EP20K30EQC208-3 - APEX 20KE FPGA, 30K Gates, 208-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EP20K30EQC208-3 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $95 | $95.00 |
| 10 | $85.5 | $855.00 |
| 100 | $76 | $7,600.00 |
| 500 | $68.5 | $34,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $62 | $62,000.00 |
EP20K30EQC208-3 Overview
An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a type of integrated circuit whose logic function is defined by the user after manufacture. FPGAs sit in the programmable logic hierarchy below ASICs and above fixed-function logic ICs, offering a balance of high integration density, parallel processing capability, and reconfigurability. APEX-20KE parts specifically belong to Altera's MultiCore architecture, which embeds look-up-table logic, product-term logic, and embedded memory blocks on a single die, enabling system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) integration.
Key features of the EP20K30EQC208-3 include 125 user I/O pins, 1,200 logic elements, 24,576 total RAM bits, and a maximum internal operating frequency of 435 MHz. The device supports in-system programming via the IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and is built around the 2.5V/3.3V low-voltage bus standard with 5V-tolerant I/O. The 208-BFQFP package provides a low-cost surface-mount option for moderate-density designs.
The APEX-20KE MultiCore architecture combines lookup-table-based logic for register-intensive functions, product-term logic for arithmetic and fast adders, and embedded system blocks (ESBs) for memory and FIFO. This heterogeneous fabric optimizes logic utilization and routing delays versus monolithic LUT-only architectures, allowing designers to map DSP, datapath, and control logic efficiently on a single device.
Typical applications include telecommunications infrastructure, industrial control systems, glue logic replacement, custom peripheral interfacing, and legacy ASIC replacement prototyping. The combination of moderate gate count and PQFP packaging makes the EP20K30EQC208-3 well-suited for cost-sensitive designs where BGA packages are undesirable.
When designing with this part, ensure proper power decoupling near every VCC pin, follow Altera's JTAG programming guidelines for configuration, and respect the maximum I/O toggle rate and junction temperature limits stated for the -3 speed grade.
This page combines distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design context that is not collected in a single place in the manufacturer datasheet, providing a synthesis useful for both new designs and legacy maintenance.
Drop-in alternatives for EP20K30EQC208-3 — 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 EP20K30EQC208-3 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Speed Grade, Family, Mounting Type, Core Supply Voltage, Total RAM Bits.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EP20K30EQC208-1
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$34.9 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EQC208-2
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K30EQC208-3N
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
EP20K60EQC208-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
$128 / Unit
View Datasheet →EP20K100EQC208-3
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ 参数待验证✓ In Stock
Contact for price
View Datasheet →EP20K30EQC208-3 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Series | APEX-20KE |
| Core Voltage Supply | 1.71 V to 1.89 V |
| Total Logic Elements | 1200 |
| Total Gates | 30000 |
| Total RAM Bits | 24576 |
| User I/O Count | 125 |
| Number of LABs/CLBs | 120 |
| Operating Frequency (Max) | 435 MHz |
| Technology Process | 0.22 µm CMOS |
| Speed Grade | -3 |
| Package | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Number of Pins | 208 |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C |
| Programming Interface | JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Rochester listing) |
EP20K30EQC208-3 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 2 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 3 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 4 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 5 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 6 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 7 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 8 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 11 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 12 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 13 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 14 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 15 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 16 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 17 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8V) |
| Pin 18 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 19 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 20 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 21 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 22 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 23 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 24 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 25 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 26 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 27 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 28 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 29 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 30 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 31 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 32 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 33 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 34 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 35 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 36 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 37 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 38 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 39 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 40 | I/O — User I/O (bank 2) |
| Pin 41 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 42 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 43 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 44 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 45 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 46 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 47 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 48 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 49 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 50 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 51 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 52 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 53 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 54 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 55 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 56 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 57 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 58 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 59 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 60 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 61 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 62 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 63 | I/O — User I/O (bank 3) |
| Pin 64 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8V) |
| Pin 65 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 66 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 67 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 68 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 69 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 70 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 71 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 72 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 73 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 74 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 75 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 76 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 77 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 78 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 79 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 80 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 81 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 82 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 83 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 84 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 85 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 86 | I/O — User I/O (bank 4) |
