate availability, speed-grade alternatives, and design constraints for the EP20K30EQC208-1.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K30EQC208-1 β 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 EP20K30EQC208-1 (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Speed Grade, Mounting Type, Family, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K30EQC208-2
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$7.92 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP20K30EQC208-3
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―β In Stock
$62 / Unit
View Datasheet βEP20K30EQC208-1N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K30EQC208-2N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K30EQC208-3N
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K30EQC208-1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KE |
| Family | FPGA APEX 20K Family |
| Number of Logic Elements/Cells | 1200 |
| Number of Gates | 30000 (30K gates) |
| Total RAM Bits | 24576 |
| Number of User I/O | 125 |
| Voltage - Supply | 1.71 V to 1.89 V |
| Core Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Technology | 0.22 um |
| Package / Case | 208-BFQFP |
| Supplier Device Package | 208-PQFP (28x28) |
| Package Code | FQFP |
| Terminal Form | Gull wing |
| Number of Terminals | 208 |
| Terminal Pitch | 0.50 mm |
| Package Shape | Square |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Speed Grade | -1 |
| RoHS Status | unknown |
EP20K30EQC208-1 square Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EP20K30EQC208-1 (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 EP20K30EQC208-1.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EP20K30EQC208-1 is suitable for 6 applications: Legacy Industrial Control and PLC I/O, Video and Imaging Frame Processing, Telecommunication Line-Card and Protocol Logic, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Processor Bus Bridging and Glue Logic, Repair and Obsolete Board Replacement.
Legacy Industrial Control and PLC I/O
The EP20K30EQC208-1 can replace or recreate legacy industrial controller logic where the original programmable-logic device is no longer available. Its 125 user I/O pins and 24,576 RAM bits are sufficient for ladder-logic decoding, motor-control state machines, and serial I/O buffering, while the 1.8-V core matches late-1990s APEX 20KE board designs. In a PLC backplane, the FPGA acts as a bus interface and preprocessor, capturing opto-isolated inputs, performing debounce in LUT logic, and passing status to a host CPU. Because this device is obsolete, use a pin-compatible speed-grade alternative or verified surplus stock when extending the life of installed controls. Designers should respect VCCIO termination, isolation, and 24-V field-wire protection when connecting to industrial sensors and actuators.
Recommended
Video and Imaging Frame Processing
This APEX 20KE FPGA fits legacy video and imaging boards that need compact frame-timing logic, pixel preprocessing, or display synchronization. The 1,200 logic elements can implement counters, state machines, and simple 2-D filters, while 24,576 RAM bits are useful for small line buffers or FIFOs between an image sensor and an ASIC. The 125 I/O pins allow connection to parallel video buses, memory devices, and display controllers with proper I/O voltage planning. The -1 speed grade helps maintain pixel-clock timing in video modes that would struggle on slower -2 or -3 devices. When reusing an original FPGA configuration, preserve the video clock and blanking timing constraints; if the source bitstream is unavailable, reverse-engineer the timing from the existing system before porting to a replacement device.
Recommended
Telecommunication Line-Card and Protocol Logic
The EP20K30EQC208-1 is well suited for legacy telecommunication line cards that need HDLC framing, serial-to-parallel conversion, and simple protocol state machines. Its MultiCore architecture combines LUT-based data paths with product-term logic, making it efficient for address decoding and protocol control. The 24,576 RAM bits create small FIFOs that absorb rate mismatches between line-side serial interfaces and the backplane bus. With 125 user I/O, designers can connect to T1/E1 framers, PHY devices, and host bus interfaces. Because the device is legacy, the main concern is long-term supply; socketing the FPGA or maintaining programmed configuration files is recommended for field-service replacements. Verify that the line-card interface voltage levels match one of the I/O banks supported by APEX 20KE.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In test and measurement equipment, the EP20K30EQC208-1 can implement pattern generators, data-acquisition timing, trigger logic, and bus interfaces. The -1 speed grade supports faster test clocks and tighter trigger-state transitions than -2 or -3 devices, which is important when validating timing margins on legacy instruments. Its embedded RAM blocks can serve as acquisition FIFOs or waveform lookup tables, and the product-term logic simplifies decoding of trigger conditions and command registers. The 1.8-V core is low power, but the FPGA still needs clean decoupling on core and I/O rails to avoid jitter in trigger paths. For calibration and production-test boards, retaining a socketed FPGA allows firmware updates through JTAG and simplifies repair if a device fails in service.