| Pin 87 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 88 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 89 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 90 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 91 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 92 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 93 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 94 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 95 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 96 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 97 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 98 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 99 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 100 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 101 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 102 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 103 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 104 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 105 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 106 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 107 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 108 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 109 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 110 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 111 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 112 | I/O — User I/O (bank 5) |
| Pin 113 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8V) |
| Pin 114 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 115 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 116 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 117 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 118 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 119 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 120 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 121 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 122 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 123 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 124 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 125 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 126 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 127 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 128 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 129 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 130 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 131 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 132 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 133 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 134 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 135 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 136 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 137 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 138 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 139 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 140 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 141 | I/O — User I/O (bank 6) |
| Pin 142 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 143 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 144 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 145 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 146 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 147 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 148 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 149 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 150 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 151 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 152 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 153 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 154 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 155 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 156 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 157 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 158 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 159 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 160 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 161 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 162 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 163 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 164 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 165 | I/O — User I/O (bank 7) |
| Pin 166 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 167 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 168 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 169 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 170 | VCCINT — Core supply voltage (1.8V) |
| Pin 171 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 172 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 173 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 174 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 175 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 176 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 177 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 178 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 179 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 180 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 181 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 182 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 183 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 184 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 185 | VCCIO — I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 186 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 187 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 188 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 189 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 190 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 191 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 192 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 193 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 194 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 195 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 196 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 197 | I/O — User I/O (bank 8) |
| Pin 198 | TDI — JTAG test data input |
| Pin 199 | TCK — JTAG test clock |
| Pin 200 | TMS — JTAG test mode select |
| Pin 201 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 202 | TDO — JTAG test data output |
| Pin 203 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 204 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 205 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 206 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 207 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
| Pin 208 | I/O — User I/O (bank 1) |
Typical Applications
EP20K30EQC208-3 is suitable for 6 applications: Telecommunications Infrastructure, Industrial Control Systems, ASIC Prototyping and Replacement, Custom Peripheral Interfacing, Glue Logic Consolidation, Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
The EP20K30EQC208-3's 30K gates and 125 I/O make it a strong fit for telecom line-card glue logic. Its 1.71-1.89V core with 5V-tolerant I/O interfaces cleanly to legacy 5V TTL buses while consuming modern low-voltage power. The MultiCore architecture efficiently implements ATM cell processing, HDLC framing, and Utopia bus interfacing at the 435 MHz internal fabric clock typical of -3 grade parts. Embedded system blocks (ESBs) provide 24 Kbits of RAM for small lookup tables and protocol state machines. The 208-BFQFP package is preferred over BGA for field-replaceable legacy line cards.
Recommended
Industrial Control Systems
In industrial PLC and motion control backplanes, the EP20K30EQC208-3 provides 1,200 logic elements for combinational and sequential control logic, plus 24 Kbits of RAM for parameter storage and PID coefficient tables. The 125 user I/O directly drives 24V optically-isolated inputs and outputs through external buffers, with the 5V-tolerant I/O simplifying interface to legacy industrial buses. The 208-PQFP package withstands the through-hole rework common in industrial maintenance. With operating range -40C to +85C, it tolerates factory-floor thermal conditions when properly heatsinked.
Recommended
ASIC Prototyping and Replacement
Designers use the EP20K30EQC208-3 as a low-cost ASIC emulator for ~30K-gate custom chips, leveraging the MultiCore fabric to model datapath, control, and embedded memory concurrently. The 24,576 RAM bits emulate small register files and FIFO buffers needed in custom ASIC verification. The 208-PQFP package allows direct footprint migration from packaged ASICs, accelerating prototype bring-up. Once the design is validated, the bitstream can be regenerated for smaller production FPGAs while keeping the EP20K30EQC208-3 as the engineering reference platform.
Recommended
Custom Peripheral Interfacing
The EP20K30EQC208-3's 125 user I/O pins excel at bridging mismatched peripherals such as ISA/PCI buses to modern memory-mapped processors. Designers can implement custom DMA engines, scatter-gather controllers, and protocol converters within the 30K-gate fabric. The 5V-tolerant I/O directly connects to legacy peripheral signals without external level shifters, reducing BOM cost. The 435 MHz internal fabric clock supports high-throughput streaming interfaces while the 208-BFQFP package simplifies hand-soldering for prototype bring-up.
Recommended
Glue Logic Consolidation
Replacing dozens of 74-series TTL/CMOS packages with a single EP20K30EQC208-3 reduces PCB area, power, and BOM count in legacy system designs. The 1,200 logic elements and 24 Kbits of RAM absorb address decoding, interrupt steering, bus arbitration, and FIFO buffering functions. Its 5V-tolerant I/O maintains compatibility with surrounding 5V logic families, while the 1.8V core lowers power versus original TTL implementations. The 208-PQFP package is a natural replacement footprint for multi-chip 74-series logic boards.
Recommended
Legacy Test and Measurement Equipment
The EP20K30EQC208-3 supports custom pattern generation, signal conditioning, and timing-sequencer functions in legacy ATE platforms. Its 125 I/O pins handle parallel DUT interfaces, while the 1,200 logic elements implement programmable waveform tables with the embedded ESBs providing 24 Kbits of pattern memory. The 208-PQFP package allows repair-friendly socketed designs important in service shops maintaining long-life test equipment. Operating temperature -40C to +85C covers most laboratory and production-floor environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EP20K30EQC208-3 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EP20K30EQC208-1 | EP20K30EQC208-2 | EP20K30EQC208-3N | EP20K60EQC208-3 | EP20K100EQC208-3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) - same | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) - same | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) - same | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) - same | 208-BFQFP (PQFP, 28x28 mm) - same |
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Series | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE | APEX 20KE |
| Total Gates | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 30000 | 60000 | 100000 |
| Logic Elements | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 1200 | 2560 | 4160 |
| Total RAM Bits | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 | 24576 | 40960 | 53248 |
| User I/O Count | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 148 | 148 |
| Speed Grade | -3 (fastest) | -1 (slowest) | -2 (mid) | -3 (fastest) | -3 (fastest) | -3 (fastest) |
| Core Voltage | 1.71-1.89 V | 1.71-1.89 V | 1.71-1.89 V | 1.71-1.89 V | 1.71-1.89 V | 1.71-1.89 V |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Highest speed grade within APEX 20KE family for 208-PQFP (vs EP20K30EQC208-1)
- Drop-in superset path to higher density without PCB rework (vs EP20K100EQC208-3)
- Same package pinout across speed grades and density steps (vs EP20K30EQC208-2)
Design Notes
The EP20K30EQC208-3 requires both a 1.8V VCCINT core supply and a separate 2.5V or 3.3V VCCIO supply. Decouple every VCCINT and VCCIO pin with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the pin, plus a 10 µF bulk tantalum or polymer capacitor near the package. Estimated core current at 435 MHz with full I/O toggling is approximately 200-400 mA; verify with the APEX 20KE power calculator spreadsheet. VCCIO current scales with I/O toggle rate and loading.
Estimated: at 1.8V core, ~300 mA ICC, and 100% I/O utilization, total power dissipation reaches roughly 0.6-1.0 W. The 208-BFQFP package has theta_JA around 35-40 C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC test board, giving a junction rise of ~35-40 C above ambient. For closed enclosures, attach a small clip-on heatsink or use top-side airflow to maintain Tj below 125 C in industrial (-40C to +85C ambient) deployments.
Do not apply 5V to any I/O pin even though the datasheet lists 5V tolerance - tolerance means the input will not be damaged, but VIH for proper logic-high detection still uses the VCCIO reference. Always tie unused I/O pins to a defined state per the APEX 20KE configuration guidelines. Ensure JTAG chain integrity by buffering TCK near the device if multiple parts share the chain, and respect the maximum TCK frequency stated in the datasheet.
Place the EP20K30EQC208-3 on the top side with all decoupling on the opposite layer directly beneath the VCC pins. Use a continuous ground plane under the device; avoid signal traces crossing beneath the PQFP body. Keep JTAG signals (TDI, TDO, TCK, TMS) short and routed together with a guard ground to prevent configuration noise. Provide 4-layer stack-up with dedicated VCCINT and VCCIO planes for designs exceeding 50 MHz internal clock rates.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Rochester Electronics distributor listing on DigiKey. AEC-Q100 not applicable for this FPGA. Lead-free confirmed via the EP20K30EQC208-3N variant. REACH and conflict minerals status not explicitly stated in the verified data.