Recommended
Processor Bus Bridging and Glue Logic
The EP20K30EQC208-1 is an effective processor bus bridge in legacy embedded systems, connecting CPUs, memories, and peripherals with different timing. Its 125 I/O pins can implement 8-, 16-, or 32-bit bus interfaces while internal LUT logic performs wait-state generation, address decoding, and interrupt control. The product-term portion of the MultiCore architecture handles combination-heavy decode logic without consuming many LUT resources. The 24,576 RAM bits can be used for processor mailbox buffers or status registers. Because the device is not 5-V tolerant by default, level translation may be required when bridging to older 5-V processors and memories. Board designers should preserve the processor bus timing constraints and measure setup-and-hold margins when reusing an original APEX 20KE design on recycled or surplus silicon.
Recommended
Repair and Obsolete Board Replacement
The EP20K30EQC208-1 is frequently used to repair obsolete APEX 20KE-based boards where no modern equivalent exists. Because the device is pin-compatible with EP20K30EQC208-2, EP20K30EQC208-3, and N-finish variants, service depots can keep one PCB layout and populate a speed grade based on availability. The 208-pin BFQFP package can be reflowed or hand-soldered with proper tooling, though the thermally enhanced body is taller than the standard package per the Altera package information. Before replacing a pulled FPGA, verify that the JTAG chain, configuration device, and bitstream format are compatible with the replacement speed grade. For long-term repair programs, purchasing a last-time-buy buffer from Rochester or Wolfchip reduces supply risk and keeps installed systems serviceable.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K30EQC208-1 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K30EQC208-2 | EP20K30EQC208-3 | EP20K30EQC208-1N | EP20K30EQC208-2N | EP20K30EQC208-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) - same | 208-PQFP (BFQFP) - same |
| Speed Grade | -1 | -2 | -3 | -1 | -2 | -3 |
| Core Supply Voltage | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V | 1.71 V to 1.89 V |
| Logic Elements / Cells | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 |
| Total RAM Bits | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 |
| User I/O Count | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| Lead-Free Finish | unknown | unknown | unknown | Lead-free (N suffix) | Lead-free (N suffix) | Lead-free (N suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Fastest -1 speed grade in the EP20K30EQC208 family (vs EP20K30EQC208-3)
- APEX 20KE 1.8-V MultiCore architecture in a legacy-validated 208-pin PQFP (vs EP20K30EQC208-2)
- N-family alternatives provide RoHS/lead-free risk separation (vs EP20K30EQC208-1N)
Design Notes
Estimated: The APEX 20KE core runs at 1.8 V, and the EP20K30EQC208-1 needs a stable core supply between 1.71 V and 1.89 V. Place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor close to every core and VCCIO pin, plus a bulk capacitor near the package edge. If the design shares a 1.8-V rail with digital logic, add an LC filter or dedicated LDO to reduce switching noise. Although the exact core current is not stated in the verified source snippets, legacy 30K-gate class FPGAs typically draw a few hundred milliamps depending on utilization, so estimate power with thermal margin until the datasheet Icc table is available.
The EP20K30EQC208-1 uses a thermally enhanced BFQFP package, and the datasheet snippet explicitly warns that the enhanced body is taller than the regular package. This height change can affect heatsink mounting and board keep-outs. Verify the package drawing before assembling the part in an enclosure. For high-toggle-rate designs, use a low-thermal-resistance footprint with a copper pour beneath the package and adequate airflow. Estimated: if core power were 1 W and theta_JA were 20 C/W, junction rise would be 20 C over ambient; use the actual datasheet thermal figures for final reliability analysis.
The 208-pin BFQFP has a 0.50 mm lead pitch, so PCB fabrication and assembly must support fine-pitch gull-wing soldering. Ensure the stencil apertures are designed for the package lead width and use X-ray or AOI inspection to check solder joints. Keep high-speed FPGA I/O traces short and provide a solid reference plane under the package. Because the device is legacy, consider adding a socket or spare footprint only if the board can tolerate the taller thermally enhanced body. The original Altera Device Package Information Data Sheet contains exact dimensions for the thermal land pattern.
Compliance Information
Verified source snippets do not state RoHS/REACH status. Altera legacy N-suffix variants are commonly lead-free/RoHS, but the plain EP20K30EQC208-1 suffix must be confirmed by date code and material declaration.
